Build-A-Broker: The Journey

In this episode of the Build-a-Broker podcast, we dive into the journey of Jordan Gerard, the President and Owner of My Community Mortgage. Originally aspiring to attend law school, Jordan's path took many turns, including various majors in college before landing a job as a bartender. Facing numerous challenges, from begging his mom for money when his car payments were three months behind to borrowing $10k from a buddy to open his brokerage, Jordan's resilience and determination led him to become a successful mortgage broker.Today, Jordan writes 100 loans a year and leads a team of almost 100 employees. He shares his strategy on moving from the "friend zone" to becoming the go-to mortgage guy, emphasizing the importance of converting friendships into valuable business relationships. He also discusses finding his niche and the unique value of becoming a broker, enabling him to provide clients with exactly what they need.Tune in to hear Jordan's insights on overcoming pride, asking for help when needed, and his generous approach to business that has led to the rapid growth of his brokerage. Don't miss his practical advice and inspiring story. But first, a word from our sponsor."Build-A-Broker™: The Journey" is a National Mortgage Professional production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com.

Tired of the retail business model and the constraints of "holding rate"? Discover how three motivated mortgage loan originators revitalized their careers by launching their own brokerage. In this final installment of our four-part series on DNVR Lending, we bring together the leadership team at DNVR Lending, Jerry Allyn, a former accountant; Tim Tacl, a retired Naval officer; and Abby McDaniel, a former social worker. They share their journey from individual origin stories to the brainstorming sessions that led to the creation of DNVR Lending, a thriving mortgage broker based in Denver.Gain valuable insights as they discuss the initial challenges they faced, the hacks and shortcuts for a smoother transition, and their strategies for effective conflict resolution. Learn about the power of great partnerships and how these three have built a successful business together. Tune in for an inspiring story of collaboration and innovation in the mortgage industry. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the Build-a-Broker podcast for more engaging stories and valuable insights.Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is an American Business Media production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Abby McDaniel, co-founder and Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at DNVR Lending. Abby's transition from social work to mortgage lending showcases her deep sense of empathy and commitment to her community. Discover how Abby empowers other originators to follow their passion and use the mortgage broker model as a powerful engine for growth. She shares her struggles, growth, victories, and even offers some juicy but needed advice to wholesale account executives. Tune in to hear Abby's insights on building a supportive community and achieving success in the mortgage industry.Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is an American Business Media production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

On this episode, we delve into the story of Jerre Allyn, owner and senior mortgage loan officer at DNVR Lending. From nearly becoming an accountant to opening his own mortgage brokerage, Jerre's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how he integrates his passion for sports and community activities with his business, turning hobbies like basketball into opportunities for growth. Learn from Jerre's unique approach to combining work and life, his emphasis on building trust through social engagement, and his unwavering commitment to helping others navigate real estate decisions. Tune in to hear his strategies for success and the importance of going all in.Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is an American Business Media production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

Discover the journey of Tim Tacl, co-owner and senior loan officer at DNVR Lending, as he transitions from aspiring Navy SEAL to a successful mortgage professional. In this episode, Tim shares his powerful mindset shift and practical advice on dealing with adversity, emphasizing the importance of a strong team and consistent processes. Learn how Tim's experiences and insights can help mortgage professionals elevate their own practices and achieve greater success in the industry.Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is an American Business Media production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

In this episode, we explore Kim Peterson's journey from loan processor to the owner of Minnesota's only women-owned mortgage brokerage. Discover how Kim carved out a niche with real estate investors and later expanded into finding another untapped niche, divorce-related mortgages, setting her apart in the pact. Learn about the challenges she faced, from staff layoffs to launching her venture and submitting the first loan in less than 30 months. Kim's story is a testament to strategic planning, resilience, and personalized client relationships.

Explore Christian Bachelder's remarkable transition from chemist to finance leader. As the Broker/Owner of One Brokerage and co-host of Bigger Pockets's Mortgage Monday's, Christian applies his educational and systematic approach to elevate his clients' experiences. This episode delves into how his analytical skills have shaped his success in the mortgage industry and led to the growth of his team of over 40 mortgage loan originators.Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is an American Business Media production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

In this episode we dive into the origins of Green Home Loans with co-founders Reggie and Nick. From the early days of their partnership through economic ups and downs, to launching a venture that notched 50 loans in just three months, their story is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how Reggie's referral genius combined with Nick's telephone prowess creates a dynamic force in the mortgage industry. Learn about the technological hurdles they faced, how they swiftly pivoted to overcome them, and the ways they empower MLOs to excel. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and community support in building a successful brokerage. Join us as Reggie and Nick share invaluable insights for anyone looking to make their mark in the mortgage world.Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday.Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a National Mortgage Professional production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

Saddled with student loans, Nick Grobnagger reached out to his cousin Reggie Green for help in finding ways to pay off his loan. Reggie, already successful and having fun selling subprime loans, invited him to leave the cold Michigan winters for the warm Phoenix sun to join him. However, after the Great Financial Crisis, Nick began working the phones, and Reggie built a referral-based business. Back in 2023, they joined forces, combining the skills they had learned on their unique career paths, and created Green Home Loans.

Discover Blake's journey into the future with "Future Mortgage," as we dive back his roots, Blake doubles down on his father's legacy to create a forward-thinking brokerage by building his unique tech stack and rallying investor support. His leadership style? More a mentor than boss, prioritizing transparency and empowering his team. This episode unpacks how Future Mortgage is redefining industry standards, led by Blake's unwavering commitment to progress and excellence.Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday.Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

On this episode, you'll hear Mike Boyajyan, Founder of MBE Capital Lending, Inc.'s story of how he and his family immigrated from Armenia as a child to pursue the American dream. Determined to success and follow his Dad's example of hustling, Mike carved out his path in finance by starting off as a bank teller at the age of 17. We're going to talk about what Mike loves about being a broker and we're going to talk about what drives his to grow MBE Capital Lending. Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit https://www.originatorconnectnetwork.com/build-a-broker (buildabroker.com)

On this episode, you'll hear from Tyler Flora, CEO & Mortgage Advisor, SunnyHill Financial's story of becoming a mortgage broker only three years ago and shortly before this was recorded, they became mortgage bankers. You'll hear the details of Tyler's plan executed and what led to the decision to become a mortgage banker. Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

On this episode you'll hear Jonathan Jacobs, Principal of Streamline Home Loans. Jonathan and his sister went to a Build-a-Broker live event in Vegas and armed themselves with the knowledge and connections to launch their mortgage brokerage successfully. They went from zero to 11 branches in just a few years thanks to Jonathan's focus on building quality joint ventures with real estate firms backed by a best-in-class tech stack. Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit https://www.originatorconnectnetwork.com/build-a-broker (buildabroker.com)

On this episode, you'll hear from Stephanie Clark, National Operations Manager, Streamline Home Loans. Stephanie got into originating as a side hustle to pay for college but fell in love with the work we do. Stephanie and her brother had the vision to streamline the process and they decided to turn that vision into a plan after attending our in-person Build-A-Broker™ events. You'll hear the journey how they went from concept to 50 MLOs with three locations in just a few years. Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit https://www.originatorconnectnetwork.com/build-a-broker (buildabroker.com)

On this episode, you'll hear Anthony Denha, President and CEO of Instant Mortgage. Anthony shares his journey to find the path to best serve borrowers using his drive from his inherited entrepreneurial spirit, his relatively young age and the mortgage broker model to close loans fast. He shares his struggles and motivations to give insights to those who are thinking about becoming mortgage brokers. Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit https://www.originatorconnectnetwork.com/build-a-broker (buildabroker.com)

When opening up your Mortgage Broker shop, owners are faced with a unique set of changes that they often have never faced before. When you do it with a partner, it makes for a less stepper learning curve and allows you to focus on the areas you excel in. That's what our guest Brad Lawson, President, PrimeLine Capital, Inc and his partner found when they launched their brokerage shop. On this episode we're going to get into Brad's journey from how he got into the business, to finding his management style and finding the perfect partner to compliment his skills. You can listen to Brad's partner, Fernando Escaffi who we met on a previous episode of Build-a-Broker. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

Another thing I love about being a mortgage broker is encapsulated by what this episode's guest said about having flexibility, freedom and nimbleness – it allows them to pivot for their borrowers and gives them an unfair advantage over non-brokers. In this episode of Build-A-Broker, we'll be meeting the conversion master himself, Fernando Escaffi, MBA, Co-Founder and COO at PrimeLine Capital, Inc. We're going to talk about his tech stack, we'll talk about the power of working with a partner that compliments your skills and abilities, and we're going to get some scripting ideas from the top-performing scripts that Fernando's originators use to hold their place as LendingTree's highest converting lender. Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™️: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Build-A-Broker™️: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™️ events and workshops near you, visit https://www.originatorconnectnetwork.com/build-a-broker (buildabroker.com)

You have probably noticed something about the guests on Build-a-Broker so far – they're all risk-takers, and this episode's guest is no different. You're going to hear how Jason Quigley, a career retail mortgage banker in the early months of the pandemic, decided to pack up his family and move from Michigan to Scottsdale, Arizona to open up a mortgage broker shop. In this episode we're going to talk about relationships, the best ways to work with mentors, creating a great experience for borrowers by leveraging a powerful tech stack and even grab some of Jason's basketball court tips (how he prospects on the court).  Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit https://www.originatorconnectnetwork.com/build-a-broker (buildabroker.com)

The mortgage broker model is the fastest way to go from zero to $800 million in production in year one from opening your doors. On this episode you'll hear Adam Stein of Blue Sky Financial speak to the diligent planning of his mortgage brokerage operation and how he was able to quickly scale to $800 million in production using displaced COVID workers from hospitality and a solid tech stack. Adam shares how he learns and adjusts using data and feedback from his teammates Including a “toast or ghost” report. This combined with a willingness to get dirty and a never tap out mentality is why Adam always wins. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

One of the things I love about being a mortgage broker is how you can inject your personality into your work. On our inaugural show, we'll be meeting one of those big personalities in Christian Plocica, of VIP Mortgage.  We're going to talk about Christian's major leaps of faith that brought him where he is now – plus pizza, Brooklyn, and the power of relationships. Tune in now, and welcome to Build-A-Broker™: The Journey, airing every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Build-A-Broker™: The Journey is a Mortgage News Network production, in collaboration with Originator Connect Network, and sponsored by Rocket Pro TPO. To learn more about Build-A-Broker™ events and workshops near you, visit buildabroker.com

On the Build-A-Broker podcast, we meet with newly minted mortgage broker-owners to discuss their journey – from a dream of running their own business, to closing their first loan. You'll hear about their often unexpected origins, their trials and tribulations, and ultimately the rewards of their hard earned success.