Laugh, Lend and Eat

By Fobby Naghmi

Welcome to Laugh, Lend, and Eat, the podcast where business meets banter! Hosted by Fobby Naghmi and joined by his dynamic co-hosts Madison Keenan and Dalila Ramos, this show blends everything they lo... more

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FAQs about Laugh, Lend and Eat:

How many episodes does Laugh, Lend and Eat have?

The podcast currently has 173 episodes available.

Laugh, Lend and Eat episodes:

October 08, 2024Leadership Matters: Marshall Sparkman & Michelle Velez on Collaborative Leadership
Episode Overview:
In this special Leadership Matters episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, host Fobby Naghmi and co-host Ginger Bell are joined by three insightful guests: Ginger Bell, Founder of Edumarketing and AIMasteryCenter, Marshall Sparkman, Mortgage Sales Supervisor at U.S. Bank, and Michelle Velez, Certified Mortgage Consultant at Mortgage Dynamics. Together, they discuss the importance of leadership in both the mortgage industry and personal life, sharing their own experiences of leading teams, overcoming fear, and adapting to change.
Key Themes:
Collaborative Leadership: Michelle emphasizes the importance of motivating volunteers and creating a collaborative environment, highlighting the difference between leading in corporate settings and volunteer-based organizations.

Adaptability and Change: Marshall reflects on the power of adapting quickly and embracing change, particularly in today's uncertain market, while Ginger stresses the need to "shift hard, shift fast" as a leader.

Inspiring Others: All guests discuss the value of inspiring trust in others and leading by example, whether through volunteer work or within professional settings.
Quotes from the Episode:
On Collaborative Leadership:
"You can't just say, 'You're going to do this, you're going to do that.' It has to be a collaborative effort. You need to work together to reach that 30,000-foot goal."
Michelle Velez explains the importance of collaboration and buy-in when leading volunteers in nonprofit organizations.

On Adaptability and Leadership:
"The only constant is change. As leaders, we have to be able to shift quickly and communicate that effectively to our teams to help them get over the fear of the unknown."
Ginger Bell highlights how leaders must embrace and anticipate change in order to guide their teams through uncertain times.

On Inspiring Trust:
"As a leader, you have to inspire trust in others. People want to be led, but they also want to trust that their leader has their best interests at heart."
Marshall Sparkman discusses how trust is the foundation of effective leadership, especially when navigating challenging situations.
Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more insightful episodes that explore leadership, personal growth, and industry trends. Learn from Ginger Bell, Marshall Sparkman, and Michelle Velez as they share their experiences on inspiring change, building trust, and navigating the evolving mortgage industry. Stay tuned for more episodes in the Leadership Matters series!
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37min
October 01, 2024Fed Rate Cuts, Refinancing Strategies, and Navigating Market Confusion
In this lively episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, hosts Fobby Naghmi and Madison Keenan discuss the current mortgage market, the complexities of refinancing, and how to best guide clients through today's volatile interest rate environment. With humor and insight, the duo break down the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts, misconceptions around mortgage rates, and the importance of educating clients in an industry filled with noise and misinformation.

Key Themes:
Interest Rate Confusion: Madison and Fobby clarify the misunderstanding clients often have about the Federal Reserve’s role in mortgage rates and why immediate relief isn’t always seen.

Client Education and Trust: Madison discusses the importance of building trust with clients and how she helps them navigate misleading information, ensuring they make informed decisions.

Refinancing Strategy: Both hosts reflect on the delicate balance of timing in refinancing, weighing the cost of points and fees against the long-term benefits.

Quotes from the Episode:
On Interest Rate Misconceptions:
"People just instantaneously thought that the interest rates went into the 5s and the 4s. But what they forget is that you have to pay points."
Madison explains the common misconception about rate cuts and how clients are often misled by the media.

On Educating Clients:
"There’s a lot of myth-busting right now and just education, which as a mortgage lender, you should always be doing."
Madison highlights the importance of guiding clients through the noise and ensuring they make informed decisions.

