Welcome back to Lending Leadership, your go-to source for growth, leadership, and connection in the mortgage industry.

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the art and science of building trust both in business and beyond. We’re thrilled to have R. Scott Armstrong, author of the forthcoming book From Asshole to Ally, join us for a rich, no-holds-barred conversation about how the smartest professionals can sometimes undermine their own success by prioritizing answers over curi...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership, where we dive into the crucial topics that impact our industry, our lives, and our well-being.

Today we’re taking on a subject that affects every professional, especially those of us who spend hours glued to Zoom or planted at our desks: the impact of sitting, moving, eating, and caring for ourselves in a remote work world. With research showing that people working from home are taking 2,500 fewer steps a day, we wanted to explore what that really mean...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership, your go-to source for actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and winning plays in a tough mortgage market. With just 100 days left in 2026, we thought it was the perfect time to get real about what it takes to not only finish this year strong but to tee up lasting success for 2027 and beyond.

Welcome to Lending Leadership. Today marks a truly special milestone for us: our 100th episode! For this landmark discussion, we’re excited to dive into the power of book clubs, habit formation, and the role company culture plays in personal and professional growth.

We’re joined by Dave Holland, whose passion for self-improvement and leadership through reading has sparked change across our team, and your hosts, Corrine Bibb and Rachael Tresch.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership, your destination for candid conversations and game-changing insights from across the mortgage and real estate industries.

This week, we're mixing things up. Rachael is going solo for a deep dive into the lessons we’ve learned after hosting 150+ interviews with some of the finest in our business, either on this show or her previous podcast. From CEOs to loan officers, entrepreneurs to realtors, we’ve chatted with them all. Over the years, we’ve unco...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: Your trusted source for insight on all things lending, sales, and, this week, the transformative power of AI.

This episode, we’re thrilled to pull up a seat at the AI sales table with Ben Treadway of ConsenSys. Ben Treadway is not only an industry innovator with deep experience in mortgage technology, but also a champion of buyer enablement and smarter sales enablement in an era where information and decision-making are happening faster than ever.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership

This week, we dive deep into the art and science of building your personal brand as a loan officer and why stories (not scripts) are the secret sauce that can differentiate you in a digital world filled with AI-generated noise.

Our special guest, Katie Shive, brings nearly a decade of mortgage expertise, but what really sets her apart is her background in branding and copywriting, both before and after AI exploded onto the scene. Katie’s journey from ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the ever-evolving world of online presence for mortgage professionals. Whether you’re trying to “own your zip code,” boost your visibility in Google, or show up on emerging AI-powered search platforms, we’re unpacking what loan officers and real estate pros need to know for digital success.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, where we dive deep into the world of mortgage, real estate marketing, and recruiting through candid conversations and practical advice.

On today’s episode, we welcomed Sara Lohse, founder of Branded Media, podcast host, strategist, producer, and author. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in launching, guesting on, or optimizing their podcast presence—especially in a world flooded with AI-generated pitches and surfa...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership, your trusted resource for real-world guidance and inspiration in the mortgage space.

Today, we dive deep into the realities and opportunities loan officers face in building authentic relationships, personal branding, and leveraging modern tools without losing sight of what really drives business: human connection.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership!

Today’s episode is all about prospecting with a twist–specifically, how to stop overcomplicating sales outreach and start leveraging authentic relationships to drive real results. We’re thrilled to welcome Michelle Mikel, the dynamic founder of Drivers and Levers, keynote speaker, and coach who specializes in teaching sales professionals (and entrepreneurs like us) how to prospect better online, not just by sending more messages, but by connecting ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

This week, we’re excited to unpack a rapidly evolving topic within the mortgage industry: recruiting. Our industry has seen the same old song and dance for decades: recruiters calling, loan officers dodging and blocking, and both sides often left feeling frustrated or dissatisfied. Today, though, we’re diving into a fresh, tech-driven approach that aims to change all of that.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to source for insights, inspiration, and strategies from the frontlines of the mortgage industry.

