The MikedUp Show

In this powerful episode titled Thrive & Lead, we sit down with one of the mortgage industry’s most influential voices—Patty Arvielo, CEO and Co-Founder of New American Funding, and a beacon of leadership, resilience, and equity in financial services.

Patty’s story isn’t just about building a mortgage company—it’s about building a movement.

From humble beginnings cleaning real estate offices with her mother to becoming the first Hispanic woman to have a School of Business named after her, Patty’s rise to industry titan is rooted in tenacity, vision, and service. She founded New American Funding in 2003 with her husband Rick Arvielo, transforming it into one of the largest Latina-owned private mortgage banks in the U.S., with over 260,000 loans serviced and $70+ billion in volume.

In this episode, Patty opens up about:

Launching and scaling a mortgage business from scratch

How her Mexican-American upbringing shaped her leadership style

The creation of game-changing initiatives like Latino Focus, NAF Black Impact, NAF Heroes, and NAF Pride

What it really means to "thrive and lead" in a volatile housing market

Mentorship, inclusion, and building a team where over 50% are women and 37% are from diverse backgrounds

Her tireless work in Washington D.C. advocating for sustainable homeownership

We also dive into her work on the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Residential Board of Governors, her advocacy roles with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD, and what she sees as the future of lending.

Whether you’re an aspiring mortgage professional, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone seeking to make a difference in your community, this episode will leave you inspired, educated, and ready to lead with purpose.

Patty’s motto? "With risk comes reward."
Her legacy? Empowering others to believe they can do it too.

Follow Patty on social platforms: @pattyarvielo
Learn more about New American Funding at: newamericanfunding.com

Our sponsors make this podcast possible:
Mortgage Connect – Full-service mortgage solutions built for speed, compliance, and borrower experience
Aidium – The all-in-one CRM for modern mortgage teams
Floify – Streamline your lending process with award-winning digital mortgage point-of-sale technology

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, we dive deep into what it truly means to build lasting relationships in the mortgage world—one call at a time. Featuring Alec Hanson, CMO at loanDepot and one of the most outspoken voices in modern mortgage, this conversation is all about real connection in a digital-first industry.

Alec isn’t just a top-tier executive—he’s a street-built loan officer who has walked the walk, made the calls, built the branches, and led his teams to billions in volume. From originating over $185M in a single year to now shaping the voice of one of the largest lenders in the country, Alec has seen the evolution of the mortgage industry from every angle. And he has one clear message: cold calls aren't dead—bad calls are.

Throughout this high-energy episode, we explore:

Why the phone is still your most underrated tool

How modern mortgage professionals can blend digital branding with human outreach

The role of vulnerability and authenticity in customer conversations

Why cold calls are not about selling, but serving

How to build a local presence in a digital world

“You’re not just making calls—you’re creating micro-moments that build trust. That’s the currency today.”

Alec shares powerful insights from his books Bypassed and The Modern Lending Playbook, explaining why many local mortgage professionals are losing to the digital customer—and what to do about it. With 24 years in the business, his voice is both rooted in experience and refreshed by innovation.

Plus: Alec gets real about coaching, sales culture, brand-building, and how to show up as a leader in your business and in your life.

Whether you’re a new originator making your first 100 calls or a seasoned pro rethinking your strategy, this episode is your blueprint for doing it better, smarter, and more human.

Who this episode is for:
Loan officers, mortgage execs, sales leaders, marketers, and anyone who believes relationships—not algorithms—close deals.

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️ About the Guest:
Alec Hanson is the Chief Marketing Officer of loanDepot and one of the industry’s most influential thought leaders. A Scotsman’s Guide Top Originator, HousingWire Rising Star, and author, Alec now leads national growth strategies while empowering mortgage professionals to thrive in the modern market. Follow him @alecthehanson across all platforms.

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Sponsored by:

Mortgage Connect – End-to-end mortgage services built for lenders.

Aidium – The modern CRM designed for mortgage pros.

Floify – Streamline your mortgage workflow and borrower experience.

In this powerhouse episode of The MikedUp Show, we dive deep into the evolving world of capital markets with none other than Jennifer McGuinness-Lubbert — a 25+ year mortgage banking veteran and the CEO of Pivot Financial. Jennifer doesn’t just adapt to change — she builds for it.

