Lending Leadership

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...

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.

Last time, we explored the grind years—the relentless hustle, longstanding habits, and the heavy workload that define the early st...

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 10,000 families served. Trust us, his story is packed with the hard-earned lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that can he...

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.

In this episode, we put the three-act origin story framework into practice. Will sat down with both of us to help shape our pers...

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”—Will’s unique take on a classic storytelling framework designed for leaders who want to bring stru...

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.

And to help us unpack the science and soul of effective storytelling, we’re joined by guest Will Greenblatt, founder...

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 make a change—or stay where they are.

We’re joined by co-hosts Robert Fillyaw...

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 getting real about what it means to be creative women in the mortgage industry trying to thrive at work and at home.

We dig in on ev...

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 of mortgage marketing. Ralph has witnessed—and shaped—marketing strategies from cold calls and donuts to social media reels and the rise o...

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 people want to work with, not just for his expertise in title, but because he brings fresh perspectives from multiple fields and is gen...

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 Mortgage Bankers Association. Rich is also the co-host of the Big Picture Podcast with Rob Chrisman and brings decades of experience to our discussion.

To...

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 nationwide team. We know many of you have favorite causes, but sometimes you need a little inspiration or a pra...

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.

We kicked things off by sharing candid, behind-the-scenes moments (yes, technical difficulties included!) and set the stage for what makes our agent partnerships so solid—sometimes to the point that agents insist t...

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, creativity, and connection. Not only have they mastered the client experience, but they’re also leaning into the future by embracin...

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 there was an actual college program for aspiring loan officers? What would that look like, and ho...

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.

After hearing countless frustrations from loan officers about the gaps and surprises in their marketing support, we’re breaking down what you should be ab...

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.

With us as always are your co-hosts Tom Mills and Robert Fillyaw, and for this special conversation, Will brings...

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 mindsets. Our chat with Irene isn’t just about the nuts and bolts of mortgage training—it’s about the po...

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 to join, this episode is for you.

No special guest this week—just us, Robert Fillyaw, Dave Holland, and Tom Mill...

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 successful, unforgettable gatherings.

Melanie has worn many hats—social media, graphic design, and event planning—but it’s her pas...

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 Q3 and Q4, this is the prime time to double-check, re-engage, or even re-invent your business strategy.<...

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.

We’re thrilled to be joined by Sara Lohse, founder of Favorite Daughter Media, co-founder of Branded Media, and the author of “Open This Book: The Art of Storytelling for Aspiring Thought Leaders.” Sara is an absol...

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 meetings, and even FedEx’d disclosure packets—and contrast those experiences with today’s landscape of instant information, online applications, and the ever-growing influence of online reviews...

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, and how she built a purpose-driven team—all while balancing life as a wife and mother.

In this episode, we...

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.

Key Takeaways:

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, and creative strategies that have set him apart.

We kick things off by exploring the fun, kits...

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.

We dig into tricky questions about ego, mindset, setting boundaries, the fear of both failure and success, and knowing when—and how—to seek out coaching. This isn’t a polish...

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.

Whether you’re a loan officer curious about starting your own show or just wondering if there’s still room to stand out in a crowded podcast world, we’re digging deep with expert advice and actionable tip...

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 striving to keep the show relevant and helpful, and what better way to do tha...

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,” has inspired many in our network to break away from the pack and redefine what connection really means in client rel...

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 hundred men, no topic was off-limits.

We took a deep dive into how AI is chan...

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 one of New Jersey’s top teams at HMA Mortgage. It’s this rare...

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’t afford to miss.

We dove deep into the real-life challenges of going from loan officer...

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 the moving parts of marketing, from advertising to PR to sales, fit together into a cohesi...

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.

We kick off by defining exactly what constitutes a “refi boom” in today’s environment, why it’s so crucial to be perp...

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.

As we navigate through this episode, we explore the immense potential of events like sales rallies in bringing together loan officers, partners, and leadership teams from different regions...

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 mortgage professionals and provide strategies to effectively overcome them.

We cover that particularly well-known hurdle: "I already have a pr...

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 turning complex marketing strategies into actionable steps for loan officers.

Throughout the discussion, we touch on essential...

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.

As co-hosts, Dave Holland, Robert Fillyaw, and Tom Mills explore these themes, we bring in insights from our own experiences and observations in the mortgage industry. We speak to the importance of operational efficiency, leadership dynamics, and...

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.

Summer is HMA's social media manager, and she joins us to share her insights on how loan officers can break through the noise and effectively use social media to cultivate business relationships...

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.

