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The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture of housing through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Diego Sanchez is the President of HW Media, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast with HousingWire CEO, Clayton Collins, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024 with Sanchez as the new host.
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Chad Smith: Making Better, better

Chad Smith: Making Better, better

This week on Power House, Diego chats with industry veteran Chad Smith, the president and COO of Better, who stepped into the role earlier this year from Mission Loans. Chad and Diego talk about Chad’s decision to join the Better executive team and what they’re working on to help grow Better in 2025, which includes a focus on customer engagement and hiring more experienced LOs and industry experts. They also talk about Tinman, their proprietary platform, and a brand new AI loan assistant tool. Here's what you'll learn: Better’s Tinman platform and AI loan assistant are helping to improve mortgage processing and customer engagement. Chad Smith joined Better to drive innovation despite the company’s PR challenges. Hiring experienced loan originators is key to Better's growth strategy. Better aims to make homeownership more accessible through innovative products. The company is focused on driving down fulfillment costs to benefit consumers. Related to this episode: Better taps Chad Smith as new president and COO | HousingWire Chad Smith | LinkedIn Better HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.  Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28:3520/11/2024
Daren Blomquist: Rethink your post-pandemic benchmarks

Daren Blomquist: Rethink your post-pandemic benchmarks

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Daren Blomquist, VP of Market Economics at Auction.com. Daren is a friendly face to many of you, and was last on the show in early 2023 to discuss his 2023 forecast. He’s joining us again to talk about what he expects to see in the market post-election and into 2025. He and Diego talk about a potential market uptick as rates stabilize, how the mortgage rate lock-in effect is still impacting low inventory across the nation, and Auction.com’s plan to expand into non-foreclosure property sales. Here's what you'll learn: We’ll see a ‘Trump bump' in housing data. The certainty of the election results will encourage market activity. The current bidding activity indicates a sluggish spring market. The lock-in effect is keeping inventory low across the country. Auction.com is seeing interest from sellers outside of traditional foreclosure. Many sellers are turning to auctions as a viable selling option. Related to this episode: Foreclosures expected to grow slowly to end 2024: Auction.com | HousingWire Daren Blomquist LinkedIn Auction.com HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.  Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32:1414/11/2024
Ginger Bell and Fobby Naghmi’s guide to leading through tough times

Ginger Bell and Fobby Naghmi’s guide to leading through tough times

This week on the Power House podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with the co-authors of the recently published real estate and mortgage guidebook, “Leadership Matters.” Fobby is also the SVP of Homecomings Mortgage & Equity, and Ginger is the founder of Edumarketing. In today’s episode, they talk about why top performers don’t always make the best leaders, — especially in tough times — and discuss the critical role of training and communication in scaling leadership success across organizations. Here's what you'll learn: Leadership is fundamental in all aspects of life, not just professional ones. Leaders are forged in challenging times, not in easy ones. There is a leadership deficit in the mortgage industry. Top performers are not always effective leaders. Effective, prepared communication is key during times of change. Giving back to the community enhances leadership impact. Related to this episode: Edumarketing Ginger Bell | LinkedIn Fobby Naghmi | LinkedIn Homecomings HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.  Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30:0207/11/2024
Inside FirstTeam’s billion-dollar growth strategy with CEO Michele Harrington

Inside FirstTeam’s billion-dollar growth strategy with CEO Michele Harrington

This week on the Power House podcast, Diego sits down with Michele Harrington, CEO of FirstTeam Real Estate out of Orange County, California. Michele initially started her career in the Marine Corps, but after being stationed in Orange County, she not only fell in love with the beauty of Southern California, she also got bit by the entrepreneurial bug. Now, she leads California’s largest independent brokerage. Michele and Diego talk about what sets FirstTeam apart from other brokerages and the recruitment strategies that are helping them surpass their goal of $1 billion in recruited teams. They also talk about empowering women in leadership positions and their plans to expand outside of California. Here's what you'll learn: Women hold only 26% of leadership positions in real estate, despite being a majority of agents. Empowering women to pursue leadership roles is crucial for the growth of the industry. Their recruitment strategies focus on training new agents and placing them in existing teams. FirstTeam is on track to surpass $1 billion in recruited teams this year. The company aims for organic growth by expanding into adjacent markets. Michele's upcoming book emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving success. Related to this episode: Michele Harrington | LinkedIn FirstTeam Real Estate HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Diego Sanchez speaks with CEOs, founders, and executives from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders.  Diego Sanchez is the president of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25:0431/10/2024
Jeff Bell: Four pressing topics as you prepare for MBA Annual

Jeff Bell: Four pressing topics as you prepare for MBA Annual

This week on the Power House Podcast, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins sat down with loan originator turned software executive: Jeff Bell, President at Uplist. Jeff joins us to talk about four really pertinent topics in today’s market: leadership, learning, loan monitoring, and recapture. Uplist just launched what it says is a killer new tool that will help loan officers automatically generate refinance options for their clients. The technology, called “Recapture,” is integrated with the leading pricing engines, and it provides LOs with timely, accurate data that identifies multiple refi opportunities for clients. Unlike rate alert tools, Uplist’s product fully automates the refinance analysis process. This includes property ownership checks, automated valuation models (AVMs), loan amount amortization and financial benefit calculations. Those four topics (leadership, learning, loan monitoring, and recapture) discussed in this episode are going to be hotly discussed at this year’s MBA Annual in Denver. Listen in for insightful discussion about streamlining the loan monitoring process, competing in a refinance mortgage market, coaching and more! HousingWire will be hosting a happy hour on Monday night at this year’s MBA Annual. You can register here. Here's what you'll learn: Coaching can significantly impact personal and professional growth. Knowing how to use the right technology correctly is more important than just having technology. Prioritize proactive communication with clients instead of reactive. Understanding the nuances of a competitive landscape is key for originators. Leadership development should always be ongoing. Related to this episode: Uplist launches automated refi analysis tool | HousingWire MBA Annual 2024 HousingWire Cocktail Party Jeff Bell | LinkedIn Uplist | LinkedIn HousingWire IMB Summit On-Demand Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40:5724/10/2024
The art of giving back with Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson

The art of giving back with Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson

This week on the Power House Podcast, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Steve Jacobson, CEO of Fairway Independent Mortgage to talk about what it takes to build a company culture centered around humility and loyalty. Diego and Steve also talk about Fairway’s retail growth after their decision to exit wholesale, their plan to sell the business back to its employees, and their commitment to helping communities in need. Here's what you'll learn: Increasing the speed of service gives you a competitive advantage Community engagement and giving back are responsibilities of all mortgage leaders Succession planning is crucial for long-term success Growth strategies should prioritize organic development over M&A Relationships between originators and servicers will continue to evolve Related to this episode: After exiting wholesale, Fairway hires origination teams across the nation | HousingWire Steve Jacobson - Madison, Wisconsin, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation HousingWire IMB Summit On-Demand HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29:3617/10/2024
Greg Schwartz: A love letter from the salt mines

Greg Schwartz: A love letter from the salt mines

This week on the Power House Podcast, Clayton sat down with Tomo CEO and co-founder Greg Schwartz to talk about what’s transpired in his business over the last two years — both the good and the bad. They dive into recovery indicators and the investments they’re making in technology and AI.  They also talk about how embracing accountable leadership and having a genuine love for the mortgage business is more important now than ever. Here's what you'll learn: Tomo’s approach and belief in building a purchase-focused mortgage company Focusing on health and a work-life balance are essential for effective leadership Why market dynamics should be accounted for, but not be used as excuses for performance How the Pinterest effect influences first-time homebuyers' expectations How to look for leading indicators for market recovery Related to this episode: Greg Schwartz on fixing the purchase mortgage experience | HousingWire Mortgage startup Tomo enters the home portal wars with AI tools | HousingWire HousingWire IMB Summit On-Demand HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
50:0410/10/2024
Key Themes Emerge at HousingWire IMB Summit