On Refinancing:
"I could be making a paycheck off you right now, but it’s not beneficial to our relationship because I’m your trusted mortgage advisor."
Madison shares her approach to client relationships, prioritizing trust over immediate financial gain.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more episodes filled with market insights, humor, and practical advice for mortgage professionals and homebuyers alike. Tune in for the latest discussions on interest rates, refinancing strategies, and how to make informed financial decisions in a rapidly changing market!
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36min
September 24, 2024The Power of Curiosity: Jay Doran Asks the Right Questions.
In this thought-provoking episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we sit down with Jay Doran, Chief Executive Officer at Culture Matters LLC. Jay shares his journey of personal and professional metamorphosis, the power of curiosity, and the role of culture in leadership. With a focus on self-awareness, the episode explores how culture impacts business success and how asking the right questions can drive growth and transformation. Jay opens up about the importance of creating depth in relationships and how meaningful connections can lead to both personal and organizational development.

Key Themes:
Metamorphosis and Personal Growth: Jay discusses his ongoing transformation, likening it to a cocoon to butterfly process, and reflects on the changes he’s experienced in both his personal life and career.

The Power of Questions in Leadership: Jay emphasizes how asking the right questions, rather than having all the answers, is key to leadership and personal development.

Culture as a Foundation for Business: Jay delves into how culture impacts both employees and clients, emphasizing the importance of creating authentic and deep connections in a professional environment.

Quotes from Jay Doran’s Insights:
On Personal Metamorphosis:
"I'm going through a metamorphosis. The cocoon to butterfly process is real, and I’ve learned that stepping back from certain things to allow growth is essential."
Jay reflects on his ongoing journey of change and how it has shaped his leadership and personal life.

On the Importance of Asking Questions:
"You don’t close deals because you know the answers. You close deals because you know the right questions to ask."
Jay explains how inquiry drives progress and is more valuable than simply having all the answers in business.

On Culture and Leadership:
"When someone disagrees with me, I remind myself, ‘This is when culture matters.’ That’s when your leadership truly shows, when you listen and create a safe space for them to share."
Jay highlights how culture is integral to leadership and how managing disagreements with empathy is key to maintaining strong relationships.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more insightful conversations with industry leaders. Learn from Jay Doran on how culture drives business success, the power of transformation, and why asking the right questions is the key to growth. Stay tuned for more episodes that explore leadership, personal development, and the role of culture in the workplace!
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56min
September 19, 2024From Hustle to Tech: Divine4thLetter on Resilience, Redemption, and Building Culture in Corporate America
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we sit down with Divine4thLetter, Director of Culture at FormFree, live at NAMMBA Connect '24. Divine shares his powerful story, detailing his journey from hustling in the streets, to building a career in rap, and ultimately entering the tech space. The conversation explores how Divine overcame immense challenges, leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit, and applied the lessons from his past to succeed in corporate America. Divine’s role at FormFree allows him to shape company culture while remaining authentic to his roots.

Key Themes:
The Power of Resilience: Divine talks about overcoming the challenges of his early life, including multiple incarcerations, and how he used those experiences as fuel for his success.

Translating Street Knowledge to Business: Divine discusses how the entrepreneurial skills he developed on the streets transferred to his career in tech, helping him navigate corporate environments and build a successful career.

Creating Authentic Culture in Corporate Spaces: As the Director of Culture at FormFree, Divine emphasizes the importance of authenticity in shaping company culture, drawing from his own life experiences to foster a unique and inclusive environment.

Quotes from Divine4thLetter’s Insights:
On Resilience and Redemption:
"I went from crack to rap to tech. Each phase of my life taught me something valuable, and I used those lessons to keep moving forward, even when things got tough."
Divine reflects on how his journey through different phases of life has shaped his resilience and determination to succeed.

On Translating Street Hustle to Business:
"Corporate America has its own system just like the streets. I took the skills I learned hustling—manufacturing, marketing, distribution—and applied them in business. It’s all entrepreneurial."
Divine shares how the skills he developed in his past life directly translate to success in the corporate world.

On Building Culture:
"I don’t come into a company as just an employee—I come in as an executive, an entrepreneur. I’m here to help build something, and that’s the mindset I bring to every space I enter."
Divine explains how his approach to leadership and culture-building at FormFree is rooted in his entrepreneurial mindset and authenticity.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders who are reshaping corporate culture and driving innovation. Connect with Divine4thLetter to learn more about how he is blending his past experiences with his role at FormFree to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace. Stay tuned for more episodes exploring stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and success in the mortgage and tech industries!
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16min
September 19, 2024Advocacy and Authenticity: Whitley Cooper on Minority Homeownership and Empowering Communities
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we sit down with Whitley Cooper, a Mortgage Broker at Advocate Home Loan, live from NAMMBA Connect '24. Whitley shares her inspiring journey from mortgage originator to running her own brokerage, highlighting the importance of advocacy in helping underserved communities. The discussion covers topics such as breaking down barriers for minority homeownership, the role of personal branding in business, and how Whitley’s work with the Black Homeownership Council is driving legislative change.

