The MikedUp Show

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Todd Feager, Co-Founder of Haven Home Equity, to explore how lenders and borrowers alike can harness the untapped power of home equity. With over 23 years in the mortgage industry, Todd brings a deep, hands-on understanding of what today’s consumers actually need—especially in the evolving consumer-direct lending landscape. At Haven, Todd has helped pioneer a structured and strategic approach to using home equity, designed not just to pull out cash—but to build long-term financial stability. This episode centers on what Todd calls “The Haven Framework”, a tri-fecta strategy that focuses on three essential outcomes: Cash-Out Reserves – Creating liquidity for emergencies, life expenses, or future investments. Lower Total Monthly Debt Payments – Combining higher-interest debt into more manageable mortgage-based solutions. Shortened Mortgage Terms – Helping borrowers pay off their homes faster and smarter. This conversation goes beyond generic advice. Todd offers real-world insight into how loan officers can reframe conversations with borrowers—from selling rates to creating strategic equity plans that maximize both immediate relief and long-term impact. He shares the mindset, tools, and scripting that Haven loan officers use to help clients move from uncertainty to clarity—often in a single call. Whether you're a lender looking to modernize your offering, or a borrower trying to understand your best path forward, this episode will leave you with tactical takeaways and a renewed sense of what's possible in home equity lending. Key themes: – How to succeed in a consumer direct environment – Making home equity work for borrowers in a high-rate market – Building scalable lending strategies that actually deliver value – What it means to offer advice-driven lending—not just products Brought to you by our sponsors: Mortgage Connect Aidium Floify

What does it take to lead one of America’s largest independent mortgage banks in today’s market—and still put the customer at the center of it all? In this episode of MikeDrop, we sit down with Justin Messer, the President and CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage, to unpack the leadership mindset, technology strategy, and service-first culture that’s redefining the mortgage experience from the inside out. With more than 15 years of mortgage leadership experience, Justin has seen the evolution of the industry from multiple vantage points—from his early roles at Quicken Loans (now Rocket Mortgage) to building out Prosperity’s executive team. Now as CEO, he brings a modern, customer-focused lens to lending—balancing innovation with service, growth with stability, and speed with trust. Prosperity by the Numbers: Licensed in 49 states + DC 500+ Mortgage Consultants across the country $25 billion funded between 2021–2022 A subsidiary of HomeServices of America, the largest real estate company by closed units in the U.S. Under Justin’s leadership, Prosperity has made bold moves to remain at the forefront of tech-enabled lending while never losing sight of the personal touch that makes home financing human. In 2024, the company was ranked #1 in customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study—testament to a leadership style rooted in empathy, experience, and relentless pursuit of excellence. ️ Inside the Episode: How Justin went from the University of Michigan to the top seat of a national mortgage bank What “customer-first” really means in a world of automation and algorithms Lessons from his time at Rocket Mortgage and The Long & Foster Companies What it takes to lead through market shifts, rate changes, and economic uncertainty The power of communication, transparency, and culture in building great mortgage teams Justin also talks candidly about what’s next for Prosperity, and how he’s preparing his team not just for the next quarter—but for the next generation of homebuyers. Sponsored by: Mortgage Connect – End-to-end solutions for the nation’s top mortgage lenders. Aidium – The CRM that powers your pipeline and your relationships. Floify – The industry-leading point-of-sale platform trusted by lenders nationwide. .

In this powerful episode of MikeDrop, we sit down with Jeremy Davis, President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp, to explore what it really means to build legacy through lending. Jeremy doesn’t just talk housing; he lives and breathes it—from grassroots advocacy to C-suite leadership. His journey is a masterclass in mission-driven business, and this episode captures his voice, vision, and unwavering belief in economic empowerment through homeownership. With more than two decades in mortgage and financial services, Jeremy brings serious depth to the conversation. He has led everything from originations and community development to coaching, business growth, and launching inclusive lending platforms. His work is grounded in one truth: homeownership is the cornerstone of generational wealth. And for families too often left behind by traditional lending, Jeremy is on a mission to change that. As President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp—a nationally recognized Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)—Jeremy is blending margin and mission with powerful results. Under his leadership, the bank is reshaping access to credit, expanding community lending, and earning accolades like the 2024 MBA Leadership Award for Market Outreach Strategies. In this episode, we talk about: What "legacy lending" really means in today’s world How to scale impact without sacrificing integrity The role of community banks and CDFIs in building generational wealth Lessons from launching FirstBank Forward and InQlusion Mortgage Capital Why representation, accessibility, and advocacy still matter in housing What the next generation of mortgage leaders needs to hear Jeremy also breaks down the mindset behind his high-performance culture, his advice to lenders in today’s market, and how anyone in the housing industry can do more on purpose. If you care about equity, homeownership, and real solutions that work—this is the conversation to hear. Whether you're a loan officer, housing advocate, executive, or just passionate about building a better system, Jeremy's leadership and vision are unmatched. Sponsored by: Mortgage Connect Aidium Floify

