CONNECT by California MBA

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Bob Noble, SVP of Product and Innovation, TRUE

Topics of Discussion:

1:39 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business.

3:32 - 2023 is the most challenging year lenders have had for some time. How can automation done correctly help reduce costs and improve borrower experience?

8:07 - The TRUE platform, using artificial intelligence, is cutting edge for lenders. Tell us a little about the company

10:27 - How does TRUE set themselves apart from competitors?

14:20 - Lastly, I noticed TRUE talks a lot about Lending Intelligence. It’s not a term I’ve heard widely used. Can you talk about this?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Mitch Kider, Managing Partner, Weiner Brodsky Kider, PC

Topics of Discussion:

1:39 - Mitch, its been a few years since you’ve joined on the Connect Podcast. I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into legal representation for financial services.

5:14 - You and I had the chance to chat at the IMB Conference earlier this year, I loved your perspective on this market and your reflection on the past “down markets” you’ve weathered in this industry. Can you share with our listeners your thoughts on what we’re experiencing this year?

10:17 - You and several of your attorneys have been very active with us for many years; we are so grateful for the expertise that your firm brings to our legislative and legal agenda. What do you feel is the most important legislative issue we’ll face in 2023?

13:33 - We’ve been fortunate to have you speak at our Legal Issues & Regulatory Compliance Conference many times and you always share your expertise in the area of fair lending. What should lenders be thinking about relative to fair lending compliance in this market?

18:56 - Outside of your legal career, you’re on the Board for Project HOPE at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Project RESTORE is a collaborative multidisciplinary effort to develop new therapies to treat neuroimmunologic disorders including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Transverse Myelitis (TM). Tell us a little about Project HOPE.

23:31 - You’ve been a big supporter of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you’re such a big supporter?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Christy Bunce, President, New American Funding.

Topics of Discussion:

1:57 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business.

3:29 - New American Funding has an incredible corporate culture, I believe its known as NAF360. How does that strong corporate culture set the company apart from competitors?

8:02 - New American Funding sets the bar when it comes to getting employees active on legislative issues! I know that NAF is always promoting the Mortgage Action Alliance to its employees, which is incredibly effective. Tell us about how NAF leadership is so successful in employee engagement on legislative issues.

10:36 - Our association has a very active Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, designed to promote DEI policy in our members’ companies. Can you talk with us a little about NAF’s New American Dream Initiative?

14:31 - You were recently moved into the role of President at NAF. Being a leader during hot markets is much different than challenging markets, like we’re in today. What are some of the leadership values that can help companies navigate the tough times?

18:26 - You have received some incredible recognition for your leadership including a Gold Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year for companies with more than 2,500 employees and you were also named a 2021 Mortgage Star by Mortgage Women Magazine and a 2020 HW Vanguard by HousingWire. How did those awards impact you?

20:39 - New American Funding has always been a huge supporter of the California MBA, for which we are very grateful. Can you share with us why the company supports our organization?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Keith Lind, CEO at Acra Lending

Topics of Discussion:

1:41 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business.

2:54 - You’ve had a long history in the mortgage industry, 2023 is definitely a tough year for originators. How can a company be competitive in a purchase market like this?

5:29 - What are some of the opportunities in today’s market for the non-QM lending space?

7:53 - Being a leader during hot markets is much different than challenging markets, like we’re in today. What are some of the leadership values that can help companies navigate the tough times?

9:43 - You’ve had a long career in financial services, what advice would you give a young mortgage professional just starting out?

11:40 - You’ve been a big supporter of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you’re such a big supporter?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Justin Vedder, Managing Director, Residential Solutions, SitusAMC

Topics of Discussion:

1:55 - Justin, thank you for joining us, tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the mortgage business

4:07 - You have a unique professional perspective to bring to this podcast, in that you are a working professional that has Parkinson’s. What can you share with listeners about the challenges and fears you navigate on a personal level?

6:23 - Getting back to the industry, tell us more about SitusAMC and what you offer mortgage bankers

8:09 - In a year when lenders are looking to manage expenses any way possible, why should lenders utilize offshore fulfillment teams?

11:03 - How does SitusAMC set themselves apart from their competitors?

12:35 - SitusAMC is a big supporter of the California MBA and for that, we’re very grateful. Why does the company choose to support an organization like ours?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Last week, Susan had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Insellerate's CEO/Founder, Josh Friend, LIVE at the ICE Experience 2023. Hear what Josh has to say about the exciting updates Insellerate is providing its clients, as well as his invaluable insights on how to make the most of the current market – don't miss out!

To learn more about the California MBA, visit cmba.com

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Ali Nassirian, VP, Home Loans, Golden 1 Credit Union

Topics of Discussion:

2:17 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business.

3:10 - Prior to the credit union you were at mortgage companies. What are the cultural differences between those models?

4:09 - How does Golden 1 set itself apart from competitors?

5:15 - I see you have your AMP (Accredited Mortgage Professional) designation from the national MBA. Why was that important for you to obtain?

7:06 - You served on the California Building Industry Association Board in 2021. Can you talk with us about some of the challenges relating to our housing supply issues?

9:22 - Golden 1 recently rejoined the California MBA, and thank you so much for your support. Can you share with us why you support our organization?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Tom Wight, Vice President, Mortgage Banking, KeyBank Real Estate Capital

Topics of Discussion:

1:42 - I always like to get started with a little personal background, how did you get into the commercial mortgage industry?

5:02 - Interest rates are up and we’re just kicking off 2023. You focus on multifamily finance, how do you see that asset class fairing over the next 12 months?

8:32 - You recently moved from a commercial mortgage broker to a national bank. What are some of the similarities or differences between these roles?

11:01 - Tom you have been involved in other associations and I know you are an incredible networker. What advice can you share with newer entrants in the market about how to build that strong professional network?

15:24 - You recently joined our Board of Directors, and we look forward to working with you. What can you share with our listeners about the importance of supporting the California MBA?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Mark Ulmer, EVP Lending Operations, Freedom Mortgage

Topics of Discussion:

1:41 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business.

4:45 - What are you/Freedom Mortgage focused on in today’s market?

9:20 - Freedom Mortgage is known for not only being one of the top mortgage lenders in the country but also for the incredible philanthropic work they do. Can you tell us more?

14:31 - So, Freedom Mortgage gives back and at the same time takes care of its employees. Freedom Mortgage has been recognized as one the “best places to work” many years in a row. Tell us a little about the corporate culture what creates that environment.

18:20 - You’ve had a long career in financial services, what advice would you give a young mortgage professional just starting out?

23:11 - You’ve been a big supporter of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you’re such a big supporter?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Robert Finlay, Wright, Finlay & Zak

Topics of Discussion:

1:38 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into legal representation for financial services.

3:31 - You and several of your attorneys have been very active with us for many years; we are so grateful for the expertise that your firm brings to our legislative and legal agenda. What do you feel is the most important legislative issue we’ll face in 2023?

6:50 - You and your firm have also worked with us for years on participating with amicus briefs on important legal cases. Can you share with our listeners the issues surrounding our most recent case, Honchariw v FJM?

12:04 - As you know, the California MBA has an active Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Your firm is also active in several national associations promoting diversity. How has your involvement on those issues benefited your firm?

14:36 - Onto a topic outside of the mortgage industry – WINE! I happen to know you’re a big fan of the Palo Robles wine country in our beautiful state. What is your favorite winery?

16:49 - You’ve been a big supporter of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you’re such a big supporter?

To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!