The MikedUp Show

In this week’s episode of MikedUp, we’re getting behind the curtain of mortgage operations with Rob Jewett, the Chief Operating Officer of NewFed Mortgage Corp and one of HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters. Known for streamlining processes and integrating innovative technology, Rob has reimagined what mortgage operations can look like in a digital-first world.

From AI-driven automation to real-time borrower communication and mobile loan origination, Rob has built systems that “unkink the hose” — removing bottlenecks, reducing friction, and restoring flow in the mortgage process. He’s not just talking about efficiency for its own sake; he’s transforming the borrower experience while elevating how loan officers work every single day.

At the heart of Rob’s success is a belief that speed, transparency, and service must coexist. Under his leadership, NewFed Mortgage implemented nCino’s point-of-sale system, enabling loan officers to take applications, pull credit, issue prequalification letters, and lock loans — all from their phones. The result? Loans are getting approved within days, often with no borrower conditions.

This episode dives deep into:

How Rob transformed NewFed’s operational backbone with technology and data analytics

The impact of AI tools and eClose solutions on speed and accuracy

Using video marketing and borrower engagement to humanize the digital experience

What it takes to scale operations while keeping the personal touch

The mindset behind “people-first innovation” in mortgage lending

How data-driven decision making shapes market expansion and retention strategies

Rob also opens up about NewFed’s core philosophy — that mortgages aren’t just financial transactions, but life milestones. With more than two decades of experience and a passion for process excellence, Rob has positioned NewFed Mortgage as a trailblazer among mid-sized independent mortgage banks, proving that being agile and people-focused isn’t a contradiction — it’s the future.

If you’ve ever wondered how the best operators in the business are preparing for the next decade of mortgage lending, this episode will give you a front-row seat.

Polly
The modern mortgage capital markets platform that empowers lenders with smart pricing, hedging, and pipeline management tools.
Website: https://polly.io

Floify
A secure, user-friendly point-of-sale solution helping lenders streamline borrower communication and document collection.
Website: https://floify.com

Truework
Simplify income and employment verification for faster, more accurate mortgage approvals.
Website: https://truework.com

FundingShield
The mortgage industry’s leader in wire and title fraud prevention, protecting lenders and borrowers at every stage.
Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Gene Thompson, a mortgage leader whose story is built on loyalty, grit, and an unwavering belief in serving people—without exception. After 16 years of dedication to InterLinc Mortgage, Gene is now the majority owner of the company, stepping into a new era of leadership rooted in authenticity, accountability, and long-term impact. But this isn’t a corporate takeover story—it’s a leadership journey.

Gene started at InterLinc in 2007 during one of the toughest markets in history. Rather than run from the storm, he leaned in. He built relationships. He built teams. He built trust. He quickly rose through the ranks—from sales leader to President in 2010, and then President & CEO in 2021. And now, as owner, he’s doubling down on the mission that built InterLinc’s reputation: do business the right way and take care of people first—always.

This episode is packed with insight for loan officers, branch managers, IMB executives, team leaders, and anyone who believes service is a strategy—not a slogan.

Gene’s path from loan officer to CEO and now majority owner

Lessons learned from building in a down market

Why investing in people—not markets—is the smartest strategy

Culture as a business model: Service Without Exception

How InterLinc is expanding while others are shrinking

Why leadership must be personal—not performative

The future of tech and human connection in lending

How discipline, faith, and consistency shaped Gene’s success

The mindset required to thrive when the market is tough

What legacy really looks like in modern lending

Gene brings a grounded, no-fluff philosophy to leadership. He shows that you don’t need slogans to win—you need standards. He reminds us that mortgages aren’t just transactions—they’re life decisions that deserve care, clarity, and commitment.

If you’re tired of buzzwords and want to hear real talk from a leader who walks his values daily, this episode is for you.

Polly
Powering modern mortgage capital markets. Polly delivers flexible, fast, and intelligent pricing and pipeline management solutions built for today’s lenders.
Website: https://polly.io

Floify
The secure, customizable mortgage point-of-sale platform that gives lenders speed, transparency, and borrower satisfaction.
Website: https://floify.com

Truework
Fast, secure income and employment verification for mortgage lenders—reducing friction and speeding up approvals.
Website: https://truework.com

FundingShield
The industry’s #1 wire and title fraud prevention platform—protecting lenders and borrowers at closing.
Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Paul Diamond, a leader who represents resilience, integrity, and staying power in mortgage banking. With more than three decades in the mortgage industry, Paul has built a reputation for leading with values before volume, standing firm during market cycles, and building a people-first culture that still drives results today. As President and CEO of Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation (DRMC) and Immediate Past President of the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association, Paul’s leadership has helped shape both his company and industry policy conversations nationwide.

