Episode 37 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, it’s just Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard, no guests, just a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to win in today’s mortgage market.

Building off recent episodes featuring powerful stories like Success Redefined, From Darkness to Redemption, and Break the Ceiling, Phil and Buzz reflect on the common thread of vulnerability, failure, and growth, and why those same principles apply directly to business.

From there, the conversation turns to the reality of the 2026 market: too many loan officers are sitting back, waiting for rates to drop instead of building the habits, relationships, and systems that will separate them when the market shifts.

In this episode, we cover:

📉 Why waiting on rates is the biggest mistake loan officers can make right now

🏁 The danger of competing on price, and why it’s a race to the bottom

📇 How to consistently deliver value to your database 365 days a year

🎉 Client appreciation events that actually drive connection (and results)

🤝 The impact of the Give Value Program in creating long-term client trust

📞 Overcoming call reluctance and breaking the “solo operator” mindset

🏡 Common homeownership misconceptions and how to educate your clients better

📊 Buzz’s weekly market update and what’s driving current rate volatility

This episode is a clear reminder: the market doesn’t create top producers, their habits do.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who’s serious about leveling up.

💬 Drop a comment: Are you building relationships right now, or waiting on the market to change?

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro & Welcome

00:07:16 Lessons from Guest Stories & Books

00:17:18 Why Social Media & Human Connection Matter

00:21:19 What Separates Top Loan Officers Today

00:26:13 Competing on Value, Not Price

00:32:15 Call Reluctance & Staying Connected to Clients

00:34:55 Client Events & Creating Real Value

00:43:00 The Give Value Program

00:49:55 Scale, Teamwork & Growing Market Share

01:01:25 Doubling Your Business in Any Market

01:05:02 Home Ownership Misconceptions

01:09:11 Fun Rapid Fire

01:12:23 Mortgage Market Update & Closing

Episode 36 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Mike Miklaus, owner of Integrity Mortgage and a 50-year industry veteran, for a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and what it truly means to be a mortgage advisor in today’s market.

From humble beginnings to building a decades-long career, and now stepping into a new chapter, Mike shares the lessons, philosophies, and standards that have defined his success.

In this episode, we cover:

🚀 Mike’s Journey & Big Announcement

From nearly flunking out of UCLA to becoming a branch manager at 24 and building Integrity Mortgage, plus his transition to Success Mortgage Partners to expand into Northern California.

⚖️ Broker vs. Banker Debate (Settled?)

Why the real competition isn’t between brokers and bankers, it’s between relationship-driven professionals and faceless online lenders.

🤝 The Advisor Mindset

Why fewer than 20% of loan officers truly operate as advisors and how shifting from “rates and products” to life-based consultation changes everything.

📉 Trigger Leads & Relationship Business

What the elimination of trigger leads means, and why those without strong client relationships are now exposed.

🤖 Technology & AI in Mortgage

Using digital tools to enhance, not replace, real conversations and connection.

🏡 Realtor Partnerships Done Right

The importance of the warm handoff and positioning loan officers as trusted advisors, not commodities.

🎁 Give Value & Holistic Client Care

Why serving clients goes far beyond the loan, and how connecting them with trusted professionals builds lifelong relationships.

🧠 Mindset, Discipline & Legacy

Mike’s philosophy: “I do it anyway.” Plus lessons on consistency, standards, and building something that lasts.

📊 Market Update

Buzz breaks down recent rate improvements tied to oil price shifts and global market movement.

⚾ Bonus: Baseball Talk

A fun close with favorite baseball movies and stories from Mike’s time as an umpire.

This episode is packed with decades of wisdom, practical strategy, and a clear message: the future belongs to those who build trust, not transactions.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone ready to level up their business.

💬 Drop a comment: Are you operating as a salesperson, or a true advisor?

