

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

Dec 18, 2025 • 35min
From Bitcoin to the balance sheet: Crypto in mortgage lending
In this conversation, Tyler Hodgson shares his journey into the mortgage industry and discusses the emerging role of cryptocurrency in mortgage lending. He details a unique case involving a $4 million crypto asset depletion loan, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by this niche market. The discussion covers the verification of cryptocurrency ownership, the volatility of crypto assets, and the future of crypto lending in the mortgage industry. Tyler emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous learning for loan officers to stay relevant in an evolving market.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Tyler's journey into the mortgage industry began after serving in the Marine Corps.
How Tyler’s path from the Marine Corps to mortgages shaped his approach to lending
Why asset depletion loans matter for nontraditional borrowers
How cryptocurrency can be used to qualify for a mortgage
What “proof of Satoshi” means and why ownership verification is critical
How volatility changes risk calculations for both lenders and borrowers
Why crypto is slowly gaining recognition as a valid mortgage asset
The role curiosity plays in solving complex loan scenarios
Why loan officers must continuously learn to stay relevant
How edge-case loans often preview mainstream adoptionWhat the future may hold for crypto-backed mortgage lending
Related to this episode:
Tyler Hodgson LinkedIn
UMortgage
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.

Dec 11, 2025 • 26min
From Stocks to Starter Homes: The New Front Door to Homeownership
In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews Mike Malloy, CEO of Sage Home Loans, and Sakhi Gandhi, Director of Partnerships at Robinhood. They discuss the partnership between Sage and Robinhood, aimed at simplifying the mortgage process for homebuyers. The conversation covers the seamless experience provided to Robinhood Gold customers, the competitive mortgage rates offered, and the strategic focus of both companies on enhancing consumer finance accessibility. The episode highlights the importance of technology and efficiency in the mortgage industry and the future growth strategies of both organizations.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Sage Home Loans aims to revolutionize the mortgage industry by simplifying the process.
Robinhood's mission is to democratize finance and make investing accessible.
The partnership between Sage and Robinhood focuses on creating a seamless customer experience.
Sage offers competitive mortgage rates due to operational efficiencies.
The collaboration is designed to enhance the value for Robinhood Gold subscribers.
Sage's proprietary technology enables a digital-first mortgage experience.
The branding experience integrates both Sage and Robinhood for transparency.
Robinhood Gold has no minimum balance but an annual fee for access to benefits.
Sage is focused on growth and plans to expand its market presence.
The ultimate goal is to create a financial super app for consumers.
Related to this episode:
HousingWire - Sage Home Loans partners with Robinhood for exclusive rate offer
Sakhi Gandhi LinkedIn
Mike Malloy LinkedIn
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.

Dec 9, 2025 • 19min
The Business of Mortgage Risk: David Finkelstein on Capital, MSRs, and the Next Cycle
In this episode of Powerhouse, Diego Sanchez interviews David Finkelstein, CEO of Annaly Capital Management. They discuss the company's position as a leading mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT), its growth strategy, and the importance of subservicing partnerships. David shares insights on the current mortgage rate environment, the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve, and the future outlook for the housing market.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Annaly Capital Management is the largest mortgage REIT.
The company has $15 billion in permanent capital allocated to housing.
Annaly's portfolio consists of $100 billion in assets.
The focus is on managing interest rate and prepayment risk.
Partnerships with subservicers create operational efficiencies.
The company is targeting 20% capital for its MSR portfolio.
Mortgage rates are expected to remain in a stable range.
The Federal Reserve faces challenges with inflation and employment.
Annaly aims to grow its Resi and MSR portfolios significantly.
Technology and data analytics are crucial for future growth.

