The MikedUp Show

In this episode, we sit down with Erin Dee, Chief Operating Officer at InterLinc Mortgage, to talk about what it really takes to scale revenue in today’s mortgage environment—and why strong teams and disciplined operations matter more than ever. With more than 20 years of mortgage industry experience, Erin has built a reputation as an operator who knows how to turn complexity into clarity. Her career spans nearly every corner of the business, including underwriting, operations, technology, capital markets, compliance, quality control, and executive leadership. That breadth of experience gives her a rare, end-to-end view of how mortgage organizations actually perform—and where they break down when growth outpaces structure. Before joining InterLinc Mortgage, Erin served as Chief Operating Officer at LoanPeople, Chief Strategy Officer at Thrive Mortgage, and Chief Operating Officer at Infinity Mortgage Holdings, where she managed multi-department organizations and led initiatives that improved efficiency, accountability, and customer outcomes. She has also played a critical role in helping build and scale independent mortgage banks from the ground up, giving her firsthand insight into what sustainable growth really requires. Since joining InterLinc Mortgage, Erin has hit the ground running. In just a few months, she has already led efforts to improve operational turn times across processing, underwriting, and closing, helping teams deliver loans more efficiently without sacrificing quality. She is also spearheading updates to corporate operational procedures to ensure the company’s infrastructure is aligned with long-term growth goals. These changes are designed not just to improve speed, but to create consistency, reduce friction, and support both frontline teams and borrowers throughout the loan process. Erin’s leadership style is rooted in clarity, accountability, and people-first execution. Her ability to quickly integrate into InterLinc’s culture has strengthened team morale and reinforced a collaborative environment where performance and support go hand in hand. It’s a reminder that scaling revenue isn’t just about volume—it’s about building systems and teams that can perform under pressure, market shifts, and continued growth. Beyond her role at InterLinc, Erin is a recognized industry leader. She currently serves as Secretary and Treasurer of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association (TMBA) and is the incoming Vice President for the 2024–2025 term. She is also a frequent guest on respected industry platforms including The Mortgage Collaborative, Lykken on Lending, and The Connect with TSAHC, where she shares insights on leadership, operations, and the future of mortgage banking. In this conversation, Erin breaks down how strong operations fuel revenue growth, why leadership matters most during periods of change, and how mortgage companies can build teams that perform consistently—not just when markets are easy. This episode is essential listening for mortgage executives, operations leaders, and anyone responsible for scaling people, process, and performance in a demanding industry. EPISODE SPONSORS Polly — https://polly.io Polly is a capital markets technology platform that helps lenders optimize pricing, manage margin, and execute loans efficiently in real time. Floify — https://floify.com Floify provides a borrower-focused point-of-sale solution that streamlines document collection, communication, and workflow from application through closing. TrueWork — https://truework.com TrueWork delivers fast, secure income and employment verification, helping lenders reduce friction and accelerate loan decisions. FundingShield — https://fundingshield.com FundingShield protects lenders and borrowers from wire fraud and transaction risk with real-time verification and closing protection technology.

In this episode, we sit down with S. John Murray, a mortgage professional whose career spans more than four decadesand reflects a rare combination of longevity, discipline, and deep commitment to people over transactions. With over 41 years in mortgage banking and more than 10,630 families served, John’s work represents what long-term success in lending actually looks like when it’s built on trust, consistency, and community impact. John specializes in mortgage planning as a tool for long-term wealth building, particularly through real estate. Rather than focusing on short-term wins, his approach centers on helping clients understand how financing decisions fit into their broader financial lives. From first-time homebuyers taking their first step into ownership to experienced real estate investors managing complex portfolios, John’s guidance is rooted in education, clarity, and strategy. As a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (CMPS), John brings a planning-first mindset to every conversation. He helps clients evaluate financing options based not just on today’s rate environment, but on long-term goals, cash flow, equity growth, and overall financial health. His deep experience in jumbo mortgages and advanced financing structures allows him to support high-net-worth borrowers while still maintaining the same care and attention he gives to every client. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in economics, John leverages his academic foundation to help clients better understand market cycles, interest rate movements, and timing decisions. That perspective has proven especially valuable in volatile markets, where confidence and clarity matter more than ever. John’s ability to translate economic trends into practical advice is one of the reasons clients continue to rely on him year after year. Throughout this conversation, we explore what it means to build a career that lasts in mortgage lending. John shares insights on maintaining relevance through changing market cycles, why consistency matters more than volume, and how strong community relationships create durable businesses. We also discuss how mortgage professionals can better serve clients by shifting from a transactional mindset to a planning-based approach that builds trust over time. This episode is a reminder that success in mortgage banking isn’t just about production numbers. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and serving people well—year after year, market after market. If you’re a mortgage professional looking to build a sustainable career, or a consumer interested in making smarter long-term financing decisions, this conversation offers perspective that only experience can provide. EPISODE SPONSORS Polly — https://polly.ioPolly is a capital markets technology platform that helps lenders optimize pricing, manage margin, and execute loans more efficiently in real time. Floify — https://floify.comFloify is a mortgage point-of-sale solution that streamlines borrower communication, document collection, and workflow from application to close. TrueWork — https://truework.comTrueWork provides fast, secure income and employment verification, helping lenders reduce friction and speed up loan approvals. FundingShield — https://fundingshield.comFundingShield protects lenders, borrowers, and settlement agents from wire fraud and transaction risk through real-time verification and closing protection.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Matthew Patterson, the President of First Alliance Home Mortgage and one of the industry’s most grounded and quietly influential leaders. Matthew’s path is not the typical decades-long climb—his rise has been marked by rapid advancement, authentic leadership, and a commitment to building teams that put the borrower first. Before taking the helm at First Alliance Home Mortgage, Matthew held leadership roles at Draper & Kramer Mortgage Corp, Rate, Superior Mortgage, Greentree Mortgage, and Wells Fargo. His experience spans originations, retail lending, corporate sales, business development, and executive leadership—giving him a rare, 360-degree understanding of what loan officers, lenders, and consumers actually need to succeed. At First Alliance Home Mortgage, Matthew leads a company rooted in local service, in-house processing, and real relationships. With underwriting, processing, and closing all handled locally, First Alliance has built a reputation for speed, clarity, and borrower-first decision-making. Matthew’s leadership extends that mission—ensuring that loan officers feel supported, consumers feel understood, and the company stays committed to the communities it serves. In this episode, we unpack Matthew’s approach to leadership that lasts, including: What separates temporary leaders from impactful ones How to build teams that stay focused when the market is uncertain Why “leadership energy” matters more than leadership titles The importance of borrower trust and relationship-driven service What Matthew learned from working across nearly every role in mortgage How First Alliance Home Mortgage maintains speed and quality without losing its personal touch What it really takes to grow a regional lender without losing its culture Matthew’s story is not just about career growth—it’s about impact, service, and creating an environment where people can do the best work of their lives. If you’re a loan officer, branch leader, mortgage executive, or anyone working to build something that lasts, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and practical leadership takeaways you can use immediately. EPISODE SPONSORS Polly — https://polly.io Polly is the industry’s most powerful and flexible capital markets platform, helping lenders optimize pricing, margin management, and loan execution with real-time precision. Floify — https://floify.com Floify is a modern point-of-sale platform that streamlines document collection, borrower communication, and workflow automation for mortgage professionals. TrueWork — https://truework.com TrueWork simplifies income and employment verification with secure, fast, and borrower-friendly technology that reduces friction and speeds up approvals. FundingShield — https://fundingshield.com FundingShield protects lenders and consumers from wire fraud and closing-table risk with real-time verification and unmatched transaction security.

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected operators in modern mortgage banking — James Hecht, the newly appointed CEO of OneTrust Home Loans. With more than 30 years of executive leadership across the largest and most influential lending institutions in the country, James brings a rare combination of operational discipline, strategic clarity, and vision for what sustainable growth looks like in today’s market. Hecht’s career spans some of the most transformational chapters in mortgage history. From 16 years at Bank of America, where he rose from Managing Director to National Retail Fulfillment & Underwriting Executive, to his tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Stearns Lending, and later Head of Production for National Retail Lending at Newrez (formerly Caliber) — James has repeatedly been at the helm when companies needed scale, structure, and leadership that inspires performance. Now, as the newly appointed CEO of OneTrust Home Loans, James is spearheading the next era of expansion across distributed retail, joint ventures, and portfolio lending. Backed by a sophisticated operational foundation, approved with Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, and strengthened by a growing portfolio platform and construction lending division, OneTrust is positioned to compete with lenders far beyond its size. And under James’ direction, the company is tightening its alignment across business channels to unlock growth opportunities in a tightening housing market. In this conversation, James breaks down: How to align business units for long-term performance Why joint ventures remain one of the most powerful growth engines What differentiates fiscally disciplined lenders from those who collapse under market pressure Why operational excellence still wins — even as technology reshapes the industry How to recruit, develop, and retain top-tier originators What leadership looks like in an era where lenders must do more with less You’ll hear insights from a leader who has managed teams through booms, contractions, acquisitions, pivots, and reinventions — all while keeping a relentless focus on service, partnership, and disciplined execution. For mortgage executives, branch managers, and operators looking to understand where the industry is heading and how to build an organization that thrives through uncertainty, this episode is essential. Polly — https://polly.io Polly is the mortgage industry’s leading pricing and capital markets platform, helping lenders unlock speed, accuracy, and profit through modern, cloud-native technology. Floify — https://floify.com Floify empowers lenders with a fast, customizable, borrower-friendly point-of-sale system built to simplify applications and accelerate closing timelines. TrueWork — https://truework.com TrueWork streamlines income and employment verification for lenders with secure, automated verification workflows that reduce friction and shorten the approval process. FundingShield — https://fundingshield.com FundingShield protects lenders and consumers from wire fraud and closing-table risk with real-time verification solutions that secure transactions from funding to recording.

