In this engaging episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Mike Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Eddy Perez, CMB, CEO and co-founder of Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM), to explore powerful insights into leadership, growth, and embracing change in the mortgage industry. Eddy Perez brings his expertise, passion, and visionary approach to this candid discussion, highlighting what it takes to succeed in an ever-evolving market.

The conversation kicks off with a unique metaphor—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Eddy challenges mortgage professionals to break free from "playing reindeer games" and to embrace their individuality and leadership potential. Using this analogy, the discussion delves into the importance of standing out, focusing on strengths, and maintaining gratitude during times of discomfort.

Eddy shares his journey of building EPM into one of the largest and most respected mortgage companies in the country. With a steadfast focus on the TPO (Third Party Origination) channel, Eddy emphasizes the value of commitment, consistency, and long-term vision. Drawing inspiration from athletes like Usain Bolt, he reminds listeners that success is the result of years of focused effort, not overnight results.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the power of gratitude as a driving force for change. Eddy explains how adopting a mindset of gratitude—especially for challenges and discomfort—creates opportunities for personal and professional growth. The episode underscores the importance of being honest with oneself, embracing reality checks, and taking ownership of one's journey.

Eddy's empathetic leadership style, rooted in his experience as a former loan officer, shines through as he discusses how leaders can motivate and support their teams. He encourages mortgage professionals to lean into video marketing as a vital tool for success in 2025, emphasizing the importance of consistency and authenticity in building trust with clients and partners.

As the year comes to a close, Eddy reminds listeners to take advantage of the holiday season to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. He leaves the audience with a motivating message: by committing to growth, gratitude, and consistent effort in 2025, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and transformative year in 2026.

Tune in to this inspiring and thought-provoking episode to learn from one of the mortgage industry’s most influential leaders. Eddy Perez’s wisdom, passion, and actionable advice will leave you energized and ready to level up your game in 2025.

As 2024 draws to a close, hosts Mike Kelleher and Michael Zau take a moment to reflect on the remarkable conversations and transformative insights shared on The MikedUp Show this year. From the launch of Season 3 to now, every episode brought unique perspectives, memorable discussions, and actionable strategies from some of the brightest minds in mortgage, finance, and real estate.

The hosts kick off the Year Recap by revisiting standout moments from Eric and Brad Blumberg of AsterKey, where they discussed the power of mortgage data security and innovation. Their insights into building tools to simplify backend processes for lenders set the tone for a season focused on solving big challenges.

From there, Ryan Black of BMG shared his expertise on how legal firms can empower lenders, diving into critical conversations about efficiency and compliance. His episode underscored how collaboration between lenders and legal professionals helps maintain the integrity and growth of the mortgage space.

Industry expert Mike Mills brought a fresh lens to creating lasting relationships in mortgage banking. His emphasis on connecting with borrowers and team-building offered tangible takeaways on maintaining trust, even in volatile markets.

The year continued to gain momentum with Chuck Iverson, whose deep dive into team culture and personal development as a cornerstone of leadership struck a powerful chord with originators and mortgage leaders alike. Chuck’s “people-first” approach became a recurring theme throughout the season as other guests reinforced the importance of culture-driven businesses.

Dain Ehring took us on a journey into technology’s role in mortgage lending. His eye-opening discussion explored automation, digital tools, and AI-driven processes to enhance operations while preserving the human touch critical to lending success. Dain challenged lenders to embrace innovation while staying nimble in an ever-changing landscape.

With Daniel Smith, listeners heard a compelling perspective on risk management and forward-thinking strategies. His insights into managing volatility offered practical frameworks for success that resonated in an uncertain market.

We also welcomed Jorge Campodonico, whose conversation showcased what it means to lead in transformative environments. His focus on empowering teams, embracing adaptability, and building sustainable processes provided critical lessons for mortgage professionals striving to thrive.

John Toohig, a standout guest, captured the audience’s attention with his candid discussion on loan sales, capital markets, and portfolio management. John’s data-driven approach to optimizing loan strategies and balancing risk highlighted why these topics remain a priority for lenders navigating tightening market conditions.