Paul takes us behind the curtain of mortgage leadership—what it really means to build a company designed to last, how to grow during disruptive market cycles, and why culture is the true competitive advantage. He speaks on durability in leadership, the importance of being rooted in purpose, and what lenders must do today to stay relevant tomorrow. His message is simple but powerful: people, process, execution—that’s where the real value in this business lives.

We explore:

His early commitment to industry advocacy and his leadership path with IMBA

Why long-term relationships are still the foundation of lending success

The generational talent gap in mortgage and how to attract young professionals

Lessons learned from market shifts and regulatory changes like Dodd-Frank

The future of mortgage lending and how to thrive as the cycle changes again

Why common sense lending and customer-first execution will never go out of style

Building a national mortgage company without losing local culture

Paul’s philosophy on business is clear: “There’s little proprietary value in mortgage banking. The value is in people and how they serve customers.” This episode is a must-listen for loan officers, branch managers, IMBs, bank executives, and anyone building a career in lending. It’s not motivational fluff—it’s a blueprint for leadership that lasts.

Polly – Modern mortgage pricing and capital markets technology for lenders who want smarter, faster secondary execution. Trusted by leading IMBs and banks.
Website: https://polly.io

Floify – The industry’s most trusted mortgage point-of-sale platform, delivering speed, security, and borrower satisfaction from application through closing.
Website: https://floify.com

Truework – Simplifying income and employment verification for lenders through accurate, fast, and secure data solutions.
Website: https://truework.com

FundingShield – The #1 wire and title fraud prevention platform in mortgage lending—protecting lenders and borrowers from fraud during closings.
Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikeDrop, we welcome Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage and head of the mortgage division at Plains Commerce Bank, for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build trust in lending—beyond rates, margins, and spreadsheets.

Chris is a visionary leader who has built a legacy in wholesale and community banking by focusing not just on volume, but on relationships, coaching, and solving real problems for originators. Under his leadership, Windsor Mortgage originates over $5.6 billion annually, commanding over 25% market share in Sioux Falls, all while remaining deeply committed to education, innovation, and partnership. 

As both an executive and a mentor, Chris leads coaching programs like Coaching with Chris, through which he works with CEOs and loan officers nationwide to refine performance, scale with consistency, and weather changing market dynamics.

Chris’s journey from mortgage broker to building a national wholesale platform aligned with community banking

How Windsor differentiates itself against giants (like Rocket, UWM) through intensive coach support, originator-first strategies, and partner relationships 

Why trust is currency in lending—and how Chris believes lenders earn that trust through problem-solving, transparency, and backing brokers with tools, not demands

Tactical innovations in tech, process, and underwriting that reduce friction and make lending more human, not less

How Windsor’s warehouse lending, executive banking suite, and differentiated coaching give originators a competitive edge

The power of asking — for help, for clarity, for opportunity — and how that mindset shaped many of Chris’s biggest wins

Chris’s approach shows that lending isn’t just about what you offer—it’s how you partner, how you support, and how you help people believe again. Whether you’re an originator, loan officer, or bank leader, this episode will challenge how you measure success in mortgage.

Mortgage Connect — A full-lifecycle mortgage services provider, handling closing, title, valuation, and risk mitigation to make lending smoother.
Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com

Aidium — A modern CRM and pipeline management system built specifically for mortgage teams to convert more leads with less friction.
Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com

Floify — A digital point-of-sale and document platform that simplifies borrower interactions, speeds closing, and reduces back-and-forth.
Visit: https://www.floify.com

TrueWork — Provides fast, secure income and employment verification to support lender decisioning and speed approvals.
Visit: https://www.truework.com

FundingShield — Offers anti-fraud tools, identity verification, and secure transaction protection to safeguard lenders and borrowers.
Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Lisa Lang, Executive Vice President and Head of Capital Bank Home Loans, to explore how creative technology and sustainable innovation are shaping the future of the mortgage industry. Lisa brings a wealth of experience, deep market insight, and a proven track record of leadership to this conversation — making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the evolving housing and lending landscape.

With decades of experience across every facet of the mortgage business, Lisa has dedicated her career to building systems that foster both growth and resilience. As a lifelong resident of the DMV area and a graduate of George Mason University, she understands firsthand how communities thrive when financial institutions are committed to progress and innovation. Today, Lisa leads Capital Bank Home Loans with a vision that blends technology, service, and social responsibility to deliver meaningful change.