Key Themes:
Advocacy in Homeownership: Whitley emphasizes the role of advocacy in helping consumers who may not understand the complexities of homeownership, especially within minority communities.

Representation in the Mortgage Industry: Whitley shares the importance of being a black woman mortgage broker, showing how representation can make a difference for clients and future loan originators.

Driving Legislative Change: Whitley discusses her work with the Black Homeownership Council, where she helps shape legislation to improve homeownership opportunities for Black Americans.

Quotes from Whitley Cooper’s Insights:
On Advocacy and Homeownership:
"Being an advocate for our consumers and home buyers means helping represent the folks who can’t represent themselves. We’re the mortgage experts, and we need to share that knowledge to help them build wealth."
Whitley explains how her mission is to guide clients through the homeownership process and empower them with the tools to succeed.

On Representation in the Industry:
"Having a broker owner in this business who looks like me, a Black woman, allows consumers to connect with someone who shares their experiences and helps other originators grow their businesses too."
Whitley highlights the value of representation, both for clients and for fostering diversity within the mortgage industry.

On Legislative Change for Minority Homeownership:
"We work with members of Congress, particularly the Congressional Black Caucus, to ensure that the language in laws being introduced will truly help Black Americans. It’s easier to make changes before a law is passed than to undo them after."
Whitley discusses her advocacy work in Washington, D.C., and how she’s helping shape policy to better serve underserved communities.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more inspiring stories from mortgage industry leaders. Connect with Whitley Cooper to learn how she is advocating for minority homeownership and making a difference through her work at Advocate Home Loan. Stay tuned for more episodes exploring the intersection of community, business, and legislative change in the mortgage industry!
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15min
September 19, 2024Data, Technology, and the Future of Lending: Jeff Walton on Leveraging Innovation in a Shrinking Market
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we sit down with Jeff Walton, CEO of Ingenius, live from NAMMBA Connect '24 in Orlando. Jeff shares insights on the role of data in the mortgage industry, the challenges lenders face in today’s market, and how technology is revolutionizing the way companies operate. With over 30 years of experience, Jeff discusses how data accuracy can make or break business decisions, the impact of AI on the lending space, and how Ingenius is helping lenders adapt and grow in an increasingly competitive environment.

Key Themes:
The Shrinking Market of Loan Officers: Jeff discusses the significant reduction in the number of loan officers over the past few years and how that has impacted the lending industry.

The Importance of Data Accuracy: Jeff explains how data accuracy is vital to lenders' success, and how Ingenius ensures precise data by blending multiple sources to give companies an edge.

AI and Technological Breakthroughs: Jeff talks about how AI is accelerating the development of technology, compressing timelines, and how the next few years could bring rapid change to the mortgage industry.

Quotes from Jeff Walton’s Insights:
On the Shrinking Market of Loan Officers:
"At the peak, we had around 182,000 loan officers, and now it’s down to 95,000. It makes all the sense in the world, the pie shrinks and everything shrinks in half."
Jeff explains how the reduction in loan officers has affected the lending market and why this shift is happening.

On Data Accuracy:
"Data is extremely messy. It comes from 3,200 different counties with varying processes and technologies. We take three sources of data and blend it with MLS and census data to make it much more accurate and granular."
Jeff highlights the importance of data accuracy and how Ingenius creates reliable datasets that give companies a competitive advantage.

On the Future of AI in Mortgage Lending:
"I think we're on the precipice of major breakthroughs with AI. What took 10 years before could happen in the next two. It's compressing everything, making it faster and more affordable."
Jeff discusses the potential for AI to revolutionize the mortgage industry by accelerating technological development.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more insightful conversations with industry leaders. Learn from Jeff Walton about how Ingenius is helping lenders use data and technology to navigate a shrinking market and capitalize on new opportunities. Stay tuned for more discussions on the future of AI, data, and innovation in the mortgage industry!
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14min
September 19, 2024Patience, Consistency, and Market Insight: Marcus Leoni on Business Growth and AMC Challenges
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we’re joined by Marcus Leoni from Marketwise, live from NAMMBA Connect '24. Marcus dives into his experiences as a business owner, the lessons he’s learned from competitive powerlifting, and the current challenges in the mortgage industry. He shares insights into the importance of patience and consistency in growing a business and how his company, Marketwise, operates in the AMC (Appraisal Management Company) space. Marcus also reflects on how AI and technology are shaping the future of mortgage lending, while also pointing out some of the limitations of these tools today.

Key Themes:
Patience and Consistency in Business: Marcus emphasizes how the lessons he learned in competitive powerlifting, such as dedication and long-term focus, apply directly to the business world.

Challenges in the AMC Space: He discusses the importance of building strong relationships with clients in the appraisal management industry, focusing on personal connection over automation.

AI and Technology in Mortgage Lending: Marcus shares his views on the current state of AI and machine learning in the mortgage industry, acknowledging its potential while also expressing skepticism about its readiness for tasks like property valuation.

Quotes from Marcus Leoni’s Insights:
On Patience and Consistency in Business:
"Everything I learned about business so far, I learned through dedication and patience in the gym. It’s about setting goals and working consistently toward them, whether you're squatting or growing a business."
Marcus explains how his competitive powerlifting background has shaped his business approach, highlighting the importance of patience and steady effort.

On Client Relationships in the AMC Space:
"We don’t want clients to think they need to be with us—we want them to know they can call us and we’ll solve their problem, hands-on. It’s all about personal connection, not just transactions."
Marcus emphasizes the importance of building strong, personal relationships in the appraisal management business, focusing on service rather than automation.

On AI and Machine Learning in Mortgage:
"AI is a buzzword right now, but when it comes to something as nuanced as property valuation, I’m not sure the technology is quite ready to fully replace human judgment."
Marcus reflects on the role of AI in the mortgage industry, acknowledging its potential but expressing caution about its current limitations, especially in critical areas like property appraisals.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more engaging conversations with industry leaders. Learn from Marcus Leone on how patience, consistency, and strong relationships can drive business success in the appraisal management space. Stay tuned for more episodes discussing the evolving role of technology in mortgage lending and the importance of staying connected with clients!
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15min
September 19, 2024Navigating Compliance: Jesse Taylor on Data, Fair Lending, and the Role of Compliance in the Mortgage Industry
Episode Overview:
In this insightful episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we sit down with Jesse Taylor, Director of Compliance Products & Services at Asurity, live from NAMMBA Connect '24. Jesse provides an in-depth look at the critical role compliance plays in the mortgage industry, from ensuring fair lending practices to leveraging data for better business decisions. The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining compliance, the opportunities presented by untapped markets, and the importance of inclusive marketing and representation.

Key Themes:
The Power of Compliance Data: Jesse discusses how compliance data can reveal untapped markets and lead to new business opportunities, emphasizing that compliance is not just about risk management but also about growth.

Fair Lending Practices: Jesse highlights the significance of fair lending, ensuring that lenders are meeting regulatory standards while also expanding access to homeownership in underserved communities.

The Importance of Inclusive Marketing: Jesse touches on the role of inclusive marketing, explaining how lenders can avoid common mistakes by ensuring their marketing efforts reflect diversity and do not alienate any group.

Quotes from Jesse Taylor’s Insights:
On Compliance as a Growth Tool:
"When you look at how your institution is performing compared to your peers, it’s not just a target on your back. It’s an opportunity. If your competitors are making loans in underserved areas and you’re not, you’re leaving money on the table."
Jesse emphasizes that compliance data can be used to uncover missed business opportunities, making it a tool for growth as well as risk management.

On the Importance of Fair Lending:
"Fairness is one of my core values. When I learned about fair lending, I saw the opportunity to combine that value with my love for data. It’s about making sure everyone has equal access to financial products."
Jesse shares her personal connection to fair lending, underscoring the importance of fairness in the mortgage industry.

On Inclusive Marketing:
"The right way to approach marketing is to be inclusive and diverse. If everyone in your marketing looks the same, you’re sending the message that you’re not catering to certain groups. It’s about broadening and diversifying your outreach."
Jesse explains the importance of diversity in marketing and how it can positively impact a company’s reputation and reach.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more deep dives into the mortgage industry with leading experts. Learn from Jesse Taylor on how to use compliance as a tool for growth, ensure fair lending practices, and create inclusive marketing strategies. Stay tuned for more episodes exploring key trends and challenges in mortgage compliance!
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14min
September 19, 2024Adapting to Change: Clayton Collins on Real Estate Shifts, Loan Officer Strategies, and Industry Evolution
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we’re joined by Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media, live from NAMMBA Connect '24. Clayton provides key insights into the current state of the real estate industry, the impact of recent regulatory changes, and how mortgage professionals can stay ahead of the curve. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding the symbiotic relationship between loan officers and real estate agents, and the need for professionals to adapt to shifting market dynamics.