As Mike and Michael guide listeners through the highlights of the year, they celebrate each guest’s unique contribution to the show. They also reflect on recurring themes, such as leadership, innovation, and adaptability, and share their favorite moments that defined 2024’s season of The MikedUp Show.

Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or are just joining in, this Year in Review is a perfect opportunity to catch up on everything you may have missed, gain a deeper appreciation for this year’s incredible insights, and feel inspired to take on 2025 with confidence.

The mortgage industry is evolving at a breathtaking pace, and in this episode of The MikedUp Show, we are joined by the esteemed Jim Clapp, Chief Lending Officer at Assurance Financial, to unpack the dynamic landscape of lending and mortgage origination. Jim’s extensive expertise—spanning over 25 years—provides a lens into the strategies, innovations, and leadership practices needed to thrive in an industry that’s both highly competitive and constantly adapting to technological advancements.

As a forward-thinking executive with a proven history of driving business growth, Jim shares his invaluable insights on leading teams through transformation, embracing AI-driven processes, and maintaining efficiency in an industry often marked by its cyclical nature. With a robust career background that includes roles at top-tier financial institutions, he has mastered the art of blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that companies like Assurance Financial remain on the cutting edge of lending practices.

During our conversation, Jim unpacks the four critical pillars of a successful mortgage bank—people, process, product, and pricing. He emphasizes that smaller companies are now positioned to rival larger organizations by leveraging advanced technologies and cultivating people-centric cultures, all while maintaining agility and customer focus. His insights into the advantages of working within smaller, tech-savvy mortgage firms will resonate deeply with loan officers and mortgage bankers who are considering their next career move.

We also discuss the pressing issue of originator attrition, noting a striking 30-40% decline in recent years. As a result, independent mortgage bankers are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the evolving market. Jim provides practical advice for loan officers contemplating transitions in their careers, stressing the importance of aligning personal values, professional aspirations, and family considerations with their next employer.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of today’s mortgage industry, from understanding the implications of AI on origination workflows to embracing transformational leadership practices. If you’re a mortgage professional seeking clarity on how to future-proof your career, this is a must-listen episode!

Join us as we dive deep with Jim Clapp, exploring the profound changes shaping the mortgage world and how industry professionals can adapt, innovate, and excel.

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, we welcome James Dwiggins, the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of NextHome Inc., a trailblazing real estate franchise redefining the home-buying and selling experience. James shares his extensive journey in real estate, highlighting his passion for integrating technology, fostering transparency, and driving value for agents and clients alike.

A dynamic leader with nearly two decades of industry expertise, James has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, from pioneering biometric signature software to launching one of the nation’s fastest-growing real estate franchises. With NextHome boasting over 520 office locations and 5,000 members across the U.S., James has a unique perspective on what it takes to build a brand that resonates with both professionals and consumers.

This episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of the modern real estate landscape. James explains how technology is reshaping agent-client relationships and why transparency is crucial for success. A key focus is Rayse, a groundbreaking platform co-founded by James that empowers agents to clearly articulate their value while bringing real-time data and accountability to the forefront. By shedding light on agents' behind-the-scenes work, Rayse helps bridge the gap between expectations and reality, ultimately transforming how clients perceive agent contributions.

Listeners will gain actionable insights into nurturing long-lasting client relationships, enhancing collaboration between agents and loan officers, and creating personalized buyer-agent proposals. James emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer needs, staying adaptable in an ever-changing market, and leveraging tools like Rayse to future-proof your business.

Join us for a captivating conversation that will leave you inspired to rethink your approach to leadership, technology, and the art of creating value in real estate. Whether you're an agent, loan officer, or industry enthusiast, this episode is packed with strategies to excel in 2024 and beyond.

Dive into the fascinating world of Residential Transition Loans (commonly known as Fix and Flip Mortgage Loans) with Michael Zau in this episode of The MikedUp Show. Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or an independent mortgage banker, this episode is your one-stop resource to understand these powerful financial tools that are reshaping the investment landscape.

