Recorded live in a yurt at Mortgage Con 2026 in Orlando, this engaging episode of The Loan Officer Podcast brings together host Dustin Owen and special guest Trevor York, a Reno-based mortgage originator and the innovative founder of Link Spot. Trevor dives deep into his inspiring journey, recounting how he sold his very first company at just 24 years old and went on to build a thriving $36M mortgage business. He attributes much of his success to the power of authentic personal branding and the strategic use of social media platforms to connect with clients and partners.

Throughout the conversation, Dustin and Trevor explore a variety of actionable marketing tactics that loan officers can implement immediately to grow their businesses. They emphasize the critical importance of being genuine and relatable in all client interactions, both online and offline. Trevor explains how Link Spot, his latest venture, is designed to help loan officers seamlessly convert online exposure into real, measurable business opportunities by leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and proven engagement strategies.

In addition to marketing and branding, the discussion delves into broader themes of risk-taking and entrepreneurship. Trevor shares candid insights about the challenges and rewards of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, taking calculated risks, and learning from failures along the way. He also highlights the value of building a supportive community within the mortgage industry, where professionals can collaborate, share resources, and celebrate each other’s successes.

Listeners will walk away from this episode with practical tips for elevating their marketing efforts, a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset.

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In this episode of "The Loan Officer Podcast," host Dustin Owen is joined by the Top Crew...Marketing Mike, Money Mark ("The Deacon"), and producer Karina Mojica for an in-depth conversation packed with practical strategies for mortgage professionals at every stage of their careers. Together, they dive into the real-world challenges of direct-to-consumer marketing, offering tips on how to stand out in a crowded digital space and effectively reach potential clients. The crew also explores the critical importance of building and nurturing strong partnerships with realtors, sharing proven methods for creating mutually beneficial relationships that drive consistent business.

Additionally, the team discusses the pivotal moment when mortgage professionals should consider hiring an assistant, outlining the signs that indicate it’s time to scale your business and how the right support can help you maximize productivity and growth. Throughout the episode, Dustin and the crew reflect on key lessons learned from their recent experience at Mortgage Con, highlighting industry trends, networking opportunities, and takeaways that can help listeners stay ahead of the curve. They also preview upcoming industry events, encouraging listeners to engage with the broader mortgage community for continued learning and professional development.

Listeners can expect to walk away with actionable insights on marketing strategies, effective team building, and smart career growth tactics tailored to today’s rapidly evolving mortgage landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned loan officer or just starting out, this episode delivers valuable advice and inspiration to help you succeed in the competitive world of mortgage lending.

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In this episode of The DO Show, host Dustin Owen draws on more than two decades of hands-on experience in real estate investing and the mortgage industry to share invaluable, hard-earned lessons with his audience. Speaking candidly to both newcomers just starting their investment journey and seasoned investors looking to sharpen their strategies, Dustin breaks down four foundational principles that are crucial for long-term success: buy right, protect your margin, use debt wisely, and always manage risk. He delves into each principle with real-world examples and personal anecdotes, illustrating how these core concepts have shaped his own career and the careers of countless others.

Dustin emphasizes that achieving lasting success in real estate is not about chasing the latest trends, relying on hype, or searching for shortcuts. Instead, he insists that true wealth is built through discipline, patience, and a thorough understanding of the numbers behind every deal. He encourages listeners to approach each investment with a clear-eyed focus on fundamentals, reminding them that careful analysis and prudent decision-making are far more valuable than any get-rich-quick scheme. Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to practical, actionable advice that they can immediately apply to their own investment strategies.

Dustin’s insights are grounded in years of real-world experience, making his guidance both relatable and trustworthy. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first rental property or expand an existing portfolio, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge designed to help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market with confidence. For anyone serious about building sustainable, long-term wealth through real estate, this episode of The DO Show is an essential listen.

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In this episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Neel Dhingra at Mortgage Con 2026 for an in-depth and inspiring conversation. Neel opens up about his transformative journey, detailing how he went from feeling stuck and unfulfilled as a traditional loan officer to becoming one of the mortgage industry’s most recognized content creators and influential thought leaders. He shares candid insights into the challenges he faced early in his career, including moments of self-doubt and the struggle to stand out in a crowded market.