Key Themes Emerge at HousingWire IMB Summit

In this episode of Power House, we welcome back Rick Roque, Corporate VP of New Growth at NFM Lending. Clayton Collins and Roque sit down during the HousingWire IMB Summit on October 1, 2024 at the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas, TX to discuss key themes from the stage and evaluation of top sessions.  Coverage of the event is available on HousingWire, and select session videos will be released for on-demand viewing in the coming days.  The HousingWire IMB Summit is part of HousingWire’s Summit series which include events on AI, mortgage banking and housing economics. The next summit will be the Housing Economic Summit on February 26, 2025.  The Housing Economic Summit is designed to give mortgage and real estate leaders a comprehensive understanding of the economic factors driving the housing market in 2025 — and what it all means for business. Topics include the mortgage rate outlook, housing demographics, home-price trends, housing affordability, the impact of the election and more. HousingWire is gathering the best housing economic experts in one place for this one-day event that will provide you with the freshest data available and the insights you need to meet the opportunity of the 2025 housing market. Registration is now open. You can register here. Related to this episode: Rick Roque lands at NFM Lending | HousingWire NFM Lending Rick Roque | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29:3203/10/2024
Post-acquisition tech, capital markets and origination strategies with Rob Pieklo and Adam Carmel

Post-acquisition tech, capital markets and origination strategies with Rob Pieklo and Adam Carmel

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton sat down with Robert Pieklo, COO of American Financial Resources (AFR) and Adam Carmel, Founder & CEO of Polly to talk about current mortgage market dynamics and growth strategies amid changing rates. They also discuss prioritizing the customer experience, effectively scaling your operations, and how to develop an adaptable product mix as we go into 2025 and beyond. Here's what you'll learn: Cost to completion is a key metric for lenders. Forward-looking technology for effectively scaling operations. Staying ahead and adapting to changing interest rates. Changing of the guard in the mortgage world. Win one customer over at a time. Related to this episode: Robert Pieklo | LinkedIn Adam Carmel | LinkedIn Polly.io AFR Corp HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25:2526/09/2024
When to compete and when to complement with Marc Trachtenberg

When to compete and when to complement with Marc Trachtenberg

In this episode, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez interviews Marc Trachtenberg, CEO of Silk Title Co. They explore the dominance of the "Big Four" in the title market and how Silk Title's model complements rather than competes with them. Marc also shares insights from the recent RealEdge conference and discusses adapting to new technologies, fostering collaboration, and educating consumers about the title process. Don't miss Marc at the upcoming IMB Summit on October 1 in Dallas, where he'll delve into Silk Title's vision for the future of the title industry.  Here's what you'll learn: Collaboration, rather than competition within the industry can lead to better outcomes for everyone. Diverse perspectives and consumer education are crucial for the industry's success. There is a significant lack of consumer education regarding the title process and its costs, and that needs to change. The title industry needs to redefine its approach to remain relevant in a changing market. Understanding risk and title alternatives is essential for both consumers and industry professionals. Related to this episode: HousingWire IMB Summit Silk Title Co. Silk Title Co. | LinkedIn Marc Trachtenberg | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27:0219/09/2024
Sharpening the axe with mortgage education expert Nathan Knottingham

Sharpening the axe with mortgage education expert Nathan Knottingham

Today we are bringing to your feed a great conversation with an even greater guest: Nathan Knottingham. Nathan wears many hats within the mortgage space, including being the co-founder and CEO of the newly launched mortgage education company, MLO Force, the COO of Vetted VA, and the COO of Be My Neighbor Mortgage. Clayton and Nathan originally scheduled this podcast to talk about MLO Force and the exciting things they’re doing in mortgage education and C.E. but Nathan had a surprise in store this past Monday when he posted a picture of him and his partners on the floor of the NASDAQ. Be My Neighbor and real estate software firm reAlpha are joining forces in the hopes to bring the mortgage industry a step forward in an end-to-end homebuying process. Nathan offers great insights into MLO Force’s goal for continuing education across the larger workforce. He also shares what makes intellectual curiosity so special, even for those who consider themselves subject matter experts. Here's what you'll learn: Be My Neighbor Mortgage’s acquisition by Realpha highlights the importance of technology in the real estate transaction. Continued education and always being a willing learner is crucial for mortgage professionals to stay up to date on industry regulations and best practices. MLO Force offers mortgage education courses for individuals and enterprise-level clients, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience. Related to this episode: reAlpha gets into the mortgage brokerage biz, acquires Be My Neighbor | HousingWire Nathan Knottingham | LinkedIn MLO Force Be My Neighbor Mortgage HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
39:4712/09/2024
Mortgage banking strategies and insights with Sarah Wheeler

Mortgage banking strategies and insights with Sarah Wheeler

If you are a mortgage banking executive or leader, you will want to listen to this episode to hear what Sarah Wheeler has to share. In this episode of Power House, HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler joins HW Media CEO Clayton Collins to discuss critical themes and knowledge for mortgage banking leaders. Sarah discusses major stories related to LO compensation, servicing, and refi dynamics and her recent interview with Barry Habib. She also shares how HousingWire communicates this type of knowledge to readers via articles, podcasts, and events. These topics and a group of amazing executive speakers will be front and center at the HousingWire IMB Summit on October 1st in Dallas, Texas.  Register for the event today and take advantage of Labor Day Weekend prices promotions:  Register here: https://events.housingwire.com/IMB-summit  Code: LABORDAY (expires 8/30/24 on Labor Day)  Act now, this will be the lowest available price for tickets to the 2024 event! Related to this episode: HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12:4129/08/2024
Austin Allison: Cracking the co-ownership code

Austin Allison: Cracking the co-ownership code

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Austin Allison, the CEO and co-founder of Pacaso, a co-ownership marketplace for luxury vacation homes with over a billion dollars in transactions across 40 destination markets.  In this episode, Austin shares the lessons from building and scaling successful real estate businesses. Clayton and Austin also discuss the hard-to-sell mortgage model behind co-ownership and how, even in a complicated macro environment, Pacaso is addressing the growing affordability problem by offering fractional ownership of high-end vacation homes. Here's what you'll learn: How surrounding yourself with the right people drives success Why understanding your Total Addressable Market (TAM) and a strong monetization strategy are crucial to survive and thrive How the co-ownership model addresses affordability challenges in real estate How Pacaso is working to make the American dream accessible to more people Related to this episode: Austin Allison | Linkedin Pacaso | LinkedIn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55:4922/08/2024
Randell Gillespie: The Future of Lower and Rise of Authentic Leadership

Randell Gillespie: The Future of Lower and Rise of Authentic Leadership

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins speaks with Randell Gillespie, the chief production officer at Lower. With over 30 years of mortgage lending and leadership experience, Randell was named chief production officer in March of this year upon the completion of Lower’s acquisition of Thrive Mortgage. Praised for his leadership style, Randell received the 2023 HousingWire Vanguard Award. In this episode, they discuss culture, leadership, technology, margins, recruiting, and even hamburgers. Randell shares how he’s navigating this transition to Lower and his plans for the future of mortgage lending at Lower.  Lower boasts an executive team with diverse expertise and a strong commitment to supporting LOs. The recent recruitment of The Loan Officer Podcast host Dustin Owen as their SVP of Growth is a key part of that strategy. Randell also highlights how technology is redefining the mortgage experience and how Lower adapts to the current rate environment to maintain strong margins. Related to this episode: Randell Gillespie | LinkedIn Lower Thrive Mortgage and Lower strike merger deal | HousingWire 2023 HW Vanguard: Randell Gillespie | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
47:0415/08/2024
Jason Mitchell: Relentless focus on mortgage partnerships that drive value for agents

Jason Mitchell: Relentless focus on mortgage partnerships that drive value for agents