In this special episode, we’re celebrating not only an amazing milestone—Dan Andersen’s two-year anniversary with HMA—but also his remarkable growth and influence within our organization and the wider lending community. Dan joins us once again to pull back the curtain on how social media, culture, and generosity have been t...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! In this episode, we dive headfirst into a topic that’s as practical as it is powerful: how embracing proactive communication with listing agents can be your ultimate game-changer in the mortgage business.

So often, we search high and low for the latest lead source or cutting-edge marketing tactic. But what if the biggest opportunity to grow our business has actually been sitting right in front of us all along? That’s what today’s...

In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial skills that truly set successful sales professionals, leaders, and marketers apart: people skills and communication intelligence in an age increasingly dominated by AI and technology. We’re thrilled to welcome Brian Galke, founder of Subtle Skills, facial intelligence expert, and one of the most dynamic communicators out there, to join us for a conversation that bridges tech and true human connection.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to resource for leadership insights and best practices in the mortgage industry.

Today, we dive into a deceptively simple but transformative subject: the power of a disciplined morning routine. No external guest this episode, just us, your regular hosts, getting real about what separates high performers in our field. We explore how winning the morning can mean winning the day, personally and professionally.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief your front-row seat to candid conversations and powerful insights that move the mortgage and real estate industries forward.

This week, we’re thrilled to continue our deep dive with Maria Quattrone, Philadelphia listings powerhouse, as we unpack what’s holding salespeople back and how real connections, not coffee meetings are what drive business and relationships in our high-touch industry. If you missed part one, Maria shared how ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, a space where we dive deep with industry leaders on what it really takes to thrive in real estate, lending, and beyond.

In this episode, we’re joined by Philadelphia real estate powerhouse Maria Quattrone. With 23 years of experience and a proven track record of 192 listings in one year we explore what sets top performers apart and why most agents and loan officers may be focusing on the wrong things. This isn’t just another real...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

This week, we’re diving into a topic that’s been top of mind for everyone in the mortgage world: thriving in a hyper-competitive market. Rates have been volatile, and with refis no longer falling from the sky, the mortgage landscape has been reshaped exposing weaknesses, but also creating opportunities for those willing to adapt and level up.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—where we dig deep into the real stories behind career growth, personal branding, and the ever-evolving world of the mortgage business.

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Jen Butcher, a trailblazing mortgage professional, marketer, and host of the She Talks Money podcast. Jen has spent more than 25 years in the mortgage industry often at the top of the leaderboard—and recently made the leap to a new company, all while r...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros your go-to guide for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving mortgage industry.

We just returned from GrowthCon, one of the most energizing and impactful events in the industry right now and in this episode, we wanted to unpack everything we learned and felt. The conversation at GrowthCon was electric, with keynote speakers, industry legends, and hundreds of driven originators all focused on how to thrive in today’s fast-changing mortga...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief! In this episode, we dive headfirst into the shifting landscape of content creation and marketing, especially as it relates to automation, AI, and the growing exhaustion with “perfect” content.

More and more, we’re seeing that highly polished, automated posts aren’t building trust in fact, they might be doing just the opposite. The flood of similar, AI-generated content is creating a “sea of sameness,” making it harder for ...

Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that touches so many lives but is often overlooked in the world of real estate and finance: the intersection of divorce and mortgages. Whether you’ve experienced divorce personally, are currently supporting a friend or client through it, or work as a realtor or attorney, today’s episode is packed with practical advice and crucial pitfalls to avoid.

Welcome to another episode of Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

After coming back energized from our annual company sales rally, we decided to shine a spotlight on one of the most pivotal aspects of mortgage leadership: getting the most out of industry conferences. As anyone in our business can attest, conference season never really ends, and for us, these events have made a profound impact not just on our bottom line, but on our overall growth, mindset, and approach to leadership.

