Pasquale Presa, owner of Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria in Rochester, was stressed in early 2020 even before the pandemic forced many restaurants to close or shift to takeout and deliveries. A little over three years earlier, Presa raised $525,000 from three local investors as part of the $1.25 million it took to start the restaurant.

But differences over the management of the business began to appear. Presa felt like he was working again for corporate managers. So Presa secured an SBA-insured loan with Home Federal Savings Bank to buy out the partners. Marty Mixell, the loan officer, liked Presa's plan and operating results.