Minds of Mortgage

E10 - Anthony Casa what led him to create UMortgage and how he defines success in life, business and for others.

1. Anthony Casa’s Vision for UMortgage: Anthony discussed the journey that led him to create UMortgage after his previous success with Garden State Home Loans. His goal was to build a scalable mortgage business with a strong focus on training, development, and culture. He recognized that many mortgage companies allowed individual branches too much autonomy, leading to inconsistent practices. In contrast, UMortgage was designed to be a cohesive, aligned organization where everyone follows the same processes and goals.
2. Defining Success at UMortgage: When asked about what it means to be the best mortgage company, Anthony explained that his definition involves two key elements: being the company that everyone wants to work for and being the company that nobody wants to compete against. Drawing parallels to top sports teams, he emphasized the importance of having a strong, unified culture where all employees are held to a high standard and continually push themselves to improve, even in challenging market conditions.
3. The Role of Leadership and Positivity: Anthony emphasized the critical role of leadership in maintaining a positive and solution-oriented mindset, especially during difficult times in the mortgage industry. He criticized leaders who disappear or spread negativity when the market turns, arguing that true leaders must be present, optimistic, and straightforward in their direction. He also shared his philosophy of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than problems to complain about.
4. Adapting to Market Changes and Accountability: As part of UMortgage’s growth strategy, Anthony highlighted the importance of focusing on new relationships and increasing wallet share. He explained that the company’s leadership focuses heavily on accountability and performance, which includes developing leaders who can, in turn, hold their teams accountable. This approach, while challenging, helps create a disciplined and high-performing organization that can thrive in any market environment.
5. Recruiting and Developing Talent: Anthony also emphasized the importance of recruiting the right people and providing continuous training. He noted that many mortgage companies fail by focusing on quick fixes like signing bonuses rather than long-term growth and development. At UMortgage, they invest in recruiting top talent, training them to excel, and holding them to high standards. This focus on continuous development ensures that team members grow with the company rather than stagnate.
6. Building a Customer-Centric Experience: Both Kelly and Anthony discussed the importance of focusing on the customer experience. Anthony pointed out that companies like Rocket Mortgage and UWM have succeeded because they dominate the customer experience. He explained that at UMortgage, the focus is on training employees to consistently deliver excellent service, from prompt communication to ensuring a smooth loan process. This, combined with a strong brand and well-trained staff, is key to long-term success in the mortgage industry. This conversation highlighted the importance of leadership, culture, training, and a customer-first approach in building a successful mortgage company.

E09 - Joe Wilson shares his deep understanding of the intersection between mortgages and social media, offering listeners an exclusive insight into how digital platforms can be leveraged.

In this episode of Minds of Mortgage, we're thrilled to focus on Joe Wilson, the innovative CEO and founder of Social Coach. Joe shares his deep understanding of the intersection between mortgages and social media, offering listeners an exclusive insight into how digital platforms can be leveraged for brand enhancement. Under Joe's leadership, Social Coach specializes in automating social media processes to maximize brand outreach while ensuring strict compliance with industry regulations.
As more and more mortgage professionals turn to social media as part of their brand strategy, Joe stresses the importance of staying compliant with regulations while effectively reaching a wider audience. He explains how Social Coach employs cutting-edge technology to automate post-scheduling, content curation, and lead generation processes. This not only saves valuable time but also helps ensure that posts are in line with compliance standards. With automation at the forefront, mortgage professionals can focus on building solid client relationships instead of getting bogged down by tedious social media processes.
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a pioneer reshaping how the mortgage industry engages with social media. Tune in to this episode to gain practical strategies and actionable advice to broaden your professional presence significantly.

E08 - Kayla Kallander, a visionary and trailblazer in the mortgage arena. With her distinctive talent for merging authenticity with social media savvy, Kayla shares insights on engaging audiences.