Key Themes:
Regulatory Changes in Real Estate: Clayton explains how recent changes in cooperative compensation for buyer agents are reshaping the real estate industry and the strategies loan officers need to adopt.

The Role of Loan Officers: Clayton emphasizes the importance of loan officers becoming financial partners to their clients, offering deeper advice beyond just mortgages.

Adapting to Market Changes: Clayton discusses how the real estate and mortgage industries are evolving together, and how professionals need to remain flexible and informed to thrive in the future.

Quotes from Clayton Collins’ Insights:
On Navigating Regulatory Changes:
"The industry is actually evolving in a place where buyer rep agreements become the norm. It's about time people start having conversations about how transactions are structured and where the money's going."
Clayton explains how the real estate industry is adapting to the recent changes and why it’s crucial for professionals to engage in these discussions.

On the Importance of Professionalism:
"The professionalism of this industry is going to step up by nature of formality. We're going to see the barrier to entry get a little higher, and we'll come out the other side better as an industry."
Clayton highlights how the real estate and mortgage industries are improving, with greater professionalism being a silver lining of the changes.

On the Symbiotic Relationship Between Loan Officers and Agents:
"Loan officers need to understand the symbiotic relationship. If one half isn't around anymore, you're going to need to find more agents who will be, or you won't be around either."
Clayton stresses the importance of loan officers recognizing their interdependence with real estate agents and preparing for potential shifts in their working relationships.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more insightful conversations with leaders in the mortgage and real estate industries. Learn from Clayton Collins on how to adapt to industry changes, improve your professional relationships, and stay informed on regulatory shifts. Stay tuned for more episodes that dive deep into the evolving landscape of real estate and mortgage lending!
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13min
September 17, 2024Building a Legacy: Roy George & Dalila Ramos on Leadership, Social Media, and Industry Growth
Episode Overview:
In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we sit down with Roy George, President of MOR Lending, and Dalila Ramos, Founder of Love and Tacos Media. Roy and Dalila discuss the power of social media, the importance of nurturing new talent in the mortgage industry, and how leadership requires patience and vision. The episode explores how building a brand and legacy in the mortgage space starts with authenticity and a commitment to developing the next generation of professionals.

Key Themes:
Developing New Talent: Roy shares his experience in growing his team by hiring and mentoring young, inexperienced talent, including a success story about a loan officer who joined with no experience and grew to become the top producer.

The Power of Social Media: Dalila emphasizes the importance of using social media to connect with clients and build a brand that resonates with the target audience, while staying neutral and inclusive in a polarized environment.

Leadership and Long-Term Vision: Both guests stress the value of long-term planning and patience in leadership, with Roy highlighting that true success comes from thinking five years ahead, not expecting instant results.

Quotes from Roy & Dalila’s Insights:
On Developing Young Talent:
"A kid who moved my furniture in is the largest producer of loans and only knows how to do loans the way I taught him."
Roy explains how investing in and mentoring green talent can yield long-term success for both the individual and the company, highlighting the value of hands-on leadership.

On Social Media Neutrality:
"I encourage people in our industry to stay neutral because homeownership is for everybody."
Dalila shares her philosophy on maintaining neutrality on social media, avoiding political discussions to ensure her brand is inclusive and appeals to a broad audience.

On Leadership and Vision:
"I never went into this thinking I was going to grow this up to be a million-dollar operation tomorrow. What I did say was, in five years, I'll be back to making the money I was as a C-level executive."
Roy underscores the importance of having a long-term vision in leadership, emphasizing that patience and planning are essential for building a lasting legacy.

Call to Action:
Follow Laugh, Lend, & Eat for more insightful conversations with leaders in the mortgage and finance industries. Learn from Roy George and Dalila Ramos on how to build a strong brand, nurture talent, and create a lasting impact in the mortgage space. Stay tuned for more episodes exploring leadership, social media, and the future of the industry!
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18min

FAQs about Laugh, Lend and Eat:

How many episodes does Laugh, Lend and Eat have?

The podcast currently has 173 episodes available.