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Jason Mitchell, founder of the Jason Mitchell Group.  With over $4 billion in annual transaction volume, 8,500 sides, and 800 agents, Jason Mitchell leads one of the largest real estate teams in the country according to RealTrends Verified. But it isn’t all about scale. Jason shares that he doesn’t need 5,000 agents across the country to win. He only needs about 1,600, and he’s halfway there. He’s in 150 MSAs today, and the episode reveals how Jason thinks about recruiting, M&A and developing new markets.  What’s unique about Jason’s business? He’s building at the intersection of real estate and mortgage with a highly differentiated b2b referral and lead strategy which hinges around partnerships with top mortgage lenders. And while many mortgage lenders are trying to cozy up to real estate agents for referral business, JMG has flipped the model and gets his real estate leads directly from over mortgage partners who trust his team to deliver a high-quality client experience.  Jason shares how he’s built a successful real estate brokerage and team using a unique B2B strategy, partnering directly with mortgage lenders and other lead sources to drive business into his brokerage. He also unpacks the importance of prioritizing the needs of the average client to build a strong book of business while also discussing the challenges of growth and the need for strong leadership in market opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Mortgage partnerships and lead funnels How building a successful brokerage requires a focus on providing business opportunities to agents through partnerships and referrals Why strong leadership is crucial for growth  The importance of agents focusing on serving the average client and building a strong book of business, rather than exclusively chasing luxury listings How success in the real estate industry lies in the individual agent's work ethic and dedication, regardless of the brokerage they are affiliated with Related to this episode: Top Mega Teams in the United States RealTrends Verified Profile for JMG Jason Mitchell on the power of B2B referrals | Youtube Jason Mitchell Group | Instagram Jason Mitchell | Youtube Jason Mitchell | TikTok Jason Mitchell Group | LinkedIn Data Digest: The financial strength of US homeowners is a cushion against a downturn HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40:3808/08/2024
Joe Tyrrell: Leadership and market innovation and Optimal Blue

Joe Tyrrell: Leadership and market innovation and Optimal Blue

This week on the Power House podcast, Clayton Collins sits down with Joe Tyrrell, the CEO of Optimal Blue. With over 25 years in mortgage, finance, and technology, Joe shares his wealth of experience about value-driven leadership, innovation, and the mortgage tech space. In their discussion, Joe talks about the significance of capital markets for mortgage lenders and how secondary market executions can drive profitability in 2024 and beyond. He also delves into Optimal Blue’s autonomy and technological advancements as part of Constellation Software, referencing a previous conversation with Bonnie Wilhelm of the Andromeda Group and Perseus. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How Optimal Blue focuses on delivering value to lenders and maximizing profitability. Trust and operationalizing technology as keys to driving efficiency and overcoming resistance to change. AI’s crucial role in providing real-time data and insights to help lenders make informed decisions and improve profitability. Optimal Blue’s plans to deliver value to customers without additional costs, accelerate innovation, and foster partnerships within the mortgage ecosystem. Related to this episode: Joe Tyrrell | LinkedIn Optimal Blue Mortgage veteran Joe Tyrrell named CEO of Optimal Blue | HousingWire Optimal Blue's new CEO Joe Tyrrell on moving technology's finish line | HousingWire Optimal Blue releases new data license product for mortgage pricing | HousingWire Constellation’s Bonnie Wilhelm on their “buy and hold forever” strategy | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
47:1301/08/2024
Buyer advocacy and beyond with Realtor.com CMO Mickey Neuberger

Buyer advocacy and beyond with Realtor.com CMO Mickey Neuberger

This week on the Power House Podcast, we are bringing you a sponsored interview between Clayton and Mickey Neuberger, the Chief Marketing Officer at Realtor.com. Before joining Realtor.com, Mickey was VP of Global Marketing at eBay for 9 years, where he built the company’s CRM platform from the ground up. He also has extensive experience in marketing, CRM, product and technology from previous roles at Travelocity, Loyalty Lab, and 24 Hour Fitness.  Clayton and Mickey start by discussing Mickey's career journey, his expertise in data management, and how he got into the marketing landscape. But, the real meat of this conversation is about one of Realtor.com’s biggest current initiatives: their buyer advocacy campaign.  The campaign spans several advocacy initiatives, including the development of a self-serve tool kit for buyer’s agents. This kit features tools and assets that can be customized and shared with one’s network to highlight everything agents do for consumers before, during and after the home-buying process. They’re also working on highlighting and empowering underserved and underrepresented buyers to ensure equitable opportunities in the housing market.  Clayton and Mickey dive deep into this campaign and its vital importance in today’s industry, Realtor.com’s efforts to bring together housing professionals, home buyers and policymakers to understand the power that housing and real estate hold in the larger American economy. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How Mickey's career path from computer science to marketing has helped his experience in driving results at scale, The importance of brand presence and the use of strategic data and analytics in marketing. The why behind their buyer agency advocacy campaign, the Buyer's Agent Tool Kit and the efforts to educate consumers and policymakers. Where the future of Realtor.com is headed and their marketing objectives for the second half of 2024. Related to this episode: Mickey Neuberger | LinkedIn Realtor.com | LinkedIn Realtor.com Buyer's Agent Toolkit America's Housing Problem: The Dream of Homeownership Is Further Fading for Underserved Buyers—but Here's How To Navigate the Market | Realtor.com Realtor.com announces update to buyer’s agency ad campaign HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
41:4625/07/2024
Craig Montgomery on Lower’s journey to becoming a top-five lender

Craig Montgomery on Lower’s journey to becoming a top-five lender

On today’s episode of Power House, we had the pleasure of speaking with Craig Montgomery, the Chief Strategy Officer at Lower. Craig joined Lower this past June with plans to drive the company towards the goal of becoming a top five national mortgage lender. Today’s conversation is all about Craig’s vision for building Lower’s ambitious plans for growth, including a focus on an originator-first mindset and platform, as well as finding real value in strategic partnerships. Lower is also ramping up mergers and acquisitions to help achieve this goal with two different acquisitions within the past year. He shares their unique growth plan for today’s higher-rate, low volume environment.  Enjoy this episode with Craig Montgomery, Chief Strategy Officer at Lower! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Providing originators with the tools, resources, and support they need is crucial for their success. Listen to originators to truly understand their needs and shortcomings. Transparency and communication are key in successful M&A integrations. A coaching program can be a game changer in elevating originator performance. Becoming a top-five lender requires aggressive recruiting and a focus on providing a platform for originator success. Related to this episode: Lower hires Craig Montgomery as chief strategy officer | HousingWire  Craig Montgomery | Linkedin Lower | Linkedin HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32:4618/07/2024
Anthony Lamacchia: Entrepreneurial leadership pumping through his veins

Anthony Lamacchia: Entrepreneurial leadership pumping through his veins

Anthony Lamacchia shares his journey from working in his father’s landscaping business to building Lamacchia Realty. He discusses the importance of marketing, branding, and consistent content creation in attracting clients and media attention. Lamacchia emphasizes delegating responsibilities and hiring experienced professionals for growth. He delves into his M&A strategy, market expansion, and his approach to marketing and recruiting agents using billboards and other methods. He addresses industry challenges, like the commission lawsuit and changing market conditions, and shares how he prepares his agents for success, concluding with his optimistic outlook for the future of real estate. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: •The importance of marketing, branding, and consistent content creation for attracting clients and media attention. •Strategies for delegating responsibilities, hiring experienced professionals, and executing a successful M&A strategy for business growth and market expansion. •Effective marketing and recruiting techniques, such as the use of billboards and other advertising methods. •Insights into industry challenges like the commission lawsuit, changing market conditions, and how to prepare agents for success, along with Anthony’s optimistic outlook for the future of real estate. Related to this episode: 2024 RealTrends GameChangers saw tremendous growth over last five years RealTrends Verified: Lamacchia Realty Anywhere senior executive makes the move to Lamacchia Realty Commission lawsuits: The actions to take right now from brokers who are doing it HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
46:2911/07/2024
The secrets to unlocking data efficiency with Rocktop Technologies’ Jason Pinson

