Lending Leadership

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.

We dive headfirst into the future of lending where AI-driven agents and conversational automation aren’t ju...

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 ghostwriting for top producers to founding her own advisory business uniquely positions he...

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.

We’re joined by Laura Quinn and Caitlin Marino, two leading experts in digital marketing for the mortgage industry and Marketing Account Executives here at HMA Mortgage. Together, we demystify the terms everyone’s hearing these days-SEO...

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 surface-level outreach.

Sara joins us to unpack the right and wrong ways to pitch yourself for podcast guest spots, the real purpose behind podc...

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.

Joining us is Geoff, an industry veteran and the creator of the longstanding Mortgage Marketing Radio podcast. Rachel Tresch and Geoff explore how vulnerability, community, and strategic use of education can transform your mortgage business and strengthen both personal and professional growth.

In this...

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 as real people.

From competitive swimming to rewriting the rules of outbound sales, Michelle Mikel brings her unique perspective on discipline, reverse engine...

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.

We’re joined by Ellen Duncan, founder of mLoop, a platform some are calling “the Match.com or Tinder for mortgage recruiting.” Ellen’s background isn’t rooted in re...

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 true game-changers in his career journey.

We cover everything from adapting to technological shifts and nurturing company culture to building...

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 conversation is about rediscovering the value of intentional, consistent outreach to listing agents as a leve...

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.

We set the stage with reflections on how experiences, whether it’s a magic show or a corporate sales rally, are often less about the technical details and...

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.

We break down our own struggles and triumphs around developing and sticking with (or sometimes falling off) a consistent morning routine. We discuss...

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 she built a listing-driven business with 192 listings in a single year and challenged herself to book over 100 appointments in one month. In this...

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 estate chat; we dig into the mindsets, habits, and identity shifts needed for true...

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.

We break down what separates the pros from the part-timers, and why some loan officers are thriving while others are struggling or exiting the industry altogether. We dug deep into...

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 reinventing her brand, growing her network, and evolving with purpose.

Together, we explore what it truly...

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 mortgage landscape.

This isn’t just another post-conference recap. We dig deep into how AI is shaking up the...

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 audiences to differentiate and connect with you. We’re feeling the pressure too! So today, we give ourselves (and you!) permission to...

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.

We’re thrilled to be joined by Amy Malamut, a longtime friend, former divorce attorney, and now a mortgage loan officer at one of New Jersey’s top teams. Amy’s rare combina...

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.

In this episode, Dave Holland and Tom Mills break down...

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 teams.

In this episode, we’re sharing real-world stories, practical event tips, and even a few even...

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 brand as well as a dear friend of ours for over twenty years.

Rebecca brings her we...

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 brand as well as a dear friend of ours for over twenty years.

Rebecca brings her we...

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.

Joining the conversation are Tom Mills and Robert Fillyaw, bringing our perspectives on building rapport...

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.

We’re joined by Vanessa Godoy, our Chief People Officer and a leader with a passion for architecture not just of HR processes, but of teams themselves. Vanessa helps us unpack the movement from traditional HR “policing” to people-first strategy, the growing importance of self-awareness for leaders, and why building intentional teams is...

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.

In this episode, we (Robert Fillyaw, Dave Holland, and Tom Mills) share hard-won lessons from the trenches and strategies proven to free up your workflow, improve client experience, and reclaim yo...

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 juggling a busy home and work life, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you show up, follow up, and stan...

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.

To cut through the noise, we went straight to the source: our top-producing loan officers. These are our President’s Club winners and $25+ million-a-year mortgage pros—the crème de l...

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 business, and his unique path from a single loan officer to a team leader shaping his market by championing collaboration and cultur...

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 executives over recruiters.

While we don’t have a special guest this week, you’ll hear from the full Lending Leadership team: Tom Mill...

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 you.

We’re joined by our very own social media director, Summer Boyd, who brings her expertise to help us decode what...

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 challenges of growth, culture, or even considering a merger, John’s journey is a masterclass in navigating them all.

We kic...

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 challenges of growth, culture, or even considering a merger, John’s journey is a masterclass in navigating them all.

We kic...

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, logging on is not the same as truly showing up.

Rachael Tresch guides you through the subtle details that q...

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—it can transform lives, families, and organizations.

We’re thrilled to welcome Kristen Watkins as our special guest. As s...

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 can be a challenge. Today, we dig into straight-forward strategies for building a sustainable marketing plan, sharing the methods and mi...

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 hard-earned insights on what most firms get wrong when they try to grow too quickly.

Our co...

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.

We kick things off by discussing Jeff’s well-known dynamic as part of a husband-and-wife lending team, leading with authenticity and a true all-in mentalit...

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.

We kicked things off by exploring Dan's unique commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting fellow loan officers. Unlike many who keep successful strategies close, Dan believes growth is amplified when we give...

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 learned, and hard-won advice on stepping away from his own production to build something bigger—for hims...

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.

We’re excited to focus today’s episode on Robert Fillyaw’s journey—what inspired his move away from personal origination and toward branch lead...