Lisa shares her perspective on what it takes to lead a modern home loans division, from developing forward-thinking products to implementing technology that meets borrowers where they are. She also emphasizes the human side of mortgage lending — empowering teams, building trust with clients, and ensuring every decision reflects the long-term health of the community.

Beyond her professional expertise, Lisa is deeply involved in breast cancer advocacy, bringing the same passion she applies in the mortgage space to causes that touch people’s lives directly. This balance of career leadership and personal dedication gives Lisa a unique lens on sustainability — not just in business processes, but in creating lasting impact for families and neighborhoods.

This episode explores:

The role of creative technology in driving efficiency and accessibility in mortgage lending

Sustainable innovation strategies that keep communities strong and businesses thriving

How leaders can align corporate goals with social responsibility

Why the future of housing depends on trust, transparency, and forward-thinking solutions

Lisa’s journey from local beginnings to national leadership in mortgage banking

Join us as we discuss how to build a future-ready mortgage ecosystem that empowers both lenders and borrowers. Whether you’re a mortgage professional, housing advocate, or simply curious about where the industry is headed, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration.

This episode is made possible by our incredible sponsors who are helping transform the mortgage industry:

Mortgage Connect – Leading provider of end-to-end mortgage solutions designed to streamline the lending process.
Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com

Aidium – A powerful CRM platform built specifically for mortgage professionals to manage relationships and drive growth.
Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com

Floify – Simplifying the mortgage process with innovative point-of-sale technology that improves borrower experience and lender efficiency.
Visit: https://www.floify.com

TrueWork – Providing secure, instant income and employment verification to make lending decisions faster and more reliable.
Visit: https://www.truework.com

FundingShield – Protecting lenders and consumers from wire fraud and closing risks with advanced verification tools.
Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this episode, we dive deep into how homebuying has changed — and where it’s headed — with Dan Richards, President of Flyhomes Mortgage. Dan’s story is one of bridging tech, finance, and real estate to create more accessible paths to homeownership, especially in a market that’s constantly shifting.

Dan joined Flyhomes in October 2022, bringing with him a rich background from SoFi (where he led the Home Loans unit and played a role in acquiring Wyndham Capital Mortgage), Homie, and many years at Academy Mortgage Corporation where he rose through roles in technology, growth, and strategic partnership. Before that, he worked with major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Nokia — all of which inform his view of what happens when you blend real estate, customer experience, and innovation.

Dan’s view of how homebuying has evolved since the early 2000s — from heavy reliance on brokers to more lender-led, tech-enabled models.

How regulation, credit expansion, and consumer expectations have shaped risks and tools in mortgage lending.

The role of products like “Buy Before You Sell” and Cash Offers in helping buyers avoid common pitfalls, like selling too early or losing leverage in bidding wars.

How Flyhomes is retooling its business (including selling or narrowing some product lines) to focus more sharply on mortgage services and less on home search tech in order to better serve both buyers and agents. GeekWire+2flyhomes.com+2

Dan’s leadership lessons: how to grow with integrity, stay nimble, and make decisions that put customers first even when the market demands speed.

This conversation isn’t just about how to buy a home. It’s about reshaping expectations, unlocking tools that work for more people, and creating a homebuying journey that feels doable — not daunting — for today’s buyer. Whether you’re a loan originator, real estate agent, or someone thinking of buying your first home, there’s something here for you.

We’re grateful for the support of sponsors who help us bring you insights like this:

Mortgage Connect – Offers comprehensive mortgage solutions across the full loan lifecycle: title, closing, valuation, and risk mitigation, helping lenders improve the borrower experience.
Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com

Aidium – A modern CRM platform built specifically for mortgage professionals, helping teams manage leads, pipelines, and client relationships smarter.
Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com

Floify – A digital point-of-sale and mortgage processing platform that streamlines documents, communication, and workflow between borrower, originator, and agents.
Visit https://www.floify.com

TrueWork – Fast, secure employment and income verification tools for lenders to improve loan decisioning speed with trusted data.
Visit https://www.truework.com

FundingShield – Fraud prevention and transaction safety solutions (like verifying wire transfers, preventing identity fraud) to protect lenders and borrowers.
Visit https://www.fundingshield.com

In this powerful episode of the podcast, we sit down with Mosi Gatling, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion at New American Funding, to explore the future of homeownership in America and how the industry can take meaningful steps to close the homeownership gap.

