We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Thon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.
Jeff, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose through a combination of early exposure to entrepreneurship, personal experiences, and a growing internal drive to take control of my own future.
Growing up, I watched my grandparents operate their own farm. Working alongside them, I saw firsthand how happy they were being self-employed. They bet on themselves, faced challenges like fluctuating prices and rough weather, yet remained happy because they were in control of their own destiny. That resonated with me and planted the seed for my own purpose.
As I got older, that mindset only strengthened. Wrestling for 12 years taught me the value of personal responsibility—if I put in the work, I could count on myself to succeed. That mentality followed me into my career. While I gained valuable lessons working for others, I always felt an inner calling to be my own boss.
Over time, my purpose became clear: I wanted the same sense of ownership and fulfillment I saw in my grandparents. Their example shaped my path, and after years of growth and experience, I knew I had to follow in their footsteps and build something of my own.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the President and Founder of Clear Skies Capital, my role involves overseeing the daily operations of our business while staying actively engaged with our clients and department managers across sales, marketing, and operations. While I have a strong team leading these departments, I remain hands-on to ensure everything runs smoothly. A significant part of my focus is sales—I work closely with our sales manager and account executives to guide deals from application to approval, ultimately helping business owners secure the capital or equipment they need to grow.
What excites me most about what I do is the lifestyle and purpose it brings. I wake up every day without needing an alarm clock because I genuinely love what I do. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t about working less—it’s about building something meaningful alongside a great team. Seeing our work come to life, helping businesses thrive, and shaping our own future together is incredibly rewarding.
Clear Skies Capital operates in the alternative commercial financing space, specializing in revenue-driven funding solutions. Unlike traditional banks such as Chase or Bank of America, which offer a broad range of services, we focus on three core products: Business Term Loans, Business Equipment Financing, and Revolving Lines of Credit.
What sets us apart is our ability to support businesses at different stages, even those that may not qualify for traditional financing. We can assist companies with as little as six months in business and work with business owners who have a FICO score as low as 500. We understand that life happens—financial setbacks can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, and we believe that shouldn’t prevent a business from moving forward. By factoring in revenue and time in business, we provide superior financial solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
As a boutique firm, we take a hands-on, personalized approach rather than a transactional one. About 95% of our clients are small businesses across various industries, and we take pride in understanding their unique challenges. Our goal is to provide financial solutions that work for them when traditional banks can’t, helping them take their businesses to the next level.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities had the biggest impact on my journey: mentorship, hard work, and taking risks.
First, mentorship was crucial. From an early age, I had people guiding me—whether it was through my upbringing, early employers, or sales managers. Learning from those with more experience helped me develop a strong foundation, avoid costly mistakes, and gain wisdom that I wouldn’t have figured out on my own. My advice to those early in their journey? Seek mentorship actively. Find someone who has already walked the path you’re on and learn everything you can from them.
Second, hard work. Growing up on a farm taught me discipline, perseverance, and the reality that success comes from effort. No matter what industry you’re in, talent alone isn’t enough—your work ethic will determine how far you go. For those just starting, my advice is simple: put in the hours, embrace the grind, and be willing to do the work others won’t.
Lastly, taking risks made all the difference. No risk, no reward. Too many people stay stuck in the planning phase, waiting for the “perfect time” to take action. The truth is, there’s never a perfect time. You have to be willing to take calculated risks and commit fully. Fear is natural, but instead of letting it hold you back, use it as fuel. Entrepreneurship isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about embracing discomfort and pushing through uncertainty.
My biggest piece of advice? If you want it, stop hesitating. Commit fully. Go all in.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Our ideal client is a small business owner generating at least $250,000 in annual gross revenue, with two or more years in business and a credit score of 675 or higher. We work across various industries, including construction, medical, manufacturing, and even cannabis.
That said, we understand that not every business fits this profile. We can also support newer businesses (at least six months in operation), those with challenged credit (a FICO score of 500+), and those with lower monthly revenue (starting at $7,500). The key factor is ensuring we structure financing that aligns with their needs while maintaining financial sustainability for both the borrower and us as funders.
Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that help businesses grow—whether they’re well-established or just getting started.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clearskiescapital.com/
- Instagram: @clearskiescapital
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearskiescapital/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-thon/
- Twitter: @clearskiescap
Image Credits
Kamila Agnas
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