This week, we're diving into one of our favorite topics: event planning and more specifically, how we’re leveling up our annual sales rally. There’s a lot more to events than just packing the room; we’re talking gamification, increased connection, creative engagement, and lessons learned from years of experience. Whether you’re part of a massive organization or running smaller regional events, we have plenty of tangible ideas and honest reflections for you to take back to your own te

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your podcast guide to creative strategies in mortgage and real estate.

Today, we dive into the power of storytelling and relatability in marketing, exploring how even small businesses and loan officers can use techniques borrowed from billion-dollar brands to grow their influence and close more loans without spending more on ads. We’re thrilled to welcome Rebecca Covington, creative producer and director of marketing for a major ...

We all know how competitive the mortgage industry can be, and in this episode, we’re diving into the strategy that can immediately set you apart: speed to lead. That’s right, we’re talking about the game-changing impact of simply answering the phone. We break down the surprising stats behind conversion rates, explore the psychology of borrower behavior, and share practical systems that can help any loan officer, whether you’re a solo act or part of a team, win more business.

In this episode, we’re diving into the rapid evolution of the mortgage industry and, more importantly, how organizations can and must adapt to survive and thrive. With shifting markets, burgeoning technology, and a workforce balancing unprecedented demands, the call for transformation has never been louder.

Welcome to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your inside track to operational excellence in the mortgage industry.

In this episode, we dive into a topic every growing loan originator inevitably confronts: how to protect your business, your time, and your sanity as you scale. Specifically, we unpack one of the simplest, most effective systems used by top-producing teams: implementing a team phone and team email.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your go-to podcast for actionable insights at the intersection of sales, performance, and personal well-being!

In this episode, we focus on one of the most fundamental but often overlooked pillars of sales success: consistency. We’re joined by the inspiring Alicia Dupree, whose extensive career in sales and coaching brings a wealth of real-world wisdom to the table. Whether you’re a loan officer, realtor, sales professional, or ju...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your playbook for building a truly thriving mortgage business.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into what really moves the needle for mortgage loan officers. Too often, people chase the latest shiny object—new technology, marketing gimmicks, and magic-bullet solutions—hoping for shortcuts to the top. But as we reveal today, genuine, consistent success is rarely about easy wins.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—your inside guide to modern leadership in lending, community building, and the strategies separating top producers from the rest.

In this episode, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Will DeLaTorre, President's Club winner at HMA Greentree and the man behind the motto, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Will DeLaTorre is renowned for his relationship-driven approach, his ability to consistently level up his ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and leadership philosophies shaping the mortgage industry today.

In this episode, we unpack an intriguing statistic: 84% of $20 million producers are open to recruiting conversations, but only if an executive is involved. We dig into what this means for mortgage recruiting, how leadership at every level impacts the process, and why top producers are prioritizing conversations with exe...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—your go-to podcast for current conversations shaping modern mortgage and lending leadership.

This week, we're thrilled to bring you a particularly timely episode: we reframe social media from a content dump into an opportunity for authentic relationship building. Posting is no longer about volume—it’s about connection. If you’ve ever felt exhausted or burned out by the constant push to “post more,” this conversation is for

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your inside track to the strategies, stories, and culture shaping today’s mortgage business.

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome a true industry legend: John Mirenda, founder of Greentree Mortgage. For decades, John has been widely respected not only for building a powerhouse mortgage company, but for doing so with a focus on people, honesty, and servant leadership. If you’re a mortgage owner-operator grappling with the cha...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief – your source for real conversations about leading in the lending industry and beyond.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s become critical in the way we work, build relationships, and represent ourselves: showing up with confidence, authenticity, and intentionality on virtual calls. Over the past few years, video meetings have become the backdrop for how we sell, lead, recruit, and connect. But as Rachael Tresch points out, l...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to resource for everything mortgage professionals need to lead, grow, and elevate their business.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on one of the most impactful growth levers in our industry: coaching. Whether you're an aspiring loan officer looking to break through the next ceiling, a manager navigating multiple teams, or a seasoned originator feeling stuck, coaching is a tool with ripple effects far beyond business output...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your go-to podcast for actionable marketing and business-building strategies tailored for loan officers, real estate agents, and anyone involved in sales.