This week's episode spotlights Kayla Kallander, a visionary and trailblazer in the mortgage arena. With her distinctive talent for merging authenticity with social media savvy, Kayla shares insights on engaging audiences and bolstering brand growth effectively.
Known for her innovative approach, she crafts genuine content that captivates and cultivates trust and authentic relationships with clients. Her expertise provides invaluable guidance for those eager to excel in today's ever-evolving mortgage industry. We also talk frankly about the recruiting highs and lows she has experienced this year as she develops her brand and enters a more national conversation. As many do, Kayla has weighed out the pros and cons of working at a bank, as a broker, or in retail. It’s a fascinating look at the other side of recruiting.
Whether you want to redefine your social media strategy or deepen your client connections, this episode with Kayla Kallander is an essential listen.
Minds of Mortgage Focus:
• Holistic Coverage: We offer insights into marketing, compliance changes, and the impact of technology while also providing personal finance and homeownership tips.
• Focus on Emotional Well-being: We explore the emotional and personal challenges in the mortgage industry and offer support for managing stress and finding work-life balance.
• Diverse Expert Interviews: Listen to a wide range of experts—from financial advisors to tech innovators—offering a well-rounded perspective on industry trends.
• Actionable Advice: Our podcast provides practical strategies that can be immediately implemented to enhance your professional life, empowering you to take action and excel in your career.
Join us for insightful discussions on the latest trends, technology, and personal finance tips every mortgage professional needs to know. But we don't stop there. We also explore the emotional side of a highly stressful career, sharing stories and strategies for success and well-being. This podcast is your go-to mortgage source with expert interviews and actionable advice. Unlock the Minds of Mortgage and elevate your career today.
Call to Action Ready to elevate your mortgage career? Don't miss out on the practical advice and inspiring insights we offer. Subscribe to the Minds of Mortgage Podcast now and stay ahead in the industry.

E07 - Hailey Rice, Chief Legal Officer at Total Mortgage. With a dynamic background that includes roles as general counsel, chief compliance officer, and fintech product leader.

Technological advancements in an increasingly complex regulatory world drive a modern mortgage company. For mortgage companies aiming to scale and thrive, meeting these challenges head-on requires more than just a keen business sense—it demands robust legal expertise. This blog post explores why hiring a smart in-house legal team is beneficial and critical for mortgage companies with ambitious growth plans.
Today’s Minds of Mortgage guest is Hailey Rice, the Chief Legal Officer at Total Mortgage. With a dynamic background that includes roles as general counsel, chief compliance officer, and fintech product leader, Hailey brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. In this episode, she discusses the pivotal role of in-house legal teams in the mortgage industry, emphasizing how legal expertise is critical for navigating complex challenges and maintaining compliance during rapid scaling efforts. By integrating legal knowledge into its decision-making processes, Total Mortgage has navigated complex challenges and maintained compliance, all while expanding its market presence.
Tune in to learn how an innovative, effective legal team can drive growth and success in the mortgage sector.

E06 - Robin Clayton is a seasoned Digital Strategy Leader at PRMG, where she excels in MarTech, Marketing Operations, Communications, System Implementation, Marketing Automation, Social Media...

We are honored to have Robin Clayton as our guest in our upcoming episode. Robin is a seasoned Digital Strategy Leader at PRMG, where she excels in MarTech, Marketing Operations, Communications, System Implementation, Marketing Automation, Social Media, Sales Training, and Campaign Management. With a wealth of experience in driving digital transformations and implementing marketing technologies, Robin has been recognized as one of Housing Wire’s marketing leaders to watch for 2024.
Episode Highlights:
• The evolution of mortgage application processes
• Emerging trends in mortgage technology
• Success stories and innovative strategies in the mortgage industry from those building the future
Join us as we unravel the complexities of mortgage technology and discover how these advancements are revolutionizing the industry. Whether you're a loan officer looking to stay ahead of the curve or simply passionate about the future of finance, this podcast is a valuable resource for you, providing insights and knowledge that can empower your professional journey. Don't miss out on the latest insights and expert advice—subscribe to Minds of Mortgage today!

