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In episode 25 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Rich Swerbinsky, a nearly 30-year veteran of the mortgage industry, an executive coach, a consultant, and a former President and COO of The Mortgage Collaborative. Rich shares his evolution from leadership in capital markets and mortgage lending to building a national cooperative network with 300+ lender members and 75+ preferred vendor partners, before launching his own consulting company, Onward and Upward Consulting. 

Tune in to hear Rich’s candid insights on mortgage leadership, AI, personal branding, sales culture, market trends, executive growth, and building a business that can thrive in the future.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:42] Introducing Rich Swerbinsky and his 30-year mortgage career.
[00:01:37] The difference between high-level executives and struggling leaders.
[00:02:35] Rich’s evolution from capital markets to executive leadership.
[00:04:17] The challenges of launching a consulting company.
[00:05:13] Mentorship, learning, and building an ecosystem of great leaders.
[00:06:26] Why curiosity and continuous learning matter in leadership.
[00:07:40] Who is winning in today’s mortgage industry?
[00:10:00] Market share, competition, and the future of mortgage companies.
[00:11:32] Where UWM could have taken a different strategic path.
[00:12:37] Comparing Rocket and UWM’s leadership cultures.
[00:14:28] Growth strategies for small independent mortgage lenders.
[00:16:19] Building a personal brand as a loan originator.
[00:17:34] Mortgage companies losing market share and what it means.
[00:19:37] The challenges of being a public mortgage company.
[00:21:37] Could UWM survive its current challenges?
[00:23:22] The skills modern mortgage executives need to thrive.
[00:25:12] Lessons from 30 years in the mortgage industry.
[00:27:28] Where mortgage rates and the market could be headed.
[00:29:25] Capital markets lessons and managing risk.
[00:30:42] Rich’s consulting and coaching philosophy.
[00:32:45] What keeps Rich motivated and hungry to succeed.
[00:34:05] Rich’s final advice: master AI and create great content.

QUOTES

• "Get better at using AI than 95% of the rest of the world." – Rich Swerbinsky
• "You have to be a killer on people's phones." – Rich Swerbinsky
• "Own your zip code." – Rich Swerbinsky

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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Rich Swerbinsky

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardswerbinsky/ 

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In episode 24 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Amir Syed, a mortgage industry leader, coach, and entrepreneur, as he shares his remarkable journey—from fleeing war-torn Iran with his family, overcoming adversity, becoming one of the nation's top mortgage professionals, and eventually building a thriving coaching community that has impacted thousands of loan officers across the country. 

Tune in to learn how elite performers think differently, build winning habits, develop world-class teams, leverage AI for future growth, and create a legacy by helping others rise. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:04] Meet Amir Syed: From immigrant beginnings to industry leader.
 [00:01:44] Escaping Iran and the sacrifices that shaped his future.
 [00:06:16] Lessons learned from selling cars with his father.
 [00:07:43] The mentors who transformed his sales career.
 [00:11:08] Consistency, content creation, and building influence online.
 [00:14:31] Why focusing on inputs always beats chasing outcomes.
 [00:17:15] Pressure, performance, and developing a winning mindset.
 [00:20:29] The difference between high achievement and high performance.
 [00:27:00] Habits and non-negotiables of elite loan officers.
 [00:31:25] Why your environment determines your future.
 [00:39:43] Investing in coaching, mentorship, and personal growth.
 [00:42:00] Amir's G6 framework for building an AI-ready personal brand.
 [00:51:34] Daily activity metrics that drive predictable business growth.
 [00:57:33] Creating content that educates, empowers, and entertains.
 [01:01:31] The legacy every servant leader should pursue.
 [01:01:43] A powerful closing prayer and final words of encouragement.

QUOTES

• "Being shy is expensive. You've got to ask for what you want." – Amir Syed
• "I live in inputs. If I do the work every day, the results will take care of themselves." – Amir Syed
• "Leaders lift others." – Amir Syed

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

Amir Syed

Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsyed/

LinekedIn: https://www.instagram.com/amirsyed/?hl=en 

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In episode 23 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Carson Case, an entrepreneur, speaker, pastor, and leadership mentor, as he shares the defining moments that shaped his journey. His story is a testament to servant leadership, intentional living, and trusting God's direction—even when the path is uncertain. 

Tune in to discover how intentional leadership, faith, disciplined habits, and courageous obedience can transform every area of your life—and why the greatest breakthroughs often begin with one faithful step forward. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:13] Leadership lessons from childhood, coaches, and family.

[00:03:40] Why servant leadership creates stronger teams and lasting culture.

[00:05:56] Authentic leadership, vulnerability, and leading with purpose.

[00:09:13] Carson's transformational journey from spinal injury to ministry.

[00:15:49] The power of prayer, fasting, and seeking direction.

[00:20:10] Leading through faith while balancing structure and spiritual growth.

[00:22:47] Building character, accountability, habits, and family legacy.

[00:29:51] Daily routines that strengthen leaders and create long-term success.