We explored how you can set up your business and team for success so that a vacation doesn’t mean working three-quarters of the time or being filled with dread about le...

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.

Laurie shares her story, beginning with aspirations of law school, a transformative stint in bartending, and her unexpected entry into the mortgage world. We delve into Laurie's transition from sales at a Porsche...

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.

Join us, your co-hosts Tom Mills, Dave Holland, and Robert Fillyaw, as we dissect what it truly means to cultivate a winning culture and assemble a top-tier team in the world of mortgages. We'll touch on everything from identifying key players to coaching strategies that can take your team from...

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 the trenches of daily business with his passion for teaching and leading others to success.<...

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.

With Dave popping in from the beach for a short greeting, Robert Fillyaw and Tom Mills are taking over this episode to discuss how you can achieve this balance in your mortgage career, ensuring you're present both f...

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 mortgage industry but also through their humorous and unconventional marketing tactics. They share with us their journey, starting with how...

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.

Today, Robert Fillyaw, Tom Mills, and Dave Holland team up to bring you insightful strategies, personal anecdotes, and practical advice on ensuring communication is both clear and effective. We kick off the episode by d...

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.

In this episode, we’re taking a trip through Rachael’s career–from her roots in PR and voice acting to her transition into coaching and recruiting in the mortgage space. We also explore how her diverse experiences conver...

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.

We kick off with a discussion on the difference between leadership and management. Often confused with one another, we clarify that management is about processes, while leadership is about people. Robert passionately talks about...

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.

Corrine kicks things off with her journey from her first job as a sales assistant to her current role...

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. 

He’s sharing his insights on the importance of non-negotiables in our personal lives and how those boundaries contribute to effective leadership. We also explore the substantial shifts Tom has seen in the mortgage industry over his 21-year career, from the s...

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.

You won't want to miss our deep dive into "Social Coach," a platform we've found to be incredibly valuable for creating, scheduling, and personalizing content. This tool...

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 get to know Dave beyond his co-hosting duties, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it...

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 share insights on creating engaging, purposeful content, starting with the all-important hook, moving through your main points, and finishing strong with a cal...

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.

We, Tom Mills, Robert Fillyaw, and Dave Holland, are here to share actionable strategies and personal experiences that highlight the importance of time management. In this episode, you'll find invaluable insights into setting boundaries, time blocking, and the significance of daily routines.

Da...

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.

In this episode, we're excited to walk you through the ins and outs of holiday gifting with great enthusiasm (and some festive spirit!). We share valuable tips on...

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. 

We explore the concept of focusing your time on areas with the highest return and identifying critical success factors. We highlight the revered 80/20 rule, which suggests a small percentage of activities typically yield the majority of results. Plus, you'll learn a compelling statistic: people with business pla...

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.

In this episode, we outline the main points that should guide your expectations of your marketing department. We dive into some less obvious, yet vital aspects...

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros!

One of the major themes of this episode is the job market dynamics within the mortgage industry. We dissect the statistical trend showing a significant percentage of loan originators contemplating job changes, particularly during the quieter Q4 period. The discussion covers the average tenure of loan officers and the critical factors influencing their decision to stay or move, shedding light on retention strategies and the crucial role of company fit in job satisfaction.

As the conversation unfolds, we discuss some tough realities, such as the industry's recent...

Welcome to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your go-to podcast for marketing tips tailored for loan officers.

In our inaugural episode, we dove right into the unique journeys that led us to the mortgage marketing space. While nobody grows up dreaming of working in mortgages, life's twists and turns bring us to unexpected and fulfilling careers. Join us, Corrine and Rachael, as we share our personal stories and insights on how our diverse backgrounds have surprisingly prepared us for our roles in this industry.

Today's episode is all about understanding the importance...

Welcome to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! Consider this your ultimate resource for navigating the mortgage industry with seasoned experts. We’re thrilled to kick off our very first episode, and we’re excited to bring you insights and discussions from the heart of mortgage leadership.

Today, it's all about introductions and setting the stage for what you can expect from our podcast series. We'll be diving into who we are, why we decided to join forces, and our mission with this podcast. We also explore our personal journeys into the mortgage industry, reflecting on how we foun...

Welcome to Lending Leadership: the podcast designed for mortgage loan originators who are looking to elevate their careers and gain a competitive edge in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring loan officer, this podcast will have you clear to close with valuable insights, expert advice, and jaw-dropping stories from the cutting edge of the mortgage business.

Lending Leadership is two powerful shows in one, alternating every week between The Mortgage Pros and The Creative Brief.

In Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, you’ll be guided by the three dynamic partners of HM...