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome

00:02:45 Meet Mike Nicholas: 50 Years in Mortgage

00:03:36 Baseball, Umpiring & Life Philosophy

00:11:11 Closing Integrity Mortgage & Joining Success Mortgage Partners

00:12:00 Broker vs. Banker: Ending the False Battle

00:16:35 Trigger Leads, Relationships & the Relational Database

00:22:04 The Mortgage Advisor vs. Loan Officer Mindset

00:26:23 Technology, AI & the Consultive Conversation

00:29:22 Realtor Partnerships & the Warm Handoff

00:36:10 Helping Clients Beyond the Loan: A Holistic Approach

00:36:19 Abundance Mindset, Social Media & Learning from the Best

00:42:39 Jack Canfield, the Book & Mike’s Personal Story

00:44:04 Standards Over Motivation: Living with Intention

00:47:13 Mike’s Upcoming Book & the Mindset of Success

00:56:14 Building & Transitioning a Client Base

01:01:29 Team Integrity: Mentoring Michelle & Sean

01:06:49 What Separates the Top 1%: "I Do It Anyway"

01:10:02 Mortgage Market Update

01:13:00 Baseball Movies & Closing Thoughts

01:17:24 Outro

Episode 35 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Albert Chavez, mortgage professional, coach, and author of From Darkness to Redemption: Unfinished Work 2.0, for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had on the show.

Albert opens up about the emotional journey of writing his book and the moment that changed everything, a 9am wake-up call in 2019 that forced him to confront his reality and begin the process of rebuilding his life from the inside out.

From there, the conversation goes deep into trauma, accountability, faith, and what it truly takes to create lasting change.

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 Albert’s rock bottom moment and the decision that changed his life

🧠 Generational trauma, how it’s formed, and how it gets passed down

⚖️ Accountability vs. victimhood and why radical ownership is the only path forward

👨‍👧 The shift from self-respect to self-esteem in modern parenting

💪 Building discipline through small daily habits and identity shifts

🙏 Albert’s sobriety journey and the challenges of facing life without numbing

🧊 “The devil don’t take checks”: the philosophy behind true commitment

📖 Faith, suffering, and how pain builds character

🤝 How these lessons translate into business, leadership, and relationships

Julie also shares a powerful social media tip of the week, highlighting the rapid growth of AI-driven search and why platforms like YouTube and Instagram matter more than ever for professionals. Buzz wraps with a market update, breaking down recent rate movement tied to global oil uncertainty.

This episode is a deep reminder that growth isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.

👉 Join Albert at his upcoming book signing on April 23rd (6–8pm) at Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar in El Dorado Hills.

👉 If this episode impacted you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one hard truth that changed your life?

00:00:00 Intro & Welcoming the Guest

00:03:08 Meet Albert Chavez: From Darkness to Redemption

00:06:49 The Moment Everything Changed

00:09:26 Generational Trauma: What’s in Our DNA

00:17:28 Breaking the Cycle: Radical Accountability

00:22:28 Society, Parenting & Self-Respect

00:32:37 The Road to Sobriety: Awareness & Decision

00:46:07 Building New Habits: Laying the Foundation

00:52:35 The Devil Don’t Take Checks

01:02:13 Applying Lessons: Business, Relationships & Vulnerability

01:04:38 Social Media Tip & Mortgage Market Update

Episode 34 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Justin Ingolia, and Julie Shroyer welcome Michele Zaragoza, author of Break the Ceiling, for an inspiring conversation on mindset, faith, and what it really takes to grow — both personally and professionally.

Michele shares the powerful story behind her book, how years of journaling turned into a published work, and the lessons she’s learned about letting go of control, embracing authenticity, and stepping fully into your purpose.

In this episode, we cover:

📖 The story behind Break the Ceiling and Michele’s journey to becoming an author

🧠 Why “control less, achieve more” can be a game-changing mindset shift

✍️ Turning personal journals into a message that impacts others

❤️ Real stories from readers and the ripple effect of sharing your truth

🙏 The role of affirmations, faith, and mindset in personal growth

🔥 Grit, authenticity, and the importance of consistently showing up

📱 Social media strategies for real estate professionals looking to stand out

🤖 AI, industry trends, and how to stay relevant in a changing landscape

🚀 What’s next for Michele and her advice for anyone ready to break through their own ceiling

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone looking to grow with more intention, this episode is packed with encouragement, perspective, and actionable insight.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who’s ready to level up.

Want to learn about how you can break your ceiling? Find Michele’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Break-Ceiling-Lead-Like-Built/dp/B0GC68CYL5

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one belief you’ve had to break through to grow?

