Coaching with Chris

In this episode of Coaching with Chris, host Chris Vinson sits down with award-winning mortgage leader Wade Betz to talk about building consistency, developing strong teams, and giving back to the broker community.Wade shares his inspiring journey from his early days breaking into real estate to becoming one of the most respected voices in the mortgage space. He and Chris discuss what it means to “lay bricks every day” — staying disciplined, producing at a high level, and leading with integrity even when the market shifts.

Together, they dive into:

✅ Transitioning from retail to the broker world and what that experience taught Wade

✅ The importance of mentorship and community in the mortgage industry

✅ How daily habits and routines drive success (including Wade’s simple but powerful weekly review method)

✅ Building long-term relationships with your team, and why turnover might say more about leadership than employees

✅ Highlights from AIME FUSE 2024 and what’s coming at MortgageCon 2025 at Universal Studios Orlando, complete with amazing speakers, industry insights, and after-hours fun at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

Wade also shares his excitement about winning an MVP Award at the Windsor Mortgage Hall of AIME Awards, reflecting on how collaboration and mutual support are key to elevating the industry.

💬 Want to connect with Wade?

Check out Winning with Wade or send him a DM. He’s always ready to help other mortgage professionals grow their business and mindset.

https://www.facebook.com/BetzWade

https://www.instagram.com/winningwithwade/

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Coaching with Chris

01:00 – Wade’s journey into the mortgage world

04:00 – Lessons from switching from retail to broker

10:00 – Balancing risk and reward in business

18:00 – Building winning routines and habits

30:00 – Leadership, teamwork, and accountability

42:00 – Giving back to the industry

43:00 – MortgageCon 2025 preview + AIME FUSE recap

44:00 – Hall of AIME MVP win and closing thoughts

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Kimber White has nearly 40 years in the mortgage industry. He is Branch Partner at RE Financial Services and incoming President of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB). A nationally ranked Top 1% mortgage broker for the past five years, Kimber is recognized for his integrity, mentorship, and advocacy on behalf of brokers nationwide. His leadership continues to shape the future of mortgage finance through excellence, innovation, and industry advancement.Valerie Saunders is Chief Executive Strategist at the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) and Vice President of RE Financial Services, bringing over 30 years of leadership in advocacy, compliance, and industry growth. A past President of both NAMB and the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals, she has helped reform regulations, advanced consumer protections, and supported broker success nationwide. A nationally recognized speaker, educator, and award winner—including MPA Elite Women and Global 100—Valerie continues to drive meaningful change as a respected voice in the mortgage industry.

Jonathon Haddad is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME). Jonathon entered the wholesale mortgage channel in 2019 with Next Door Lending, where he advanced from Vice President to Managing Partner and President. Under his leadership, the company achieved $800 million in mortgage volume in 2023, with Jonathon personally originating $20 million across 60 loans to stay connected to the borrower experience and the realities of the business.

Before joining wholesale, Jonathon spent six years with one of the largest retail mortgage companies in the country, where he rose to Regional Vice President. Over his 11-year career, he has facilitated more than $5 billion in mortgage transactions, including both his personal production and team performance.

Since becoming CEO of AIME in 2024, Jonathon has drawn on his experience in both retail and wholesale to educate, empower, and advocate for the broker community and homebuyers nationwide. His mission is simple: help brokers close more loans. Through his leadership, AIME is focused on delivering practical business support for independent mortgage brokerages while driving industry-wide awareness of the critical role brokers play in the future of homeownership.

JJ Mazzo is widely regarded as a transformative coach who fuels growth through grit, perseverance, and purpose.

A decorated entrepreneur and eight-figure business owner, JJ built multiple income streams after overcoming one of life’s greatest financial setbacks, filing for bankruptcy at 32 and becoming a multimillionaire by 37. His story is one of relentless determination, resilience, and reinvention. As one of the highest-producing mortgage leaders in the industry, surpassing billions in funded volume, JJ has become a symbol of triumph over adversity and a beacon for those seeking financial freedom.

