In this solo episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan shares the inspiration behind his upcoming book, Relentless Excellence. Long before titles, companies, or career plans, Phillip was learning excellence through family, teamwork, and example.

Drawing from his upbringing in an entrepreneurial household, Phillip reflects on growing up around his parents’ businesses in the 1960s and 70s—where children weren’t spectators, they were participants. Through listening, observing, and working alongside family, he absorbed lessons about accountability, standards, and people that would quietly shape his leadership years later.

The episode explores how leadership is often learned unconsciously. By watching how teams are built, how employees are treated, and how expectations are set, excellence becomes a habit rather than a goal. Phillip breaks down why building teams, valuing people, and creating environments where others choose to contribute are foundational to sustainable growth.

This episode is a reminder that excellence isn’t something we decide to pursue later in life—it’s layered over time. And if you’re leading people today, there’s a good chance you’re drawing from lessons you didn’t even know you were learning. 

Tune in now to learn how early experiences shape leadership, and why teams matter more than titles.

Highlights of the episode:

01:20 – Early exposure to entrepreneurship

02:15 – Working in family businesses as a child

03:00 – Lessons that stay dormant for years

04:25 – Commitment, standards, and doing things the right way

05:05 – Learning how teams are built

05:45 – Hiring, managing, and valuing people

06:30 – Leadership instincts showing up later in life

07:45 – Why people choose environments, not just pay

09:10 – Value-driven leadership and team culture

10:35 – Connecting family lessons to business growth

11:30 – Closing thoughts and where to learn more

#LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship #ValueDrivenLeadership #BusinessGrowth #LegacyThinking #FounderMindset #OperationalExcellence

In this solo episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan continues the story behind his journey as a creator, entrepreneur, and emerging author. Building on the previous episode, Phillip shares how an unexpected podcast invitation sparked the idea that ultimately became his first book, Relentless Excellence: A Story of Family, Business Building, and Value Leadership.

Phillip walks listeners through the moment a simple guest conversation turned into a deeper reflection on legacy, impact, and doing something new later in life. He opens up about the decision to write the book, the discipline required to see it through, and what it took to commit fully to a project he had never attempted before—at age 68.

The episode also dives into Phillip’s upbringing in Hempstead, Long Island, where community, accountability, and shared responsibility shaped his understanding of excellence from an early age. Through vivid stories of neighbors, family values, and collective effort, Phillip explains how those early experiences laid the foundation for the leadership principles he carries into business today.

This episode is both personal and practical—connecting family, community, entrepreneurship, and long-term thinking. It serves as an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own legacy, the environments that shaped them, and the power of saying “yes” to opportunities that start with a simple conversation.

Tune in to hear how Relentless Excellence came to life, why community still matters, and how leadership is often built long before a business ever begins.

Highlights of the episode:

00:25 – Announcing Relentless Excellence

01:10 – How a podcast invite sparked the book

02:20 – Deciding to write at 68

03:15 – Commitment and discipline required

04:25 – Growing up in Hempstead, Long Island

05:10 – Community values and shared excellence

06:00 – Neighbors as extended family

07:05 – Lessons from collective effort

08:10 – How early environments shape leadership

09:20 – Invitation to join the book community

10:10 – Closing reflections and next steps

#ClosingMarketWeekly #RelentlessExcellence #LeadershipJourney #EntrepreneurStory #BusinessLegacy #CommunityValues #MortgageIndustry #SigningServicesOfAmerica #PersonalGrowth #LifeLessons

In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Philip Hogan sits down with Genie McGee, a retirement mortgage specialist with over 23 years of experience in the reverse mortgage industry. Currently with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Genie has dedicated her career to helping homeowners aged 62 and older use housing wealth strategically to create more secure, flexible, and dignified retirements.

Philip and Genie unpack how reverse mortgages actually work—cutting through decades of myths, fear, and misinformation. Genie explains why a reverse mortgage is simply a mortgage with a delayed payment, how it differs from traditional financing, and why it can be a powerful planning tool when used proactively instead of as a last resort.

