In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Mike speaks with Matt Merritt, CEO of Snap Build, about building a fintech platform that removes friction from construction lending while operating inside a highly regulated environment.
Matt shares his unconventional path from finance and accounting into ERP implementations, large-scale operations, and eventually fintech leadership. He explains how Snap Build tackles one of the biggest challenges facing small and mid-sized home builders: cash flow delays caused by traditional draw management. Instead of waiting four to five weeks for reimbursement, Snap Build enables continuous draws and pays vendors within 48 hours—directly—eliminating the need for builders to front large amounts of capital.
The result is speed. Matt explains how Snap Build consistently reduces build timelines by about three months, allowing builders to hit the market faster, reduce carrying costs, and compete more effectively. He also breaks down how the company balances two businesses at once: a loan origination engine that funds growth, and a technology platform being rebuilt with enterprise-grade architecture to scale and eventually stand alone as a licensable product.
The conversation also explores leadership evolution, regulatory strategy, scaling challenges, and why new leaders must believe in themselves and be “wrong as fast as possible.”
Key takeaways:
How speed becomes a competitive advantage in fintech
Why traditional draw management holds builders back
Balancing finance, software, and regulation at scale