In this special New Year episode, we wanted to deliver a fresh, practical perspective on how to create a marketing plan you’ll actually stick to. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with too many ideas—especially at the top of the year when resolutions are high, but follow-through ca...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, where we dive deep into what it takes to excel in the mortgage industry not just through numbers, but through authentic leadership, smart recruiting, and building winning teams.

This week’s episode marks our first of 2026, and we’re celebrating a year on the podcast! We’re continuing our Blueprint Series by putting Tom Mills in the hot seat. As someone who’s scaled entire regions in major mortgage companies, Tom Mills shares ha...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

On this episode, we sit down for an energizing, insight-packed discussion with one of our absolute favorites in the business: Jeff Shealey, top Texas loan officer, community builder, and creative marketing standout. We’re diving into what happens when a loan officer doesn’t just talk about doing video and implementing new strategies—but actually builds systems, sets clear boundaries, and takes action.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

In this episode, we dove deep into what it really means to build a thriving team and a differentiated brand in the mortgage industry. We were thrilled to have special guest Dan Andersen, an accomplished loan officer from Chicagoland, join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, creative marketing, and the power of giving back.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—the podcast where we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to be a great leader in the mortgage industry.

In today’s episode, we shift gears and get personal, inviting you into a raw and unscripted discussion about one of the most pivotal transitions a mortgage leader can make: moving from top producer to branch leader. This week, we’re continuing to spotlight Robert Fillyaw. He shares his candid experiences, lessons learn...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. We’re continuing our Blueprint series as we dive into one of the biggest turning points in a mortgage professional’s career: the decision to shift from top-producing loan originator to non-originating manager and leader. It’s a transition that’s not for everyone, but for those who feel called to grow something lasting and impactful, it’s a path full of challenges, rewards, and personal growth.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your roadmap to building, scaling, and thriving in today’s mortgage industry.

This episode is part two of our Blueprint Series, and we’re diving deep into the critical strategies, mindset shifts, and systems that helped Dave Holland break through a long-standing production ceiling and grow his business from $50 million to $200 million (and beyond). Dave Holland is back in the hot seat for a candid and insightful conversation.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your hands-on guide to leadership, growth, and grit in the mortgage industry.

On this episode, we’re kicking off a special two-part series focused on the journey from zero to $50 million in annual loan production—and what it takes to break through to $200 million and beyond. This week, we turn the spotlight on our very own Dave Holland, whose career has spanned over 25 years, nearly $2 billion in personal volume, and more than 10,...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

We’re excited to bring you part three of our special series on the power of storytelling, featuring Will Greenblatt, founder of Outloud Speaker School. If you’re just joining us, now’s a perfect time: over this three-part journey, we’ve been unpacking not just why stories matter, but also how to craft your own compelling narrative, especially as a leader or sales professional.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, where we dig into stories, strategies, and the moments that shape leadership in the mortgage and lending industries.

This week, we’re diving back into storytelling with the brilliant Will Greenblatt, picking up where last episode left off. If you joined us for Part One, you know that Will is a master of helping leaders use narrative to connect, drive change, and be remembered. In Part Two, we unpack the “Three Act Origin Story”�...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

We’re kicking off something extra special this week—a three-part series focused on the art and business impact of storytelling. If you’ve ever wondered how some people seem to captivate with their personal stories while others fall flat, you’re in the right place. In this episode, we explore why storytelling isn’t just a “nice to have” for leaders, marketers, and sales professionals—it’s essential.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your trusted resource for navigating the ever-changing world of mortgage lending and leadership.

In this episode, we dive deep into the question every loan originator eventually asks: How do you know you’re at the right company? With the fourth quarter in full swing and originator movement at its peak, we break down the inner workings of career moves in the mortgage industry, focusing on the real factors that drive loan officers to ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your go-to space for authentic conversations about creativity, career, and the beautifully chaotic world of mortgage and real estate professionals.