In this week’s episode of MikedUp, we go inside the engine room of one of the nation’s most successful mortgage brokerages — C2 Financial — with its President, David Temko. Known for his sharp vision, leadership discipline, and deep understanding of financial systems, David has helped solidify C2 Financial’s position as the #1 Mortgage Broker in America, driving innovation that blends technology, trust, and long-term value for loan officers and borrowers alike. As President, David oversees all company verticals — from technology integrations and operational performance to strategic growth — all with a single focus: empowering loan officers to deliver superior client experiences. His background as a top performer at Wells Fargo’s Commercial and Business Banking Group in Southern California gives him a rare perspective that bridges the precision of commercial lending with the creativity and agility of modern mortgage banking. In this episode, David breaks down the architecture of C2’s success — the systems, culture, and mindset that keep the company ahead in a fast-evolving mortgage landscape. He shares how C2 continues to adapt, innovate, and lead with purpose, even amid tightening markets and technological disruption. Listeners will learn: How C2 Financial grew into the largest independent mortgage broker in the U.S. The leadership philosophy that keeps C2’s loan officers performing at their best How technology and human connection coexist in the company’s growth model The operational architecture that enables scalability and efficiency Why empowerment, not control, drives loyalty and innovation within C2 The future of broker-channel lending and what it means for independent professionals David also opens up about his leadership evolution — from his early days in traditional banking to leading a dynamic, tech-empowered organization — and what it takes to build sustainable growth in an industry that’s constantly reshaping itself. His story is equal parts strategy and heart, showing how structure, service, and shared purpose can elevate a company beyond numbers. “At C2, our mission is simple — to maximize the value we bring to every loan officer and every borrower we serve.” This episode captures that mission in action: clear vision, smart execution, and a culture designed to last. Episode Sponsors Polly The modern mortgage capital markets platform that empowers lenders with smart pricing, hedging, and pipeline management solutions. Website: https://polly.io Floify A secure, easy-to-use point-of-sale platform that helps lenders streamline borrower communication and document collection. Website: https://floify.com Truework Simplifies income and employment verification to accelerate mortgage approvals while maintaining data accuracy and compliance. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield The industry leader in wire and title fraud prevention, protecting lenders and borrowers with real-time verification tools. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this powerful episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Jon Prussel, the President of City First Mortgage LLC, for a candid and deeply human conversation about resilience, leadership, and second chances. Jon’s story is not just about building a business — it’s about rebuilding oneself. From navigating personal and professional lows to steering one of Florida’s most respected mortgage firms, Jon’s journey is a testament to what it means to rise, rebuild, and redeem. City First Mortgage, founded in 1988, has built its reputation on trust, transparency, and long-term relationships. As a licensed mortgage lender and servicer, the company has stood the test of time by putting people over profit and principles over trends. Jon opens up about what it takes to lead a company that prioritizes principal preservation, stability, and personal service in an era dominated by speed and automation. In “Rock Bottom to Redemption,” Jon reflects on the hard lessons that shaped both his personal growth and his professional philosophy. From market volatility and economic downturns to moments of doubt and rebuilding, he shares how hitting bottom became the catalyst for transformation — not defeat. Listeners will discover: The foundational values that built City First Mortgage’s 35-year legacy How trust and integrity anchor success in lending and leadership What “redemption” truly looks like after struggle or failure The importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in business recovery Why long-term relationships — not transactions — are the real capital of mortgage lending How to stay centered, ethical, and optimistic in a shifting financial landscape Jon’s leadership philosophy echoes through every story: “We don’t just underwrite loans — we underwrite lives.” His approach blends old-school relationship building with forward-thinking adaptability, reminding today’s industry leaders that technology may change, but trust never goes out of style. This episode isn’t about spreadsheets or pipelines — it’s about the human side of mortgage lending, the lessons learned in failure, and the mindset needed to rise again. Whether you’re a loan officer, broker, executive, or entrepreneur, Jon’s story will challenge how you think about success, survival, and self-redemption. Episode Sponsors Polly The modern mortgage capital markets platform transforming how lenders price, hedge, and manage pipelines for greater accuracy and profitability. Website: https://polly.io Floify A secure, easy-to-use point-of-sale platform that streamlines borrower communication, document collection, and loan processing from start to finish. Website: https://floify.com Truework Trusted by lenders nationwide, Truework simplifies income and employment verification to accelerate approvals and reduce fraud risk. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield The mortgage industry’s gold standard for wire and title fraud protection, providing real-time validation to keep lenders and borrowers safe. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this week’s episode of MikedUp, we’re getting behind the curtain of mortgage operations with Rob Jewett, the Chief Operating Officer of NewFed Mortgage Corp and one of HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters. Known for streamlining processes and integrating innovative technology, Rob has reimagined what mortgage operations can look like in a digital-first world. From AI-driven automation to real-time borrower communication and mobile loan origination, Rob has built systems that “unkink the hose” — removing bottlenecks, reducing friction, and restoring flow in the mortgage process. He’s not just talking about efficiency for its own sake; he’s transforming the borrower experience while elevating how loan officers work every single day. At the heart of Rob’s success is a belief that speed, transparency, and service must coexist. Under his leadership, NewFed Mortgage implemented nCino’s point-of-sale system, enabling loan officers to take applications, pull credit, issue prequalification letters, and lock loans — all from their phones. The result? Loans are getting approved within days, often with no borrower conditions. This episode dives deep into: How Rob transformed NewFed’s operational backbone with technology and data analytics The impact of AI tools and eClose solutions on speed and accuracy Using video marketing and borrower engagement to humanize the digital experience What it takes to scale operations while keeping the personal touch The mindset behind “people-first innovation” in mortgage lending How data-driven decision making shapes market expansion and retention strategies Rob also opens up about NewFed’s core philosophy — that mortgages aren’t just financial transactions, but life milestones. With more than two decades of experience and a passion for process excellence, Rob has positioned NewFed Mortgage as a trailblazer among mid-sized independent mortgage banks, proving that being agile and people-focused isn’t a contradiction — it’s the future. If you’ve ever wondered how the best operators in the business are preparing for the next decade of mortgage lending, this episode will give you a front-row seat. Episode Sponsors Polly The modern mortgage capital markets platform that empowers lenders with smart pricing, hedging, and pipeline management tools. Website: https://polly.io Floify A secure, user-friendly point-of-sale solution helping lenders streamline borrower communication and document collection. Website: https://floify.com Truework Simplify income and employment verification for faster, more accurate mortgage approvals. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield The mortgage industry’s leader in wire and title fraud prevention, protecting lenders and borrowers at every stage. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Gene Thompson, a mortgage leader whose story is built on loyalty, grit, and an unwavering belief in serving people—without exception. After 16 years of dedication to InterLinc Mortgage, Gene is now the majority owner of the company, stepping into a new era of leadership rooted in authenticity, accountability, and long-term impact. But this isn’t a corporate takeover story—it’s a leadership journey. Gene started at InterLinc in 2007 during one of the toughest markets in history. Rather than run from the storm, he leaned in. He built relationships. He built teams. He built trust. He quickly rose through the ranks—from sales leader to President in 2010, and then President & CEO in 2021. And now, as owner, he’s doubling down on the mission that built InterLinc’s reputation: do business the right way and take care of people first—always. This episode is packed with insight for loan officers, branch managers, IMB executives, team leaders, and anyone who believes service is a strategy—not a slogan. ✅ In this conversation we cover: Gene’s path from loan officer to CEO and now majority owner Lessons learned from building in a down market Why investing in people—not markets—is the smartest strategy Culture as a business model: Service Without Exception How InterLinc is expanding while others are shrinking Why leadership must be personal—not performative The future of tech and human connection in lending How discipline, faith, and consistency shaped Gene’s success The mindset required to thrive when the market is tough What legacy really looks like in modern lending Gene brings a grounded, no-fluff philosophy to leadership. He shows that you don’t need slogans to win—you need standards. He reminds us that mortgages aren’t just transactions—they’re life decisions that deserve care, clarity, and commitment. If you’re tired of buzzwords and want to hear real talk from a leader who walks his values daily, this episode is for you. Episode Sponsors  Polly Powering modern mortgage capital markets. Polly delivers flexible, fast, and intelligent pricing and pipeline management solutions built for today’s lenders. Website: https://polly.io Floify The secure, customizable mortgage point-of-sale platform that gives lenders speed, transparency, and borrower satisfaction. Website: https://floify.com Truework Fast, secure income and employment verification for mortgage lenders—reducing friction and speeding up approvals. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield The industry’s #1 wire and title fraud prevention platform—protecting lenders and borrowers at closing. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Paul Diamond, a leader who represents resilience, integrity, and staying power in mortgage banking. With more than three decades in the mortgage industry, Paul has built a reputation for leading with values before volume, standing firm during market cycles, and building a people-first culture that still drives results today. As President and CEO of Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation (DRMC) and Immediate Past President of the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association, Paul’s leadership has helped shape both his company and industry policy conversations nationwide. Paul takes us behind the curtain of mortgage leadership—what it really means to build a company designed to last, how to grow during disruptive market cycles, and why culture is the true competitive advantage. He speaks on durability in leadership, the importance of being rooted in purpose, and what lenders must do today to stay relevant tomorrow. His message is simple but powerful: people, process, execution—that’s where the real value in this business lives. We explore: His early commitment to industry advocacy and his leadership path with IMBA Why long-term relationships are still the foundation of lending success The generational talent gap in mortgage and how to attract young professionals Lessons learned from market shifts and regulatory changes like Dodd-Frank The future of mortgage lending and how to thrive as the cycle changes again Why common sense lending and customer-first execution will never go out of style Building a national mortgage company without losing local culture Paul’s philosophy on business is clear: “There’s little proprietary value in mortgage banking. The value is in people and how they serve customers.” This episode is a must-listen for loan officers, branch managers, IMBs, bank executives, and anyone building a career in lending. It’s not motivational fluff—it’s a blueprint for leadership that lasts. ✅ Episode Sponsors Polly – Modern mortgage pricing and capital markets technology for lenders who want smarter, faster secondary execution. Trusted by leading IMBs and banks. Website: https://polly.io Floify – The industry’s most trusted mortgage point-of-sale platform, delivering speed, security, and borrower satisfaction from application through closing. Website: https://floify.com Truework – Simplifying income and employment verification for lenders through accurate, fast, and secure data solutions. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield – The #1 wire and title fraud prevention platform in mortgage lending—protecting lenders and borrowers from fraud during closings. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikeDrop, we welcome Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage and head of the mortgage division at Plains Commerce Bank, for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build trust in lending—beyond rates, margins, and spreadsheets. Chris is a visionary leader who has built a legacy in wholesale and community banking by focusing not just on volume, but on relationships, coaching, and solving real problems for originators. Under his leadership, Windsor Mortgage originates over $5.6 billion annually, commanding over 25% market share in Sioux Falls, all while remaining deeply committed to education, innovation, and partnership.  As both an executive and a mentor, Chris leads coaching programs like Coaching with Chris, through which he works with CEOs and loan officers nationwide to refine performance, scale with consistency, and weather changing market dynamics. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Chris’s journey from mortgage broker to building a national wholesale platform aligned with community banking How Windsor differentiates itself against giants (like Rocket, UWM) through intensive coach support, originator-first strategies, and partner relationships  Why trust is currency in lending—and how Chris believes lenders earn that trust through problem-solving, transparency, and backing brokers with tools, not demands Tactical innovations in tech, process, and underwriting that reduce friction and make lending more human, not less How Windsor’s warehouse lending, executive banking suite, and differentiated coaching give originators a competitive edge The power of asking — for help, for clarity, for opportunity — and how that mindset shaped many of Chris’s biggest wins Chris’s approach shows that lending isn’t just about what you offer—it’s how you partner, how you support, and how you help people believe again. Whether you’re an originator, loan officer, or bank leader, this episode will challenge how you measure success in mortgage. Sponsors & What They Do Mortgage Connect — A full-lifecycle mortgage services provider, handling closing, title, valuation, and risk mitigation to make lending smoother. Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium — A modern CRM and pipeline management system built specifically for mortgage teams to convert more leads with less friction. Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify — A digital point-of-sale and document platform that simplifies borrower interactions, speeds closing, and reduces back-and-forth. Visit: https://www.floify.com TrueWork — Provides fast, secure income and employment verification to support lender decisioning and speed approvals. Visit: https://www.truework.com FundingShield — Offers anti-fraud tools, identity verification, and secure transaction protection to safeguard lenders and borrowers. Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com