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In this high-energy episode of The MLO Project, Frazier and Michael come in hot fresh off AIME’s Fuse 2025, breaking down lessons, laughs, and the unexpected win of a 7:00 a.m. breakout session that packed the room.

Michael shares the behind-the-scenes story of his first “legit” Fuse experience, the vibes-only navigation system through the Gaylord Opryland, and why his High-Level Blueprint session had brokers buzzing before the sun came up.

This isn’t another tech talk — it’s a wake-up call for loan officers who’ve been sleepwalking through their CRM strategy. They dive deep into:

• Why legacy CRMs are holding LOs hostage
• Why Data is THE NEW Commission
• The real leverage behind HighLevel (HL4 Mortgage Pros)
• How top brokers are using automation and AI without losing authenticity
• Why most LOs waste money on tools they don’t understand
• The right mindset for implementing any system (hint: start with the goal, not the gadget)

Whether you were at Fuse or not, this episode gives you a front-row seat to what’s coming next in mortgage tech, content leverage, and operational dominance.

🎧 Powered by Empower LO

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Abdel Khawatmi didn’t just show up—he dropped a masterclass.

From building a consumer-direct and partner-driven hybrid model, to running multiple AI-driven systems, to scaling a team while still showing up like a true operator, this episode is everything The MLO Project is about.

Abdel breaks down exactly how he tracks every KPI in his business, uses social media as a brand amplifier (not a direct lead source), integrates AI like Fireflies, ChatGPT, Gamma, and Mortgage Coach to increase speed and accuracy, and builds deep community partnerships that generate real referrals—not vanity metrics.

He also shares how he splits credit with his LOs, leverages masterminds, and runs one of the tightest, most disciplined operations in the business—all while rocking a Cybertruck and a Got Mortgages shirt at the gym.

What You'll Learn:

• Why most LOs have no clue where their business actually comes from
• How Abdel tracks credit pulls, lead source attribution, PE exceptions, and post-close ROI
• Why AI note-takers, ChatGPT, and Mortgage Coach/MBS Highway are core to his process
• How he built a $24M+ personal brand with only 13% of business from social media
• Why discipline, systems, and real talk beat shortcuts and hype every time
• How his Elevated Alliance mastermind and charity events drive community referrals
• The real reason open house models are outdated—and what works instead

Tools, Tech & Tactics Mentioned:

• CRM + KPI Dashboards
• ChatGPT (custom bot for clients, partners, and LOs)
• Fireflies.ai (note-taking and meeting summaries)
• Gamma.app (instant slide decks from chat prompts)
• Mortgage Coach & MBS Highway (based on client persona)
• ListReports for every agent (non-negotiable)
• FinLocker for long-term client value tracking
• Social Strategy: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn (not TikTok)

Notable Quotes:

Abdel’s 3-Part Business Philosophy:

1. Sales – Prospecting, lead flow, and brand presence
2. Service – Operational consistency and client education
3. Support – Systems, staffing, and AI-enhanced workflows

Final Challenge:

Can you give 100% of your time, energy, and effort for just one full day?

Track it. Measure it. And if you’re serious—replicate it.

Connect with Abdel:

• Website: GotMortgages.com
  
  
• Email: [email protected]
  
  
• Instagram: @got.mortgages
  
  

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After months of build-up, calendar mishaps, and playful trash talk, Luke Shankula finally joins Frazier and Michael on The MLO Project. This episode delivers on all fronts: insights, shade, real talk on AI, marketing, lead gen, and why most loan officers are misusing the tools that should be helping them win.

The trio dives into why AI isn’t a magic wand, how bad sales habits get amplified by tech, and how Luke’s transition from “Loans on Demand” to marketing fundamentals is reshaping how LOs show up online. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes stories from Luke’s AI Summits, a brutally honest take on what’s actually working in lead gen, and why YouTube and SEO are still kings in a short-form-obsessed world.

