

Power House
HousingWire
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 41min
The future of housing is in your own backyard with Samara CEO
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Mike McNamara, the co-founder and CEO of Samara, a company that focuses on building pre-fab housing products and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Originally born inside the Airbnb space, Samara is trying to revolutionize housing by providing flexible living spaces that serve a diverse set of needs, from generating rental income to accommodating multi-generational families.
Mike talks about how ADUs might be an unexpected solution to some of our housing shortage problems, especially in dense areas like California. He also talks about what the future looks like for diverse households and the community work that they’re doing to help wildfire victims in Southern California.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why backyard ADUs are becoming the go-to option for housing flexibility and supplemental rental income
How Samara handles the entire ADU process in as little as 7 months
What sets Samara apart from other traditional prefab builders
Why California’s zoning laws have helped ADUs take off, and what other states can learn from that
Inside Samara’s $15M initiative to donate homes to wildfire survivors
Related to this episode:
Samara
Getting Smart on ADUs with Samara’s Mike McNamara
Samara | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 2025 • 34min
The secret to scaling success with Justin Bailey
Today on Power House, Diego sits down with Justin Bailey, the CEO of Realty Executives Associates. Founded in 1977, the firm quickly grew in the East Tennessee market and now has over 1,000 agents. As a fourth-generation realtor, Justin shares how his time in the nonprofit world helped shape his leadership style and why relational leadership remains central to his approach even as REA continues to scale.
Justin walks through his journey to brokerage CEO, highlighting the challenges of scaling from 50 to 1,000 agents and the systems necessary to support sustainable growth. He also shares his views on Clear Cooperation, the role of the MLS, and what he sees as a turning point for NAR under its new CEO, Nykia Wright.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How nonprofit values shaped Justin’s leadership in real estate
What it takes to scale a brokerage while preserving culture and connection
Why creating a strong core leadership team is critical in large firms
How identity and self-awareness impact leadership effectiveness
Why Justin is optimistic about NAR’s direction under Nykia Wright
Related to this episode:
Nykia Wright looks to lead NAR into the future
Justin Bailey | LinkedIn
Realty Executives
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 10, 2025 • 23min
The Four C’s of leadership with Randell Gillespie
Today on Power House, we are bringing you another fantastic conversation recorded last month at The Gathering. This one is between Diego and Randell Gillespie, the President of LeaderOne Financial. Founded in 1992 and now with over 300 loan officers nationwide, LeaderOne is still forging its path forward through an interesting collaborative ownership model.
Randell shares his growth philosophy, which includes prioritizing organic expansion and cultural alignment over M&A, and how flexibility, transparency, and tech are shaping the next generation of mortgage leadership. He also talks about how top producers create their own verticals and the growing importance of servicing in client retention.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How the Four C’s of capital, care, creativity, and collaboration guide LeaderOne’s strategic vision
Why collaboration beats M&A in today’s lending landscape
The role of referral relationships in market resilience
How technology is used to deepen—not replace—client engagement
Why flexibility and local leadership matter more than ever
Related to this episode:
Home | The Gathering 2026
LeaderOne Financial
Randell Gillespie | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 2025 • 25min
Rewriting the VA playbook with Rate’s Jennifer Beeston
Today on Power House, we are bringing you a fantastic conversation between HousingWire’s Senior Director of the Content Studio, Zeb Lowe, and Jennifer Beeston, the EVP of National Sales at Rate and a veteran loan originator. Jennifer took the stage last month at The Gathering to talk about reviving the American Dream, and we caught her right after to dive a bit deeper into her work in the VA space.
Jennifer and Zeb talk about the moment that led her to specialize in VA lending and the why behind her mission to educate people about the product’s true value. They also talk about the misconceptions around VA loans, why social media alone won’t build a lasting business, and how AI is reshaping the mortgage space, including where it falls short.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why VA loans are still misunderstood and how Jennifer is changing that
Why originators should focus on clients, not just real estate agents
How Jennifer built a personal brand through social media
Social media is a fantastic tool, but not a strategy in and of itself
AI can streamline tasks, but it can’t replace trust and human connection
Related to this episode:
Rate's Jennifer Beeston urges LOs to 'protect the American dream' | HousingWire
Jennifer Beeston | LinkedIn
Home | The Gathering 2026
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 2025 • 16min
Staying ahead of the digital shift with Radian’s Mark Wai
On today’s sponsored episode of Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Mark Wai, EVP and Group CTO at Radian, to talk about the innovation that Radian is doing in mortgage.
Mark shares how generative AI is reshaping operations, why digital transformation takes more than just a quick fix, and what’s at stake for companies that don’t adapt to new market trends. He also talks about how Radian is using tech to make homeownership more affordable, accessible and sustainable.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why innovation means reinventing people, processes, and technology — not just new tools
How generative AI is transforming mortgage operations and decision-making
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to digital transformation
Customer expectations must evolve alongside technology
Companies that resist innovation risk falling behind or disappearing entirely
Related to this episode:
Mark Wai | LinkedIn
Radian
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26, 2025 • 25min
Guild CEO Terry Schmidt breaks down their $1.3B deal to Bayview
Last week, Guild Mortgage made headlines with its $1.3 billion acquisition by Bayview Asset Management. This week, Diego welcomes Terry Schmidt, the CEO of Guild Mortgage, to talk about how Guild plans to innovate, scale and deepen customer loyalty, without losing its retail identity.