The conversation goes deeper into real-world scenarios: widows facing income loss, families struggling with long-term care costs, heirs worried about losing the family home, and retirees who want to downsize or relocate without taking on monthly mortgage payments. Genie shares emotional client stories, including a powerful example of an 80-year-old homeowner who used a reverse mortgage to finally choose a home she loved and reclaim her independence.

They also cover the four core qualifications for reverse mortgages, estate planning considerations, how heirs are protected, and why education—not urgency—is the key to making the right decision. Throughout the episode, Genie emphasizes empathy, long-term planning, and aligning financial tools with real human needs.

Tune in to gain a clear, honest understanding of reverse mortgages—and why, when used correctly, they can transform retirement outcomes for homeowners and their families.

Highlights of the episode:

01:15 – Guest intro: Genie McGee

05:30 – Purpose-driven work & retirement impact

06:10 – Who is (and isn’t) a good fit

07:25 – What a reverse mortgage really is

08:45 – Reverse vs traditional mortgage

11:15 – Education over urgency

12:45 – Widows & income loss realities

13:25 – What happens to heirs

15:05 – Estate planning importance

17:10 – Family involvement decisions

18:30 – Long-term care cost realities

20:20 – Reverse mortgage qualifications

22:00 – Success story: choosing freedom at 80

25:35 – When reverse mortgages aren’t ideal

27:40 – Ongoing client support

28:15 – Tough client conversations

29:35 – How to contact Jeannie

31:15 – Closing remarks

Connect with Guest:

Website: https://www.fairway.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geniemcgee/

#ReverseMortgage #RetirementPlanning #HousingWealth #FinancialEducation #ClosingMarketWeekly #SeniorFinance #EstatePlanning #MortgageIndustry #RetirementStrategy #RealEstateClosings

In this solo episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan steps away from the interview format to share the story behind the podcast itself. Phillip reflects on how the show began, what it took to get comfortable behind the microphone, and how an unexpected journey as a podcast guest ultimately led to launching his own platform.

Phillip walks listeners through the early days of 2024, when he began appearing as a guest on other podcasts to market Signing Services of America. He opens up about the discomfort, nerves, and steep learning curve that came with those first recordings—and how persistence and repetition turned anxiety into confidence. What started as a marketing experiment quickly became a powerful vehicle for connection, education, and growth.

The episode also breaks down the meaning behind the name Closing Market Weekly, explaining how Phillip’s experience in the mortgage industry and his Caribbean roots shaped the show’s identity. From choosing the name and cadence to creating the logo and assembling the production team, Phillip offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a podcast from the ground up.

Looking ahead, Phillip shares what’s next for the show and his broader vision, including upcoming projects and the release of his first book, Relentless Excellence: A Story of Family, Business Building, and Value Leadership. This episode is both a reflection and a roadmap—highlighting consistency, decision-making, and staying rooted in what you know as the foundation for long-term impact.

Tune in now to hear how Closing Market Weekly evolved from an idea into a growing platform—and what’s ahead as the show moves into its next chapter.

Highlights of the episode:

00:19 – Why this episode is different

00:45 – Podcast guest beginnings

01:29 – Early discomfort on camera

02:10 – Learning to swim fast

02:55 – Repurposing content strategy

03:29 – Encouragement to host

04:13 – Decision to move forward

04:28 – Naming the podcast

05:18 – Meaning of “Market”

06:34 – Choosing a weekly cadence

06:52 – Creating the logo

07:45 – 19 episodes milestone

08:02 – Looking ahead to 2026

08:19 – Becoming a published author

08:50 – Relentless Excellence book

09:33 – Gratitude to the audience

#ClosingMarketWeekly #PodcastJourney #EntrepreneurStory #MortgageIndustry #LeadershipDevelopment #ContentCreation #BusinessGrowth #RelentlessExcellence #SigningServicesOfAmerica

In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan sits down with November 2025’s Notary of the Month, Elizabeth Turcotte. After spending over 20 years in the restaurant industry, Elizabeth transitioned into notary work and quickly became known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional service. Phillip explores her journey into loan signing work, how TikTok unexpectedly inspired her career shift, and the mindset that earned her this recognition.