This episode is a must-listen for any independent mortgage banker, originator, or lender looking to play offense in today’s market. Jennifer lays out what it really takes to win — not just survive — in an environment where rates fluctuate, margins tighten, and capital access is more complex than ever.

From her early days in structured finance to launching game-changing platforms at Mortgage Venture Partners, Invigorate Finance, and now Pivot, Jennifer brings unmatched insight into:

The current and future state of the capital markets

The power of non-agency and business purpose lending

How to drive revenue when rates aren't in your favor

Why every lender needs a plan to keep the revenue they earn

Breach of representation & warranty defense 

The importance of having a partner who can optimize your performance, not just sell you a product

“Lenders need to know how to keep the revenue they earn. It’s not just about origination anymore. It's about managing risk and unlocking new channels.”

With rich analogies and actionable insights, Jennifer reframes how mortgage pros should think about growth, protection, and transformation. She also shares Pivot’s dual role as both an aggregator and an asset manager—making her uniquely qualified to help lenders build smarter and protect better.

You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of:

How to pivot  toward sustainable profitability

The one question every lender should ask before making their next move

What truly differentiates a value-add service provider from a commodity player

Whether you're new to lending or decades in, this episode is a compass for what's next.

Sponsors:

Mortgage Connect

Aidium

Warehouse lines aren't just financing—they’re a foundation.

In this compelling episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Chris Avery, Vice President and Relationship Manager at First Horizon Bank, to unpack the crucial intersection of warehouse lines of credit and strategic industry relationships in today’s mortgage banking environment.

Chris brings over 30 years of sales and leadership expertise to the conversation—along with a deep understanding of what it means to build and sustain high-performing teams, partnerships, and lending operations. Whether you're a seasoned independent mortgage banker or a rising loan officer dreaming of launching your own shop, Chris delivers practical, transparent advice on how to position your company for long-term success.

Why a warehouse line is your lifeline—not just a line of credit

The “fishing line” philosophy for networking and relationship-building

How to get noticed when you walk into a room or industry event

The difference between transactional and relational lending partnerships

Why great lenders think like leaders—and how leadership shows up in every meeting

The value of legacy in a fast-changing industry: what 161 years of First Horizon experience means for clients

How to navigate today’s competitive landscape of “walled gardens” from Rocket, Zillow, UWM, and more

Tips for originators wanting to start an IMB—what it takes and how to find the right partners

Chris doesn’t just talk about lines of credit—he talks about lineage, legacy, and the long game. With humor, humility, and insight, he shares stories that will leave you thinking differently about how you negotiate, network, and grow your career.

Whether you’re building your team or evaluating your capital stack, this episode will have something to teach you about how relationships fuel resilience in mortgage lending.

Tune in now and learn why relationships and warehouse lines may just be the most important lines you'll draw in your business.

Sponsor Links
Brought to you by our partners:
Mortgage Connect – www.mortgageconnectlp.com
Aidium CRM – www.thinkaidium.com

In today's fast-changing mortgage world, opportunity is shifting—and smart lenders are paying attention. On this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Ben Fertig, President of Constructive Loans, to explore the rise of residential real estate investment products and what they mean for the future of lending.

Ben brings nearly three decades of experience across capital markets, credit, and lending leadership. Having helped scale multiple successful platforms—including Jordan Capital Finance and Finance of America Commercial—Ben knows exactly how the game is changing for loan officers, mortgage companies, and real estate investors alike.

✅ Why Residential Investment Loans Are Booming
Rental properties and fix-and-flip projects aren’t just niches—they’re a major force in today's housing market, creating steady demand even when rates rise.

✅ RTL, DCSR, and Bridge Loans—Made Simple
Ben explains why Residential Transition Loans (RTL) and Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans are gaining popularity—and why they’re not just for big investors anymore.

✅ Diversification Is No Longer Optional
Learn how smart lenders are expanding beyond traditional purchase and refinance products to reach new customers and stabilize their pipelines.

✅ Lower Origination Costs, Higher Repeat Business
Investment borrowers often finance multiple properties, creating long-term, recurring opportunities for loan officers who build strong relationships.

✅ Fix and Flip Is Here to Stay
Ben shares how Constructive Loans helps lenders tap into the growing market for property rehab, bridge financing, and small-balance real estate investments.

✅ Culture Matters: Building With Trust
Ben also gives a behind-the-scenes look at Constructive Loans' employee-first culture, transparency, and why flexibility matters in today’s mortgage environment.