[00:31:46] The 30-mile challenge, discipline, integrity, and doing what you say.

[00:34:33] Launching Soul Church and embracing the cost of obedience.

[00:40:09] Why obedience requires sacrifice—and produces lasting peace.

[00:44:31] The leadership lesson Carson would give his 21-year-old self.

QUOTES

• "Do what you say you're going to do." – Carson Case
• "If you win at work and you lose at home, you're a bum." – PJ Crescenzo
• "Master the basics. Get back to the core." – Carson Case

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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Carson Case

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

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In episode 22 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Robert Howell — real estate investor, founder of Howell & Sons, mobile home park owner, educator, and affordable housing advocate — as he shares how urgency, consistent execution, leadership, mentorship, and servant-minded entrepreneurship have fueled his success. 

Tune in to learn how one bold decision, relentless consistency, and a heart for serving others can transform your business, your mindset, and the lives of the people you impact. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:04] Meet Robert Howell and his journey into real estate investing.

[00:01:12] Transitioning from event marketing to full-time real estate during COVID.

[00:03:09] Building wealth through wholesaling

[00:05:50] Why mobile home parks are one of today's most overlooked investments 

[00:07:22] Moving quickly, simplifying decisions, and beating the competition.

[00:10:58] Robert's mission is to build 100,000 affordable homes.

[00:21:42] The Land Home League and mentoring the next generation of investors.

[00:24:23] Student success stories and the power of implementation.

[00:27:48] Abundance mindset, leadership, and helping others succeed.

[00:33:18] Success principles: urgency, consistency, and showing up every day.

[00:36:49] Faith, character, and building a purpose-driven business.

[00:41:33] Advice for young entrepreneurs: start earlier and take action.

[00:43:56] The legacy Robert Howell hopes to leave behind.

QUOTES

• "Napkin math works all day long from a cash flow perspective." – Robert Howell
• "Success comes from simply showing up every single day." – Robert Howell
• "The true measure of how hungry somebody is is how urgent they are." – PJ Crescenzo

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

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In episode 21 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews David Osborn, a Serial Entrepreneur, wealth-building expert, and WSJ Bestselling Author, as he shares his remarkable transformation from a "reluctant" real estate agent to multimillionaire investor, revealing the mindset shifts and strategic moves that fueled his journey. 

Tune in to discover how to design your life, scale your business, and take massive action toward lasting success!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Welcome and introduction of David Osborn.

[00:01:42] David's early mindset and transition into real estate.

[00:06:01] The evolution from income focus to equity & passive income.

[00:14:13] Income targets, the shift to wealth strategies, and the power of "left to invest."

[00:18:47] Frameworks for delayed gratification and actionable rewards.

[00:21:01] Goal-setting systems: from vision to execution.

[00:31:00] Overcoming limiting beliefs and insecurities.

[00:42:47] The leverage of people, systems, and capital.

[00:48:48] GoBundance: Building a thriving mastermind community.

[00:51:12] Advice to the younger self & legacy reflections 

QUOTES

• "I think integrity and truth. Like this man lived well. He showed up, he served, he didn't flinch. He lived with courage. He lived with intention, and he did what needed to be done with love." – David Osborn
• "Are you asking questions that are so powerful your insecurities are unable to respond?" – PJ Crescenzo
• "Goals for me are a way of calling forth your future... You have this beautiful potential in life because we are divine beings and we have this divine spark within us and we get to co-create with the universe." – David Osborn

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

David Osborn

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

WEBSITE

David Osborn: https://www.davidosborn.com/ 

GoBundance: https://gobundance.com/about 

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In episode 20 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Chris Welton, an incredible coach, leader, and mentor, as he shares his powerful story of overcoming adversity, from his challenging childhood in Southern California to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the mortgage industry and now a sought-after coach.

Tune in for valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your own journey.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:07] One train ride changed everything.

[00:04:09] Sales mentality and perseverance.

[00:09:26] Relationship with adversity development.

[00:12:26] Relationship with God through adversity.

[00:15:05] Empathy in coaching.

[00:17:32] Childhood entrepreneurship and resilience.

[00:23:38] Closing techniques in sales.

[00:27:19] Making big money lifestyle changes.

[00:29:01] Adversity backpack and resilience.

[00:32:01] Niche expertise in the mortgage business.

[00:36:43] Financial advisors and mortgage planning.

[00:39:14] The potential in the mortgage industry.

[00:42:18] Betting on yourself for success.

[00:45:54] Believing in oneself.

QUOTES

• "I learned big lessons because I thought I was invincible." -Chris Welton
• "It's probably the business you can make the most money in for the least amount of work in the history of the world." -Chris Welton
• "The first thing is to have an understanding that you have to be unique and different to win." -Chris Welton

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

Chris Welton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-welton-95279b72/ 

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In episode 19 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Dave Floyd, a record-breaking runner, about his commitment to sobriety, its impact on his life, and how it has shaped his identity as a runner. With insights on discipline, mental resilience, and the pursuit of personal growth, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their life.

