Power House

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Power House episodes

April 24, 2025Beyond the customer: Partnering for progress with Polly's Jesse Decker
On today’s sponsored episode of Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Jesse Decker, the newly appointed Chief Customer Officer at Polly, for a conversation all about innovation and customer success strategies in mortgage tech.

Jesse shares her journey from consulting to leading customer experience at Polly, how new tech is sweeping the mortgage landscape, and how Polly is constantly innovating to meet the needs of their customer partners. They also talk about some exciting new developments happening in Polly’s roadmap and what it really means — and takes — to listen to customers.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
The mortgage industry, as a whole, is on the brink of a technology shift.
Understanding customer needs is crucial for product development.
Polly's technology is highly configurable and innovative.
Artificial intelligence integration is a key focus for Polly's future.
Building partnerships with customers is essential for success.
Polly wants to transform the vendor-lender relationship model.
Related to this episode:
Connect with Jesse Decker on LinkedIn
Follow Polly on LinkedIn
Connect with Polly's team at #MBASecondary25
Mortgage Tech Insights with Adam Carmel
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
22 min
April 22, 2025UWM is all-in on wholesale with COO Melinda Wilner
Today on Power House, we have a fantastic conversation between Diego and Melinda Wilner, the COO of United Wholesale Mortgage. Today’s episode is all about what it really takes to thrive in today’s market.

Melinda talks about her journey from mortgage broker to UWM executive and how her leadership has supported UWM’s position as the top mortgage originator since 2022. They also talk about company initiatives like their TRAC Lite program and All-In Agreement, and how these are central to their mission of protecting the wholesale channel.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
UWM focuses on growing the wholesale channel to enhance broker experiences.
In-house technology and innovation are key to UWM's competitive edge.
The All-In Agreement protects the wholesale broker channel.
The TRAC Lite program significantly reduces title costs for consumers.
The wholesale channel is gaining market share in the mortgage industry.
UWM aims to create a community among mortgage brokers.
Related to this episode:
UWM.com
Melinda Wilner | LinkedIn
United Wholesale Mortgage | HousingWire
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
33 min
April 19, 2025LPT CEO Robert Palmer on how they became a top 10 brokerage in three years
Today on Power House, Tracey Velt sits down in person with Robert Palmer, founder and CEO of LPT Realty, at LPT’s studio in Orlando.

Robert and Tracey talk about LPT’s remarkable journey from a simple marketing tool to a top brokerage in just three years. He discusses the importance of self-funding, agent empowerment through dual brokerage models, and how to maintain an agent-first philosophy.

Robert also discusses upcoming initiatives like ASCEND University, the Aperture luxury brand, and Leads Connect, along with future growth plans including a public IPO and expansion into new markets.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
LPT’s transition from a marketing tool to a brokerage was driven by a desire to support agents.
Self-funding allows for greater control and prioritization of agents' needs.
The brokerage model should empower local agents to make decisions about mortgage and title services.
Navigating industry challenges requires a commitment to agent choice and autonomy.
Understanding and balancing both business logic and technology for successful software development.
LPT’s growth strategies include expanding training programs and launching a luxury brand.
Related to this episode:
LPT Realty | RealTrends Verified
LPT Realty's Robert Palmer is building a 'brokerage for life’ | HousingWire
lpt realty
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio
34 min
April 17, 2025What it takes to be a “branchpreneur” with Supreme Lending’s Sarah Middleton
This week on Power House, HousingWire president Diego Sanchez sits down with Sarah Middleton, the newly appointed Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Supreme Lending.

Sarah walks through her journey to Supreme Lending and what it takes to succeed in mortgage — from strong leadership to Supreme’s tech-forward mindset, AI-driven marketing, and diverse product lineup. She also touches on M&A, the “branchpreneur” model, and her passion for training, onboarding, and helping loan officers grow, especially in difficult times.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
A diverse product offering is essential for competing in mortgage.
The importance of technology and AI in streamlining many processes.
M&A is currently a key growth strategy at Supreme Lending.
Understanding the aspirations of loan officers enhances recruitment efforts.
There will always be opportunities in the market, even during tough times.
Related to this episode:
Sarah Middleton joins Supreme Lending in C-suite roles | HousingWire
Sarah Middleton | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio
38 min
April 12, 2025Bonus episode: Unpacking housing market uncertainty with Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer
In this bonus episode, we’re tackling the big question on everyone’s mind: What is happening with the housing market right now? Between tariffs, mortgage rates, jobs data and general uncertainty, it’s hard to understand how to make sense of it all.

HousingWire is joined by experts Ivy Zelman, Logan Mohtashami and Dale Wettlaufer to cut through the noise. Originally featured in a HousingWire exclusive event, this panel is now available for the Power House audience.

