Hey there, Rainmakers!

He hit rock bottom—literally stared death in the face—and decided this wasn’t how his story would end.

Instead, he chose a new life, renewed faith, and a $50 million business built on purpose and redemption.

At just 28 years old, PJ Crescenzo transformed a near-death experience into fuel for his greatest comeback. In this episode, we unpack how he went from broken and lost to one of the most inspiring new Rainmakers in the game.

PJ’s story is raw, real, and powerful—a reminder that your past doesn’t define you, your decisions do. This is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and the mindset it takes to rebuild your life from the ground up.

Key Insights:

• The mindset shift that turned PJ’s life around after a literal come-to-Jesus moment
• How personal development became the secret weapon behind his fast-track success
• The power of proximity—why environment determines your evolution
• How to move from default to design in business and life
• What it really takes to go from zero to $50 million in a year (and why most won’t do it)
• Why eagerness, gratitude, and choosing people over profit will always win

PJ brings the kind of energy that makes you remember why you got into this business—to change lives, to build something real, and to become who you were meant to be. His story is proof that no matter where you start, you can rise, rebuild, and make it rain.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

Guest links:

PJ on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en

PJ on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/

PJ’s website:

https://pjcrescenzo.com/

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/