The secrets to unlocking data efficiency with Rocktop Technologies’ Jason Pinson

This week on the Power House podcast, we sat down with Jason Pinson, the founder and CEO of Rocktop Technologies, a suite of fintech applications driven by AI and machine learning designed to manage risk on behalf of its clients and partners. Rocktop — and Jason himself — are on a mission to tackle two significant issues in housing: the influx of poor and poorly managed data, and the error-prone processes that undermine asset quality and value. Today we are delving into Jason's career journey and thesis, starting from his days at Bear Stearns to his multi-decade crusade to enhance efficiency and returns for investors in the mortgage industry. Clayton and Jason talk about Rocktop’s efforts aimed at preventing the errors and inefficiencies that reduce mortgage investors’ yields, a problem that ultimately makes housing less efficient and more expensive. They also talk about data standardization, the role of organizations like MISMO, and the expertise and talents behind successful AI and machine learning implementation. Rocktop Technologies will be joining us on stage in Dallas on July 23rd for HousingWire’s AI Summit to explore even more of their focus on machine learning and how they plan to revolutionize the industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The mortgage market is hindered by poor data management and manual error-prone operations. Data standardization is crucial for improving efficiency in the mortgage market. A strong data strategy is essential for implementing AI and machine learning. Combining domain expertise with technical talent is key to success in the mortgage industry. Leading from the front and investing in employee upskilling are important for growth in a volatile market. Related to this episode: Jason Pinson | LinkedIn Rocktop Technologies HousingWire's AI Summit HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27:5104/07/2024
Sierra Interactive CEO Peter Maglathlin talks real estate tech in a post-settlement world

Sierra Interactive CEO Peter Maglathlin talks real estate tech in a post-settlement world

This week, we welcome Peter Maglathlin to the Power House podcast. Peter is the CEO of Sierra Interactive, an end-to-end real estate platform developing software and services for residential real estate agents, teams and brokers. Originally founded in 2007, it was acquired by Alpine Software Group in 2022.  Today’s conversation with Peter is for all the real estate tech, entrepreneurship and investing nerds out there. Clayton and Peter geek out together about Peter’s entrepreneurial journey and the ins and outs of running and developing a successful SaaS business in the real estate and mortgage ecosystem. They also talk about the changes on the horizon for housing now that the NAR-settlement is close around the corner.  Listen to gain better insight into how those changes are not only directly affecting real estate professionals, but also the technology and investing spaces that have built the industry’s foundation. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Entrepreneurship involves a willingness to sell and the ability to meet customers where they are. The cyclical nature of the real estate market is managed by holding assets for long durations, which typically leads to better performance. Customer segmentation is important for prioritizing KPIs, as different segments have different needs. The NAR settlement raises the bar for professionalism in the industry and may lead to a decrease in agent count. Real estate software should focus on generating seller leads and creating connectivity between agents and consumers. Related to this episode: Peter Maglathin | Linkedin Sierra Interactive | Linkedin Top 23 real estate apps for agents in 2024 | HousingWire Real Estate Software Leader Sierra Interactive Joins ASG to Fuel Next Phase of Growth and Innovation | ASG HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55:0827/06/2024
Constellation’s Bonnie Wilhelm on their “buy and hold forever” strategy

Constellation’s Bonnie Wilhelm on their “buy and hold forever” strategy

On today’s episode, we have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes conversation with a guest who has an amazing perspective and depth of knowledge in investing and business operation strategy, Bonnie Wilhelm. Bonnie is the CEO of the Andromeda Group and COO of Perseus inside of Constellation Software. Constellation acquires and operates Vertical Market Software (VMS) throughout a broad target of industries, including housing. In 2023, Constellation acquired two of the most important technology assets in housing: Optimal Blue and Dark Matter, which was formerly Black Knight. Their influence spans far and wide across many facets of the housing and mortgage ecosystem, even if the name isn’t one that you may recognize at first glance. Bonnie’s conversation with Clayton gives us a glimpse into the intricate investing and operating strategy at Constellation, where they strongly believe in holding acquired businesses into perpetuity. She also talks about decentralizing operations down to day-to-day minutia and how they’re leveraging artificial intelligence to do things such as reduce loan origination time. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Constellation follows a buy and hold forever strategy, investing in businesses for the long term and understanding customer needs. The company focuses on acquiring businesses in vertical markets and adjacencies, allowing management teams to run autonomously. The company is particularly interested in the mortgage space and is investing in AI to reduce loan origination time. Constellation emphasizes the importance of patience, being prepared for different scenarios, and making rational decisions in cyclical businesses. Related to this episode: Bonnie Wilhelm | LinkedIn Perseus Group | LinkedIn HousingWire's AI Summit HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33:5920/06/2024
Using AI in all the right places with Rick Roque and Andrew Maas

Using AI in all the right places with Rick Roque and Andrew Maas

Today, we welcome two wonderful guests to the Power House podcast: Rick Roque and Andrew Maas. Rick is the EVP of Retail Growth and Strategy at Sierra Pacific Mortgage with 20+ years in retail mortgage banking, acquiring, managing and growing production volume & market share in companies across the US. Andrew is the Co-Founder & CEO of Pointable, focusing on large-scale deep learning for spoken and written language tasks and has previously worked on data-centric deep learning approaches at Apple. Both Rick and Andrew are going to be joining us as speakers in July for HousingWire’s AI Summit. Clayton’s conversation with Rick and Andrew focuses on the adoption and use cases of artificial intelligence in the mortgage space. According to Rick, current mortgage boardroom sentiment toward AI is “complete confusion” and full of worry about how it will affect the bottom line. They want to demystify that. Strategic AI adoption will split lenders into two groups: those who leverage efficiency tools and those who don’t. They also discuss practical use cases for AI in lending spaces, including streamlining lending workflows, time spent coaching and training, and even how consumers can benefit in discovering and understanding their loan options and application processes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: AI's impact on the mortgage industry is significant, offering opportunities for efficiency and profitability. The confusion of implementing AI in mortgage is rooted in confusion and a lack of focus on future demands. AI has the potential to revolutionize the mortgage industry by addressing systematic inefficiencies and streamlining processes. There is a need for a shift in executive mentality and budgeting to incorporate AI into critical business needs. Related to this episode: Rick Roque | LinkedIn Andrew Maas | LinkedIn Sierra Pacific Mortgage Pointable HousingWire's AI Summit HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
42:3213/06/2024
Phil Defronzo on how to maintain a multi-decade mortgage legacy

Phil Defronzo on how to maintain a multi-decade mortgage legacy

Today we are chatting with Phil DeFronzo, the founder, president and CEO of mortgage wholesaler TPO Go. Phil, who has been in the mortgage business since 1989, was the former CEO of Norcom Mortgage before he sold the retail business to CMG Financial and pursued the wholesale business. Phil and Clayton talk about his career journey over the past three decades, how he got to where he was today, and the interesting people he met and learned from along the way — including the mentorship of the late Dave Stevens. They also talk about TPO Go’s strategy to differentiate itself and where he sees growth for the industry in the coming years in spaces like renovation loans and automation processes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Opportunities for growth often arise in challenging times. Focusing on profitability is key to weathering market changes. Renovation loans offer significant market potential, especially in aging housing stock. Brokers with strong product knowledge have a competitive advantage. Automation can improve turn times and enhance the customer experience. Related to this episode: CMG acquires Norcom Mortgage’s retail assets - HousingWire Phil DeFronzo | LinkedIn TPO Go | Linkedin TPO GO HousingWire | YouTube HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35:2906/06/2024
Tom Ferry on the keys to building a people-first business

Tom Ferry on the keys to building a people-first business

On today's episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with an extraordinary guest you might already know. Since 2014, he has consistently been ranked as the number one real estate educator by the Swanepoel Power 200. Tom is not only a prolific author, but also the Founder and CEO of Ferry International. With a massive following on YouTube and social media, and over 30,000 hours of one-on-one coaching with agents and industry experts under his belt, we are thrilled to welcome Tom Ferry to the Power House podcast. Tom and Clayton’s chat is all about entrepreneurship, personal branding and marketing, and building a strategic approach to business growth in a changing market. He has had a lot of successes — and just as many failures. Now, Tom has a strong focus on building a client-first approach to sales and also has some really interesting thoughts to share about AI, the rise of artisan agents, and scaling a new business through personalized team-building. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: A client-first sales and marketing approach is crucial. Coaching involves understanding the psychology of clients and helping them overcome barriers and mindset shifts. AI can play a significant role in the real estate industry, from coach-client selection to improving customer success and providing valuable insights. There is a rise of artisan agents who focus on providing a high-quality experience for clients, even if they don't do a high volume of transactions. Continuous learning and staying relevant are crucial in the industry, and technology adoption done right can be a game-changer. Related to this episode: Tom Ferry | Linkedin Ferry International | Linkedin Tom Ferry | Instagram Tom Ferry HousingWire | YouTube HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55:1630/05/2024
Anthony Casa on the journey to success

