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.