Michael unpacks the fundamentals of fix-and-flip loans, highlighting their dual profitability for both lenders and real estate flippers when managed correctly. He discusses how these loans eliminate early payoff penalties, ensuring win-win scenarios for all parties involved. Learn about the flexibility they offer, from covering the down payment to providing funds for property renovations, making them an excellent choice for investors looking to capitalize on after-repair value (ARV).

This episode goes beyond the surface, touching on the intricacies of business-purpose mortgage loans—which don’t rely on income but instead leverage the property’s future value. Michael explains the critical factors investors must consider, like ensuring properties are not landlocked and avoiding common pitfalls like underestimating title issues or fraud risks.

Drawing on real-world examples and practical advice, Michael explores how fix-and-flip loans enable borrowers to purchase, renovate, and sell properties for profit. However, he also underscores the importance of careful research and emotional detachment in decision-making to avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you're curious about the nuances of flipping houses or want to deepen your understanding of these loans, Michael’s insights provide clarity and actionable takeaways. Stay informed and learn how to maximize the benefits of fix-and-flip loans in today’s competitive real estate market.

In this insightful episode of The MikedUp Show, we sit down with Leora Ruzin, CMB, AMP, an experienced lending executive and the Founder of Ruzin Creative, LLC. Leora’s 15-year journey in the mortgage industry has been characterized by a steadfast commitment to professionalism, personal growth, and advocacy for responsible lending practices. With her unparalleled expertise in mortgage production, secondary marketing, compliance, underwriting, and a rich background in managing end-to-end operations within the Credit Union space, Leora’s impact is felt across the mortgage sector.

Throughout the episode, Leora offers a deep dive into the true value of certifications within the industry, particularly the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation. She shares her insights on what the CMB title signifies, emphasizing that it’s more than just a credential—it’s a statement of dedication and integrity within a complex, ever-evolving field. Leora recounts her experience as a long-standing member of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), highlighting the role that MBA plays in supporting mortgage professionals, addressing industry challenges, and upholding standards of excellence. Leora’s commitment to advocacy is palpable as she describes attending nine straight MBA Advocacy Conferences in Washington, D.C., where she championed initiatives to strengthen the industry for professionals and consumers alike.

The conversation extends beyond professional achievements. Leora brings a unique perspective, shaped by her experience as a U.S. Army veteran and a survivor of both cancer and personal trauma. These experiences have forged a resilience and empathy that drive her mission to help others achieve financial freedom and overcome life’s challenges. Her advocacy work is underpinned by a passion for housing finance reform, a commitment to common-sense credit policies, and an unrelenting belief in the potential of the American dream. Leora discusses the importance of creating inclusive environments within mortgage firms, encouraging firms to invest in employees as they would in a family, fostering both growth and mutual respect.

In this episode, we examine the impact of industry cycles on hiring practices and the inherent volatility in staffing within mortgage companies. Leora speaks candidly about the industry's tendency to hire and fire staff as the market fluctuates, urging leaders to take a more considered approach to recruitment. By advocating for employees’ long-term growth and viewing them as valued members of an organization’s ecosystem, Leora makes a case for stability and authentic relationships in the workplace.

Leora also sheds light on the barriers that prevent many from accessing Mortgage Bankers Association membership, especially within smaller firms or among entry-level professionals. She calls for broader access to MBA’s resources through programs like the Passport Membership, which can provide industry newcomers with invaluable exposure to industry knowledge, networking, and growth opportunities.

This conversation with Leora Ruzin is as much a call to action as it is a look into her own story. Whether you are a seasoned mortgage professional, a newcomer, or simply interested in the dynamics of the mortgage industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the need for purpose-driven leadership, a commitment to community, and the pursuit of financial freedom.

Join us on The MikedUp Show as we dive deep with John Toohig, Managing Director at Raymond James and head of the Whole Loan Trading Group. John brings years of expertise from the forefront of mortgage trading and portfolio management, sharing insights that blend historical analysis with forward-looking predictions. In this episode, John takes us behind the scenes at the 2024 Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Convention in Denver, discussing the industry’s shifting landscape and the impacts of inflation, economic change, and legislative outlooks on mortgages, credit cards, and auto lending.