In today’s episode, we’re pulling from real-life chaos—think Alexa reminders gone wrong and the hurried juggling of family calendars—to talk all things organization, boundaries, and keeping our creative spark alive amidst busy professional and personal lives. This week, we're getti...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your go-to resource for guidance and inspiration in the ever-evolving world of mortgage lending.

After a whirlwind of traveling for work conferences, we’re excited to bring you a fresh perspective on marketing for mortgage professionals. In this episode, we’re joined by industry coach and marketing expert Ralph Watkins, who shares his expansive experience and keen insights on how loan officers can keep up in the changing landscape...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your go-to podcast for staying ahead in the dynamic world of lending, real estate, and business development.

In this episode, Rachael Tresch welcomes Brian McGroarty—a self-described “Renaissance guy” who’s as comfortable talking title insurance as he is discussing AI, business growth, and modern marketing strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to truly stand out in this industry, you're in for a treat: Brian is someone peopl...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your go-to resource for honest conversations and actionable insights on what’s driving the mortgage industry today.

In this episode, we welcomed Rich Swerbinsky, a true industry leader, master connector, and thought leader with over 30,000 LinkedIn followers. Rich is known for his dynamic approach to networking, branding, and digital presence in the mortgage space, and he's currently serving as Executive Director of the Ohio Mortgag...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—your go-to podcast for sparking new ideas, driving community engagement, and leveling up your leadership in the lending industry.

This week marks a special occasion at HMA Mortgage: it’s HMA Gives Back Week! In this episode, Rachael and Corrine dive deep into the world of charitable giving, event planning for impact, and connecting meaningfully with your community—whether you’re operating as a solo loan officer or as part of a ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

In this episode, we dove deep into a topic that every loan officer and mortgage professional faces—the art of “Attract First, Chase Later” when building powerful and enduring Realtor relationships. Robert Fillyaw and Dave Holland are hosting and bringing you real talk, honest stories, and practical strategies from our combined decades in the mortgage business.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your go-to resource for the latest in mortgage leadership, team-building, and creative strategy.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the mortgage industry’s most dynamic family duos: Deanne “the Mortgage Mom” Katsaros and her son, Tom Katsaros of GreenTree Mortgage, a partner of HMA Mortgage. From catering weddings to closing loans, we explore how this mother-son team has built a legacy business rooted in family values, cre...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros.

With back-to-school season in full swing and college football kicking off, we started to reflect on one of the quirks of our profession: almost no one grows up aspiring to be a mortgage loan officer. The vast majority of us, ourselves included, stumbled into this industry rather than charting a deliberate course here. So, Tom and Dave got together (minus Robert this week—safe travels, Robert!) to have a candid conversation: What if t...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—your resource for real talk about the mortgage industry’s behind-the-scenes realities.

Today, we’re jumping into a topic that’s critically important for every loan officer: What should your marketing department actually be doing for you? Whether you’re an industry veteran or building your book, this episode is all about evaluating marketing support and how it impacts your business decisions and day-to-day success.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, where we dive deep into what makes the mortgage and lending industries truly tick.

In today’s episode, we’re celebrating a milestone—our first-ever guest! We sat down with Will Eubanks, the founder and owner of EA Appraisals, to explore what genuine partnership looks like in our business and how one expertly executed cold call blossomed into one of our most dynamic and game-changing vendor relationships at HMA.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, where we dive deep into the real drivers of growth for mortgage professionals, leaders, and their teams.

Today, we’re thrilled to bring you a conversation that we’ve been looking forward to for some time. We’re joined by Irene Duford, founder and CEO of Loan Team Training and an experienced coach who has spent decades in the mortgage business crafting high-performing loan teams and helping mortgage professionals master their min...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your go-to source for real talk on leadership, recruiting, and building successful teams in the mortgage industry.