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Tannenbaum, the new CEO of Figure Technology Solutions, for a conversation about career growth, smart leadership, and how new ideas are changing the way lending and finance work today. Michael’s path is nothing short of impressive. He helped grow SoFi’s lending operations, including building their mortgage business from the ground up. He later joined Brex as its first employee and played a major role in taking the company from a small startup to one of the most recognized names in the fintech world, with over 1,200 employees and a multibillion-dollar valuation. Now, as CEO of Figure, he’s focused on building financial tools that make borrowing simpler and more transparent for everyday people. Figure is the largest non-bank provider of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) in the country, with over $14 billion in loans originated for more than 160,000 homeowners. But Michael’s focus isn’t just on the numbers—it’s on helping people access their home’s value quickly, fairly, and with less hassle. He talks about the importance of improving the borrowing experience, not just for lenders and capital markets, but for homeowners across the U.S. We also talk about how technology can improve the lending process—not by making it more complicated, but by cutting through red tape and making sure people get the support they need, when they need it. Michael shares what it means to lead in today’s fast-changing financial world and how he’s bringing fresh energy to Figure’s mission. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Michael grew from a finance leader at SoFi and Brex to CEO of Figure What it takes to build a business that balances growth with customer experience Why improving how people borrow money can change the future of lending The story behind Figure’s rise in the lending space, and what’s coming next What leaders and lenders can learn from Michael’s journey through three top-tier fintechs Whether you’re a mortgage professional, a homeowner curious about tapping into your equity, or just someone interested in where finance is heading, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the people and ideas driving change. Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by: Mortgage Connect Aidium Floify

In this powerful episode titled Thrive & Lead, we sit down with one of the mortgage industry’s most influential voices—Patty Arvielo, CEO and Co-Founder of New American Funding, and a beacon of leadership, resilience, and equity in financial services. Patty’s story isn’t just about building a mortgage company—it’s about building a movement. From humble beginnings cleaning real estate offices with her mother to becoming the first Hispanic woman to have a School of Business named after her, Patty’s rise to industry titan is rooted in tenacity, vision, and service. She founded New American Funding in 2003 with her husband Rick Arvielo, transforming it into one of the largest Latina-owned private mortgage banks in the U.S., with over 260,000 loans serviced and $70+ billion in volume. In this episode, Patty opens up about: Launching and scaling a mortgage business from scratch How her Mexican-American upbringing shaped her leadership style The creation of game-changing initiatives like Latino Focus, NAF Black Impact, NAF Heroes, and NAF Pride What it really means to "thrive and lead" in a volatile housing market Mentorship, inclusion, and building a team where over 50% are women and 37% are from diverse backgrounds Her tireless work in Washington D.C. advocating for sustainable homeownership We also dive into her work on the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Residential Board of Governors, her advocacy roles with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD, and what she sees as the future of lending. Whether you’re an aspiring mortgage professional, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone seeking to make a difference in your community, this episode will leave you inspired, educated, and ready to lead with purpose. Patty’s motto? "With risk comes reward." Her legacy? Empowering others to believe they can do it too. Follow Patty on social platforms: @pattyarvielo Learn more about New American Funding at: newamericanfunding.com Our sponsors make this podcast possible: Mortgage Connect – Full-service mortgage solutions built for speed, compliance, and borrower experience Aidium – The all-in-one CRM for modern mortgage teams Floify – Streamline your lending process with award-winning digital mortgage point-of-sale technology

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, we dive deep into what it truly means to build lasting relationships in the mortgage world—one call at a time. Featuring Alec Hanson, CMO at loanDepot and one of the most outspoken voices in modern mortgage, this conversation is all about real connection in a digital-first industry. Alec isn’t just a top-tier executive—he’s a street-built loan officer who has walked the walk, made the calls, built the branches, and led his teams to billions in volume. From originating over $185M in a single year to now shaping the voice of one of the largest lenders in the country, Alec has seen the evolution of the mortgage industry from every angle. And he has one clear message: cold calls aren't dead—bad calls are. Throughout this high-energy episode, we explore: Why the phone is still your most underrated tool How modern mortgage professionals can blend digital branding with human outreach The role of vulnerability and authenticity in customer conversations Why cold calls are not about selling, but serving How to build a local presence in a digital world “You’re not just making calls—you’re creating micro-moments that build trust. That’s the currency today.” Alec shares powerful insights from his books Bypassed and The Modern Lending Playbook, explaining why many local mortgage professionals are losing to the digital customer—and what to do about it. With 24 years in the business, his voice is both rooted in experience and refreshed by innovation. Plus: Alec gets real about coaching, sales culture, brand-building, and how to show up as a leader in your business and in your life. Whether you’re a new originator making your first 100 calls or a seasoned pro rethinking your strategy, this episode is your blueprint for doing it better, smarter, and more human. Who this episode is for: Loan officers, mortgage execs, sales leaders, marketers, and anyone who believes relationships—not algorithms—close deals. — ️ About the Guest: Alec Hanson is the Chief Marketing Officer of loanDepot and one of the industry’s most influential thought leaders. A Scotsman’s Guide Top Originator, HousingWire Rising Star, and author, Alec now leads national growth strategies while empowering mortgage professionals to thrive in the modern market. Follow him @alecthehanson across all platforms. — Sponsored by: Mortgage Connect – End-to-end mortgage services built for lenders. Aidium – The modern CRM designed for mortgage pros. Floify – Streamline your mortgage workflow and borrower experience.

In this powerhouse episode of The MikedUp Show, we dive deep into the evolving world of capital markets with none other than Jennifer McGuinness-Lubbert — a 25+ year mortgage banking veteran and the CEO of Pivot Financial. Jennifer doesn’t just adapt to change — she builds for it. This episode is a must-listen for any independent mortgage banker, originator, or lender looking to play offense in today’s market. Jennifer lays out what it really takes to win — not just survive — in an environment where rates fluctuate, margins tighten, and capital access is more complex than ever. From her early days in structured finance to launching game-changing platforms at Mortgage Venture Partners, Invigorate Finance, and now Pivot, Jennifer brings unmatched insight into: The current and future state of the capital markets The power of non-agency and business purpose lending How to drive revenue when rates aren't in your favor Why every lender needs a plan to keep the revenue they earn Breach of representation & warranty defense  The importance of having a partner who can optimize your performance, not just sell you a product “Lenders need to know how to keep the revenue they earn. It’s not just about origination anymore. It's about managing risk and unlocking new channels.” With rich analogies and actionable insights, Jennifer reframes how mortgage pros should think about growth, protection, and transformation. She also shares Pivot’s dual role as both an aggregator and an asset manager—making her uniquely qualified to help lenders build smarter and protect better. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of: How to pivot  toward sustainable profitability The one question every lender should ask before making their next move What truly differentiates a value-add service provider from a commodity player Whether you're new to lending or decades in, this episode is a compass for what's next. Sponsors: Mortgage Connect Aidium Floify

Warehouse lines aren't just financing—they’re a foundation. In this compelling episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Chris Avery, Vice President and Relationship Manager at First Horizon Bank, to unpack the crucial intersection of warehouse lines of credit and strategic industry relationships in today’s mortgage banking environment. Chris brings over 30 years of sales and leadership expertise to the conversation—along with a deep understanding of what it means to build and sustain high-performing teams, partnerships, and lending operations. Whether you're a seasoned independent mortgage banker or a rising loan officer dreaming of launching your own shop, Chris delivers practical, transparent advice on how to position your company for long-term success. Why a warehouse line is your lifeline—not just a line of credit The “fishing line” philosophy for networking and relationship-building How to get noticed when you walk into a room or industry event The difference between transactional and relational lending partnerships Why great lenders think like leaders—and how leadership shows up in every meeting The value of legacy in a fast-changing industry: what 161 years of First Horizon experience means for clients How to navigate today’s competitive landscape of “walled gardens” from Rocket, Zillow, UWM, and more Tips for originators wanting to start an IMB—what it takes and how to find the right partners Chris doesn’t just talk about lines of credit—he talks about lineage, legacy, and the long game. With humor, humility, and insight, he shares stories that will leave you thinking differently about how you negotiate, network, and grow your career. Whether you’re building your team or evaluating your capital stack, this episode will have something to teach you about how relationships fuel resilience in mortgage lending. Tune in now and learn why relationships and warehouse lines may just be the most important lines you'll draw in your business. Sponsor Links Brought to you by our partners: Mortgage Connect – www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium CRM – www.thinkaidium.com