Terry and Diego dive into the synergy between Guild’s distributed retail model and Bayview’s $700 billion servicing portfolio. They also talk about Guild’s investment in AI and tech, ongoing M&A ambitions, and how cultural alignment and local relationships will still be their secret weapon.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why Bayview’s acquisition of Guild was a strategic move, not just financial.
Guild’s "customers for life" strategy delivers strong recapture performance.
How Bayview’s capital unlocks new proprietary loan products for Guild.
Cultural alignment is central to Guild’s M&A and growth strategy.
AI and tech will play a major role in Guild’s next chapter.
Related to this episode:
Guild Mortgage
Bayview to buy Guild for $1.3B in cash, taking lender private | HousingWire
Terry Schmidt | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 24, 2025 • 29min
David Spector talks Pennymac’s growth plans for 2025 and beyond
Today on Power House, Diego Sanchez interviews David Spector, Chairman and CEO of Pennymac, for an inside look at the company’s growth strategy and expansion in the wholesale space.
David shares how Pennymac is investing over $250 million annually in tech, backing broker partners without competing, and targeting a 10% market share by 2026. They also discuss Pennymac’s $700 billion servicing portfolio, non-QM market plans, and their involvement in the 2028 Olympics.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why TPO and correspondent lending are central to Pennymac’s 2026 goals
How Pennymac is building tech that empowers brokers, not competes with them
Why a balanced model helps them thrive in fluctuating rate environments
What’s ahead in the non-QM market for Pennymac
How Olympic sponsorship fits into their brand evolution strategy
Related to this episode:
Pennymac
David Spector | LinkedIn
Pennymac | HousingWire
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 19, 2025 • 20min
Inside the Lower and Movoto deal with Dan Snyder and John Berkowitz
Last month, HousingWire covered the breaking news of mortgage lender Lower acquiring real estate portal Movoto from parent company OJO Labs. Last week, Diego got the opportunity to chat with Dan Snyder, the Founder and CEO of Lower, and John Berkowitz, the CEO of Movoto and now the President of Real Estate at Lower, live and in person at HousingWire’s The Gathering 2025. Today, we are bringing that conversation exclusively to our Power House audience!
Diego, Dan, and John give a behind-the-scenes look into the acquisition and how Lower is building an end-to-end housing platform that fuses powerful lead generation with localized real estate expertise. Dan and John also talk about the strategic integration of Movoto’s 50 million annual visitors, the cultural alignment between teams, and how their retail and tech playbook is designed to rival giants like Zillow and Rocket.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Lower acquired Movoto to own the lead funnel and scale nationally.Culture fit is key in merging teams and tech platforms.
Real estate agents remain central to the buyer experience.
Movoto brings high traffic and lead value to Lower’s ecosystem.
Lower OS uses AI and mobile tools to streamline transactions.
Dual-brand strategy positions Lower as an industry leader.
Related to this episode:
Lower acquires real estate portal Movoto | Housingwire
Exclusive: Lower acquires software company Neat Labs | HousingWire
Dan Snyder - Lower | LinkedIn
John Berkowitz - Lower | LinkedIn
Lower.com
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 12, 2025 • 28min
Mike Brennan talks NMB with relationships, tech & talent
On today’s episode of Powerhouse, Diego sits down with Mike Brennan, President of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers (NMB), to discuss his recent move from Movement Mortgage and what drew him to NMB.
They dive into how NMB is navigating a slow housing market, the role of technology in client engagement, and why personal relationships matter more than ever. Mike also touches on growth strategies, new product offerings like reverse mortgages and non-QM loans, and his goal to double the company’s size over the next year.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The power of strong relationships and leadership in driving mortgage success.
NMB’s focus on organic growth through talent and selective M&A.
How a lean, efficient structure supports agility and scale.
Using tech and servicing to create a customer-first experience.
Growth opportunities in reverse mortgages, home equity, and production expansion.
Related to this episode:
Ex-Movement Prez Michael Brennan joins 'lean-and-mean' NMB | HousingWire
Nationwide Mortgage Bankers |
Michael Brennan - NMB | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 5, 2025 • 27min
Inside Beazer Homes' Mortgage Choice program with CEO Allan Merrill
On today’s episode of Power House, Diego sits down with Allan Merrill, the CEO of Beazer Homes, for an inside look at how they are rethinking mortgage lending and energy-efficient living. Beazer is a NYSE-listed builder that operates in 16 markets across the U.S. and aims to blend traditional homebuilding with innovative ideas.
Alan explains their Mortgage Choice program and how this model empowers buyers with real choice and transparency when choosing a lender. He also talks about building with energy efficiency in mind, their commitment to smart customization, and their focus on making homes more attainable in today’s market.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Beazer’s Mortgage Choice program lets buyers choose from multiple competing lenders for better service and rates.
The company leads in energy-efficient homebuilding and offers customizable options at no extra cost.
Beazer takes no marketing fees from lenders, ensuring unbiased competition.
Its growth strategy is focused and cautious, targeting specific geographic markets.
Real estate agents are key partners in guiding the homebuying journey.
Beazer is committed to improving housing affordability through smart design and financing solutions.
Related to this episode:
Beazer Homes
Allan Merrill | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube
Enjoy the episode!
The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices