Spilling The Title Tea

Brittany Hobbs and her daughter, Crystlyn Cunliffe are here to talk about how their family has evolved since Brittany and her husband Ken have overcome addiction. Brittany and Ken are the owners of K & B Hobbs Construction. A company that they have founded and grown.

Having the business not only gives them a focus, but it has created the stability the entire family needed. Brittany shares her story and how she hit rock bottom and knew it was time for a change. Her daughter gives her perspective on how positive their family of seven has become in this inspiring interview. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:16] Brittany and Ken have overcome addiction and have been clean for three years. They also have five kids. 

[02:19] They also have a construction business called K & B Hobbs Construction.

[03:20] Brittany shares how we are meant to be happy and have peace in our souls.

[04:04] Hitting rock bottom and losing her kids was the nudge that Brittany needed. 

[06:28] When she hits her limit, Brittany knows it's time to take a break. She is so glad to recover from her addiction. 

[08:15] Brittany talks about her kids and how proud she is of them. Ken is also a great support. 

[09:29] The journey from gutters to grace can help you grow and turn your life around. Brittany also has a great support system. She also helps out in her community to give back.

[10:44] Brittany's daughter, Crystlyn shares how proud she is of her parents and their business. 

[12:13] They started with simple bathroom remodels and are now building entire houses.

[12:54] Having a business and being prosperous really helps with worries when it comes to things like money.

[14:25] The power of making good decisions while navigating through life.

[16:02] The last three years have been amazing and the business is only growing. 

[17:48] Advice includes reaching out and being vulnerable when it's time for change. Own up and search for help. Don't feel like you're alone, because you're not. Ask for help! 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Springdale Title Richmond, Ky
• K & B Hobbs Construction Facebook

My friend Olivia Bowdy is here today to talk about her journey with invisible illness. She has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that affects collagen. We talk about her experiences living with invisible illnesses and the challenges of finding a suitable career. 

She is now part of the Springdale Title team, and she shares how working from home has been helpful for her. She also emphasizes the importance of finding a career that works with one's body.

Olivia maintains a positive outlook on life and encourages others to find hope and seek support, including talking to a therapist. She is a role model for young people dealing with chronic illnesses and reminds listeners that it's okay not to be okay and to allow themselves to grieve. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:17] Olivia has a lot of invisible illnesses. She broke her arm in high school, and it never healed right. After multiple surgeries, they discovered that she had Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). Which is a connective tissue disorder dealing with collagen.

[03:01] All of the women on her mother's side of the family have this.

[04:44] There are multiple types of syndromes, and many people have it. 

[06:09] Olivia shares her perspective on life. She majored in Psychology and worked in a bookstore after college. She loved that job, but she knows she has to work with her body when it comes to careers. She maintains a positive attitude.

[09:37] There's always hope out there, you just need to find it.

[11:53] Sometimes people with chronic illnesses get very used to masking everything all the time.

[12:23] Being able to work from home is very helpful when you have a chronic illness.

[14:26] Olivia is a true inspiration and a great role model for other young people who are coping with invisible illnesses.

[15:01] Olivia says that it's okay to not be okay, and life is never going to be perfect.

[15:37] She allows herself to grieve and tries to talk to people, even though she's an introvert.

[16:13] There are people out there willing to listen.

[16:42] Find a therapist and talk to somebody if you need to.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Springdale Title Richmond, Ky
• Olivia Marie Bowdy Facebook

Loan officer Mike Simmons from Walden Mortgage in Knoxville, Tennessee, is here today to talk about his passion for running and hiking, a huge health scare he recently experienced, and his desire to help veterans. Mike began experiencing shortness of breath, leading to a triple bypass heart surgery.

Mike shares how his love for running came about and how he ended up having the surgery. We also talk about VA loans and how they have improved. Mike thinks they are one of the best loan products available and shares his love and admiration for veterans and how he wants to help those who have served.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:03] Mike is an avid runner and hiker. He discovered the Knoxville Greenways when he was in his 50s and started walking. He then entered a 5K and worked his way up to a full marathon. He completed his first marathon at age 60.

[06:07] Running helped Mike discover a recent health scare. He ended up having to have triple bypass surgery. 

[09:00] Mike thinks that God has a reason for him to still be here.

[09:44] Warning signs include shortness of breath and genetics. Good cholesterol needs to be higher. Exercise will raise good cholesterol. 

[12:04] Mike's perspective has changed a bit. There was a point where he thought he was dying. He lives each day like it’s his last and tries to help others. 