John is renowned for his strategic approach to trading seasoned and new loan products, including residential mortgages (QM and non-QM), commercial loans, and nonperforming assets. This episode showcases how whole loan trading is evolving and the impact of emerging products like fintech lending. We explore how Raymond James stays ahead of the curve, adapting to new lending regulations and responding to market needs. John’s discussion about the CECL accounting standard and its lending implications is essential listening for those navigating compliance in a complex regulatory environment. His insights extend beyond residential lending to cover broader financial themes, including the influence of macroeconomic changes on consumer behavior and how lenders can best position themselves for what lies ahead.

As the MBA convention wrapped up with a tone of optimism, John provides valuable reflections on the forward-looking attitudes in Denver, a contrast to previous conventions. He discusses how Raymond James leverages both in-house strategies and community involvement, aiming to foster financial stability and accessibility across diverse demographics. John also sheds light on the importance of maintaining agility within the whole loan space, especially as market conditions shift and innovation remains constant.

Join us as we unravel how Raymond James approaches lending amidst economic uncertainty, changing regulations, and the ever-present drive for technological advancement. This episode is packed with takeaways for lenders, investors, and financial professionals keen to stay informed on lending trends and market innovations.

This week on The MikedUp Show, we sit down with Keith Canter, CEO of First Community Mortgage (FCM), a mortgage industry leader known for combining growth with a commitment to people. Keith shares invaluable insights into the journey of evolving from a small mortgage brokerage to one of the most respected mortgage lenders nationwide. With over 25 years of experience, Keith has steered FCM from its roots in the Southeast to a nationwide footprint, all while focusing on the development and potential of his team. He believes in building an environment where each person can thrive, nurturing a "community within a community" that drives the success of the company.

At FCM, Keith champions a culture that goes beyond transactions, seeing the company’s achievements as a testament to both vision and values. From their fully approved Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae lender status to their strong balance sheet as a bank-owned entity, FCM is positioned to lead and grow even in turbulent market conditions. In this episode, Keith describes how FCM’s leaders are given the freedom to innovate, expand, and contribute meaningfully, making FCM a place where autonomy and advancement are not just buzzwords but daily realities. He explains how FCM’s emphasis on autonomy and personal growth enables their retail, wholesale, and correspondent channels to flourish, adding that the company’s dedicated in-house marketing team amplifies each team member’s work.

Keith's approach to leadership is underscored by a focus on gratitude, a trait that has shaped FCM’s ethos. Reflecting on the challenging times of 2007 and the recent rate fluctuations, he notes that gratitude remains a cornerstone, carrying them through periods of hardship and growth. As Keith discusses on the podcast, the company’s core values aren’t just posters on the wall; they manifest in FCM’s recognition of team members who embody these values every day. For Keith, true leadership also involves proactively seeking “the absence of value”—identifying areas where values are lacking and addressing these challenges openly, which fosters a transparent, conflict-positive environment. Keith believes that transparent communication and constructive conflict are essential for creating a robust company culture that not only thrives internally but also extends its positive impact to the communities they serve.

The episode also touches on recent insights from Nick Saban's "Nothing Speech" on The Pat McAfee Show, which Keith connects to the discipline required in the mortgage industry. For Keith, past successes don’t entitle a loan officer to future achievements. Without consistent discipline and effort, "Nothing" is earned—a philosophy that resonates with the core mission at FCM. Keith believes in staying committed to the fundamentals, and FCM is designed to support loan officers with a lean, yet deeply supportive infrastructure that promotes meaningful growth and success.

As we journey through Keith’s career insights, you’ll learn how FCM’s dedication to values and personal growth led them to earn accolades like the "Best Place to Work" and "Top Workplace USA" awards, as well as recognition for ethics from the Better Business Bureau. FCM is also a two-time Mortgage Bankers Association DEI Leadership Award Winner, reflecting their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These recognitions reflect a workplace that’s not only high-achieving but also deeply values its people. Keith’s leadership shines through as he discusses FCM’s dedication to building a strong, value-centered mortgage company that grows alongside its community.

Tune in to learn from Keith’s wisdom and understand why First Community Mortgage is a beacon in the mortgage industry, setting a high standard in leadership, integrity, and service.