Anthony Casa on the journey to success

In this week’s episode, Clayton got the chance to sit down with the president & CEO of UMortgage, Anthony Casa, who joined us in person last month in Scottsdale for The Gathering. During their conversation, Anthony talks about how he went from dropping out of school at only 13 to being the president and CEO of UMortgage, and how his experience during the financial crisis carefully shapes how he approaches his business today. They also talk about finding growth in a shrinking market and the craft of walking a fine line between competition and a consumer-first approach. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Building relationships and providing a great customer experience are key in the mortgage industry. The housing crisis taught Casa the importance of focusing on relationships rather than transactions. Transitioning from one business to another requires developing a strong team and passing on the reins. Casa believes in putting the consumer first and creating a personalized experience. Competition and balance are important for the mortgage industry to thrive. Related to this episode: Anthony Casa | LinkedIn UMortgage | LinkedIn UMortgage HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
30:3223/05/2024
Chris Heller’s insights into the evolution of real estate

Chris Heller’s insights into the evolution of real estate

This week we are sharing an exclusive conversation recorded live at The Gathering in Scottsdale, this time with the esteemed Chris Heller, current president at OJO and former CEO of Keller Williams. Chris has worn many hats with over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry in multiple leadership and advisory roles under his belt.  In today’s conversation with Clayton, they talk about OJO’s consumer-facing rebrand to Movoto and their recent acquisition of The LEAD Syndicate to launch Lever, a platform delivering an all-in solution suite for agents. They also talk about anticipated changes on the horion as the commission changes take effect, such as an industry-wide shift of fewer, more experienced agents and a downward trend in commissions. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The Lead Syndicate acquisition aims to enhance services for solo agents and provide support in areas such as database management, marketing, and transactions. The upcoming changes in the real estate industry will require agents and brokerages to focus on higher-value services and adapt to new market dynamics. The industry is likely to see opportunities for consolidation and M&A as companies look to combine resources to navigate the changing landscape. The Department of Justice's ongoing scrutiny of the industry and potential consumer impacts should be closely monitored. Related to this episode: Chris Heller | LinkedIn OJO acquires The LEAD Syndicate, launches Lever by Movoto | HousingWire Movoto OJO Labs HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25:0316/05/2024
 Legacy Group Capital on their recent acquisition and future plans

Legacy Group Capital on their recent acquisition and future plans

This week we are bringing you a sponsored episode recorded live in Scottsdale at The Gathering 2024. Our wonderful guests are Scott Rerucha, the CEO and co-founder of Legacy Group Capital, and Ed Messman, the CIO of Legacy Group Capital. Legacy Group Capital is a private lending company that helps builders and real estate investors acquire property more easily than traditional bank financing.  Scott brings over three decades of industry experience from several financial institutions throughout the Puget Sound Region. Ed has over two decades of executive leadership experience with venture capital and private equity-sponsored technology companies. Legacy Group Capital recently announced its acquisition of Rook, a home equity investment company that focuses on providing innovative financing solutions for homebuyers. They discuss the rationale behind the acquisition and their hopes to focus on a group of homebuyers they call the “missing middle.” They also discuss housing affordability issues at large, the state of the market for real estate professionals, and Legacy Group Capital’s model to create solutions for young professionals with fractionalized mortgages. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Legacy Group Capital helps builders and real estate investors acquire property more easily than traditional bank financing. They specialize in finding real estate deals that can produce affordable housing. The company recently acquired Rook, a home equity investment (HEI) company, to offer innovative financing solutions for homebuyers. HEI products reduce down payments and monthly payments for more affordable housing options. Related to this episode: Ed Messman | LinkedIn Scott Rerucha | LinkedIn Legacy Group Capital Legacy Group Capital acquires home equity investment fintech Rook Capital 2024 Finance Leader: Ed Messman | HousingWire HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25:0109/05/2024
Pat Dodd on data-driven problem solving

Pat Dodd on data-driven problem solving

In today’s sponsored episode of Power House, we’re excited to chat with Pat Dodd, the CEO of CoreLogic. Pat brings decades of experience in data and analytics with various roles at Nielsen before joining CoreLogic in 2020 and being named President and CEO in 2022. During their conversation today, Clayton and Pat talk about CoreLogic’s data-driven approach to solving clients’ technology needs and how their Discovery Platform is providing unique granular property insights to help clients make informed decisions when predicting homebuyer behaviors and property risks. They also talk about the wave of different generative AI tools and how they’re fine-tuning their “truth set” to help professionals optimize their day to day. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Pat Dodd's diverse background in various industries, including data analytics, technology, media, marketing, retail, and package goods, influences his leadership at CoreLogic. CoreLogic focuses on providing B2B solutions and leveraging acquired data sets to drive growth in the housing industry. The importance of industry expertise and access to information and data for professionals to navigate challenges, particularly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Discovery Center platform offers valuable data transparency and insights, requiring collaboration and providing tools for better decision-making. Utilizing AI, machine learning, and data analytics is crucial for addressing practical needs, improving efficiency, and staying competitive in the real estate industry. Related to this episode: Patrick Dodd | LinkedIn CoreLogic Discovery Platform | CoreLogic® HousingWire | YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24:5202/05/2024
Steve Capezza: Communication in a post-settlement world

Steve Capezza: Communication in a post-settlement world

In today's episode of Power House, we're excited to have Steve Capezza, president of Side and former SVP of Business Operations at Zillow Group, where he spent nearly a decade shaping the future of real estate. According to 2023 RealTrends Verified data, Side had 23,000 transaction sides last year, equating to 22 billion in volume, making them the ninth largest brokerage in the country by volume and the third independent. In this conversation, Steve and Clayton discuss brokerage teams and teamerage-specific models, and the impact of the proposed NAR settlement on the real estate ecosystem. Steve also shares communication and coordination strategies between agents and lenders, explaining how those strategies lead to excellent consumer relationships. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The future of real estate is being held up by the best practitioners who provide the best service to consumers. The proposed settlement by NAR may accelerate the off-boarding of hobbyists from the industry. Buyers and sellers still need guidance and representation from professionals in the real estate industry, regardless of market conditions. Coordination between agents and lenders is crucial, especially in a tight inventory market. The focus should be on providing excellent service to consumers and staying attuned to the facts and proactive communication. Related to this episode: Connect with Steve on LinkedIn Side RealTrends Verified - Side HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
37:3925/04/2024
Liz Gehringer: Communicating with confidence

Liz Gehringer: Communicating with confidence

On today’s episode of Power House, we welcome Liz Gehringer, the president and CEO of Anywhere Franchise Brands. She brings with her a depth of industry knowledge as she’s responsible for strategic growth, marketing and operations across Coldwell Banker Affiliates, Coldwell Banker Commercial, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, CENTURY 21, and ERA Real Estate. Clayton and Liz’s conversation today dives deep into the core themes of this show: business growth, leadership, and operational strategy. She talks about her path to leadership, helping others grow through challenges, and approaching the continuation of professional education. In a post-settlement landscape, Liz sees real value in being a generalist and developing a wide range of skills as agent’s roles continue to evolve. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Seek new challenges and take on stretch assignments to grow as a leader. Develop a wide range of skills to become a strong generalist. Trust and brand reputation are crucial in the real estate industry. Agents need to communicate with confidence and clarity, focusing on transparency and building trust with consumers. The role of agents is evolving in the post-settlement landscape, and they need to adapt to changing consumer needs and expectations. Related to this episode: Connect with Liz on LinkedIn Anywhere The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
44:2718/04/2024
Cory Vasquez: The Power of Leading with Calm

