D.O. sits down with mortgage industry legend Todd Bookspan for a candid conversation packed with career insights and industry secrets. Todd shares his unique journey from entrepreneur and bicycle shop owner to top-producing mortgage originator and coach.

Discover the story behind his game-changing "Win By Noon" philosophy, how he built a 550+ unit year, and lessons learned from coaching with icons like Bill Hart. Plus, Todd and D.O. dig deep into the impact of mentorship, accountability tools, and the power of communication—wrapping up with actionable advice for sales pros and originators looking to elevate their business. Don’t miss these strategies, stories, and takeaways you can use right now to accelerate your growth!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Loan Officer Podcast! In this episode, your host Dustin Owen sits down with the incredible Yaritza, a top Orlando real estate broker and former Disney employee, to dive deep into her remarkable journey from the magic of Disney to the fast-paced world of real estate.

Yaritza opens up about her decade-long career at Disney and how the skills she learned there—like exceptional customer service and attention to detail—helped shape her approach to real estate. She shares the personal and professional challenges she faced, especially as a mother balancing the demands of parenting with the hustle of building a successful career. After being laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yaritza made the bold decision to pursue real estate full-time, turning a setback into a major comeback.

D.O. dives into the latest industry shake-ups after a rare two-week hiatus. He tackles the challenges behind AUS (Automated Underwriting System) denials, breaks down how government policies are shaping loan approvals, and discusses the dramatic changes around FICO credit algorithms and report costs. D.O. also explores the impact of a government shutdown on the mortgage process, offering practical insights and strategies for navigating these unpredictable times. 

D.O. breaks down the top 10 cities in the U.S. with the greatest increases in mortgage volume year-over-year—revealing the hottest spots for loan officers and brokers looking to ramp up their origination business. He also shares his insights on industry events, dives into the most buyer-friendly markets in 2025, and offers actionable tips for success in today’s shifting mortgage environment.

D.O. shares actionable strategies for mortgage professionals to dominate their database and turn it into a powerful "data bank." D.O. walks through a step-by-step process—including celebrating client milestones, sending impactful newsletters, utilizing social media, and hosting events—to help you build brand loyalty and generate leads.

D.O. breaks down the five essential loan products every top-producing mortgage originator needs to master to make a million dollars a year. He dispels common myths around chasing niche and "sizzle" products, and instead focuses on proven, scalable choices backed by years of industry insight. D.O. also shares stories from his coaching career and reveals the patterns of mortgage millionaires across the country.

Whether you're new to the business or looking to refine your product mix, this is a must-listen for actionable strategies, industry wisdom, and the mindset required for long-term success in mortgage lending.

D.O. unpacks the powerful connection between sales and storytelling. He breaks down four essential tactics every salesperson should use to capture attention, deliver value, and make their message memorable—whether one-on-one or to a packed audience.

He shares how incorporating key phrases, strategic pauses, and deeper storytelling can help mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and anyone in sales build trust, drive engagement, and ultimately win more business.

D.O. tackles one of the most common challenges loan originators face: what to teach at Realtor events. D.O. breaks down actionable class topics, from getting more offers accepted and creating inventory, to leveraging low down payment programs and demystifying mortgages for real estate agents. He shares proven strategies and irresistible class titles that fill rooms, boost engagement, and ultimately help Realtors close more deals. 

D.O. broadcasts live from the Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association event in Baton Rouge, diving deep into the ever-evolving topic of trigger leads. Despite recent legislative wins against trigger leads in the mortgage industry, D.O. reveals why the battle is far from over.

D.O. sits down with Kate deKay, CEO of Eustis Mortgage, for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Kate—who bought the company originally founded by her grandfather—shares her journey from summer receptionist to processor, loan originator, manager, and ultimately CEO. She candidly discusses the realities of being a female leader in a male-dominated mortgage industry, how she navigated family business dynamics, and the challenges and triumphs faced along her 20-year career.