Topics Covered:

• Why AI won’t save bad loan officers
• The myth of "replacing yourself" with tech
• Luke’s shift from DFY to teaching real marketing strategy
• Behind the scenes of hosting an AI Summit
• Why most short-form content flops—and how to fix it
• The power of YouTube, SEO, and long-form content
• How to audit and improve your lead flow
• “Done-for-you” vs. “Done-with-you” marketing
• The problem with skipping fundamentals
• Fuse, Mortgage Con, and the next face-off showdown

Key Takeaways:

• AI without strategy is just faster failure.
• Long-form content builds brand and authority over time.
• You don’t need new tools—you need to master the old ones.
• Shortcuts are killing your conversions.

Connect with Luke:

• Facebook: facebook.com/lshankula
  
  
• Website: loansondemand.io
  
  
• Upcoming AI Summit: October 14-15 (Free 2-day AI + Marketing Event)

Events Mentioned:

• AIME Fuse 2025 – Nashville
• Mortgage Con 2026 – Florida (Frazier vs. Luke: The AI Battle)

Want to Be on the Show?

If you're in the mortgage industry, doing big things (and you don’t suck), hit us up. The guest bar is low, so we let Luke in. 

Email us at [email protected]

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Episode Overview

Hammer joins the MLO Project for what might be their most offensive (and honest) episode yet. From lock advice to social media strategy, Hammer breaks down what's actually working in today's market - and what's complete garbage.

Key Topics Covered:

The Rate Game (And Why You're Playing It Wrong)

The Emotional Side of Home Buying

Business Development Reality Check

Social Media Strategy That Actually Works

The Consistency Factor

The Hard Truth About Discipline

Commitment vs. Consistency

Notable Quotes

"If you're not utilizing rate as a way to go out and find business, you're missing out."

"Make me feel comfortable that I'm not making a mistake. Don't try to educate me with seven different reports."

"Most originators don't need AI right now. It's a distraction. Go back to basics."

"I've seen originators that were total idiots. But they were fun idiots, friendly idiots, nicer than me idiots. And they got loans."

Resources Mentioned

• Grab and Go Social - Hammer's social media content service
• Originator Success - Hammer's platform for helping LOs get business from Google AI search and social media

Bottom Line

Stop overcomplicating everything. Have real conversations. Show up consistently. Be yourself on social media. Focus on the emotional side of home buying. And for the love of God, stop trying to educate people who don't want to be educated.

The originators winning right now aren't the smartest ones - they're the ones taking consistent action every single day.

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TMP is presented by: Empower LO

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Proactivity in Loan Origination: Stop Obsessing Over Rates

In this episode of The MLO Project, hosts Frazier and Michael emphasize the importance of focusing on proactive, everyday actions over obsessing about fluctuating loan rates. They argue that industry success hinges on maintaining consistent communication with clients, having solid systems and processes in place, and focusing on long-term relationships rather than reacting to rate changes. Through lively discussion and practical advice, they advocate for a mindset shift towards creating a robust, dependable business strategy that remains effective regardless of market conditions.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:29 Setting the Tone: Energy and Banter
01:10 Main Topic Introduction: Obsession Over Rates
03:05 The Importance of Consistent Business Practices
05:20 Proactive Communication with Clients
07:45 Systems and Processes: The Key to Success
17:34 Final Thoughts and Invitation for Debate

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In this episode of the MLO Project, hosts Frazier and Michael discuss the impact of media sensationalism, particularly focusing on a recent headline by HousingWire that inaccurately suggested that Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM) could no longer originate FHA loans. The hosts emphasize the importance of reading beyond headlines and understanding the broader implications of clickbait on both individual behavior and the mortgage industry. They also urge listeners to maintain focus on their roles in serving communities and promoting homeownership while being cautious of the distractions and manipulations often present in media and social media.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
02:02 Current Events and Media Influence
03:24 The Role of Media in the Mortgage Industry
12:13 Case Study: HousingWire and EPM
23:46 The Importance of Personal Accountability
27:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

TMP is presented by: Empower LO

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In this episode of the MLO Project, Frazier and Michael dive into the importance of community in the mortgage industry and announce the launch of MLO Hub - a new platform designed specifically for mortgage professionals to connect, learn, and grow together.