Cory Vasquez: The Power of Leading with Calm

On today’s episode of Power House, Clayton sits down with Cory Vasquez, the chief marketing officer and most recently promoted to co-president, alongside Vinnie Tracey, at Realty ONE Group. Cory is 20-year communications veteran and joined Realty ONE Group in late 2018 bringing along with her years of experience in a host of communications fields. During their conversation, Cory talks about her unique background in marketing and communications and how that fits into the world of leading a real estate brokerage at this really unique time for the industry. They also discuss Realty One’s 100% commission model and some of the 2023 performance stats that landed them on the RealTrends Verified Brokerage Rankings. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Realty One Group has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with over 400 locations throughout the US and 20 countries. The 100% commission model at Realty One Group attracts agents who want to keep more of their commission and offers comprehensive coaching and training programs. The company focuses on creating a unique culture and giving back to the community, which attracts agents to the brand. Effective communication and transparency are crucial during leadership transitions and in times of market change. Real estate professionals need to demonstrate their value and communicate their efforts to clients to combat misconceptions about their work. Related to this episode: Connect with Cory on LinkedIn Realty ONE Group RealTrends Verified Realty ONE promotes five women to executive positions The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32:4011/04/2024
Leo Pareja: Squashing misinformation in the real estate industry

Leo Pareja: Squashing misinformation in the real estate industry

This week, we are bringing you a conversation with Leo Pareja, the Chief Strategy Officer at eXp Realty, recorded live with HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins.  eXp was reported as the largest brokerage in the county by sides with 355,000 transaction sides in 2023, according to RealTrends Verified 2024 broker rankings. This discussion with Pareja aims to bring clarity to chaos by squashing misinformation about the recently proposed real estate commission lawsuit settlement. Collins and Pareja discuss the proposed settlement's impact on the home purchase processes, compensation and home prices. Pareja provides guidance for agents and other housing professionals on communicating with consumers and partners and staying focused on servicing home buyers and sellers. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Agents should focus on operational strategy, clear communication, and adapting to the changes in the industry Buyer representation contracts and compensation structures will likely still see changes in the future. The settlement may lead to changes in the industry, but the demand for real estate transactions and the need for professional representation will remain. Agents and brokers should focus on articulating their value proposition and adapting to the new rules of engagement to thrive in the changing landscape. Mortgage professionals play a vital role in supporting agents and consumers by providing easy financing and facilitating successful transaction. Related to this episode: Connect with Leo on LinkedIn RealTrends Verified HousingWire Marketing Leaders 2024 Logan Mohtashami on HousingWire The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
01:03:0604/04/2024
Logan Mohtashami: The man behind the charts

Logan Mohtashami: The man behind the charts

On today’s episode of Power House, we are dropping a fantastic conversation with the myth, the legend: Logan Mohatshami, lead analyst at HousingWire. Logan gives a glimpse behind the curtains of his life and his transition to writing about real estate and economic data. In a previous life, Logan was a high school basketball coach, but has since built his housing career on his passion and obsession for timely and accurate economic data and analyses. He and Clayton talk about the challenges that come with managing a market that never sleeps, the impact of inflation, and the potential for a housing boom in the coming years.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Accurate and timely data analysis is crucial in the housing industry. Storytelling is essential for conveying complex economic concepts to a broader audience. Managing a 24/7 market requires passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic. The housing market has the potential for a boom in the 2020s. Related to this episode: Connect with Logan on LinkedIn Mortgage Rates Center Housing Market Tracker Logan Mohtashami on HousingWire The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38:0229/03/2024
Mike Tassone: Evolving customer acquisition and lead gen

Mike Tassone: Evolving customer acquisition and lead gen

On today’s episode of Power House, we are bringing you a fantastic conversation with Mike Tassone, COO and co-founder of Own Up. Own Up is a concierge mortgage marketplace that allows consumers to access customized data and a network of vetted lenders. Prior to his current role, Mike co-led the residential lending business for Leader Bank, which he helped grow to a top 40 lender in the US during his tenure. During their conversation, Clayton and Mike talk about the mortgage lender growth strategies, tactics to recruit high-quality loan originators, and the pros and cons of being maniacal Fed-watchers. They also discuss the pricing ecosystem in the mortgage industry and how the NAR settlement may impact mortgage lead gen and the order-of-operations of the homebuying and financing journey. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The recent Fed meeting had no surprises and the market responded favorably to the expected rate cuts. Own Up was founded to solve the frustration of mortgage shopping and provide a better consumer experience. Recruiting high-quality loan originators and focusing on their strengths contributed to the growth of Leader Bank. The lead generation market has shifted from refinance to purchase, and lenders have had to adapt to the changing landscape. The future of real estate agents and loan officers depends on their ability to prioritize their time and provide value to consumers. Related to this episode: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Own Up The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40:2921/03/2024
Odeta Kushi and Sarah Wheeler on the surge in women's homeownership

Odeta Kushi and Sarah Wheeler on the surge in women's homeownership

On today's episode of Power House, we're bringing you a special feature in honor of International Women's Day, which was last Friday, March 8th, and Women's Month, which is the whole month of March. This special feature spotlights two industry powerhouses. HousingWire editor-in-chief Sarah Wheeler leads a conversation with First American Financial Corp. Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi. During their conversation, Sarah and Odeta talk about home ownership among single, female heads of households, other demographic trends, and what's in store for the spring housing market. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Single women home ownership has been on the rise, driven by higher educational attainment and earning power. The pandemic had a disproportionate impact on women's employment, but single women have shown resilience and financial growth. The spring home buying market is expected to be more moderate due to the lack of significant decline in mortgage rates. Inventory levels remain low, but even a slight increase can provide more options for potential buyers. Timing the housing market is challenging, and buyers need to focus on their own needs and affordability. Related to this episode: Connect with Odeta on LinkedIn First American The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27:0914/03/2024
Frank Martell: Coming through the cycle as a winner

Frank Martell: Coming through the cycle as a winner

In October of 2023 we invited Frank Martell to the stage at HousingWire Annual to chat with Clayton Collins about his new role as CEO of loanDepot and progress toward his Vision 2025 plan. Today, we are bringing you that conversation to your feed as a glimpse into what we call "Battlefield Playbooks” and to preview the amazing interviews that you’ll experience on stage at The Gathering coming up on April 21. Frank and Clayton discuss his vision for loanDepot's future, market trends, regulatory challenges, and more. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The strategic plan that loanDepot is implementing that emphasizes adaptability to current realities while exploring future opportunities The importance of focusing on balancing near-term ROI with long-term infrastructure investments, particularly in technology The benefits of having different but complementary leadership styles within your organization, and how Frank thinks about his strengths and experience in contrasts to founder Anthony Hsieh  Related to this episode: The Gathering Frank Martell talks loanDepot’s restructuring, path to profitability and M&As  Follow loanDepot on LinkedIn loanDepot HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28:0407/03/2024
 Brian Vieaux & Kyle Draper: Rethinking Everything (about loan origination)

Brian Vieaux & Kyle Draper: Rethinking Everything (about loan origination)

Today, we are bringing to you a conversation with two wonderful guests: Kyle Draper, speaker, author, and video marketing therapist, and Brian Vieaux, the president and COO at FinLocker.  Kyle and Brian have combined their industry knowledge and networks to co-author a book titled “Rethink Everything: You ‘Know’ About Being a Next Gen Loan Officer” which features a lot of valuable insights and knowledge of what you need to know about next generation loan origination from 37 different industry voices and leaders.  “Adopting an educator-first mindset, coupled with a willingness to reach, assist, engage and nurture early-journey first-time homebuyers, are the defining attributes of a next-gen loan officer. This book aims to empower mortgage professionals to cultivate these essential qualities,” Vieaux said. They share a lot of that knowledge today during their conversation, including the importance of having a social media presence and strategy, how the different methods and platforms can be utilized to reach the next generation of homebuyers, and how loan originators should be looking to adapt in a rapidly changing market. Learn more about the book and learnings in this article by HousingWire. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Loan originators need effective social media strategies to reach new home buyers. Educate, address misconceptions, and add value to engage mortgage audiences. Personal branding and trust are vital for digital-age loan originators. Positive mindset drives loan originators' success and business growth. Related to this episode: Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn FinLocker Rethink Everything You Know About Being A "Next Gen" Loan Officer  The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
45:3701/03/2024
Joe Welu: Prioritizing customer journeys for better business outcomes