This week, we dove deep into one of the most commonly misunderstood (and, honestly, daunting) aspects of being a branch manager: RECRUITING. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why isn’t my company recruiting loan officers for me?” or felt overwhelmed at the thought of building a branch people actually want ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

In our latest episode, we’re diving into a topic our audience asks about all the time: event planning. We know great events don’t just happen—they’re meticulously crafted and strategically funded, often supported by thoughtful sponsorships. To help us unpack the “what, why, and how” of event planning, we welcomed a very special guest: Melanie Schuyler, HMA's event director, who has become a true pro at turning ideas into s...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to source for real talk about thriving in today’s mortgage industry.

We just hit the halfway point of the year, so in this episode, we’re laser-focused on the power (and necessity) of a mid-year business plan review for loan officers. A lot of us are feeling that “summer swagger,” but we caution against getting too comfortable—complacency can easily sneak in when business is looking good. With uncertainty looming in Q...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

In this episode, we get right to the heart of what truly makes brands and businesses connect with their audiences: storytelling. In a world increasingly dominated by AI-generated content and relentless marketing noise, how do we stop sounding salesy and start sounding human? That’s what we wanted to dig into today.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your trusted resource for mastering the ever-evolving world of mortgage lending.

On today’s episode, we’re diving deep into what borrowers are really looking for in 2025, 2026, and beyond. With Dave Holland, Tom Mills, and Robert Fillyaw at the roundtable, we explore how borrower expectations have shifted in our tech-driven world. We reflect on where the industry has come from—remembering handwritten directions, in-person meetin...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

Today, we’re especially excited to introduce you to someone who literally grew up dreaming of being a loan officer. We’re talking about Lindsay LaBonte—who, from childhood, was inspired by her father’s dedication to helping families achieve the American dream of homeownership. Lindsay joins us to share her unique journey into the mortgage business, including taking over her family’s legacy branch, becoming a branch manager, ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros where we tackle the real challenges, pivots, and wins in today’s mortgage industry.

In this episode, we’re digging deep into a hot topic that’s on every loan originator’s mind: the reality check on the long-awaited refinance (refi) boom. Dave Holland and Tom Mills break down what these new market predictions mean for your business plan, why it’s time to stop waiting on refis, and how to adapt for sustained success.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your trusted stop for all things mortgage leadership, creative strategy, and lender success.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to sit down with Mike Whiteaker—HMA Team Leader, Senior Loan Officer, and a five-time Scotsman Guide Award winner. Mike joins us to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to thrive in the mortgage business, moving beyond the resume, titles, and traditional questions to dig into the marketing, mindset,...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, where we share real talk and actionable insights for mortgage professionals, from originators just starting out to established leaders looking to sharpen their edge.

In today’s episode, we’re shifting gears from the technical, loan-specific questions we tackled last week and diving deep into something even more foundational: the importance of leadership and coaching in the mortgage business.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

On today’s episode, we’re taking you behind the microphone for a podcast about podcasting. We’re joined by our good friend Larry Roberts of LarryRoberts.com and Red Hat Media—a true podcasting pro with years of experience helping brands and individuals grow their authority in the digital space.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your go-to podcast for practical wisdom, actionable advice, and real talk on building a successful career in the mortgage industry.

Over the past few months, we’ve seen a real uptick in listener engagement, and we love it! So this episode, we wanted to do something a little different. Instead of focusing on a set topic, we dove into our mailbag and tackled the questions you, our listeners, have submitted via our site. We’re always...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—your trusted resource for building bold brands and thriving careers in the lending world.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it truly means to stand out as a loan officer in today's crowded marketplace. We’re joined by the dynamic Trevor York from Linkspot, whose fresh perspective and storytelling skills left a lasting impression at our recent sales rally. His now-famous mantra, “different is better than better,” ha...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your front-row seat to candid conversations about the ever-evolving mortgage industry.

On today’s episode, we decided to kick back, relax, and embrace a looser format. With Tom out and just the two of us, Robert Fillyaw and Dave Holland, at the helm, we traded structure for a little “chewing the fat.” From Vegas trips and Grateful Dead concerts to AI’s impact on mortgages and the existential debate over one gorilla versus a hu...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief! We’re excited to bring you a powerful and practical episode focused on a life event that touches so many—divorce—and how it intersects with one of the biggest financial assets most people have: their home.