Related to this episode:
Compare Current Mortgage Rates | HousingWire
Housing Market News and Commentary | HousingWire
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio
57 min
April 10, 2025Data-driven decisions and digital-first solutions with HousingWire’s Clayton Collins
This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez chats with the CEO of HousingWire and the former host of this very podcast: Clayton Collins!

Clayton dives into HousingWire’s journey—from steady organic growth to smart acquisitions—and why in-person events like The Gathering are more essential than ever for the industry. They also talk about the relaunch and rebranding of our new data-licensing business, HousingWire Data, and the kinds of granular housing market data it can provide for companies all across the housing ecosystem.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
Balancing organic growth with acquisitions is key to strategic business development.
HousingWire Data tracks over 110 million properties and provides valuable insights.
The ideal clients for HousingWire Data are innovators across the housing industry.
Accurate and diverse data is essential for decision-making in a digital-first world.
Listening to client needs drives product development and innovation.
Related to this episode:
HousingWire Data - Enterprise Solutions
Altos data licensing product relaunches as HousingWire Data | HousingWire
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio
26 min
April 03, 2025Suzy Lindblom: Abandon the “factory line” of brokers to win market share
This week on Power House, Diego Sanchez sits down with Suzy Lindblom, the new COO of Sierra Pacific Mortgage! Suzy stepped out semi-retirement to consult for Sierra Pacific before joining their executive team full time.

Suzy and Diego talk about Sierra Pacific’s growth and winning market share strategies, including their entry into the non-QM space after 40 years in the conventional mortgage space. She also talks about embracing AI without replacing humans, rolling out new broker tools, and more.

We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!

Here’s what you’ll learn:
Sierra Pacific offers a wide range of mortgage products, including non-QM options.
Sierra Pacific focuses on building relationships with brokers to win market share.
They are methodical about hiring and aligning staff with its culture.
AI is seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human roles in the mortgage process.
The company is preparing for various market conditions by being nimble and adaptable.
Sierra Pacific is not actively seeking M&A but remains open to opportunities.
Related to this episode:
Sierra Pacific Mortgage hires Suzy Lindblom as COO | HousingWire
Suzy Lindblom | LinkedIn
Sierra Pacific Mortgage
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio
20 min
March 27, 2025The low down on mortgage with industry veteran Dave Lykken
This week on Power House we are talking to the one and only Dave Lykken! Dave has over 50 years of mortgage industry experience under his belt and is likely a name familiar to many of you. He also hosts his own weekly podcast, Lykken on Lending, where he talks all things mortgage.

Diego sits down with Dave to get his take on what’s happening in mortgage. They talk about where he thinks rates will stabilize in the next year and what’s on the horizon for cost reduction and data tools. He also talks about the importance of executive coaching and the strategies top agents are using to connect with consumers.

We recorded this conversation live at our Housing Economic Summit. Check out the full video here!

Here’s what you’ll learn:
Coaching plays a crucial role in helping executives stay motivated.
Economic uncertainty always presents both challenges and opportunities for growth.
Cost reduction is going to be essential for survival in mortgage
AI and technology are streamlining and transforming the way business is done.
Understanding and predicting market trends is vital for success in housing finance.
Related to this episode:
2023 HW Vanguard: David Lykken | HousingWire
Lykken on Lending | Apple Podcasts
David Lykken
David Lykken | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio
27 min
March 26, 2025PH 3.27
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Here’s what you’ll learn:

Related to this episode:
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HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio

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25 min
March 20, 2025Habitat for Humanity’s building solutions for our housing crisis
This week on Power House, Diego has the pleasure of being joined by Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 62 million people in over 1,000 U.S. communities and 71 countries.

Diego and Jonathan dive into Habitat’s complex role in both the federal and local level of the US housing market and their work to help the affordability crisis, including their involvement in local zoning campaigns and advocating for federal pro-housing programs. They also talk about their collaboration with banks, builders, and local governments, and why this cooperation is the key to solving the housing crisis.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
There is a significant supply gap in the U.S. housing market that needs to be addressed at a larger scale.
Nationwide NIMBYism is a challenge to building affordable housing in communities.
Collaboration with local governments is essential for effective, boots-on-the-groud housing policy.
The housing crisis is a national issue that affects all demographics.
Creating more starter homes is crucial for improving access to homeownership.
Habitat believes that a mixed-income community benefits everyone.
Related to this episode:
Habitat for Humanity
Jonathan Reckford | Habitat for Humanity
Jonathan Reckford | LinkedIn
HousingWire | YouTube

Enjoy the episode!

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire president Diego Sanchez every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio
28 min

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The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire's Zeb Lowe every…