Broker to Broker Archives - AIME

Broker to Broker Podcast | Episode 218: “Challenge & Make It Make Sense” with Bryan Atwood

Host: Mark Summers (Founding President, AIME)

Guest: Bryan Atwood (Broker/Owner, Atwood Mortgage)

Episode Description:

In this powerhouse episode, Mark Summers sits down with Bryan Atwood, a sixth-generation real estate pro turned broker/owner of Atwood Mortgage, to unpack his jaw-dropping journey from zero lending experience to building a thriving brokerage in just four years.

Key Takeaways:

From Realtor to Broker: How Bryan’s real estate roots exposed the lending gaps hurting agents—and why he bet on the broker channel to fix them.

“Make It Make Sense”: Bryan’s mantra for challenging norms—from VA loan myths to underwriting hurdles—and why asking “why” saves deals.

Realtor Trust Hacks: Why Bryan never cold-calls agents—and how educating them on lender blind spots (like appraisal myths) wins business.

AIME’s Role: How Bryan leveraged AIME Academy, VIP escalations, and the Brokers Are Best community to fast-track his success.

FUSE 2025 Teaser: Bryan’s advice for retail LOs eyeing the broker channel: “Why limit your options when you can customize solutions?”

Perfect for: Brokers, retail LOs considering the switch, and anyone tired of the “this is how it’s always done” mentality.

The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Bryan Atwood – Ep 218 appeared first on AIME.

Broker to Broker Episode 217 – Carlos Scarpero: Mastering SEO, YouTube, and Niche Marketing for Mortgage Success

In this episode of Broker to Broker, host Mark Summers sits down with Carlos Scarpero, a seasoned loan officer at Edge Home Finance, to dive into the power of digital marketing and niche specialization in the mortgage industry. Carlos shares his unique journey—from his early days in marketing to becoming a YouTube and SEO expert who generates leads organically.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

Whether you’re a broker looking to grow your online presence or seeking inspiration to stand out in a competitive market, Carlos’s insights on blending mortgage expertise with digital marketing will leave you motivated to hit “record” and start helping borrowers—one video or blog post at a time.

Listen now on AIME Group’s website, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify!

Host: Mark Summers | Guest: Carlos Scarpero | Episode: 217

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Episode 216: Rising from Tragedy to Triumph – Ryan Kearns’ Blueprint for Growth & Resilience

In this profoundly impactful episode of Broker to Broker, host Marc Summers sits down with Ryan Kearns, Managing Member of Kearns Mortgage Team, LLC, and recent HousingWire Rising Star, for a raw and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, scaling a brokerage, and building unshakable systems. Ryan shares: His unconventional start – from business loans to DSCR to becoming a top-producing broker Scaling secrets – how he grew in volume in 3 years (during a tough market) The power of letting go – transitioning from solopreneur to team leader with processors & LOAs Systemizing success – exact workflows and tech that fuel his operation A heartbreaking personal story – how he rebuilt after losing 6 family members in one tragedy The mindset shift that transformed his business and life This episode is a masterclass in resilience, offering actionable strategies for brokers at any stage – plus an unforgettable reminder of what truly matters in business and life.

The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Ryan Kearns – Ep 216 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 215: From Retail to Wholesale – Building a Legacy in the Mortgage Industry with Mahb Rahman

In this dynamic episode of Broker to Broker, host Marc Summers sits down with Mahb Rahman, Chief Growth Officer at Safetrust Mortgage, for a candid conversation about his journey from retail banking to a driving force in the wholesale channel.

Mahb shares invaluable insights on:

The mindset shift from retail to wholesale – why humility and problem-solving are key

Lessons on relationship-building and industry expertise

Scaling Safetrust Mortgage – how a collaborative vision led to explosive growth

The “Mamba Mentality” – stacking small wins to dominate in any market

Purchase-focused strategies – anchoring relationships and delivering unmatched value

Packed with real-world anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode is a masterclass for brokers looking to elevate their business, build lasting partnerships, and thrive in a competitive landscape.

Tune in now on aimegroupstage.wpengine.com, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform!

#BrokerToBroker #MortgageGrowth #AIME #WholesaleMindset #BrokersAreBest

The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Mahb Rahman – Ep 215 appeared first on AIME.

Broker to Broker Episode 214 – “30 Years of Mortgage Mastery: Robyn Graves on Educating to Dominate”

Host Marc Summers sits down with Robyn Graves, Founder/CEO/Loan Originator of Success Mortgage, for a powerhouse conversation packed with three decades of industry wisdom. From surviving market crashes to navigating regulatory chaos, Robyn shares how her journey—from a $23K finance assistant to running a 22-LO multistate brokerage—proves that knowledge, relationships, and adaptability are the ultimate competitive edge.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why “Educate to Dominate” is her brokerage’s winning motto—and how she leverages training to turn realtors into raving fans.

The “CEO mindset” every loan officer needs—plus why understanding every role (appraisers, title agents, even termite inspectors) makes you indispensable.

How to revive “dead” refinance leads (spoiler: generational wealth talks and credit card debt crises = hidden opportunities).

The broker’s superpower post-2008: Strategic financing with AI, accountability, and paintbrush-and-paint creativity.

Listen now on AIME Group’s website, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify!

The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Robyn Graves – Ep 214 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 213: Building Community & Controlling the Controllables with Michelle Chretien

In this inspiring episode of the Broker to Broker podcast, host Marc Summers sits down with Michelle Chretien, broker-owner of Empire Mortgage and a beacon of positivity in the mortgage industry. Michelle shares her incredible journey from working in a factory to becoming a force in the wholesale channel, emphasizing the power of community, attitude, and effort.

Discover how Michelle transitioned from retail to the broker world, the lessons she learned along the way, and why she’s passionate about giving back, both locally and within the mortgage community. She opens up about the life-changing support she received from her peers during a health crisis and how the AIME community has been instrumental in her success.

Key takeaways include:

Whether you’re a seasoned broker, considering the switch from retail, or just looking for a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartwarming stories. Tune in and learn why Michelle’s mindset and community-first approach make her one of the most respected leaders in the industry.

Listen now on AIME Group’s website, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify!

The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Michelle Chretien – Ep 213 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 212: From Welfare to Wholesale – Ashlin Endter’s Journey to Building 4MG Mortgage Join host Mark Summers, Founding President of AIME, in this inspiring episode of Broker to Broker as he sits down with Ashlin Endter, Founder & Broker of 4MG Mortgage. Ashlin’s story is one of resilience, determination, and heart — from counting diapers on welfare to becoming a powerhouse in the wholesale mortgage channel.

Key Takeaways:

From Struggle to Success: How Ashlin went from “broke, busted, and disgusted” to founding her brokerage in just five years.

Retail vs. Broker Channel: The lessons she learned from her time in retail and why she’ll never look back.

The Power of Structure: Why retail’s streamlined processes dominate — and how brokers can adopt these strategies.

Failing Forward: Ashlin’s philosophy on embracing failure, taking risks, and running through walls to succeed.

Community & Advocacy: How she’s empowering homebuyers through education, nonprofits, and realtor partnerships.

The Meaning Behind 4MG: A heartfelt story of how her daughters fuel her mission — and how it inspires her team.

Whether you’re a new LO, a seasoned broker, or someone needing a motivational boost, Ashlin’s authenticity and hustle will leave you ready to crush 2025.

Listen/Watch: Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to help us spread the word that #BrokersAreBest!

The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Ashlin Endter – Ep 212 appeared first on AIME.

Season 5 Premiere: Broker to Broker – Featuring Mat Ishbia, President & CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage Host Marc Summers kicks off Season 5 of Broker to Broker with an electrifying episode featuring Mat Ishbia, President & CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). In this episode, Mat shares his journey from starting as an entry-level employee to leading one of the most broker-friendly companies in the mortgage industry.

Dive into topics like:

Why the broker channel is the future – Mat breaks down why independent mortgage brokers offer the best value for consumers—and why retail is a “dinosaur.”

Industry insights – His take on the Rocket-Mr. Cooper merger and why brokers should stay focused on growth rather than competitors.

UWM Live & Success Track – How these events and training programs empower brokers to dominate the market.

The power of teamwork – Lessons from Mat’s sports background (including his high school basketball rivalry with Marc!) and how grit, hustle, and collaboration drive success.

Pro tips for loan officers – The “cheat code” to scaling your business, from client service to mining past leads (hint: refinance opportunities are everywhere!).

Packed with actionable advice, industry trends, and Mat’s signature no-nonsense energy, this episode is a must-listen for brokers, LOs, and anyone ready to thrive in wholesale.

Listen now on AIME’s website, YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts—and join the movement to prove #BrokersAreBest.

#AIME #BrokerToBroker

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This episode is brought to you by Fuse 2025

Join us for the SEASON FINALE of the Broker to Broker podcast, featuring AIME Chairman & CEO, Jonathon Haddad! Join us in finding out all that the broker community has accomplished over 2024 with surprising stats that prove once again, that Brokers Are Best.

Jonathon has had an absolutely unbelievable year. Since being announced as AIME’s new CEO in January, Jonathon handled a massive amount of initial criticism and outrage with grace, as he directly addressed each community member’s concerns as they were presented to him. From there, he got to work, and AIME had a banner year, leveling up its tangible resources and support as THE association supporting the wholesale mortgage channel.

The numbers, stats, and wins don’t lie. The AIME community has been on an incredible roll all year, and while Jonathon and Marc were happy to engage with 2024’s wins, they’re even more focused on making 2025 another banner year of stepping up the wholesale channel’s strategy, support, skills, and influence.

Jonathon breaks down his mindset for the start of 2025, breaking down exactly how he’s able to keep going and growing:

“You must learn to be overly confident, but have somebody in your corner that keeps you logical. But there’s no reason why you can’t look at each day and be the most confident human being you possibly can be. You know what you need to do. You know how to do it. The biggest piece of it all is to have someone hold you accountable. To hit your goals, but also, to go after things that have a high likelihood of failure. Go after them and just see where you land. You’d be surprised how many times you end up crossing that finish line, even if you fall short of something. See how short you fell. If you’re not going to try for something that has a high likelihood of failure, you’re going to be stuck in the same situation you’re in every single year. That’s a waste of time for all of us. We all think about how great we can be. We all know we could be great. We all know all the things to do. Yet we hinder ourselves constantly because we’re chasing perfection or we’re chasing the perfect conditions before we do something. Stop it. Be excited for it, and get ready to make the changes that you need in order to adapt and win coming in 2025.”

Key Points:

1:46 – Intro / Jonathon’s Fuse experience

10:55- Looking Back at 2024

25:18 – AIME By The Numbers

30:25- Looking Ahead to 2025

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This episode is brought to you by CoreLogic

Don’t miss Broker to Broker, Episode 211! Learn to make the most successful change from retail to the wholesale mortgage channel, with Sr. Mortgage Broker at HI FIVE Team and featured Fuse 2024 Panelist, Rylan Maddox.

Rylan has been featured in numerous AIME projects and resources over the last couple of years; and for good reason. He made an incredible transition from the retail mortgage channel, quickly making waves in the wholesale channel, and within the community. Within three years of attending Fuse as a retail LO, he found himself on the very same stage that helped influence his transition to the wholesale channel.

Rylan lays out the comforts of the retail channel, noting that these are actually the pitfalls of remaining a retail LO instead of working independently in wholesale:

“Anything that retail might have for you that a company is saying this is a perk of being an employee of ours, now exists in the wholesale space at this point. As a self producer, if you are an entrepreneur and you run your business more efficiently (and I would I would wager that almost any entrepreneur in our industry can run more efficiently) than a large box retail shop, not only are you going to have more commission in your pocket for your family, but it’s not going to be at the expense of your client. Your clients client’s going to get a better rate and lower costs as well.”

Key Points:

2:07 – Intro / From A Decade In Retail

10:36- “The Cycle of Kindness” of Retail Mortgage

25:36 – Why & How to Make the Wholesale Transition

34:53 – Advice for Current Retail LOs

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