Coaching with Chris

Michelle Berman-Mikel is a nationally recognized Instagram Prospecting coach known for helping real estate agents and loan officers transform their approach to social media. As the founder of Berman Media PD and creator of Beyond The Method™, Michelle teaches professionals how to tap into the mindset of their ideal clients and turn Instagram into a powerful lead-generating tool. Her coaching blends strategy with psychology, helping users build credibility and meaningful connections in their local markets.

In addition to her coaching, Michelle is the host of The Coffee & Questions Podcast, where she interviews top voices in the industry like Daniel Harkavy, Will Grimes, and Bill Hart. She’s also a regular contributor to Inman, NAMB, and NAR, with more than a dozen featured articles. Michelle brings a rare mix of grit, clarity, and practical insight that’s redefining how real estate pros show up—and succeed—online.

Shayla Gifford is a powerhouse in the mortgage industry—known for transforming hustle into high-impact leadership while having fun and keeping it real. With over 20 years of experience, Shayla's built and runs a $1B+ business while raising a family, leading a nationwide team of 75+ mortgage professionals, and coaching countless loan officers into top producers.

As the host of The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast and a nationally recognized performance coach, Shayla teaches driven mortgage pros how to ditch burnout, master strategic systems, and build a business that fuels both success and freedom. Her mission? To help you scale sustainably, lead with confidence, and become the rainmaker of your life and business.

Dawn Van Nieuwenhuyzen, Devin Malmgren, and Isabella Barbee are seasoned mortgage professionals at Plains Commerce Bank, known for delivering exceptional service and results.

With nearly 30 years in mortgage banking and underwriting, Dawn is a pro at matching borrowers with the right loan products and guiding them through complex transactions.

Devin, a former commercial lender, now helps clients build long-term financial strength through homeownership with clear, proactive communication.

Bella has deep experience in mortgage operations and lending, allowing her to guide clients through a smooth, stress-free process.

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

Major Singleton, a proud Navy veteran with 23 years of service, is the owner of Major Money Matters, powered by Edge Home Finance. A natural educator from a young age, Major now channels his passion into empowering families with knowledge about homeownership and personal finance. His mission is clear: to educate others on the value of owning a home, staying informed on economic trends, practicing financial stewardship, using credit responsibly, and choosing the right mortgage products.

As a seasoned mortgage broker, Major serves both families and realtor partners with dedication and expertise. Beyond his daily work, he’s also a trusted voice in the industry, sharing insights on mortgages, money, and more through his Major Money Matters social media channels.

Ranked consistently in the top 1% of mortgage originators nationwide, Major is recognized as a leading expert in both mortgage lending and team leadership. His team generates over $500 million in annual loan volume, a testament to his strategic vision and collaborative spirit. He also serves on the board of the Broker Action Coalition, advocating for fair housing policies, veteran and minority homeownership, and stronger consumer privacy protections on Capitol Hill.

In recognition of his impact and leadership, the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts named him the 2024 National Mortgage Broker of the Year.

Major lives in Arlington, TX, with his wife of 20 years, Cheryl, and their four children: Keane (24), MJ (15), Joselyn (15), and Aiden (12).

Barry Habib is the CEO of MBS Highway and a recognized expert in the mortgage and housing industries. He is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of Money in the Streetsand played a crucial role in stabilizing the mortgage market in 2020 with his presentation to the Federal Reserve.

Barry has received numerous accolades, including three Crystal Ball Awards for the most accurate real estate forecasts, 2019 Mortgage Professional of the Year, and a finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He was named to the Mortgage Global 100 List and 100 People to Watch in 2023.

He has originated over $2 billion in mortgage sales and is the Lead Producer and Managing Partner of Rock of Ages, which he turned into a successful movie. Barryalso produced Criss Angel’s Mindfreak in Las Vegas.

A top-rated speaker and trainer for over 25 years, Barry is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in mortgage and real estate education.

Neel is a content marketing expert who exploded his mortgage business by creating content that gets results on social media. He also is the founder of Forward Academy, where he helps over 1000 Real Estate & Mortgage Pros learn how they can do the same.  Neel hosts the annual Forward Event in Las Vegas, where LO's and agents from all over the country come to learn the latest trends in marketing. 

With four decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Rick is a seasoned professional. As the owner of 3 mortgage branches and a team of 35 loan officers, his impact is substantial— his branches closed an impressive 2,000 loans in 2023 alone. Rick’s personal journey in origination spans from 1984 to 2009. 

Beyond his thriving mortgage enterprises, Rick is the driving force behind The CORE Training, an elite Mortgage and Real Estate coaching company boasting over 1,000 clients and led by 35 top-producing coaches. These coaches, earning an average of $1 million each with $2 million in savings, exemplify the success Rick imparts. 

Notably established in 2001, The CORE Training is a testament to Rick’s commitment to empowering others. He extends his expertise through private consultations with major mortgage banks, emphasizing a philosophy of earning more, saving more, and giving more to both employees and clients. 

Trevor York is a digital marketer, lender, speaker, and the founder of LynkSpot. Known for his innovative philosophy that “normal is invisible," Trevor helps business owners and professionals stand out by embracing bold ideas and authentic storytelling. He has reached millions through his content and coached some of the top loan officers and realtors in the country. He’s driven by a passion for connecting creativity with tangible business results, empowering others to break free from industry norms and build meaningful brands. Trevor’s work has inspired thousands, and his unique frameworks have led to transformative outcomes across industries.

As a mortgage “lifer” and certified “people person,” JulieYarbrough’s mortgage career spans decades, starting in 1989 as a loan processor and quickly transitioning into loan originations. After relocating to Sacramento in 1999, she thrived as a loan originator, later founding her own brokerage, Gateway Capital. During the mortgage crisis, Julie moved to community banking at Five Star Bank, ultimately becoming President of the mortgage division.

She later became a Regional Area Manager for a nationwidemortgage banker before co-founding Empire Home Loans Inc., where she focuses on recruiting and developing top talent while fostering a people-centric culture. Julie’s mission at Empire is to empower women in the mortgage industry and create an exceptional experience for both clients and loan officers.

Julie is also currently serving as the Director of Growth for the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME), where she drives growth and supports the needs of independent mortgage professionals, as well as hosting a weekly Mortgage Mornings call.

An advocate for leadership and personal development, Juliehas completed leadership courses with the National Speakers Association and Pepperdine University. She has also served on the Sacramento CAMP Board, co-chaired the CEO Women’s Round Table, and graduated with distinction from Future Leaders, CMBA through Pepperdine University.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys outdoor activities, watersports, and spending time with her daughter, Bella, and her dogs. A lover of music, cooking, and reading, Julie brings a well-rounded, balanced approach to her professional and personal life.

Skylar Welch is the Founder and Managing Partner of Maine Pointe Lending. She has been a mortgage broker for 14 years, focusing on building strong relationships and providing value to her referral partners.

Skylar has worked to build her business from the ground up, starting as an LOA and quickly growing to become a $100 million-per-year producer. She has been recognized for her mortgage production over the past decade, earning accolades as a top producer in her state and ranking in the top 1% nationwide.

A mom of three very busy children, Skylar spends much of her time on the sidelines of whatever sport is in season. Despite her full schedule, she continues to excel in her professional endeavors.

Two years ago, Skylar followed her dream of owning a wedding venue. Alongside her husband, she designed and built Moonlit Ridge, Maine’s most beautiful wedding venue, which they now proudly own and operate.

Skylar is passionate about creating special moments and memorable experiences for her clients. This dedication has been a driving force behind her success in the mortgage industry.