Dec 4, 2025 • 27min
The broker advantage: Rocket Pro’s 2026 strategy with Dan Sogorka
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Dan Sogorka, GM of Rocket Pro, for a forward-looking conversation about the tools, technology, and strategic shifts Rocket is deploying as they move into 2026.
Dan offers an inside look at how Rocket Pro is investing in AI-driven efficiencies, reshaping its broker support model, and strengthening its position through recent acquisitions. He also dives into the story behind the Broker Manifesto and how it fits into Rocket’s broader mission to build trust and choice for brokers nationwide.
From competition to technology, narrative change to partner support, this episode breaks down how Rocket Pro is positioning itself to lead in one of the industry’s most dynamic and competitive segments.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why Rocket Pro is energized heading into 2026 with a renewed innovation roadmap
How new AI tools elevate broker efficiency and streamline everyday workflows
The strategic role of recent acquisitions in strengthening Rocket’s market position
Why the Broker Manifesto is central to reshaping industry perception
How Rocket Pro plans to support business growth for broker partners
What more events and in-person engagement will mean for brokers in 2026
Why Rocket’s strategy emphasizes tools that enable choice—not constraint
The value of stronger, more intentional broker partnerships
How Rocket’s narrative is evolving as the company reinvests in the broker ecosystem
Why innovation remains Rocket Pro’s north star for 2026 and beyond
Related to this episode:
Daniel Sogorka LinkedIn
Rocket Pro
HousingWire | YouTube
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.

Dec 2, 2025 • 33min
Beyond the 30-year plan: How reverse mortgages are reshaping financial longevity
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Kristen Seifert, President of Finance of America, for a candid and forward-looking conversation about the evolution of reverse mortgages and the growing role home equity plays in retirement planning.
Kristen breaks down why reverse mortgages still face widespread misconceptions, how Finance of America is investing in education to change the narrative, and why partnerships and proprietary products are shaping the next chapter of the industry. She also opens up about her personal leadership journey, the importance of mission alignment, and what it means to navigate mergers and acquisitions while scaling responsibly.
From growth strategy to women’s leadership, from product innovation to industry perception, this episode offers an inside look at the forces redefining reverse lending—and how Finance of America plans to lead the way.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:
Why mission alignment unlocks innovation and long-term growth
How mergers and acquisitions support Finance of America’s market strategy
Why education remains the strongest tool for combating reverse-mortgage misconceptions
The role home equity plays as a retirement-planning pillar
How strategic partnerships expand capabilities and reach
Kristen’s perspective on women in leadership and developing future talent
Why personal development fuels professional momentum
How reverse mortgages should be integrated into traditional mortgage conversations
The rising importance of proprietary products in a competitive landscape
Why expanding the market is essential for the future of reverse lending

Nov 25, 2025 • 28min
Shaping an industry: Susan Milazzo’s legacy at the California MBA
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Susan Milazzo, the outgoing CEO of the California Mortgage Bankers Association, who reflects on two decades of transformative change in the mortgage industry.
Susan shares her insights on the massive tech adoption that has reshaped every aspect of the loan lifecycle and how AI is becoming integral to mortgage processes while regulators keep a close eye on consumer protection. She also talks about her proudest advocacy achievements, discusses the smooth transition to Paul Gigliotti and her plans for retirement after dedicating over 20 years to leading the California MBA.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How technology integration became the biggest change in mortgage over the past 20 years
Why compliance costs have multiplied despite technological advances
The role AI plays in streamlining processes while maintaining regulatory oversight
Susan's legislative victories during COVID-19 and beyond
How the Urban Institute study proved IMBs already serve minority and low-to-moderate income borrowers
What the future holds for the California MBA under new leadership
Related to this episode:
California MBA
Susan Milazzo | LinkedIn
Paul Gigliotti Appointed New CEO of California MBA
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.

Nov 20, 2025 • 32min
Why the broker channel is winning with Rob Pieklo
This week on Power House, Diego sits down with Robert Pieklo, the president and CEO of eLEND, formerly known as American Financial Resources. Rob is a passionate advocate for wholesale and has led eLEND in a 900% growth period in the wholesale channel.
Robert talks about why he believes the broker channel creates the ultimate competitive environment that benefits consumers, how eLEND competes with giants through nimble execution and superior capital markets strategies, and why he thinks current MSR valuations are built on unrealistic assumptions. He also shares how eLEND has managed to scale dramatically without significantly increasing their headcount.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why competition in the broker channel drives down prices and spurs innovation
How AFR rebuilt its culture into customer-obsessed service
Strategies for competing with wholesale behemoths
The reality behind MSR valuations and recapture rate assumptions
Scaling operations through technology, AI, and high-performance team building
AFR's approach to capital markets execution and pricing strategies
Related to this episode:
Robert Pieklo | LinkedIn
eLEND
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.