Joe Welu: Prioritizing customer journeys for better business outcomes

Today’s guest is Joe Welu, founder and CEO of Total Expert. Since launching the business in 2012, Joe has led the business from startup to industry leader – trusted by more than 200 leading financial institutions. Total Expert is a five-time recipient of HousingWire’s Tech100 award and Joe is a multi-year recipient of the HousingWire Vanguard Award.  During today’s conversation, Joe explains the early lenders and partnerships that helped shape Total Expert's platform and success, as well as his strategic approach to building and evolving the leadership team. Joe shares his insights on AI not as a trend, but as a tool used to increase productivity and better enhance customer engagement. He also discusses generational trends in homeownership and the opportunities that he sees for lenders to nurture future homeowners.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Delivering the perfect customer journey is key to success in the mortgage industry Prioritizing excellence and making necessary changes to the leadership team are crucial for growth Nurturing and educating potential homebuyers can lead to long-term success for lenders AI has the potential to revolutionize the mortgage technology ecosystem, but it must be used strategically and with a focus on outcomes.  Related to this episode: Connect with Joe on LinkedIn Total Expert Total Expert, Polly aim to help a lender identify customer opportunities faster The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
45:5022/02/2024
Victor Ciardelli: The Power of Focus (...on customers, LOs and agents)

Victor Ciardelli: The Power of Focus (...on customers, LOs and agents)

Today’s guest is Victor Ciardelli, the President and CEO of Guaranteed Rate. Over the last 24 years, Victor has led the independent mortgage bank to be positioned as a top-10 national lender that produced over $34 billion in 2023 production volume.  During the conversation, Victor Ciardelli shares his mortgage journey, from selling loans in a call center to founding Guaranteed Rate, and to their acquisition of PHH Home Loans. They also discuss the partnerships with real estate brokerages, technology, compliance and the evolution of loan officer compensation. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Building a successful mortgage company requires a strong focus on customer experience and trust. Developing relationships with top-performing real estate agents can drive business growth. Maintaining control over the mortgage process and providing a clear value proposition to customers and referral partners is crucial. Manifesting success and staying focused on long-term goals can lead to significant opportunities and partnerships. Bringing the real estate and mortgage sectors closer together is crucial for the housing industry's future success. Compensation in the mortgage industry has evolved, but new challenges and potential risks have emerged. Dodd-Frank has had a significant impact on compensation practices, but there are still areas of concern. Related to this episode: Connect with Victor on LinkedIn Guaranteed Rate Victor Ciardelli | Guaranteed Rate  New G-Rate program allows sellers to permanently buy down their buyer's mortgage rate The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
01:14:0015/02/2024
Bob Broeksmit: Playing to your strengths in business and on Capitol Hill

Bob Broeksmit: Playing to your strengths in business and on Capitol Hill

Today, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins talks with an industry leader who is well known to many of you: Bob Broeksmit, the President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). With over 35 years of senior finance and mortgage executive experience, Broeksmit brings a depth of knowledge across many facets of the industry, including marketing, sales, operations, secondary marketing, and loan servicing, to his role at MBA.  Prior to joining the MBA in 2018, he held executive roles at Treliant, Chevy Chase Bank, Prudential Home Mortgage and The Money Store. This compelling conversation charts Broeksmit’s journey through mortgage to his transition leading a trade association and how he measures success at a nonprofit. Collins and Broeksmit also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing leaders amid difficult housing market conditions and the top priorities he sees for mortgage in 2024. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Leaders in the mortgage industry should focus on understanding the objectives of their board and members and effectively communicate and align their organization's efforts with those objectives. Building relationships and credibility is crucial for trade associations to have a seat at the table and influence policy decisions that impact the industry. Success in a nonprofit trade association is measured by delivering value to members, advocating for their interests, and effectively addressing industry challenges. Leadership styles and approaches should adapt to different housing market conditions, and leaders should focus on areas they can control or influence to support their members. Collaboration with other trade associations and stakeholders in the housing industry is important to present a united front and advocate for policies that benefit the industry as a whole. Top priorities for the mortgage industry in 2024 include increasing mortgage demand, addressing supply constraints, and optimizing servicing operations. Mergers and consolidation in the mortgage industry are driven by various factors, including strategic focus, scale, and personal considerations of the leaders involved. Related to this episode: Connect with Bob on LinkedIn The Mortgage Bankers Association The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
43:1208/02/2024
Brett Ludden: mortgage bank M&A, originator retention, tech stacks and deal structures 

Brett Ludden: mortgage bank M&A, originator retention, tech stacks and deal structures 

Today, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins interviews Brett Ludden, the co-head of Financial Services at Sterling Point Advisors, an M&A advisory and financial consulting firm. Brett has worked at various roles in leading M&A transaction-related analytics and strategies, overseeing teams at Capital One, and consulting for Fortune 500 financial institutions. Collins and Ludden discuss the current market conditions and the outlook for 2024 and beyond. The conversation goes deep on the differences between asset deals and mergers, the importance of originator retention in M&A transactions, and the qualities that make a company an attractive acquirer. They also touch on the significance of technology integration and the impact of compensation on alignment in M&A deals. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: M&A advisors in the housing industry play a crucial role in providing industry insights and helping CEOs and owners make strategic decisions. The mortgage industry is experiencing a period of pain, and many companies are considering strategic options such as mergers and acquisitions. Companies that have a strong cash position, a well-integrated tech stack, and M&A experience are well-positioned to be attractive acquirers. Originator retention is a critical factor in M&A transactions, and companies should focus on identifying key people and creating a value proposition to ensure a smooth transition. The market outlook for 2024 and beyond is cautiously optimistic, with expectations of margin improvement and more strategic decision-making by lenders. Related to this episode: Connect with Brett on LinkedIn Sterling Point Advisors The Gathering HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
42:1102/02/2024
Diego Sanchez: HousingWire President shares the full picture

Diego Sanchez: HousingWire President shares the full picture

HousingWire President Diego Sanchez joins Power House to discuss his new role, executive partnerships and communication, and HousingWire strategy for 2024 and beyond.  Clayton and Diego explore the dynamics of how executive team structures work best, including the differing roles of CEO and President. Diego shares his journey of learning about the housing industry and the fascinating ecosystem it encompasses. They discuss the vision for HousingWire in 2024, which includes integrating data and insights to provide a comprehensive view of the housing market. The focus is on delivering value to the audience and helping housing professionals make informed decisions faster and more effectively. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: CEO / President partnerships require solid communication and a clear division of responsibilities. Managing a distributed and hybrid workforce requires constant vigilance and effective use of digital tools. The housing industry is a complex and fascinating ecosystem with various verticals and disruptive forces. HousingWire aims to provide a comprehensive view of the housing market by integrating data and insights. Related to this episode: Connect with Diego on LinkedIn HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27:1726/01/2024
Phil Shoemaker: Building a startup mortgage bank

Phil Shoemaker: Building a startup mortgage bank

On this week’s episode of the Power House Podcast, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins chats with Phil Shoemaker, CEO of The Loan Store. Phil joined The Loan Store as CEO last June after a five-year stint at Homepoint and has also held various positions at Caliber Home Loans during his 28-year mortgage career. Today, Phil emphasizes the importance of always focusing on providing excellent customer service rather than relying solely on technology and maintaining a startup growth mindset as the organization scales. They also discuss volume growth strategy as we head into 2024 and the industry’s need to bring more brokers into the wholesale market.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The story of The Loan Store. Where the business stands today in terms of production volume and scale. Why are you uniquely prepared as an executive to build and scale this business? Unique strategies or approaches that separate TLS from competition. Strategy for winning market share in 2024. Strategy for helping brokers grow volume in 2024. Related to this episode: Connect with Phil on LinkedIn The Loan Store Phil Shoemaker on lessons learned from Homepoint’s wind-down & The Loan Store’s future HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. Each Thursday, Clayton Collins speaks with CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector to reveal how housing executives think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership. The Power House podcast reveals the full picture through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Clayton Collins is the CEO of HousingWire, and the Power House podcast is produced by HousingWire’s Content Studio. Initially launched in 2019 as the Housing News podcast, the show was relaunched as Power House in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
43:3518/01/2024
Chad Roffers: Accelerating outcomes in all business environments