Elizabeth shares real stories from the field — from homeowners requesting her specifically, to driving over 100 miles to ensure a signing could happen on time. She opens up about learning state laws, mastering acknowledgments and jurats, and building reliable systems that prevent errors during high-volume signing periods. Her experiences highlight the flexibility, preparation, and problem-solving skills required to succeed as a notary signing agent.

Phillip and Elizabeth also discuss the role notaries play in the closing process, why accuracy matters, and how notaries can position themselves for more work — including multistate commissions and joining trusted networks. Elizabeth closes the episode by sharing her contact information and encouraging aspiring notaries to take consistent action and stay committed to learning.

Tune in to hear the real-world challenges and rewards of notary work from someone who goes above and beyond for every signer.

Highlights of the episode:

01:30 – November 2025 Notary of the Month: Elizabeth Turcotte

03:30 – Why notaries play an important role in authentication

04:40 – What sets Elizabeth apart as a notary

05:00 – Experiences that made her proud of her work

06:00 – Creative accommodations during signings (campgrounds, job sites, cars)

07:00 – Challenges notaries face today

10:00 – Elizabeth’s process for accuracy and consistency

11:20 – Systems that prevent missed signatures

12:00 – Working with signers in unique environments

12:40 – Being prepared for unexpected situations

13:10 – What Notary of the Month means to Elizabeth

14:00 – How notaries can qualify for the award

15:00 – How to contact Elizabeth

15:30 – Closing remarks

Connect with Guest:

Email: [email protected]

#NotaryOfTheMonth #NotaryLife #RealEstateClosings #LoanSigningAgent #ClosingMarketWeekly #SigningServicesOfAmerica #NotaryCommunity #ProfessionalNotary #RealEstateProfessionals #ClosingIndustry

In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan sits down with technology sales leader Shane Palladino, Enterprise Account Executive at Secured Signing. With years of experience supporting digital transformation across legal, title, and financial organizations, Shane explains how remote online notarization (RON) has rapidly evolved from a pandemic necessity into a secure, scalable solution reshaping the closing experience.Phillip and Shane walk through the real differences between e-sign and digital signature, how PKI technology protects against fraud, and why authentication in RON is often more secure than traditional in-person notarizations. Shane shares how deepfake threats are driving advanced identity verification — including the platform’s newest AI-driven fraud detection features.They dive into the practical side too: What onboarding looks like for notaries, why training matters, top compliance risks companies overlook, and the industries adopting RON fastest. Shane also offers his prediction for the next five years as legislation and the real estate ecosystem catch up to consumer convenience.Tune in to learn how digital trust, security, and convenience are rapidly becoming the new standard in closings — and why the smartest notaries are getting ahead now while the demand curve is still early.Highlights of the episode: 01:00 – Guest intro02:40 – Entering tech sales04:30 – SaaS explained06:15 – Why Secured Signing09:10 – Pandemic adoption shift12:00 – RON authentication layers14:30 – Deepfake threat response17:20 – Notary fraud awareness19:05 – Support & onboarding21:00 – Free notary training22:50 – Compliance blind spots24:10 – Industries adopting RON26:05 – Future of RON30:20 – How to contact Shane33:00 – Final advice for notariesConnect with Guest:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/securedsigningron/#RemoteOnlineNotarization #DigitalSecurity #ComplianceMatters #RealEstateTechnology #ClosingMarketWeekly #EClosing #DigitalSignatures #NotaryLife #LegalTech #FutureOfClosings

