Meet Jeff Thon | Founder & President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Thon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I believe life is all about taking risks. If you’re not taking risks, you’re probably being a bit too comfortable. And when you’re comfortable, you stop growing. For me, risk is essential, especially as an entrepreneur. You know the saying, “No risk, no reward,” and I think that rings true.

But it’s important to take calculated risks. That’s been a big part of my success and something I’d recommend for anyone considering entrepreneurship. You’ve got to be willing to step out of your comfort zone if you want to move up.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Clear Skies Capital, we operate in the secondary market, offering alternative and creative financing solutions. We help small business owners who may not be satisfied with their current bank, can’t qualify for traditional financing, or need faster service than what the big banks provide. You know, places like Chase, Wells Fargo, or US Bank often have strict requirements or long processes, and that’s where we come in.

Since we’re a FinTech company, we can move quicker and with less paperwork. We offer a variety of products like working capital loans, SBA 7(a) loans, business lines of credit, equipment financing, and even invoice factoring.

What really sets us apart is our focus on customer service. We’re not just here for one-off transactions. We like to take our time and really get to know our clients. We still believe in that personal touch—actually getting on the phone, talking through their needs, understanding their challenges, and also their opportunities. It’s a consultative approach, and I believe our level of customer service is second to none.

There have been plenty of ups and downs, but that’s just part of being a business owner. It’s what separates an entrepreneur from, you know, the average Joe.

When I was a W-2 employee, I didn’t really think about the challenges happening behind the scenes. I just saw the paycheck. But once I became a business owner, I realized how much more there is to it—especially the economic factors that affect everything. We’re pretty tied to the economy, so if there’s a downturn, a war, or something like COVID, we definitely feel the impact.

Then there’s dealing with personnel changes, market shifts, and all the highs and lows that come with running a business. So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road by any means, but that’s part of the journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It really depends on who’s visiting, but whether you’ve got kids in tow or you’re coming solo or with friends, San Diego has something for everyone. Here’s how I’d break it down:

For families with kids:
I’d kick things off with lunch at Round Table Pizza in Rancho Bernardo, a local classic with a fun arcade that kids love. If we’re celebrating a birthday or just want to do something special, I’d book a plunge pool reservation at Belmont Park, tons of fun and right by the beach. On the way home, we’d swing by the Golden Spoon for a cold treat, it’s simple, nostalgic, and always a hit with the little ones.

For adults/no kids:
We’d definitely grab tacos and drinks at Puesto, there are a few around the city and the vibe is always solid. For something more upscale, I’d make a dinner reservation at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Del Mar. And for a chill outdoor hang, Doheny State Beach Campground is an underrated gem, renting a firepit and catching a beach sunset there is always a great move.

Whether it’s food, fun, or just time to unwind, San Diego’s got it all, and these are a few of my go-to spots to show it off.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely. I’d love to give a well-deserved shoutout to Kevin Cabiling, who has played a pivotal role in the growth of Clear Skies Capital. Kevin is our Chief Operating Officer and a highly experienced financial leader with a background that includes time at Big 4 accounting firms. He also runs CAB Group, where he serves as a fractional CFO for multiple companies.

As CSC began to scale in late 2022, Kevin stepped in and immediately helped reshape the company from the inside out. His deep expertise in accounting and operations allowed us to implement new systems across finance, operations, and marketing, areas I wasn’t able to fully focus on while leading the sales team. His strategic leadership has made a lasting impact on the business, and I’m so grateful for the role he’s played in our growth.

Website: https://www.clearskiescapital.com/

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Image Credits
Kamila Agnas