Chad Roffers: Accelerating outcomes in all business environments

On this week’s episode of the Power House Podcast, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins talks with Chad Roffers, founder of Concierge Auctions. Chad discusses the early stages of his career in real estate sales and brokerage leadership, his launch of SKY Sotheby's, and the difficulties of building a technology business during the 2009 Financial Crisis.  These early entrepreneurial ventures set the stage for the massive success Chad has found with Concierge Auctions, a business he founded in 2008 and continues to lead today. Chad’s entrepreneurial journey includes multiple launches and exits, and he shares the wins and losses that developed him as an entrepreneur and executive. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  The challenges and dynamics of operating a real estate brokerage, specifically during declining volume markets  Chad’s entrepreneurial method of working on multiple ventures  The impact of a career of emphasizing technology and adopting innovative processes and solutions early Behind the scenes look of selling Pulse Realty Software to Lone Wolf, and Concierge Auctions to a joint venture formed by Realogy and Sotheby’s in 2021 Strategic partnerships can provide credibility, resources, and expanded reach for a business, while still allowing for autonomy and independence Related to this episode: Connect with Chad on LinkedIn Concierge Auctions HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Power House podcast is a show about leadership, markets and entrepreneurship in the housing industry. We want to showcase how CEOs and founders from the mortgage and real estate sector think about business growth, operational strategy, and leadership through the stories of the industry’s most impactful leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
48:1412/01/2024
INTRODUCING: Power House

INTRODUCING: Power House

We started the Housing News podcast five years ago to cover and spotlight the housing industry’s top weekly news and newsmakers. The show has evolved to executive discussions focused on interviewing mortgage, real estate and finance leaders – bringing forward incredible knowledge about business strategy, innovation, housing data, and some amazing conversations that we will never forget. As we look forward, the show formerly known as Housing News continues its evolution with an emphasis on building the housing industry's boardroom – spotlighting the powerhouses of real estate, mortgage, and technology.  So where does Housing News go from here? Starting today, you may have noticed a brand new show title and new logo in your podcast feed.  If you clicked on this show, you already know the brand – Power House. And that's exactly what you can expect from this podcast 52 weeks a year. Power House will bring you the full picture of housing market knowledge through the stories of the most impactful executive leaders of innovative and growing companies in mortgage and real estate. Here's to an incredibly powerful and impactful 2024 and beyond!  See you next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
04:3004/01/2024
Sarah Wheeler: A behind the scenes look at the stories that made headlines in 2023

Sarah Wheeler: A behind the scenes look at the stories that made headlines in 2023

In the last episode of 2023, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins interviews Sarah Wheeler, the editor-in-chief of HousingWire, to discuss the most impactful topics and trends we've covered this year. Clayton and Sarah recap the year, highlighting the volatility in mortgage rates, commission lawsuits and the innovation we're seeing rapidly change the industry. They also touch on the challenges of forecasting mortgage volume, rates and the upcoming election year. Stay tuned for the announcement of exciting changes to the Housing News podcast in 2024! Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  2023 was a volatile year in the housing industry, with significant fluctuations in mortgage rates Commission lawsuits have been a major topic, with multiple class action lawsuits challenging the practices of the National Association of Realtors and large brokerages. Innovation has been a key theme, with advancements in tech and the use of data to improve processes and customer experiences. Forecasting has been challenging due to the rapid rate of change in the market. The upcoming election year will have significant implications for housing policies and regulations. HousingWire has exciting plans for 2024, including expanding coverage of local housing markets and enhancing our content studio. Despite the challenges, there are silver linings in the housing market, such as lower mortgage rates and opportunities for growth and innovation. Related to this episode: Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn HousingWire: Commission Lawsuits HousingWire: Mortgage Rates HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Housing News podcast explores the most critical topics in mortgage, real estate and fintech. A new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show each week to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32:2328/12/2023
2023 Recap: Our top guests and favorite segments

2023 Recap: Our top guests and favorite segments

With 2023 coming to a close, our host Clayton Collins and our podcast producers looked back at our most impactful and popular episodes of the year to bring you a very special, knowledge-packed recap episode. Today, we feature seven of our most popular guests from 2023 and spotlight their most insightful commentary. These guests include: Jay Bray, CEO of Mr. Cooper Group, Lee Smith, President of Mortgage at Flagstar Bank, Dave Lykken, Founder and President of Transformational Mortgage Solutions, Marina Walsh, VP of Industry Analysis at the Mortgage Bankers Association, Chris Mayer, CEO of Longbridge Financial, Brian Hale, CEO of Mortgage Advisory Partners, and — finally — Jay Promisco, the Chief Production Officer at Sierra Pacific Mortgage. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  Industry learnings on servicing and origination tactics Leadership and corporate strategy Housing market data and intelligence  Related to this episode: Jay Bray: The Path to Building a $1 trillion Mortgage Servicing Rights Business Building a $124 billion bank and mortgage powerhouse with Lee Smith  Mortgage Banking: A game of 6-inches with David Lykken MBA’s Marina Walsh on mortgage origination profitability and forecasts Chris Mayer: Housing policy, securitization and building the nation’s largest wholesale reverse mortgage lender Mortgage Advisory Partners CEO Brian Hale talks M&A, executive mindset and 2024 Building cohesive teams in intense environments with Jay Promisco HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode! The Housing News podcast explores the most critical topics in mortgage, real estate and fintech. A new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show each week to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33:2921/12/2023
Building cohesive teams in intense environments with Jay Promisco

Building cohesive teams in intense environments with Jay Promisco

On today’s episode, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins sat down with career mortgage banker and HousingWire Vanguard Jay Promisco, the Chief Production Officer at Sierra Pacific Mortgage. Jay has spent over 20 years in the financial industry as a former top originator, branch manager, and account executive. He is responsible for increasing the company’s national presence in all production channels. This conversation is all about building cohesive teams in challenging times. Promisco discusses the current cultural challenges, how this market provides an opportunity to align sales and operations, and create effective communication by empowering teams. The conversation explores financial transparency, building an ownership mindset, and demonstrating long-term commitment. Promisco emphasizes the need for a customer-centric approach and a singular focus on consumer experience. He also discusses the role of leadership in shaping company culture and provides insights for the future of the industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  The mortgage industry is both impactful and stressful, requiring teams to work together to help consumers achieve their homeownership goals. Sales and operations alignment is crucial for success, and both teams should support and understand each other's challenges. Effective communication and conflict resolution are essential for building cohesive teams in intense environments. Leaders should empower their teams, provide transparency, and create a culture of ownership and long-term commitment. Related to this episode: Connect with Jay on LinkedIn Jay Promisco: HousingWire Vanguard  The Gathering 2024 Sierra Pacific Mortgage HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Housing News podcast explores the most critical topics in mortgage, real estate and fintech. A new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show each week to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
41:1214/12/2023
Empathy: The missing ingredient in digital mortgage innovation with James Robert Lay

Empathy: The missing ingredient in digital mortgage innovation with James Robert Lay

For today’s episode, HW Media CEO Clayton Collins had an opportunity to chat with a phenomenal guest: James Robert Lay, a digital anthropologist and the founder and CEO of the Digital Growth Institute.  Today’s conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of marketing, sales, technology, and human behavior in the mortgage industry. James emphasizes the importance of addressing consumer confusion and negative emotions, building trust through empathy, and lenders shifting their positioning from heroes to guides. He also highlights the role of individual brands and the need for continuous learning in digital transformation. Related to this episode: Connect with James on LinkedIn Follow James on Twitter Digital Growth Institute  HousingWire on YouTube Enjoy the episode!The Housing News podcast explores the most critical topics in mortgage, real estate and fintech. A new mortgage or real estate executive joins the show each week to add perspective to the top stories crossing HousingWire’s news desk. Hosted by Clayton Collins and produced by the HW Media team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38:0307/12/2023