In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan sits down with digital growth strategist Marilyn Jenkins, founder of MJ Media Group and Law Marketing Zone. With a career spanning back to the 1990s, Marilyn has helped law firms and service-based businesses scale to multi-seven-figure revenue using SEO, paid ads, reviews management, database reactivation, and Google Business Profile optimization.Phillip and Marilyn trace her journey from building websites in the early internet era to becoming a trusted advisor to attorneys—an industry she chose specifically because many consumers find lawyers intimidating and hard to approach. Marilyn breaks down how digital marketing makes firms more visible, more human, and easier to trust through strategic content, reviews, and consistent online activity.Together, they unpack the evolution of marketing from websites to Google search to today’s AI-driven landscape. Marilyn explains how large language models change the way people search (“full questions instead of keywords”), why service-based businesses must adapt their content, and how AI is reshaping discoverability across the web.They dive deep into the Google Business Profile, clarifying what it is, why every business needs it, how to claim it, and how reviews + responses dramatically impact visibility. Marilyn gives practical steps on photos, hours, categories, verification, and maintaining a trustworthy online presence—highlighting why ignoring GBP is essentially leaving money on the table.Tune in now to learn how digital strategy, consistent presence, and AI-aware content can help any business stand out—and how Marilyn built a career helping firms outrank, outshine, and outperform their competition.Highlights of the episode: 01:00 – Guest intro: Marilyn Jenkins04:10 – Early days in digital marketing06:00 – Working with attorneys07:20 – Making law firms approachable08:00 – Client visibility success case09:00 – Marketing as investment10:00 – Google vs. AI evolution12:00 – How AI reads your content13:00 – What Google Business Profile really is15:00 – Reviews and replies18:00 – Holiday hours & trust signals20:00 – Why every business needs GBP21:00 – Marilyn’s books21:20 – How to reach MarilynConnect with Guest:Website: https://mjmediagroup.co/ https://lawmarketingzone.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynjenkins/#DigitalMarketing #GoogleBusinessProfile #SEO #AIForBusiness #ServiceBusinesses #LawFirmMarketing #OnlineVisibility #ClosingMarketWeekly #SmallBusinessGrowth #ClientAcquisition

In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan welcomes mortgage professional Mo Phanor, an experienced portfolio and servicing expert and Georgia-licensed mortgage loan originator. Drawing on his post–Great Recession experience, Mo explains how he “accidentally” entered the mortgage industry and ended up on the portfolio management and servicing side—helping lenders mitigate losses, support homeowners, and navigate complex transactions with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, and private investors.

Phillip and Mo walk step-by-step through what actually happens after a loan closes, including how a closed mortgage becomes an asset, what “servicing rights” are, and the difference between the company that owns your loan and the company that services it. Mo breaks down the primary vs. secondary markets, why loans are almost always sold, and how servicers handle your monthly payment, escrow, taxes, and insurance behind the scenes—often without homeowners realizing how much is happening on their behalf.

The conversation also covers the major loan categories available to borrowers today: conventional loans, government-backed loans, and how products like FHA, VA, and USDA loans are structured. Mo explains who each loan type is best for—especially why veterans should strongly consider using VA loans and how to start that process. He also clarifies how and why servicing can transfer multiple times over the life of a mortgage, what those “welcome letters” and “goodbye letters” really mean, and what protections borrowers have when a new servicer takes over.

Tune in now to learn how mortgage servicing really works, how Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae fit into the bigger picture, and what every homeowner or future borrower should understand before walking into a closing table.

Highlights of the episode:

01:00 – Guest intro: Mo Phanor

02:40 – Entering mortgages post-recession

04:30 – Primary vs. secondary markets

06:15 – How servicing rights work

08:10 – From closing table to servicer

10:30 – Who actually owns your loan

12:30 – Fannie Mae vs. Freddie Mac

14:30 – What Ginnie Mae supports

16:00 – Conventional vs. government loans

17:45 – FHA, VA, USDA overview

19:30 – How VA loans benefit veterans

21:30 – Steps to start a VA loan

23:50 – Servicer’s duties to borrower

25:30 – Escrow, taxes, and insurance

28:10 – When your servicer changes

30:30 – 15-day transfer notification rule

33:00 – Why borrowers should care

34:10 – How to connect with Mo

Connect with Guest:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mophanor/

#MortgageEducation #LoanServicing #VALoans #HomebuyerTips #MortgageProcess #ClosingMarketWeekly #FannieMae #FreddieMac #GinnieMae #RealEstateFinance

In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan welcomes Jeffrey and Ashley Hunter, the husband-and-wife duo behind The Hunters Group. Known for transforming underperforming properties into profitable investments, the Hunters share their journey from a chance meeting on Hinge to building a thriving real estate business grounded in collaboration, faith, and long-term vision.

