Living and Lending in Historic Ogden: An Interview with Curtis Singleton
Published on: June 24, 2025
We recently had the opportunity to interview Curtis Singleton, Vice President and Loan Officer at MWSBF. Curtis is a lover of golf, good food, kayaking, and hiking. He is also the best choice on the Mountain West team if you’re looking for an excellent Scotch recommendation. Known for his perfectly timed witticisms and his ability to bring levity and joy to any conversation (even those about commercial real-estate lending), his charm extends beyond being just “someone you’d want to grab a drink with.” He comes highly recommended for many reasons.
Curtis lives in Ogden, Utah, but works on projects throughout the entire multi-state territory of Mountain West Small Business Finance (MWSBF). We recently spoke with Curtis to learn more about the charm of “Upstate Utah,” discover some of his favorite local spots, and get an update on his four years and counting with Mountain West Small Business Finance.
[This interview has been edited for clarity and content.]
MWSBF: Your bio says you were born in Long Beach but I understand you’ve been in the area for a while. Walk us through your Ogden Valley Connections.
CURTIS: I lived in Layton, went to school in Ogden, and have basically been in the community my entire conscious life. I’ve worked for golf courses, Greek food restaurants, financial institutions, and SBA lenders throughout my adult life. All of my immediate family is in Weber County, and most of my extended family is attached in some way as well.
MWSBF: So you reside in Ogden but your reach for MWSBF expands beyond that. Share a little about your responsibilities for MWSBF deals.
CURTIS: I consider myself fortunate to have access to all our markets. I take special pride in doing deals in my home base in Weber, despite appreciating deals all over. I tend to focus on northern Utah and Colorado most. I bet eighty-plus percent of my deals are in Salt Lake County north, or Denver and its surrounding communities.
MWSBF: Any deals you’re particularly proud of?
CURTIS: There are so many I am thankful to have been part of. It is tough to narrow it down, and I hate leaving anyone out because buying a building is always so impactful for the business.
There are some projects where I have become closer with borrowers. Those include the Systemic Formulas project in Ogden (large deal small manufacturer), the Copeland Precast project in Colorado (woman-owned, small manufacturer that we worked closely with SLPC to get done), and helping an experienced Culver’s operator in Colorado expand their footprint by purchasing four new locations.
MWSBF: Amazing! Shifting gears a bit, we wanted to hear a little more about Ogden as a city. For those who don’t know a lot about Ogden’s cool history, or the truly unique vibe up there, what do you think makes Ogden such a desirable place for so many people to live and work?
CURTIS: It’s quieter here, still close to the mountains, and not far from the bustle of SLC. The cost of living is less (I bought my current house for a ridiculously low price), and it’s not like we are really missing anything that other parts of Utah have. It’s got the charm of some old culture as well as new development.
MWSBF: What are some of the things you enjoy most about being the loan officer for this region?
CURTIS: There are relatively fewer lenders in this area when compared to Salt Lake County or Utah County, so we all tend to be pretty close and familiar with each other. It’s a common phrase to say “banking is a small world” throughout Utah, but man, it’s VERY small in Weber County.
MWSBF: OK, time to dig a little deeper into the ‘Curtis Recommends’ section of the interview and talk a little bit about some of your favorites in Ogden Valley and beyond. It’s the speed round! Kicking it off with Favorite hike?
CURTIS: The Ogden Waterfall hike up on the east bench. I don’t know if this is the best hike in the area, but it has always been a cathartic and nostalgic hike for me since I attended a high school just below it, so it holds some good memories from my younger days.
MWSBF: Best place to catch a sunset?
CURTIS: There are so many great spots on the eastern edge of Ogden, but the road up to North Ogden Canyon has a great lookout point that gives some amazing views.
MWSBF: We know you’re an avid golfer. What’s your favorite course?
CURTIS: Valley View Golf Course in Layton is often considered to be one of the best public courses in Utah. Just make sure to hit your approach shots below the hole. Those downhill puts can get ugly.