Tune in for an engaging and nostalgic discussion about life’s journeys and the bonds that endure.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:34] Moving out of hometown challenges.

[00:04:29] Lessons from first duplex ownership.

[00:09:18] Running journey and evolution.

[00:12:35] Running as identity and community.

[00:17:45] Stopping drinking and social life.

[00:22:45] Running influences and community.

[00:28:07] Running as a long game.

[00:30:34] Commitment to marriage.

[00:34:19] Building an OCR tool.

[00:37:54] Marathon training goals.

[00:40:06] Future as an aggressive filter.

[00:44:23] Legacy and relationships.

QUOTES

• “This is really who you want to be, how you want to show yourself in the world.” -Dave Floyd
• "When you go through something difficult with somebody, just believe what you went through." -PJ Crescenzo

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

Dave Floyd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave__floyd/ 

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/143214754

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In episode 18 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Hakar Torres, the CEO of Glades Air, a private aviation concierge service, as he shares his inspiring journey from his grandfather's escape from Cuba to his father's heart transplant, and how these experiences shaped his life and business philosophy.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to elevate your mindset and approach to competition.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:06] Grandfather's journey to America.

[00:06:18] Dealing with loss and adversity.

[00:10:05] Communication with the heavenly father.

[00:12:49] Building high-level relationships.

[00:16:23] Private aviation experiences and insights.

[00:22:24] Private travel concierge model.

[00:25:51] Value of time vs. money.

[00:29:06] Overcoming fear of public speaking.

[00:35:04] Love God and love people.

[00:40:01] Sharing personal transformation stories.

[00:42:45] Lighting up the room.

QUOTES

• “I wanna be remembered and known for, I mean, the first thing is, you know, lighting up the room when I'm walking in as compared to somebody that's draining the room.” -Hakar Torres
•  "It's not our job to decide how somebody else is going to react to the truth." -Hakar Torres

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

Hakar Torres

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakar-torres/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakartorres/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hakar.torres/ 

WEBSITE:

Hakar Torres: https://hakartorres.com/ 

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In episode 17 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Jaben Makings, founder of Onnix Investments, as he discusses the challenges he faced as a young entrepreneur, including the pitfalls of shiny object syndrome and the importance of focus in achieving success.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that serves as a playbook for achieving your own goals and climbing to new heights.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:07] Transformation from small town.

[00:05:50] Shiny object syndrome in business.

[00:06:27] Diversification for multiplication.

[00:12:09] Entrepreneurial growth and mentorship.

[00:15:51] Company vision and revenue goals.

[00:16:13] Future office vision and growth.

[00:20:03] Purpose and entrepreneurship shift.

[00:24:17] Accountability in leadership transition.

[00:27:40] Belief and empowering truth.

[00:29:15] Faith vs. Instant Gratification.

[00:32:27] The essence of the soul.

[00:36:25] Setting ambitious revenue goals.

[00:39:03] Future revenue projections.

[00:42:51] Family mission statement.

[00:45:12] Future generations and blessings.

QUOTES

• "You're never going to be extremely successful unless you just lock in on one thing." -Jaben Makings
•  "Oftentimes the thing you don't want to face is the same thing you have to go through to get to where you want to be." -PJ Crescenzo
•  "It doesn't matter the era or the time, the human soul never changes." -PJ Crescenzo

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

Jaben Makings

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaben-makings

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaben_makings/

WEBSITE:

Onnix Investments: https://onnixinvestments.com/

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In episode 16 of High Level People, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Dr. Greg Pursley, a physician-entrepreneur, as he shares practical tools for overcoming disappointment, reframing challenges, and maintaining fulfillment—while producing impressive results and leading by example.

Tune in for proven strategies, inspiring stories, and a step-by-step playbook to take the next meaningful action in your career.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:02] Introduction: Meet Dr. Greg Pursley, transformation coach and entrepreneur

[00:02:17] Leadership Evolution: From owning a job to building scalable businesses

[00:04:12] Personal Adversity: How challenge and mindset shape fulfillment

[00:06:28] Frameworks for Controlling Emotions, Setting Goals, and Finding Fulfillment

[00:10:43] Turning Challenges Into Opportunities: Resilience & Relationship Growth

[00:28:45] Simplicity, Systems, and Team Leverage for Business Owners

[00:39:34] Targets, Clarity, and Measurable Success

[00:41:43] Non-Negotiables for Team Growth and Continuous Improvement

[00:44:21] Leaving a Legacy: Leading with Purpose, Never Giving Up

QUOTES

• "Nothing happens to me. Everything happens through me." – Greg Pursley
• "Every why should have a because." – PJ Crescenzo
• "If you refuse to stop and you have a belief that things will work out eventually for the best, you won’t be beat." – Greg Pursley

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PJ CRESCENZO III

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065

Dr. Greg Pursley

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgregpursley1/ 

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