In today's fast-changing mortgage world, opportunity is shifting—and smart lenders are paying attention. On this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Ben Fertig, President of Constructive Loans, to explore the rise of residential real estate investment products and what they mean for the future of lending. Ben brings nearly three decades of experience across capital markets, credit, and lending leadership. Having helped scale multiple successful platforms—including Jordan Capital Finance and Finance of America Commercial—Ben knows exactly how the game is changing for loan officers, mortgage companies, and real estate investors alike. ✅ Why Residential Investment Loans Are Booming Rental properties and fix-and-flip projects aren’t just niches—they’re a major force in today's housing market, creating steady demand even when rates rise. ✅ RTL, DCSR, and Bridge Loans—Made Simple Ben explains why Residential Transition Loans (RTL) and Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans are gaining popularity—and why they’re not just for big investors anymore. ✅ Diversification Is No Longer Optional Learn how smart lenders are expanding beyond traditional purchase and refinance products to reach new customers and stabilize their pipelines. ✅ Lower Origination Costs, Higher Repeat Business Investment borrowers often finance multiple properties, creating long-term, recurring opportunities for loan officers who build strong relationships. ✅ Fix and Flip Is Here to Stay Ben shares how Constructive Loans helps lenders tap into the growing market for property rehab, bridge financing, and small-balance real estate investments. ✅ Culture Matters: Building With Trust Ben also gives a behind-the-scenes look at Constructive Loans' employee-first culture, transparency, and why flexibility matters in today’s mortgage environment. "The riches are in the niches. And today, residential real estate investors are one of the fastest-growing borrower segments in America." Whether you're a loan officer, branch manager, or executive, this episode is a must-listen if you want to stay relevant and profitable in today’s evolving market. Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Mortgage Connect – Revolutionizing mortgage services with cutting-edge solutions. Aidium – The intelligent CRM powering mortgage growth through smarter marketing and better data.

What does it really take to launch a mortgage company in today’s market? In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Jim Carroll, a seasoned mortgage professional and builder of operations from the ground up. With over two decades of experience across every major role in mortgage—from top-producing loan officer to DE underwriter, recruiter, and executive—Jim brings clarity, candor, and perspective to the high-stakes world of mortgage startups. Jim’s journey began at the family business, The Carroll Mortgage Group, where he started as his father’s assistant and climbed his way through the ranks—eventually leading the company through 23 years of successful growth and multiple HUD audits without a single indemnification. After CMG’s successful merger with Reliant Bank, Jim took on his next challenge: launching an entire mortgage division from scratch at Partners Bank in Alabama in 2024. Whether you’re dreaming of founding your own mortgage company or curious about how the next generation of lenders is navigating 2025, this conversation delivers everything from startup wisdom to operational truths. ✅ The DNA of a Mortgage Startup Why starting a mortgage company in 2025 requires more than great products—it requires resilience, leadership, and institutional clarity. ✅ Lessons from the Ground Up Jim shares the wins, challenges, and key decisions that shaped The Carroll Mortgage Group and how those lessons apply to today’s tech-forward world. ✅ The Importance of Versatility From underwriting to compliance, recruiting to marketing—Jim’s well-rounded experience reveals why founders must wear many hats, especially early on. ✅ Bank vs. IMB: Strategic Differences Having operated in both Independent Mortgage Banking and depository environments, Jim explains the key pros and cons of building inside a bank in today’s market. ✅ Building Culture That Lasts It’s not just about launching—it’s about sustaining. Hear how Jim focuses on hiring right, leading with values, and setting the tone for long-term success. ✅ Startups in a Tech Era With AI, automation, and new platforms changing everything, Jim discusses how startups must stay nimble while staying compliant. Big Thanks to Our Sponsors: Mortgage Connect – End-to-end mortgage solutions trusted by lenders nationwide. Aidium – Smart CRM built to help mortgage professionals grow their pipeline and their business.