On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon sit down with their good friend Marina Bokserman, a chief human resources officer, or as Jon likes to say, a "churro." Marina talks about her experiences, challenges, and road to success as a human resources professional and the particulars of the role specific to the mortgage lending industry.

The group discusses the hardships and rewards of a leadership position in human resources, and Marina shares how her motivation to help people continues to drive her involvement. The trio also examines the Employee Mortgage Benefit Program and how to encourage its adoption through connecting with people and helping educate them on the importance of financial literacy.

Marina’s Info:
linkedin.com/in/marina-bokserman/

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon sit down with Scott Mikkelsen, Vice President of Mikkelsen, Kelly, & Kip Insurance, to talk about what it really means to "insure what matters most." Scott shares the family roots behind his third-generation independent agency and how his team takes a consultative, relationship-first approach to protecting clients' homes and families.

The conversation covers rising insurance costs, common coverage mistakes, and why personalized advice—not quick quotes—makes all the difference. The trio also compares the parallels between lending and insurance and examines the value of emphasizing trust, transparency, and truly knowing your clients.

Find out more about Mikkelsen, Kelly, & Kip at https://mkkins.com/ or visit their Facebook page.

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon sit down with Chicago real estate attorney Dean Lurie of Stone, Pogrund & Korey. They dig into what makes Dean's "concierge-style" approach to closings stand out and why having a great attorney can make or break a deal.

The trio tackles everything from tricky condo regulations and HOA lawsuits to how Dean's calm, creative problem-solving keeps transactions on track. They also touch on estate planning and buying property as an unmarried couple, and they wrap things up with a lighthearted chat about golf and rock 'n' roll dreams.

For more information:
Stone Pogrund & Korey LLC

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon talk with Jared Gibson, LinkedIn expert and co-founder of Outworks. They discuss their experience working with Outworks and the importance, process, and challenges of including a social media strategy in online branding efforts. Matt and Jon also share their exploration of the social media landscape, and Jared outlines the hows, whys, and rewards of developing a presence on LinkedIn.

Find Jared Gibson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredoutworks

Get a free Notion template and launch your Founder-Led Content Engine with Outworks: https://www.outworks.io/founder-led-content-90-day-challenge

Check out Jared’s podcast Business is Bullsh*t on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon talk with their new marketing director, Sam Hollis. They explore Sam's path to joining Guaranteed Rate Affinity, what made him the right fit for the team, and the fresh perspective he brings to the table. The conversation is filled with mutual excitement as the trio reunites professionally, sharing their top priorities and how their life experiences influence their approach to work. They also discuss the importance of humanizing the mortgage experience and Sam's vision for measuring success in a meaningful, people-centered way.

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

In this week's episode, Matt and Jon sit down with Vinod Jotwani, Chief Marketing Officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity. Vinod shares details about his career journey, his role as CMO, and why putting loan officers first is central to his marketing philosophy. He discusses the unique value loan officers bring to the marketing team, the importance of learning from them, how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape, and so much more. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with real-world takeaways.

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt sit down with former Major League Baseball player Mike Huff to explore his path from childhood to the big leagues. Mike shares insights from his time playing professional baseball, including his unique experience training basketball legend Michael Jordan for his brief baseball career. He opens up about the personal reasons that brought him back to Chicago and his current work in the community, including how his sister's leukemia diagnosis led him to support the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Through it all, they reflect on the different ways people strive to reach their own version of the "major leagues."

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt are joined by Rob Johnson, Emmy Award-Winning former TV anchor and current President of Rob Johnson Communications, who's now playing a key role behind the scenes of their brand. Rob shares insights from his decades-long career in television, why he chose to pivot after leaving the industry, and what drew him to collaborate with Jon and Matt. Together, they discuss how Rob's expertise is helping them not just build their business but also deepen their purpose—especially around one of their core goals: humanizing the mortgage process.

Rob opens up about the work they're doing together and how it's changing the way Jon and Matt communicate, helping them become more confident and comfortable in front of the camera and with their messaging. It's a candid conversation about reinvention, storytelling, and finding clarity in your brand's voice.

Jon's Info:

[email protected]

GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:

[email protected]

GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Find out more about Rob Johnson: rj47llc.com

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt take a step back from the usual format to share a more personal side of their journey. They open up about how each of them found their way into the mortgage business and what inspired them to stay. From early beginnings to unexpected opportunities, they reflect on the paths that led them to where they are today.

Listeners will also get an inside look at what makes their work so exciting and why they genuinely love what they do. They explain how their approach to business sets them apart and why being passionate about helping people and building strong relationships helps with that. With a focus on authenticity, teamwork, and putting clients first, they reveal the unique strategies that have made their businesses successful.

Whether you're in the mortgage industry or just curious about the stories behind the mics, this episode offers a refreshing blend of insight and inspiration.

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt sit down with Anne DuBray, a top-producing real estate broker at Coldwell Banker with nearly 40 years of experience and over $1 billion in career sales. Anne shares insights from her remarkable journey in Chicago's North Shore market, including why being selective with mortgage lenders matters, how building the right team has fueled her long-term success, and the key role strong relationships within the brokerage community play in her business. It’s an inspiring conversation packed with wisdom for anyone in real estate, or anyone looking to build a lasting career rooted in trust and connection.

Jon's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
[email protected]
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Find out more about Anne DuBray: anneadvantage.com

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.

Coldwell Banker and Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC share common ownership and because of this relationship the brokerage may receive a financial or other benefit. You are not required to use Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC as a condition of purchase or sale of any real estate.