🎙️ Week in Review at Sinclair Range – July 18, 2025

The Winning Momentum Podcast with Scott Sinclair

This week: when lawyers derail deals, a high-stakes bridge loan, and a closing that crashed at the finish line.

Lesson Learned of the Week
Lawyers are there to protect the deal - not make it. Use them to paper what’s been agreed, not to run point. And definitely not to negotiate on your behalf. Especially not litigators. There are exceptions, sure – but, as a rule, deals should be made by business leaders.

Interesting File of the Week
We’re placing a $15M bridge loan for a Canadian oil and gas group, backed by $750M+ in assets. First secured position carved out in an interesting structure, default remedies are pre-negotiated, referral fee of $150K. Plus: $1B in tax losses we’re looking to unlock.

Struggles of the Week
Continuing the story of the real estate deal drama. Buyer sends legal letters right before closing claiming they expected assets to be left in the building, despite having no right to the assets. Buyer fails to close and instead “extends” closing without consent. Says they’re suing. Never hear from the business people, only the lawyer. Total mess.

Musings
Entrepreneurs wear different hats, such as shareholder, director, officer, employee, lender. Each has unique rights and obligations. If you're lending to your own company, document it like you would for a stranger. Shareholder loans are real loans - or they’re worthless in a fight.

The Inner Circle – Deals & Capital
Live, private Zoom community for dealmakers working through real problems, sharing tactics, and raising capital. Every two weeks. Free to join. Reach out in the Comments to gain access.