Chapters

1 Introductions & Guest Welcome 00:00:00

2 Meet Michelle: Author of Break the Ceiling 00:01:12

3 The Story Behind the Book 00:02:49

4 Key Takeaways: Control Less, Achieve More 00:08:47

5 From Journals to Published Book 00:09:57

6 Impact, Reader Stories & Coaching 00:17:25

7 Affirmations, Faith & Mindset 00:27:30

8 Grit, Authenticity & Showing Up 00:31:27

9 Social Media Strategy for Real Estate 00:34:11

10 AI, Industry Trends & Staying Relevant 00:36:54

11 What’s Next for Michelle + Final Advice 00:49:54

Episode 33 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, producer Justin Ingolia steps into the host seat alongside Julie Shroyer, welcoming back Liz Andersen from American Pacific Mortgage Retirement Lending for a fun, honest, and insight-packed conversation. From career beginnings to mindset shifts, this episode blends practical advice with personal perspective, highlighting how gratitude, authenticity, and consistency can shape both your business and your life. In this episode, we cover: 🚀 How Liz and Julie got their start in the mortgage industry and what helped them grow 🙏 The power of gratitude, and why Liz refuses to say she’s “busy” 🧠 Overcoming impostor syndrome and building confidence in your voice 📱 Social media tips for showing up authentically and consistently 💡 Why mindset matters just as much as strategy in long-term success 🍽️ Rapid-fire fun: favorite restaurants around Sacramento and dream jobs Whether you’re in mortgage, real estate, or just working on showing up more confidently in your business, this episode is full of relatable moments, actionable tips, and a reminder to stay grounded in gratitude. 👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who needs a confidence boost. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s one mindset shift that’s helped you grow? Chapters: Welcome & Introductions: 00:00:00 Liz’s Origin Story: From Bartender to Mortgage: 00:01:54 Julie’s Origin Story & How Their Paths Crossed: 00:05:14 Current Roles & The Power of Retirement Lending: 00:09:27 Learning on the Job: New Products & Challenging Files: 00:14:49 Saying No & Creating Community: 00:17:23 Purpose, Impact & Affirmations: 00:22:24 Finding Your Voice on Social Media: 00:37:50 Rapid Fire: Food, Dream Jobs & Heels vs. Flats: 00:47:47

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard are joined by Patrick Woods of Keller Williams and Jesse Garcia of Maverick Real Estate for a high-level conversation on leadership, risk-taking, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s evolving real estate market.

From career-defining decisions to the growing role of AI, this episode blends mindset, strategy, and real-world experience from professionals who are actively shaping the industry.

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 “Burning the ships” and the mindset required to fully bet on yourself

⛓️ Breaking free from “golden handcuffs” and learning when to say no

💥 Why failure can be a superpower, and how to kill bad deals quickly

🏡 The shift from salesperson to trusted real estate consultant

🤝 A new approach to attracting (not recruiting) agents through value

🤖 AI in real estate: where to start, how to prompt, and building tools in minutes

🎥 Why showing up consistently with content builds trust and connection

Whether you’re a real estate agent, loan officer, or business professional navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insight, mindset shifts, and strategies you can apply right now.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who’s ready to level up in their business.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one risk you’ve taken that changed your trajectory?

Chapters:

0:00:00 Intro & Guest Introductions

0:04:13 Patrick’s New KW Regional Director Role

0:14:26 Jesse’s Origin Story: From Sheriff to Real Estate

0:19:03 Burning the Ships: Betting on Yourself

0:21:42 Golden Handcuffs, Fear & the Discipline to Say No

0:31:21 Failure as a Superpower & Killing Bad Deals Fast

0:40:33 The Value of Expertise & Real Estate as a Consulting Role

0:50:51 Introducing Compare: Attracting vs. Recruiting Agents

1:01:04 AI in Real Estate: Where to Start

1:04:28 Prompting AI & Building Tools in Minutes

1:08:27 AI Agents, Adoption & Getting People Engaged

1:16:35 Showing Up: Content, Trust & Being Human

1:26:09 Mortgage Update: Iran Conflict, Oil & Rising Rates

1:34:01 Rate Timing, Buyer Opportunity & Market Reality

1:40:40 The Cream Rises: Top Producers in a Tough Market

1:43:53 Closing Reflections & Outro

Episode 31 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard take the mic for a wide-ranging conversation that dives deep into leadership, resilience, relationships, and the philosophy behind building a business centered on value.