Phillip, Jeffrey, and Ashley discuss their early business experiments, including an almost-launched trucking company, and how a job loss became the catalyst that redirected them into real estate. They break down the importance of mentorship, team-building, and having a clear “buy box” strategy when evaluating properties. The conversation dives deep into how the couple complements each other—Jeff handling numbers, logistics, and acquisitions, while Ashley leads with design, detail, and project management.

Together, they reveal what it takes to balance marriage and business, how to select the right properties, and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. From establishing trust in partnerships to creating beautiful, market-ready homes, the Hunters embody what it means to build with purpose and unity.

Tune in now to hear how Jeffrey and Ashley Hunter built The Hunters Group through vision, adaptability, and teamwork—and what every investor can learn from their approach.

Highlights of the episode:

01:00 – Guest intro: Jeffrey & Ashley Hunter

04:55 – How they met

06:00 – From trucking to real estate

08:40 – Getting laid off and pivoting

09:50 – Building the first team

13:00 – Defining the buy box

15:00 – Role of the realtor

17:00 – Cash offers vs. inspections

18:20 – Assessing renovation costs

20:05 – Design inspirations

22:00 – Balancing Airbnb & flips

23:30 – Working as a couple

27:00 – Selling properties

28:30 – 90-day turnaround process

30:30 – Choosing the right deals

32:00 – Lessons from walking away

33:20 – Final reflections and contact info

Connect with Guest:

Website: https://thehuntersgrp.com/home

#RealEstateInvesting #PowerCouple #FixAndFlip #TeamworkInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ClosingMarketWeekly #PropertyFlipping #PartnershipGoals #RealEstateSuccess #LeadershipInAction

In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan welcomes S. Griffin, Owner of Griffin Notary Services in Virginia Beach, VA, and Signing Services of America’s Notary of the Month. With more than 10,000 appointments completed since 2018, Griffin shares how accountability, structure, and readiness have shaped his journey from curiosity about the notary world to becoming one of the industry’s most reliable professionals.

Phillip and Griffin discuss the importance of reliability, research, and continuous improvement. Griffin recounts his earliest mistakes—from misplaced documents to unclear certificates—and how he turned each setback into a system that ensures accuracy and trust. He emphasizes self-reliance, preparation, and proactive communication, revealing why strong processes and personal accountability keep clients returning year after year.

They also explore practical tools and routines that support high performance, including equipment setups, supply tracking, and mobile-office strategies. Griffin explains how discipline, adaptability, and ownership enabled him to sustain excellence through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tune in now to learn how S. Griffin built a thriving notary business grounded in systems, service, and a mindset of responsibility that every professional can learn from.

Highlights of the episode:

01:00 – Guest intro: S. Griffin

03:10 – Discovering the notary path

04:45 – Lessons from early mistakes

06:20 – Research and self-reliance

09:45 – Building consistent processes

13:00 – Tools and office setup

16:10 – Managing supplies efficiently

18:15 – Mobile office strategies

21:20 – Using Dropbox securely

23:40 – Adapting through collaboration

27:20 – Staying ready and reliable

29:40 – Operating during COVID-19

35:20 – Final advice and mindset

Connect with Guest:

Website: https://www.griffinnotary.com

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@GriffinNotary/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinnotaryservicesllc/?hl=en

#NotaryLife #SigningAgent #OperationalExcellence #Accountability #ProcessImprovement #ResilientLeadership #ClientTrust #RealEstateClosings #ClosingMarketWeekly #NotaryProfessionals