"The riches are in the niches. And today, residential real estate investors are one of the fastest-growing borrower segments in America."

Whether you're a loan officer, branch manager, or executive, this episode is a must-listen if you want to stay relevant and profitable in today’s evolving market.

Mortgage Connect – Revolutionizing mortgage services with cutting-edge solutions.
Aidium – The intelligent CRM powering mortgage growth through smarter marketing and better data.

What does it really take to launch a mortgage company in today’s market? In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Jim Carroll, a seasoned mortgage professional and builder of operations from the ground up. With over two decades of experience across every major role in mortgage—from top-producing loan officer to DE underwriter, recruiter, and executive—Jim brings clarity, candor, and perspective to the high-stakes world of mortgage startups.

Jim’s journey began at the family business, The Carroll Mortgage Group, where he started as his father’s assistant and climbed his way through the ranks—eventually leading the company through 23 years of successful growth and multiple HUD audits without a single indemnification. After CMG’s successful merger with Reliant Bank, Jim took on his next challenge: launching an entire mortgage division from scratch at Partners Bank in Alabama in 2024.

Whether you’re dreaming of founding your own mortgage company or curious about how the next generation of lenders is navigating 2025, this conversation delivers everything from startup wisdom to operational truths.

✅ The DNA of a Mortgage Startup
Why starting a mortgage company in 2025 requires more than great products—it requires resilience, leadership, and institutional clarity.

✅ Lessons from the Ground Up
Jim shares the wins, challenges, and key decisions that shaped The Carroll Mortgage Group and how those lessons apply to today’s tech-forward world.

✅ The Importance of Versatility
From underwriting to compliance, recruiting to marketing—Jim’s well-rounded experience reveals why founders must wear many hats, especially early on.

✅ Bank vs. IMB: Strategic Differences
Having operated in both Independent Mortgage Banking and depository environments, Jim explains the key pros and cons of building inside a bank in today’s market.

✅ Building Culture That Lasts
It’s not just about launching—it’s about sustaining. Hear how Jim focuses on hiring right, leading with values, and setting the tone for long-term success.

✅ Startups in a Tech Era
With AI, automation, and new platforms changing everything, Jim discusses how startups must stay nimble while staying compliant.

Mortgage Connect – End-to-end mortgage solutions trusted by lenders nationwide.
Aidium – Smart CRM built to help mortgage professionals grow their pipeline and their business.

In this powerful episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Nikki Bialka, an unstoppable advocate for financial inclusion and the force behind Fifth Third Bank’s community lending initiatives. With a career rooted in mortgage, pipeline management, and operations, Nikki’s true passion lies in creating access and empowering underserved communities.

She’s not just talking about equitable lending—she’s actively building it. From leading homeownership symposiums across the country to driving national conversations with organizations like MBA, Project REACh, and Su Casa Hispanic Center, Nikki is redefining what community lending looks like.

✅ How Real Community Lending Works
Discover how Nikki and her team meet people where they are—literally. From brokers and housing counselors to nonprofits and local leaders, she’s uniting the Avengers of housing.

✅ Every Mortgage Has a Story
It all started with hardship letters. Nikki’s journey proves that behind every loan file is a family, a challenge, and a community in the making.

✅ Serving the Underserved
Learn how targeted education, cultural connection, and showing up (not just selling) makes the difference in building trust and generational wealth.

✅ Relatability Over Salesmanship
Nikki challenges the industry to rethink who shows up for borrowers. It’s not always the polished salesperson—it’s the relatable face that understands the struggle.

✅ Empowering the 98%
While only a small percent of people can “sell” their way through problems, Nikki’s mission is focused on the rest—the 98%—who need honest support and real access.

“We’re not just helping people buy homes—we’re building communities, one conversation at a time.” – Nikki Bialka

This episode is a must-listen for any lender, loan officer, or leader who wants to make a difference where it truly matters.

Mortgage Connect – Revolutionizing the lending experience from end to end.
Aidium – Smart CRM tools built for modern mortgage pros who lead with impact.

What does it take to not only survive but thrive for over 45 years in mortgage banking?

On this week’s episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with industry legend Steven A. Milner, the Founder & CEO of US Mortgage Corporation—a company that’s been going strong since 1994. From his days as a high school math teacher to leading a nationwide lender licensed in all 50 states and D.C., Steven shares how he's built a business not only with volume, but with values, vision, and real staying power.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a masterclass in how to build a mortgage career (and company) that lasts.