[14:57] God placed people in Mike's life years ago, so that he could encourage them now.

[16:54] Mike is a loan officer and is passionate about helping veterans. His sons served. 

[17:46] VA loans are a great program even for reserves. This is one of the easiest and best loan programs out there. The guidelines are even easier to help the veterans.

[19:35] VA loans have improved over the years. Even if it was more effort, wouldn't it be a small price to pay for helping veterans?

[20:08] Loan officers are also required to ask applicants if they are veterans in case they don't realize they qualify for a VA loan.

[21:48] Mike shares some of the impacts on life and family veterans go through. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Michael Simmons LinkedIn
• Walden Mortgage Group
• Mike Simmons Mortgage Facebook
• Knoxville Greenways
• VA Home Loans

Linda Blackwell is an industry veteran and title guru. She has decades of experience working in every role in the title industry, including owning her own title company. Most everyone has heard of title companies, but only some know what they do.

In our conversation, Linda breaks down what a title company is. She explains the title process, from the title search to the closing procedures. Then we talk about the current state of the mortgage market. Linda shares advice and wisdom for buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and people interested in a title career.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:13] The title company is the middle agent between buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders. The title company puts everything together for a smooth closing.

[01:42] The first duty of the title company is to have an examiner do a title search of all the records based on the current owner's deed. They start with the chain of title and work backwards. A title insurance policy is then written based on the information. 

[02:30] Title insurance is usually a requirement. The title company also does the real estate closing. They meet with everyone, sign documents, and disperse checks. 

[03:35] Any money owed is handled at the signing. They have to find payoff information or liens or any other required information for payouts. 

[04:55] The state of the mortgage market. It's scary for buyers and sellers, but it will pass and everyone needs to calm down. 

[06:06] A seasoned real estate agent can help with your concerns. Rely on your experts. 

[07:02] Linda shares advice for real estate agents including working with people you trust, following up on every phone call, and being straight forward. 

[09:12] Linda shares what a graduated bank loan was. Each payment created negative amortization until eventually you were able to turn it around. 

[10:31] ARMs also used to have prepayment penalties. 

[11:22] This current market is different from 2008 or the 1980s because there's a lot more regulations and consumer protections.

[12:19] Starting a career in title is for someone who loves to work with people. There are tons of opportunities in the title business.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Springdale Title Fort Thomas KY
• Linda Blackwell Facebook

I’ll be speaking with Lisa Foster and Linda Blackburn, two realtors with Berkshire Hathaway who are also working on a special project called Redeeming Hope. This is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Madison County with a goal to provide a home for girls between the ages of 14 and 18 who have been human trafficked or sexually exploited.

Human trafficking is a more significant issue than most of us realize. We are based in Kentucky, which ranks number 9 in the nation for human trafficking, and in 2021 alone, there were 312 alleged reports involving 379 alleged child victims. This is why Lisa and Linda are so passionate about this project. They share their plans for the house, including equine therapy and a special place called The Jordan River. Lisa also shares her very personal inspiration for taking on this important project.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:10] Redeeming Hope is a 501(c)(3) in Madison County. They have a goal to have a group home with the emphasis on the home to love girls from the ages of 14 through 18 who have been human trafficked or sexually exploited. 

[01:38] The goal is to have the home built by the end of summer and have residents by next year. Lisa is focusing on getting the girls in the house. 

[02:22] They are going to provide treatment, trauma therapy, and equine therapy. Along with educational assistance and life skills training. They want to bring in all sorts of outside activities from cooking to exercise classes. 

[03:05] The plan is to individualize each program to make it special for each girl. 

[03:45] Kentucky ranks number 9 in the nation for human trafficking. In 2021, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services received 312 alleged reports of human trafficking involving 379 alleged child victims.

[07:07] Groomers prey on little girls and after a while they don't know what normal is. Drugs are often involved. Perpetrators are frequently known to the victim or even family members. 

[10:52] The home is going to be two-story and have a barn with two or three horses. It's going to be 5300 square feet and house 10 to 12 girls. There will be beautiful landscaping and a place for reflection called The Jordan River. They'll also have chickens and a greenhouse and few business ventures to keep money coming in. 

[14:37] The goal is to have the community love these girls.

[15:27] Lisa shares that her daughter was murdered over a year ago and how she prayed for a reason to live. Soon after that, she was approached about making a group home for girls that were human trafficking victims. 

[16:22] This is Lisa's mission for the rest of her life.