What starts with some lighthearted banter quickly turns into an honest discussion about what it truly means to serve clients well, not just as mortgage professionals, but as trusted advisors throughout the entire homeownership journey.

Phil and Buzz share the vision behind the Give Value Program, a curated network of trusted home service providers designed to help homeowners find reliable professionals long after the loan closes. The conversation expands into why delivering value, building relationships, and staying connected with your community will always outperform transactional sales.

Along the way, both hosts open up about their personal journeys, from Phil’s college athletics career and difficult business setbacks to Buzz’s decades-long career training lenders across the country before joining Big Valley Mortgage.

In this episode, we cover:

👟 The philosophy behind the Give Value Program and becoming a true trusted advisor

🎥 Why video and podcasting are essential tools for building authentic connections today

🏀 Phil’s athletic journey, career pivot, and lessons learned through adversity

🧠 The identity crisis many athletes (and professionals) face after major life changes

🤝 Buzz’s career path from Texas basketball coach to nationally recognized mortgage trainer

📈 The new “Done For You, Done With You, Done By You” model for supporting loan officers

💡 Why focusing on value, not just interest rates, transforms client relationships

📊 Buzz’s latest market update and what’s driving interest rate movement right now

🏡 Why waiting for the “perfect rate” might cost you the home you actually want

This episode is equal parts business insight, personal story, and leadership philosophy, a reminder that success in any industry ultimately comes down to serving people well and building genuine relationships.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who believes business should always be built on trust and value.

#TheBlitzBreak #Mortgage #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #TrustedAdvisor #VideoMarketing #RealEstate #PersonalGrowth

Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome, Shoe Banter & Give Value Intro

00:11:00 – Trusted Advisors: Why It Takes More Than a Loan

00:20:30 – Phil’s Athletic Journey: College Basketball & Adversity

00:30:18 – Rock Bottom to Renaissance: Building Triple J Studios

00:38:11 – Overcoming the Fear of Video

00:48:11 – 2D vs. 3D: Why Authenticity Wins

00:56:21 – The Athlete’s Identity Crisis

01:10:32 – Storytelling, Authenticity & the BVM Mission

01:18:51 – Phil Introduces Buzz Howard

01:25:48 – Buzz’s Journey: Texas to Sacramento

01:32:00 – Buzz’s Career in Mortgages & Mentorship

01:40:51 – Done For You, Done With You: The New Model

01:47:54 – Why Loan Officers Must Deliver Value First

01:53:47 – Market Update: Rates, Oil & What to Do Now

02:01:15 – Final Thoughts, Shoutouts & Subscribe

Episode 30 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard welcome Mustafa Abdul, founder and owner of Jaguar Heating & Air Conditioning, for a deep dive into the HVAC industry, home maintenance, and what it takes to build a successful family-owned business in Sacramento.

Mustafa shares the story behind starting Jaguar Heating & Air in 2013 with just himself in the field and his wife answering phones, right as they were preparing to welcome their first child. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving company with dozens of technicians and installers, earning recognition as SMUD’s Top Contractor for 2025.

In this episode, we cover:

🏠 Why HVAC inspections are critical when buying or selling a home

⚠️ Common safety risks homeowners should know about, including gas leaks and carbon monoxide concerns

🔧 What actually happens during a professional HVAC tune-up and why maintenance matters

💡 How dirty coils, clogged filters, and closed vents can quietly damage your system

🔌 The future of home heating and cooling, including California’s shift toward heat pumps and electric systems

🌡️ Smart thermostat tips, multi-zone comfort solutions, and when DIY works (and when it doesn’t)

📈 The realities of running a growing local business and the importance of customer education

Mustafa also shares insights into the future of home energy efficiency, the benefits of new HVAC technology, and why working with trusted, local professionals can make all the difference for homeowners.

👉 Connect with Jaguar Heating & Air:

Visit JaguarHeatingAir.com or search Jaguar Heating & Air on Google to learn more about their services and Sacramento showroom.

Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate professional, or simply interested in entrepreneurship and home systems, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insight, and real-world experience.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share the episode with someone who wants to keep their home comfortable and efficient year-round.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction & Welcome

0:02:53 Mustafa’s Journey - Starting Jaguar Heating & Air

0:08:22 Building the Business & Winning Awards

0:18:21 Industry Challenges & Home Inspections

0:26:04 Common HVAC Problems & Misconceptions

0:28:56 Trust & Safety in HVAC Services

0:33:21 HVAC Maintenance & Tune-Ups Explained

0:41:49 The Future of HVAC - Heat Pumps & Electric Systems

0:46:59 System Lifespan & Efficiency

1:03:13 Mini-Splits & Zoning Solutions

0:53:34 Financing Options & Customer Education

1:14:49 Market Update & Partnership Discussion

1:24:37 Closing Thoughts & Thanks

Episode 29 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Ryan Lundquist of the Lundquist Appraisal Company and the Sacramento Appraisal Blog for a thoughtful, grounded conversation that blends market insight, technology, and the human side of housing.

Ryan brings his appraiser’s perspective to a wide-ranging discussion on how AI can be a powerful tool when paired with genuine humanity, why boots-on-the-ground expertise still matters, and what the current market is really telling us beneath the headlines.

In this episode, we cover:

🤖 How AI can support (not replace) human judgment in real estate

🏠 Appraisal techniques and what appraisers are actually looking at in today’s market

📊 A clear-eyed look at current housing conditions and buyer behavior

❤️ Homeownership stories that have stuck with us and why they matter

🐾 Plus: some lighter moments, including pet stories and who on the show is (and maybe isn’t) an animal person

Whether you’re in real estate, mortgage, appraisal, or just love honest conversations about housing and people, this episode offers insight, perspective, and a few laughs along the way.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and let us know in the comments:

What’s one housing story or market moment that’s stuck with you?

Episode 28 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard welcome Jason Mata, top-producing loan officer at American Pacific Mortgage, for a deep dive into the 2026 housing market, buyer psychology, and what it really takes to win in today’s lending environment.

From market predictions to daily disciplines, this episode is packed with insight for loan officers, real estate professionals, and homebuyers trying to make smart moves in a shifting market.

In this episode, we cover:

📈 2026 Market Outlook & Trends

Why optimism is rising, increased buyer activity despite steady rates, pent-up demand, and how limited supply continues to impact pricing.

🧠 Home Buyer Psychology

Why buyers are jumping in before rates drop, normalizing today’s interest rates, debunking the 20% down myth, and understanding the true cost of waiting versus building equity.

🎓 Education & Value-First Strategy

Jason’s homebuyer education program (serving 10,000+ attendees annually), rent vs. buy analysis, and how to build trust before talking about rates to avoid becoming a commodity.

🚀 Business Strategy & Daily Disciplines

High-value consultations, quarterly goal setting, and the tools powering his business (Salesforce, Mortgage Coach, Total Expert, Jungo). Plus, preferred realtor partnerships and a strong direct-to-consumer model.

🤝 Client Relationships & Aftercare

Customized consultations, rate watch programs, serving all credit levels equally, and community-driven initiatives like Give Value.

🤖 AI & Technology

Using ChatGPT for planning and content, testing AI outbound calls with transparency, and why authentic AI use matters more than shortcuts.

📊 Market Minute Update

Weekly rate trends, key economic indicators, and updates on the CalHFA Dream For All program enrollment window.

Whether you’re a loan officer looking to level up, a realtor navigating buyer hesitation, or a consumer trying to understand the current market, this episode delivers practical strategy, mindset shifts, and forward-looking insight.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tell us in the comments:

Are you bullish on 2026 — or still waiting on rates?

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome

00:04:52 2026 Market Outlook & Buyer Activity

00:08:48 Home Buyer Education Program

00:16:18 Common Home Buyer Misconceptions

00:21:18 Tools & Systems for Success

00:23:12 AI in Mortgage Business

00:30:00 Database Management & Email Campaigns

00:31:00 Give Value Program & Community Events

00:33:08 Jason’s Journey & Motivation

00:36:04 Daily Disciplines & Business Planning

00:43:00 Real Estate Market & Preferred Partners

00:53:03 Client Aftercare & Rate Watch Program

00:57:00 Mortgage Minute Market Update

01:02:39 Closing & Wrap-up