Nov 13, 2025 • 20min
Grassroots in action: How the BAC turned broker voices to law
Today on Power House, Zeb sits down with Rachel Clark, Executive Director of the Broker Action Coalition (BAC), a grassroots advocacy network that's been advocating for the mortgage industry since 2022. Rachel is also a co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, a Houston-based brokerage that specializes in serving first-responders, veterans, and minority homebuyers.
Rachel breaks down how the BAC took on abusive trigger lead practices, their work that led to the Home Buyers Privacy Protection Act, explaining how they turned a complex legislative process into wins that brokers could understand.
They also talk about what goes into sustaining grassroots movements, why showing up matters more than most small business owners realize and what's next on BAC's radar.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How the BAC transformed from a small advocacy group to a legislative force in just three years
Why trigger leads were poisoning broker-client relationships and how the industry fought back
The coalition strategy that brought together brokers, bankers, and consumer advocates
How to sustain momentum in grassroots movements when progress feels slow
Why bipartisan messaging around data privacy made all the difference
What policy battles are coming next for the mortgage industry
Practical steps for small business owners who want to make their voices heard
Related to this episode:
The Broker Action Coalition
Rachel Clark | LinkedIn
FireHouse Mortgage
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.

Nov 11, 2025 • 20min
From flames to financing: Firehouse Mortgage is serving heroes and the underserved
Today on Power House we are bringing you a conversation between Zeb Lowe and Aaron Clark, a firefighter and co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, a Houston-based mortgage brokerage that is owned and operated by first responders and veterans. Aaron shares his journey from fighting fires to becoming a loan officer and how a layoff led to the creation of Firehouse with his wife — who will be joining us on the show later this week!
Aaron discusses their approach to serving veterans, minorities, and low-income borrowers, his concerns about AI's impact on personal relationships in mortgage, and the challenges of staying competitive as a smaller, relationship-focused company.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How Aaron transitioned from firefighter to real estate agent to loan officer
Why Firehouse Mortgage's team of first responders creates unique trust with clients
The community-focused business model that prioritizes giving back over profit maximization
How they serve veterans, minorities, and low-income borrowers with transparent pricing
Aaron's perspective on AI threatening personal relationships in mortgage lending
The organic growth strategy that built their business through community connections
Related to this episode:
FireHouse Mortgage
Firehouse Mortgage | LinkedIn
Aaron Clark | 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.

Nov 6, 2025 • 39min
How non-QM and smart securitization are reshaping lending with Jennifer McGuinness
On today’s sponsored episode, HousingWire CEO and returning Power House host Clayton Collins sits down with Jennifer McGuinness, the CEO of Pivot Financial. With her extensive Wall Street background and her experience at Deutsche Bank, CoreVest, and WinWater, Jennifer brings unparalleled expertise to today’s conversation about non-QM products and the future of mortgage securitization
Clayton and Jennifer dive deep into product diversification strategies, the importance of prudent underwriting, and the innovative securitization framework that Pivot is developing to level the playing field for small and mid-sized lenders. They also tackle persistent non-QM misconceptions, explore the untapped potential of first and second lien HELOCs, and discuss how VantageScore 4.0 could reshape credit evaluation.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why non-QM products are essential for lender survival in today's market, not risky subprime lending
How first lien HELOCs can serve as game-changing cash management tools for borrowers
The real story behind VantageScore vs. FICO and what bond markets aren't telling you
Pivot's revolutionary securitization framework could democratize liquidity for smaller lenders
Why product innovation — not just rates and asset prices — holds the key to housing affordability
Related to this episode:
Jennifer McGuinness | LinkedIn
Pivot Financial | 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.