Neel discusses the pivotal role that personal branding played in his success, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, persistence, and consistently delivering value to your audience. He recounts memorable experiences connecting with high-profile figures like Gary Vee and Andre Agassi, illustrating how building genuine relationships can open unexpected doors and accelerate professional growth.

Throughout the episode, Neel offers practical, actionable tips for loan officers and entrepreneurs looking to create impactful content—stressing the need to start with strong hooks, tell compelling stories, and always approach content creation with a mindset of service. He also highlights his signature Forward event, which brings together top industry professionals to share strategies and foster collaboration, as well as his popular weekly marketing newsletter that delivers fresh ideas and inspiration to thousands of subscribers.

Neel’s mission is to empower others in the mortgage industry to leverage modern marketing tools, grow their influence, and ultimately achieve greater success. Whether you’re new to the business or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and motivation to help you take your career to the next level.

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In this episode of "The Loan Officer Podcast," hosts Dustin Owen and John Coleman, joined by producer Karina Mojica, deliver an engaging blend of humor, real-world stories, and valuable industry insight. The episode kicks off with Dustin sharing highlights from his recent travels, including keynote speeches at major mortgage conferences and memorable encounters with industry leaders. He reflects on the fast-paced changes sweeping through the mortgage sector, emphasizing how technology, automation, and artificial intelligence are transforming everything from loan processing to client communication.

Despite these advancements, the hosts stress that emotional intelligence, strong interpersonal skills, and genuine likability remain irreplaceable assets for loan officers. They discuss real-life scenarios where empathy and relationship-building have made the difference in closing deals and retaining clients, even as digital tools become more prevalent. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by automation, with the team debating whether robots and algorithms will ever fully replace the human touch in lending. Throughout the episode, Dustin, John, and Karina offer practical career advice for both new and experienced loan officers.

They highlight the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and investing in professional coaching to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. The team also announces an exciting upcoming networking event designed to connect industry professionals, foster collaboration, and share best practices. Listeners are encouraged to take charge of their personal and professional growth, leveraging both technology and soft skills to remain competitive. The episode wraps up with actionable tips for building a resilient career in the mortgage industry, reminders to register for the networking event, and a call to invest in coaching and self-improvement as the keys to long-term success.

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In this episode of The DO Show, Dustin Owen shares hard-earned insights on intentionally scaling a loan origination business. Drawing from over 20 years of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry, he explains why crucial mindset shifts, operational thinking, clear processes, thorough documentation, and disciplined use of time are essential for achieving sustainable, long-term growth. Owen challenges common misconceptions about what it takes to expand a business, warning against the pitfalls of relying solely on personal effort or charisma to drive results. Instead, he emphasizes the necessity of building robust systems and repeatable frameworks that enable true scalability, allowing a business to thrive even as it grows beyond the capacity of any single individual.

Throughout the episode, Owen stresses the importance of gaining clarity on goals and objectives, tracking key metrics to measure progress, and exercising patience as new strategies and systems take root. He offers practical, actionable strategies for loan originators who are ready to move from being reactive producers—constantly putting out fires and chasing deals—to proactive business owners who lead with intention and purpose. By sharing real-world examples and lessons learned from his own journey, Owen provides listeners with a roadmap for transforming their approach to business, empowering them to build organizations that are not only more efficient and profitable, but also more resilient and adaptable in a changing market.

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In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Mike Smalley, a top-producing mortgage originator and former college baseball pitcher, for an in-depth and engaging conversation. Together, they reflect on Mike’s athletic background and how the discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit he developed on the baseball field have contributed to his impressive career in the mortgage industry.

Mike shares the story of his journey to surpassing $1 billion in career mortgage volume, highlighting the dedication, perseverance, and strategic thinking required to achieve such a milestone. The discussion delves into the 17-year business partnership between Mike, Dustin, and their colleague David Holbrook, examining the evolution and challenges of maintaining a successful long-term collaboration. They explore the critical importance of open communication, trust, and effective delegation in building and sustaining high-performing teams within the mortgage business.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Dustin candidly share lessons learned from their experiences, including overcoming obstacles, adapting to industry changes, and fostering a positive team culture. Producer Karina Mojica joins the conversation, bringing her unique perspective and injecting humor into the discussion, which adds depth and relatability to the episode. The trio’s dynamic interaction provides listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of working in the mortgage industry and the personal growth that comes from navigating both triumphs and setbacks. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for mortgage professionals at any stage of their careers, as well as for anyone interested in business growth, leadership, and the power of strong partnerships. Whether you’re looking to build your own team, strengthen your business relationships, or simply be inspired by stories of resilience and achievement, this episode delivers a wealth of knowledge and motivation.