This week, Rachael sits down with friend and coworker Amy Malamut, who brings a truly unique perspective to the table. Amy spent over a decade as a divorce attorney, and now she’s a leading mortgage loan officer and part of ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your go-to podcast for honest, unfiltered conversations about growing your mortgage career and leading at the highest level.

On today’s episode, we opened up about one of the most pivotal (and misunderstood) transitions in the industry: moving from being a successful loan officer to stepping into a leadership role. If you’re thinking about taking the leap from originating to managing or leading a team, this is the episode you can�...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—the podcast where we break down the art and science of mortgage marketing and leadership.

Today, we dove straight into one of the fundamental questions every loan officer and marketing professional faces: what really is marketing, and what is it not? With both of us—Rachael Tresch and Corrine Bibb—on the mics this week, we brought the full energy of our marketing circus to the conversation, painting a vivid picture about how all ...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. In this episode, we’re diving deep into a timely and critical topic: the elusive “Refi Boom.” While it seemed like we were on the brink of a refinance surge not too long ago, rising rates have complicated things. Still, with expectations for a potential boom in the next 6–12 months, we’re unpacking what a refinance boom really means, how to prepare now, and how to capitalize when it hits.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

In today's episode, we're talking about our sales rally--a tool we use here at HMA Mortgage for fostering collaboration and innovation within our team. While we're likely bustling around at our own sales rally as you listen to this, we're excited to share insights on why showing up, leaning in, and sharing ideas can significantly transform your business landscape.

Welcome to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to podcast for mastering the mortgage industry and developing leadership skills. In this episode, we're talking about the art of overcoming objections in the mortgage business.

We're excited to have a detailed discussion about how to handle objections like a pro—whether they come from buyers or realtors—and turn a "no" into a "let's talk." Hosts Robert Fillyaw, Dave Holland, and Tom Mills explore common objections faced by mortg...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

In today's episode, we explore the critical role of marketing in the success of loan officers. Joining us are two marketing powerhouses, Caitlin and Laura, who share their expertise and insights on how to effectively leverage marketing to build a successful mortgage business. We take a deep dive into how internal marketing departments work in a mortgage firm, the significance of saying yes to various opportunities, and the art of turn...

Welcome back to another episode of Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros.

Changing companies as a mortgage loan originator is very common, but how do you know whether it's the right move for you? In this episode, we're helping you identify whether you're in the right place within your company or if you should be looking for somewhere new.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

In this episode, we tackle a topic that can be a little daunting yet incredibly powerful for loan officers: leveraging social media to boost business. Social media can sometimes feel like an overwhelming space, especially with perceptions of generational divides, but we're here to demystify it with the help of our guest expert, Summer Boyd.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! In this episode, we covered a topic that resonates with many professionals, especially those in the mortgage industry: taking a vacation without your business falling apart. Having just returned from a President's Club trip in Punta Cana, we were inspired to discuss the systems and strategies that allow you to take time off without anxiety over work obligations.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief! In this episode, we sit down with one of the top loan officers from the Pittsburgh area, Laurie Nelson, to dive into her incredible journey in the mortgage industry and uncover her unique marketing approach. Laurie, Rachael, and Corrine explore the evolution of Laurie's career, from her unexpected beginnings to becoming a leader in her field.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. In this episode, we're diving into the art of building a championship team within the mortgage industry. Inspired by the Philadelphia Eagles' recent Super Bowl victory, we're drawing parallels between creating winning sports teams and leading successful mortgage teams.

Welcome to another episode of Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

In this episode, we're excited to dive into the world of mortgage marketing and leadership with our special guest, Dan Andersen, a member of the HMA team from the Chicagoland area. Dan, an exemplary loan officer, has not only achieved remarkable success with his team but also exhibits a unique quality of being generous with his knowledge and expertise. We had the pleasure of discussing with him how he balances being in t...