E05 - Michael Hammond shared that the most fulfilling aspects of his job revolve around helping companies grow and innovate.

Welcome to the latest Minds of Mortgage podcast, hosted by Kelly Yale. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Michael Hammond, President and Founder of Nexlevel Advisors, to discuss how technology is reshaping the home loan landscape.
Michael Hammond brings over 25 years of executive mortgage experience to the table. Known as the "LinkedIn master," he hosts the popular Fintech Hunting podcast, writes a weekly mortgage update called Monday Morning Fuel Up, and sends out the industry-renowned Weekly Mortgage Rewind newsletter.

E04 - Dave tells the riveting story of his entry into the mortgage sphere, driven by necessity, ambition, and a fortuitous meeting.

I had the honor of being joined by the incomparable Dave Savage. We often say, "This person needs no introduction," but that phrase truly holds for Dave. Across the industry, he is universally respected for his profound impact on the mortgage tech. Serving as the CIO for Trust Engine Mortgage and the co-founder of First Home IQ, his contributions through Mortgage Coach have revolutionized how professionals approach mortgage advising. However, his heartfelt dedication to the industry is what truly sets Dave apart. Known for his remarkable influence and innovative approach, Dave shares his in-depth knowledge of providing meaningful advice that transcends traditional service.
Today, Dave tells the riveting story of his entry into the mortgage sphere, driven by necessity, ambition, and a fortuitous meeting. Initially struggling academically due to dyslexia and ADD, Dave found his calling in technology and mortgages, leveraging his knack for understanding and simplifying complex financial decisions. From earning substantially in his early months in the mortgage business to founding Mortgage Coach in 1996, Dave's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and customer-centricity. He impressively articulated his philosophy that success comes from being genuinely valuable to others and striving to enhance their financial freedom and net worth far beyond their initial goals. Dave Savage's story isn't just inspiring; it's a blueprint for redefining success in mortgage advising through passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to adding value.
This episode is not just a conversation; it's an opportunity to learn from a visionary who has consistently been at the vanguard of leveraging technology to redefine success in the mortgage field. Join host Kelly Yale in uncovering the principles and practices that have made Dave Savage a beacon of leadership and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or new to the mortgage scene, this episode is packed with actionable insights and wisdom to take your practice to the next level. Tune in to redefine your approach to mortgage advising and unlock the potential for unparalleled success.

E03 - Mastering Mortgage Tech and Financial Literacy with Brian Vieaux

In this deep-dive discussion, host Kelly Yale sits down with Brian Vieaux, the president and chief operating officer of Finlocker, dubbed the “King of LinkedIn” by Kelly for his thought leadership in financial literacy and mortgage technology. Brian shares his fascinating 30+ year journey in the mortgage industry, starting from ground zero in housing finance and mortgage origination in 1991, navigating through the evolution of mortgage technology, and positioning himself at the forefront of innovating financial tools that empower lenders.
This episode also sheds light on Brian's decision to pivot from mortgage production into the tech sphere and his vision for the future of mortgage lending and borrower education. Join us to uncover actionable insights into leveraging technology to improve financial literacy, enhance the home buying process, and the intrinsic value of human connection in the digital mortgage landscape.

E02 - The Transformative Potential of Vulnerability in Female Leadership with Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe

In an industry often dominated by notions of toughness and resilience, Kelly and Ashley know the transformative potential of vulnerability in female leadership. They explore how embracing openness fosters deeper connections, instills trust, and drives meaningful organizational change. Sharing personal stories and candid insights from their mortgage industry experiences, Kelly and Ashley are focused on raising the next generation of female leaders.

E01 - Emotional Fortitude in Mortgage with Ryan Grant

Drawing from their own experiences in the mortgage industry, Kelly and Ryan share candid insights and personal anecdotes, highlighting the importance of authenticity, empathy, and compassion in leadership roles. They discuss strategies for creating a culture of support and inclusivity, where individuals feel empowered to share their struggles and seek help when needed.