He has authored numerous articles as a Forbes Coaches Council member and currently serves as a producing Executive Vice President at CrossCountry Mortgage with The Mazzo Group. JJ is also the cofounder of Impact Coaching and Training, an elite leadership development company launched in 2024 alongside other top industry professionals. Previously, he served for over a decade as a senior coach and director at The Core Training, retiring in 2023 after cementing his legacy in mortgage coaching.

Throughout his career, JJ has consistently ranked among the top 1% of mortgage originators nationwide and has been recognized as one of Orange County’s premier mortgage bankers.

JJ lives in San Juan Capistrano, California, with his wife and two daughters. He is an active member of the Orange County Association of Realtors and serves on the board of First Home IQ. He is also a proud supporter of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, the Orange County Rescue Mission, and Giveback Homes, organizations that align with his passion for giving underserved families access to safe and secure housing.

are seasoned mortgage professionals at Plains Commerce Bank, known for delivering exceptional service and results.

With nearly 20 years in mortgage, Steve is dedicated to finding the best financing solutions for his clients, with a focus on VA loans and affordable housing for first-time buyers.

Bella has deep experience in mortgage operations and lending, allowing her to guide clients through a smooth, stress-free process.
With over 10 years in mortgage, Jeremy helps clients navigate buying, refinancing, or future planning with ease, making the process simple, fast, and tailored to their needs.

Together, they offer a strategic, solutions-driven approach to home financing.

Tom Ahles is the Chief Growth Officer at Edge Home Finance, one of the largest independent mortgage brokerage in the U.S., where he has helped grow the company to over 1,200 loan officers nationwide. With over two decades in the mortgage industry, Tom is also the National Director of Membership for the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME), advocating for the broker channel and driving industry-wide growth. Recognized as the #1 broker in Minnesota, Tom is passionate about helping retail loan officers transition to wholesale, leveraging his experience, relationships with 150+ lenders, and a proven track record of leadership, training, and strategic growth.

Ashley Bedford is a top-producing mortgage broker who has built her business almost entirely through referrals and real relationships. Known for her consistency, heart, and integrity, she shows up for her clients and partners with the kind of reliability that builds trust—and long-term success.

She’s a mom, a wife, and a woman of faith who believes in doing things the right way, even when it takes longer. Ashley’s strength lies in staying grounded in what matters most while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.

She is passionate about helping others rise, creating space for real connection, and leading with purpose. For Ashley, growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about becoming better, staying true, and lifting others along the way.

This week on Coaching with Chris, we’re switching things up, Chris is sitting down with his own family.

Shalece, Shelby, and Clay have all spent time in the mortgage world, from originating loans to working alongside Chris at Windsor and Plains. But this episode isn’t just about business.

They talk candidly about what it’s like working and living with Chris, share some behind-the-scenes stories, and maybe reveal a few things he’d rather keep off the record.

From viral video creator to nationally ranked mortgage broker — this week’s guest on Coaching with Chris knows a thing or two about leveling up.Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Shawn Malkou began uploading YouTube videos at age 14. With persistence and consistency, he amassed over 100 million views before turning 18.In 2018, Shawn entered the mortgage world and went on to launch X2 Mortgage in 2021 — a thriving brokerage with 20+ employees. Today, he holds the title of #1 Mortgage Broker in the Country Under 30 for 2024.

Derek McGowan is the proud founder of McGowan Mortgages and a nationally recognized mortgage pro based right in Kansas City, Missouri. Since jumping into the mortgage world in 2016, Derek has built a reputation as one of the top loan officers in the country and currently ranks as the #1 Loan Officer at NEXA Mortgage—one of the largest brokerages in the U.S.But what really sets Derek apart? It’s his genuine care for clients, his no-nonsense advice, and a team that works lightning fast to make buying a home (or refinancing one) as smooth as possible. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or just looking to save some money, Derek and his crew are known for their killer communication, competitive rates, and quick closings.McGowan Mortgages is all about education, transparency, and hustle—and Derek leads the charge with heart. He’s not just running a business; he’s building a community of happy homeowners and partners who know they can count on him every step of the way.