Mosi brings over two decades of mortgage industry expertise and has built an impressive career as a dynamic speaker, coach, and leader. She’s been consistently recognized among the top 1% of mortgage originators by Scotsman Guide, with a proven track record of helping families achieve their dreams of owning a home. Her passion lies in creating accessible, affordable, and sustainable homeownership opportunities, especially for underrepresented communities.

As the driving force behind initiatives like New American Funding's Black Impact program and the Housing Advocate Certification training, Mosi has been on a mission to empower both industry professionals and prospective homebuyers. These programs equip loan officers and real estate agents with the tools, knowledge, and cultural competency they need to effectively serve minority homebuyers, particularly in the Black community.

In this conversation, Mosi shares insights into how lenders, agents, and policymakers can work together to remove barriers and ensure that homeownership becomes a reality for more families across the nation. She also opens up about her personal journey, her passion for education, and why she believes in empowering the next generation of homeowners.

Key topics we explore in this episode include:

Strategies for increasing sustainable homeownership.

The importance of financial literacy and education in building wealth.

How loan officers and real estate agents can serve diverse communities more effectively.

Breaking down systemic barriers to create real, lasting impact.

Why now is the time to act boldly for the future of housing.

Mosi’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, she was honored with the Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award and received her second consecutive HousingWire Women of Influence Award. She also serves on the board of FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and resources for the next generation of homeowners.

This episode is a must-listen for mortgage professionals, real estate leaders, and anyone passionate about expanding homeownership opportunities in America. Mosi’s leadership and vision are inspiring a movement where every family has the chance to achieve stability and wealth through owning a home.

We couldn’t bring you this show without the support of our incredible sponsors:

Mortgage Connect – A leading provider of innovative mortgage solutions and closing services that streamline the home buying process.
Visit: https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com

Aidium – The ultimate CRM for modern mortgage professionals, designed to help teams connect with clients and close more loans efficiently.
Visit: https://www.thinkaidium.com

Floify – A trusted point-of-sale solution that helps lenders deliver a seamless digital mortgage experience to their borrowers.
Visit: https://www.floify.com

TrueWork – Simplifying employment and income verification for lenders to speed up approvals and reduce friction in the loan process.
Visit: https://www.truework.com

FundingShield – Providing fraud prevention and compliance solutions to safeguard wire transfers and protect lenders and borrowers.
Visit: https://www.fundingshield.com

This week’s episode takes us through a deep, eye-opening conversation with Kevin Peranio, Chief Lending Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group (PRMG). Kevin reflects on a career rooted in adapting, learning, and leading through nearly two decades of seismic shifts in the mortgage industry—from regional markets to nationwide lending cycles.

Kevin’s journey begins in 2001, when he helped expand First Magnus Financial throughout Texas and Florida. As both a launchpad and learning ground, these regional markets taught him the power of regulation, local demand dynamics, and credit evolution—especially as the Community Reinvestment Act influenced lending, independent mortgage bankers rose to prominence, and credit standards expanded.

He then walks us through the factors behind the global financial crisis—risky lending, shifting consumer behavior, big bank practices, and failing oversight—and how those lessons reshaped how lenders should act responsibly. Kevin brings this full circle with the story of North Star Lending, where he served as COO from 2007–2010, rebuilding trust and standards through lean operations and smarter lending after the crash.

Today, Kevin runs the loan process at PRMG with precision—focusing on customer satisfaction and quality control across the board. His experience and leadership offer rare clarity on how to lead lending not just with volume, but with integrity and foresight.

Topics Covered:

The 2000s real estate boom through regional lenses: Texas vs. Florida

How lenders balanced community mandates, market expansion, and credit risks

The origins and impact of the 2008 crisis—then and now

Building a post-crisis lending business centered around culture, efficiency, and service

Kevin’s vision for PRMG’s future—balanced, customer-first growth with resilient processes

This episode is essential for originators, executives, and anyone wondering how mortgage leadership evolves in the wake of disruption. Kevin’s story is a reminder that leading lending is equal parts strategy, experience, and responsibility.

About Our Sponsors

Mortgage Connect – A full-service mortgage solutions partner delivering end-to-end support across closing, title, valuation, and loss mitigation. Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com

Aidium – Modern CRM and lead management tools built specifically to help mortgage professionals streamline pipelines and grow business. Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com

Floify – A leading mortgage point-of-sale platform making it easier for lenders, borrowers, and agents to manage digital loan applications from start to finish. Visit https://www.floify.com

Truework – Employment and income verification solutions built for fast, secure lender access to trusted borrower data. Visit https://www.truework.com

FundingShield – Advanced risk detection and borrower identity verification tools tailored for mortgage and commercial lending. Visit https://www.fundingshield.com

What does it really take to make homeownership possible for millions of Americans—especially Gen Z, first-time buyers, and families often overlooked by the traditional system? This week, we’re joined by two of the industry’s most passionate voices: Dave Savage and Kristin Messerli, co-founders of FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit on a mission to deliver financial education and empower five million young adults with the tools to become homeowners.