✅ What “Longevity” Really Means
Steven breaks down why longevity isn't just about years in business—it's about consistency, mentorship, adaptability, and having a clear core value that drives every decision.

✅ Own Your Zip Code
In a world of Rocket, Zillow, and automation, Steven reminds us why local matters. You know your customer’s neighbors—algorithms don’t. And that’s your edge.

✅ From Originator to CEO
Still personally originating ~10 loans per month, Steven shares how staying connected to the front lines fuels his leadership, innovation, and culture at US Mortgage.

✅ Succession Planning & Sustainable Growth
Learn why every mortgage company needs a plan for the future, and how building the next generation of leaders is critical to long-term relevance.

✅ Generational Wealth Beyond Money
Steven talks legacy—not just in terms of dollars, but in mentorship, culture, and serving others with empathy and consistency.

✅ Doing the Small Things Right
From sending a book to a fellow loan officer expecting a child, to serving on national boards, Steven shows that how you do anything is how you do everything.

Mortgage Connect – Seamlessly supporting every step of the mortgage process with end-to-end solutions.
Aidium – The CRM that’s helping mortgage pros build real pipelines with intelligent automation.

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by none other than David Lykken, CEO of Transformational Mortgage Solutions—a true industry legend, thought leader, and master of change. Together, they dive deep into what it means to not just talk about transformation, but to lead it—through better conversations, intentional leadership, and a mindset shift around lending and mortgage culture.

Spoiler: This episode is about way more than mortgages. It’s about purpose, storytelling, transformation—and how the right conversations can ignite real industry change.

✅ Why Purpose Is the Foundation of Performance
David breaks down how understanding your “why” isn’t fluff—it’s fuel for better culture, better strategy, and better lending conversations that convert.

✅ The Six Types of Working Genius
Learn about the WIDGET model and how identifying your natural genius—from Wonder to Tenacity—can transform leadership teams and unlock business momentum.

✅ How to Lead Through Change
David doesn’t just preach transformation—he’s lived it. He shares how to inspire teams and clients alike through better communication and storytelling that drives action.

✅ AI, Adaptability & the Future of Lending
Are you using AI effectively? Or are you missing the mark on its true potential? This episode explores where AI fits in and why transformation starts with the human behind the tech.

✅ The Final Yard
Why do so many leaders stop at the 1-yard line? David challenges us to rethink our process, reconnect with our purpose, and push past the hesitation that stops innovation in its tracks.

Powered by partners that help you scale smarter:

Mortgage Connect – End-to-end solutions for a seamless lending experience.
Aidium – Intelligent CRM designed for today’s top mortgage professionals.

Welcome to another power-packed episode of The MikedUp Show, where we break down the evolving dynamics of the mortgage industry—one conversation at a time. This week, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Rich Weidel, CEO of Princeton Mortgage, for an unfiltered, insightful discussion on what it really takes to win in the new normal of mortgage lending.

Whether you're an originator, branch manager, or executive, this episode offers the clarity, accountability, and strategy you need to not just survive—but thrive—in this shifting market.

✅ Understanding the "New Normal" – Rich explains how the current market isn't just a downturn—it's a battle of models. Adaptation isn't optional; it's essential.

✅ Transparency as a Competitive Advantage – Learn why "sunlight is the best disinfectant" when it comes to performance metrics, decision-making, and growth.

✅ Empowering Originators with Confidence – At Princeton, originators say they’ve never felt more confident talking to borrowers. Why? Because they’re backed by real numbers, real strategy, and real support.

✅ Reality-Driven Leadership – Rich dives deep into data-backed accountability, showing how a transparent company culture leads to better decisions, healthier branches, and long-term sustainability.

✅ Choose Your Hard – “It’s hard to scale with integrity. It’s also hard to fail because your model is broken.” Rich lays out why you must choose your hard—and why honest leadership is always worth it.

✅ Freedom Reframed – Hear why financial freedom isn't just about remote work—it’s about the freedom to choose, to plan, and to thrive without being stuck in survival mode.

Mortgage Connect – Empowering lenders with innovative solutions that streamline the mortgage lifecycle.

Aidium – Redefining CRM for mortgage professionals with intelligent workflows and customer journeys that convert.