Are you able to take 24 hours off work and still have everything run smoothly? What about two weeks to spend in Hawaii like Dave Holland is doing right now? 

Today, we immersed ourselves in the concept of Time Freedom in the mortgage industry, a subject that's as essential for maintaining personal well-being as it is for professional success.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. 

In today's episode, we’re excited to dive into the creative marketing strategies of the Malamut brothers, Jim and Greg, from New Jersey's top-performing team at HMA Mortgage.

We start by uncovering what big hats, funny videos, and mortgages have in common with our guests Jim and Greg Malamut. Known for their innovative approach to marketing, the Malamuts have attracted attention not only through stellar service in the mortga...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros.

In this episode, we’re looking at the fundamentals of effective communication with clients and referral partners, and its pivotal role in triumphing over the challenges of mortgage origination. Effective communication is more than just an exchange of information; it’s about building trust, fostering strong relationships, and setting clear expectations from the outset.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of marketing and brand strategies for loan officers. Today, we have a special treat for our listeners as we flip the script and Corrine Bibb interviews her very own co-host, Rachael Tresch, who has been the interviewer over the past few episodes.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

In today’s episode, we’re talking to the last (but not least) of our co-hosts, Robert Fillyaw, managing partner at HMA Mortgage. Stepping in as host is Rachael Tresch of the Creative Brief, and I’m talking to Robert about leadership within mortgage lending, though the principles we discuss today are universally applicable.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

Continuing on the trend we set on the Mortgage Pros, Rachael Tresch is taking over as host to interview co-host, Corinne Bibb. Together, we dive into the nuances of effective leadership and team management. Plus, we uncover the importance of understanding tasks that team members might excel at but not necessarily enjoy, the art of delegation, and how truly knowing your team's motivations can lead to collective success.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. 

In today’s episode, we’re highlighting another of our co-hosts, Tom Mills, managing partner at HMA Mortgage. Stepping in as host is Rachael Tresch of the Creative Brief, and I’m talking to Tom about his career and the lessons he has learned within the mortgage industry. 

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!

In this episode, we tackle a common pain point for many professionals: content creation burnout. In an era where maintaining a consistent online presence is crucial, we understand that finding time to generate engaging content can be overwhelming. This is why we've dedicated this episode to providing our listeners with practical tools and strategies to streamline their content creation process.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to podcast for everything leadership in the mortgage industry.

In today's episode, we're turning the spotlight onto our very own co-host, Dave Holland. Rachel had a unique opportunity to sit down with Dave for an intimate, one-on-one conversation about his journey in the mortgage industry. We're diving deep into his past, his experiences, and what drove him to become the respected leader he is today. This is a rare chance to ge...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. In this episode, we dive into the world of social media strategies, sharing ways to effectively communicate with your audience and what we consider the essentials of intentional social media engagement. 

We start by emphasizing the importance of intentionality in social media. It’s not just about checking off a box; it’s about thoughtful content that resonates with your ideal client or referral partner. Corrine and Rachael sh...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. Today, we’re diving into a topic that might seem mundane at first, but is absolutely crucial for both your professional success and personal well-being—time management. Coordinating schedules for our podcast isn't always a breeze, and managing time effectively is something we constantly grapple with.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. Today, we're diving into the festive season with a special focus on holiday gifting. As the holidays approach, it's crucial for businesses to think ahead and plan thoughtful gifts for their team, clients, and business partners. It's not just about the act of giving, but how you can leverage holiday gifts as a powerful marketing tool to build and maintain relationships.

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

In today's episode, we're talking about a topic that loan originators don’t want to talk about: business planning. We're discussing why having a business plan and a roadmap for success, guided by thoughtful critique from mentors and leaders, is indispensable. 

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

Today, we're diving into a crucial topic for loan officers: the role of your marketing department in supporting your business. We often hear varying feedback on the level of marketing support provided across different companies. This episode aims to clarify what you should be expecting from your marketing team and how you can ensure that they are working effectively for you.