Dave is a legend in mortgage education, known for founding Mortgage Coach and now serving as Chief Innovation Officer at TrustEngine. Over the course of his career, Dave has:

Conducted over 1,000 interviews with top industry leaders

Built the Mortgage Coach YouTube channel into a leading training platform for loan officers

Championed financial literacy as a core mission, believing loan officers are on the frontlines of helping families make smarter financial decisions

Co-founded FirstHome IQ to tackle the financial literacy gap for Gen Z and first-time buyers

His mantra is simple: Technology won’t replace loan officers—but loan officers who master technology will replace those who don’t.

Kristin’s journey began in social work, where she specialized in serving immigrant and unhoused communities. From there, she launched Cultural Outreach, a groundbreaking multicultural marketing agency, later acquired by NAMMBA. Today, as co-founder of FirstHome IQ, she’s using her voice to bridge the trust gap many consumers feel when it comes to money and financial institutions.

Kristin brings her TRUST Framework and personal experience with financial anxiety into her work, creating tools and strategies that resonate with modern consumers. She believes in radical acceptance, authentic education, and turning complex financial decisions into approachable, confidence-building steps.

The real state of financial literacy among Gen Z and first-time homebuyers

Why 5 million young adults are at the center of Dave & Kristin’s vision

How FirstHome IQ is rewriting the playbook on financial education

The role of technology, storytelling, and trust in shaping tomorrow’s mortgage industry

Why relationships—not just rates—will define the future of lending

The personal stories and leadership philosophies that drive Dave and Kristin

This episode is part education, part inspiration, and all about the mission: building a generation of confident, informed homeowners.

Mortgage Connect delivers a full suite of innovative mortgage services designed to help lenders and servicers exceed borrower expectations. Learn more at https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com

Aidium helps mortgage professionals manage leads and relationships with a powerful CRM built for the modern loan officer. Learn more at https://www.thinkaidium.com

Floify streamlines the loan process with intuitive digital tools for borrowers, lenders, and Realtors—making the mortgage journey faster and easier. Learn more at https://www.floify.com

This episode welcomes an industry original—Khash Saghafi, founder and CEO of Liberty Home Mortgage—to unpack why, even after 25 years in lending, he still believes “It is always a great day.”

Khash isn’t just known for his longevity—he’s built a reputation as the problem solver for homebuyers, whether they have perfect credit or have been turned away elsewhere. His direct-lender model specializes in conventional, VA, FHA, and USDA purchase loans across 45 states, plus rehab, debt consolidation, and options for hard-to-document borrowers.Liberty's core values reflect Khash’s leadership philosophy: Empowering People First. The company fosters a workplace built on open communication, adaptability, initiative, collaboration, and work–life balance—all designed to keep innovation alive while prioritizing well-being.

Khash’s reach extends beyond transactions. With over 800 videos and a loyal YouTube following, he’s created a home-buying headquarters that educates and inspires a broad audience—making the market smarter, one video at a time.

Why mornings still matter, even in a career that has spanned decades.
What does “It is always a great day” mean to someone who’s built from the ground up?

How Liberty handles the toughest cases.
Conventional, VA, FHA, USDA, debt consolidation—Khash’s team makes the near-impossible happen.

Culture over everything.
Liberty’s values aren’t just words—they guide decision-making, innovation, and trust across the organization.

Why Khash built his brand on education.
He shares how his YouTube channel became an authentic outreach tool—not just for leads, but for clarity, learning, and connection.

Advice for emerging leaders.
From navigating tough deals to building a culture of empowerment, Khash lays out actionable insights for anyone building or scaling in mortgage.

Whether you’re a borrower, originator, or industry leader, this episode gives you practical wisdom from someone who’s still excited to get started each day—NO matter how long he’s been doing it.

Mortgage Connect delivers a full suite of mortgage services built on innovation and customer focus. Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com

Aidium powers mortgage professionals with smart CRM solutions that simplify lead management and drive more business. Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com

Floify streamlines the loan process end-to-end with digital tools that boost efficiency for Realtors, borrowers, and lenders. Visit https://www.floify.com