[16:57] Linda has been retired for a year. When Lisa contacted her, she knew there was a need for this, and she wanted to help these girls. 

[18:11] All of the community is going to join together to help these girls and become more aware of potential abuse.

[18:47] Leadership Madison County will be having a Coffee & Conversation Open House on Wednesday April 12, 2023 from 4:30 to 6:30 at Purdy's Coffee Shop located at 212 West Main St. Richmond, KY 40475. 859-624-9920.

[19:59] Awareness, prayers, and donations are always welcome. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Lisa Foster Berkshire Hathaway
• Linda Blackburn Berkshire Hathaway 
• Redeeming Hope Facebook
• Redeeming Hope Instagram
• Leadership Madison County
• Purdy’s Coffee
• Your Eyes Save Lives

If you would like more information or would like to donate/sponsor, please contact Redeeming Hope:

Call/Text/Email Lisa Foster: 859-582-1010 [email protected] or [email protected]

Facebook: RedeemingHope@RedeemingHope

https://venmo.com/u/Redeeming-Hope

https://cash.app/$RedeemingHope

Checks payable to Redeeming Hope

P.O. Box 2102

Richmond, KY 40476

Look for our logo blue background with a white tree.

IF YOU SEE THE SIGNS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING/ SEXUAL EXPLOITATION MAKE THE CALL

Immediate help 911

Hotline 1-888-373-7888

Frankie Story of Thrive Mortgage is here to talk to Ashley about what to expect when the unexpected happens. She’s been through a lot in the past few years, like most of us, dealing with 2020. She also had a cancer diagnosis in 2019, but after an extensive battle that included surgery and chemo, she was declared cancer free. 

She discovered that her cancer was back in a different area in March of 2022. She’s been undergoing extensive chemo treatments, but feels blessed because of her current company and her extended support group. We learn how she was able to maintain being a top mortgage producer during the trying times of her last few years. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:14] In 2019, Frankie discovered that she had stage 3 colon cancer. Fortunately after a battle that included surgery and chemo, she was cancer free after 6 months. 

[02:33] Her cancer came back in March of 2022. It was in her liver, and she's been on chemo since. 

[03:26] Her current company and support group has made her feel blessed beyond measure. 

[04:33] She knew she needed to lean into her friends and support system for when those bad days come.

[06:14] Her positive attitude has been the key to coming through to the other side.

[07:37] She's felt synergy with like and productive people. She's had great business partners and mentors that are honest and know how to treat people. 

[09:11] Her parents had a strong impact on how Frankie treats people. She looks at life through the lens of living right and treating people well.

[10:29] Frankie shares about the merger from American Mortgage to Thrive Mortgage. She has a positive attitude about her company and the current changes. 

[13:24] Frankie shares advice for having a great attitude and living an inspiring life. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Frankie Story
• Frankie Story LinkedIn
• Frankie Story Facebook

Host and real estate attorney Ashley Ramsey kicks off this first episode of Spilling the Title Tea with top real estate agent and childhood friend Cassie Foley. We learn a little bit about their friendship and how Cassie transitioned to real estate and became a top-producing agent in year one.

Some of Cassie’s success tips include going to the office every day and having the mindset of treating her career like a job. We also learn how she followed the cues of other successful realtors. Cassie shares how she wasn’t afraid to ask for business and wasn’t bothered by the no. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:53] Cassie shares how she became interested in real estate. She became a top producing agent in her first year of real estate. 

[05:23] She decided to treat her new career as a job and clock in and get to work. Everyday she got up and went to the office. She discovered that the most successful agents are at the office.

[06:31] Going to the office changed her mindset everyday. She also had no problem asking for business. 

[07:38] Cassie is willing to drive to where the business is and educate herself about the business. 

[08:41] She has taken every class that she could and listens to podcasts and reads real estate books.

[09:51] She prides herself on giving her clients the best advice. 

[11:31] I don't know, but I'll find out is a great way to avoid liability and make sure your advice is correct. 

[14:34] Cassie is with her clients every step of the way.

[16:14] The importance of taking opportunities and finding the right brokerage. 

[18:26] Cassie shares advice about loving what you do and helping people make the best decision possible. Don't be afraid to make the change to find something that you enjoy.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Cassie Foley Century 21
• Cassie Foley Facebook

Welcome to Spilling the Title Tea where we talk a lot about life and a little about business! Your host, Ashley Ramsey, will be sitting down with guests from all different sectors of the real estate industry to tell you their real-life stories. From hardships to triumphs and business to personal lives, we promise to bring you the tea!