The Community Problem

• Why Facebook groups aren't cutting it for professional growth
• The challenge of siloed communities in the mortgage industry
• How social media distractions hurt productivity
• The need for focused, professional spaces

Introducing MLO Hub

• A school-like community platform built specifically for mortgage professionals
• White-labeled solution that keeps everything mortgage-focused
• Available as a downloadable app (search "MLO Hub" in app stores)
• Multiple communities under one roof

Why Community Matters

The hosts share real examples of how meaningful connections at events like TAG led to:

• Business partnerships and office moves
• New client relationships
• Community launches and business pivots
• Game-changing conversations that wouldn't happen otherwise

The MLO Hub Difference

Unlike social media platforms, MLO Hub offers:

• Focused Intent - Everyone there wants to grow professionally
• Less Distraction - No political posts or cat videos
• Quality Control - Better moderation and member screening
• Industry-Specific - Built by and for mortgage professionals
• Multiple Communities - Easy access to various specialized groups

Next Steps

1. Download MLO Hub - Search for it in the App Store or Google Play
2. Join Early - Be one of the first members for potential perks
3. Become a Launch Partner - Contact them if you're interested in hosting your own community
4. Leave a Review - Help the podcast grow by rating and reviewing

Connect with the Hosts

• Email: [email protected]
• Communities: joinhl4.com
• Feedback: They want to hear what content is valuable to you

Episode Stats

• Current podcast rating: 4.7-4.8 stars
• Monthly downloads: Over 1,000
• Episode count: 30+ episodes and growing

The MLO Project releases new episodes every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.

Remember: This isn't about scarcity - there's room for everyone who wants to grow and contribute to the mortgage community. The goal is bringing like-minded professionals together in one focused space.

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Empowering Loan Officers with HighLevel CRM Solutions

In this episode of the MLO Project, hosts Frazier and Michael dive deep into the benefits of using HighLevel CRM for mortgage professionals. They discuss the value of HighLevel as a single platform for managing leads, marketing, and daily workflows, aiming to make it the number one CRM in the mortgage industry. They also introduce HL4 (HighLevel for Mortgage Pros), a comprehensive support community for loan officers using HighLevel, and share exciting announcements including partnerships, speaking engagements, and an invite-only mastermind event. The episode emphasizes the mission to empower loan officers with effective tools and support for growing their businesses.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:57 Today's Topic: Go High Level
02:38 The Mission and Value of High Level
07:02 Community and Support for Loan Officers
18:38 Exciting Announcements and Future Plans
25:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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TMP is presented by: Empower LO

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In this episode of the MLO Project, Michael and Frazier are joined by special guest Darren "DC" Copeland, owner and founder of Summit Lending. The discussion covers a range of topics including overcoming obstacles, the importance of being coachable, and leveraging AI and modern marketing tactics to stay ahead. DC shares his insights from over 22 years in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the need for discipline, planning, consistent efforts, and the importance of personal branding and online presence. He also highlights the diminishing middle ground in the industry, urging loan officers to go 'all in' or risk being left behind. This episode is an essential listen for loan officers looking to elevate their careers and stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.

00:00 Introduction and Banter
01:42 Meet the Guest: DC Darren Copeland
04:39 The Importance of Being Coachable
09:03 Consistency and Routine in the Mortgage Industry
13:41 Time Management and Goal Setting
16:43 The Importance of CRM and Data Management
18:02 Leveraging AI for Business Success
19:26 The Power of Reviews and Online Presence
20:04 Commitment to Business Growth
21:44 Adapting to Changing Buyer Journeys
23:51 Principles of Success and Marketing
28:56 Future Positioning and Vision
33:44 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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In this episode of the MLO Project, hosts Frazier and Michael dive deep into the topic of failure. They share personal stories of significant setbacks, exploring how these experiences have shaped their professional lives and perspectives. Frazier recounts the collapse of his business relationships and the subsequent reputational damage that forced him to rebuild from the ground up. Similarly, Michael shares his experience of getting expelled from college and the life-changing effects it had. The episode underscores that while failure is a painful and inevitable part of the journey to success, it also serves as a unique catalyst for personal growth and transformation. The hosts emphasize the importance of not allowing the fear of failure to paralyze you and reiterate that true resilience lies in the ability to bounce back stronger.

00:00 Welcome to the MLO Project
00:47 Discussing Failure and Its Realities
02:51 Personal Stories of Failure
08:02 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
27:40 Concluding Thoughts on Failure

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TMP is presented by: Empower LO

Connect with us at [email protected]