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In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, hosts Dustin Owen and Laura Zuluaga, joined by producer Karina, kick things off with a lively recap of Laura’s recent trip to a New England Patriots playoff game. Laura shares her firsthand experience of the electrifying atmosphere at the stadium, from the pre-game tailgating festivities to the nail-biting moments on the field, while Dustin and Karina chime in with playful banter and questions about her favorite highlights and the fan culture she witnessed. After some lighthearted conversation, the hosts transition to the main focus of the episode: answering a series of insightful listener questions related to real estate and mortgages.

They dive into the feasibility and potential implications of 50-year mortgages, discussing how such long-term loans could affect monthly payments, total interest paid, and overall home affordability. The conversation then shifts to creative ways buyers might fund a home purchase, including the pros, cons, and legal considerations of tapping into retirement accounts like 401(k)s or education savings plans such as 529s. Dustin and Laura break down the tax implications, penalties, and strategic scenarios where these options might make sense. The hosts also tackle the growing influence of institutional investors in the housing market, examining how large-scale property purchases by investment firms can drive up prices, reduce inventory for individual buyers, and impact neighborhood dynamics.

They provide context on recent trends and share their perspectives on what this means for first-time homebuyers and the broader market. In response to ongoing debates about housing affordability, Dustin and Laura analyze recent proposals aimed at lowering mortgage rates, such as government interventions or special loan programs. However, they emphasize that these measures are only part of the solution, arguing that the real key to making homes more affordable lies in increasing the overall housing supply. They discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in building more homes, including zoning laws, construction costs, and policy changes that could encourage development.

As the episode draws to a close, the team shares exciting announcements about upcoming industry events, educational workshops, and networking opportunities for listeners. They also tease details about an exclusive listener cruise, inviting fans of the show to join them for a unique chance to connect, learn, and have fun together on the open seas.

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In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Abdel Khawatmi, a top-producing mortgage loan officer based in New Jersey, for an in-depth conversation about success in the modern mortgage industry. Abdel shares his inspiring journey, detailing how he made the transition from a career in law to becoming a leading figure in the mortgage business. He explains the pivotal role that leveraging advanced systems, automation, and artificial intelligence played in rapidly scaling his business, resulting in a remarkable 30% increase in loan volume and an impressive 175% surge in overall profitability.

Throughout the episode, Abdel provides valuable insights into his strategic approach to team management, emphasizing the importance of building a cohesive and motivated team to support growth. He discusses his methods for coaching and empowering real estate partners, fostering strong relationships that drive mutual success. The conversation delves into the practical aspects of integrating cutting-edge technology into daily operations, highlighting the efficiencies and competitive advantages gained through thoughtful implementation. Abdel also opens up about his personal life, sharing how he strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance while raising a family. He talks about the significance of providing financial education to his children, instilling in them the values of responsibility and long-term planning. Additionally, Abdel and Dustin explore the critical role that consistency, discipline, and accountability play in achieving sustained success in the mortgage industry. Listeners will gain actionable tips and inspiration for building a thriving, future-ready mortgage business while maintaining personal fulfillment and strong family connections.

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In this episode of "The Loan Officer Podcast," host Dustin Owen interviews Juan Carlos Barreneche, a former top-producing realtor who now runs a successful staffing agency. Juan Carlos shares his inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to real estate standout, and now to helping mortgage and real estate professionals scale their businesses with virtual assistants.

Dustin and Juan Carlos discuss the importance of time management and how delegating tasks to virtual assistants can free up time for business owners to focus on what matters most. They talk about building strong teams and overcoming growth challenges in the mortgage and real estate industries. Juan Carlos explains how his company, Gold Bar Staffing, provides highly trained virtual assistants and support systems tailored for mortgage brokers, loan officers, and real estate agents. He offers real-world examples showing how virtual assistants can boost productivity, streamline operations, and cut costs without sacrificing client service. Listeners will gain practical tips for integrating virtual assistants into their businesses, whether for administrative support, customer service, or scaling operations.

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