MWSBF: Favorite State or National Park in Utah?
CURTIS: Pineview Dam has some great areas to picnic, swim, and hang out. It’s up there in one of the prettiest parts of Utah: the Ogden Valley.
MWSBF: Let’s talk arts and entertainment. Favorite place to catch a play/concert?
CURTIS: The Egyptian Theater still knows how to get it done for local smaller-time events.
MWSBF: Best time/place/event to experience Art?
CURTIS: Ogden has a lot of great art things going on, especially recently. A lot is centered around the 25th Street hub, north, south, east, or west.
[At this point in the interview, your interviewer can neither confirm nor deny that she may or may not have fallen out of her seat extemporaneously at the mention of Historic 25th Street. It’s quite possibly a sympathetic nervous response to the excitement for this Ogden Valley gem that was once rumored to be “too wild” for notorious gangster Al Capone. As often shared by Taylor Swift fans across the universe when meeting their queenie, I’m dying. I’m dead. We’ll also note, that Curtis doesn’t make it weird. Small pause from both parties *deep breath* And we’re back.]
CURTIS: One of the main places these days is “The Monarch.” Straight from their website: “The Monarch is a beautifully renovated historic building in the heart of Ogden’s vibrant Nine Rails Creative District. It serves as a dynamic hub for creativity and community“
MWSBF: Date night restaurant?
CURTIS: So many. Just hit 25th Street, get lucky with a parking spot, and walk to what sounds good. Best sushi? Tona. So Good.
MWSBF: I met a writer from Seattle decades ago who told me he specifically tried to fly through SLC on assignments to make the 40-something-minute drive just to visit Tona. I was a bit shook at the time – but it continues to receive rave reviews. And now it’s got the Curtis stamp of approval too!
MWSBF: Favorite Coffee Shop?
CURTIS: Daily Rise is an Ogden staple these days. Also, Kaffe Mercantile is a good one. So many good coffee shops.
MWSBF: Best place to grab a drink?
CURTIS: Same thing really. Hit 25th Street and find a couple of great spots. City Club is always a winner with its classic feel.
MWSBF: Best Burger?
CURTIS: There are some great options, but my favorite is for sure Burger Bar. 
MWSBF: Best fries?
CURTIS: Burger Bar again.
MWSBF: Best shake or ice cream spot?
CURTIS: Burger Bar. Notice a trend?
MWSBF: [Laughs] Yes. Love it. Ok, favorite Italian? I’m assuming that’s not Burger bar…
CURTIS: La Ferrovia is an old Ogden favorite. Authentic and family-run.
MWSBF: Ok to round us out, let’s talk SPORTSBALL! Favorite team/sport to cheer for or favorite venue?
CURTIS: Usually for sportsball events we are forced to travel to get to the big market games, BUT, Ogden Raptors games are so chill and not busy at all, which makes for a fun relaxed sporting event. We do season tickets there every year. Super affordable. Also, I grew up as a Weber State Wildcat fan, so I have a lot of great memories at the Dee Events Center and the Stewart Football Stadium.
MWSBF: You heard it here first folks, it’s time to head to Ogden Utah!
From his deep community roots to his wide-reaching impact across Mountain West’s multi-state territory, Curtis Singleton brings both heart and hustle to everything he does. Curtis joined Mountain West Small Business Finance (MWSBF) in the fall of 2021. Prior to Mountain West, he held roles in commercial lending and business development at Golden West Credit Union and Wasatch Peaks Credit Union, respectively. He also served as a vice president and loan officer for Intermountain Business Lending (formerly Utah Certified Development Company)., He currently serves as vice president, loan officer for MWSBF and has helped Mountain West maintain its status as a Top 10 SBA 504 lender nationally.
You can reach Curtis at csingleton@mwsbf.com or in the office at
801-412-3772 / mobile 801-721-9111.