The MikedUp Show

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

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Lisa Lang, Executive Vice President and Head of Capital Bank Home Loans, to explore how creative technology and sustainable innovation are shaping the future of the mortgage industry. Lisa brings a wealth of experience, deep market insight, and a proven track record of leadership to this conversation — making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the evolving housing and lending landscape. With decades of experience across every facet of the mortgage business, Lisa has dedicated her career to building systems that foster both growth and resilience. As a lifelong resident of the DMV area and a graduate of George Mason University, she understands firsthand how communities thrive when financial institutions are committed to progress and innovation. Today, Lisa leads Capital Bank Home Loans with a vision that blends technology, service, and social responsibility to deliver meaningful change. Lisa shares her perspective on what it takes to lead a modern home loans division, from developing forward-thinking products to implementing technology that meets borrowers where they are. She also emphasizes the human side of mortgage lending — empowering teams, building trust with clients, and ensuring every decision reflects the long-term health of the community. Beyond her professional expertise, Lisa is deeply involved in breast cancer advocacy, bringing the same passion she applies in the mortgage space to causes that touch people’s lives directly. This balance of career leadership and personal dedication gives Lisa a unique lens on sustainability — not just in business processes, but in creating lasting impact for families and neighborhoods. This episode explores: The role of creative technology in driving efficiency and accessibility in mortgage lending Sustainable innovation strategies that keep communities strong and businesses thriving How leaders can align corporate goals with social responsibility Why the future of housing depends on trust, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions Lisa’s journey from local beginnings to national leadership in mortgage banking Join us as we discuss how to build a future-ready mortgage ecosystem that empowers both lenders and borrowers. Whether you’re a mortgage professional, housing advocate, or simply curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration. Sponsors This episode is made possible by our incredible sponsors who are helping transform the mortgage industry: Mortgage Connect – Leading provider of end-to-end mortgage solutions designed to streamline the lending process. Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – A powerful CRM platform built specifically for mortgage professionals to manage relationships and drive growth. Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – Simplifying the mortgage process with innovative point-of-sale technology that improves borrower experience and lender efficiency. Visit: https://www.floify.com TrueWork – Providing secure, instant income and employment verification to make lending decisions faster and more reliable. Visit: https://www.truework.com FundingShield – Protecting lenders and consumers from wire fraud and closing risks with advanced verification tools. Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode, we dive deep into how homebuying has changed — and where it’s headed — with Dan Richards, President of Flyhomes Mortgage. Dan’s story is one of bridging tech, finance, and real estate to create more accessible paths to homeownership, especially in a market that’s constantly shifting. Dan joined Flyhomes in October 2022, bringing with him a rich background from SoFi (where he led the Home Loans unit and played a role in acquiring Wyndham Capital Mortgage), Homie, and many years at Academy Mortgage Corporation where he rose through roles in technology, growth, and strategic partnership. Before that, he worked with major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Nokia — all of which inform his view of what happens when you blend real estate, customer experience, and innovation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Dan’s view of how homebuying has evolved since the early 2000s — from heavy reliance on brokers to more lender-led, tech-enabled models. How regulation, credit expansion, and consumer expectations have shaped risks and tools in mortgage lending. The role of products like “Buy Before You Sell” and Cash Offers in helping buyers avoid common pitfalls, like selling too early or losing leverage in bidding wars. How Flyhomes is retooling its business (including selling or narrowing some product lines) to focus more sharply on mortgage services and less on home search tech in order to better serve both buyers and agents. GeekWire+2flyhomes.com+2 Dan’s leadership lessons: how to grow with integrity, stay nimble, and make decisions that put customers first even when the market demands speed. This conversation isn’t just about how to buy a home. It’s about reshaping expectations, unlocking tools that work for more people, and creating a homebuying journey that feels doable — not daunting — for today’s buyer. Whether you’re a loan originator, real estate agent, or someone thinking of buying your first home, there’s something here for you. We’re grateful for the support of sponsors who help us bring you insights like this: Mortgage Connect – Offers comprehensive mortgage solutions across the full loan lifecycle: title, closing, valuation, and risk mitigation, helping lenders improve the borrower experience. Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – A modern CRM platform built specifically for mortgage professionals, helping teams manage leads, pipelines, and client relationships smarter. Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – A digital point-of-sale and mortgage processing platform that streamlines documents, communication, and workflow between borrower, originator, and agents. Visit https://www.floify.com TrueWork – Fast, secure employment and income verification tools for lenders to improve loan decisioning speed with trusted data. Visit https://www.truework.com FundingShield – Fraud prevention and transaction safety solutions (like verifying wire transfers, preventing identity fraud) to protect lenders and borrowers. Visit https://www.fundingshield.com