Can you dominate a market of just 20,000 people — and still run a $60 million mortgage business? Tara Gonzalez can. And she does it with heart, grit, and insane consistency.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode, I’m joined by one of the most badass small-town leaders I know: Tara Gonzalez, Branch Manager and Loan Officer in Elko, Nevada. From her days as a waitress at the iconic Star Hotel to becoming a top-producing loan officer at Guild Mortgage, Tara has built something truly remarkable.

We unpack how she’s running a consistent $30–$35M book of business, what it means to lead a values-driven team in a tiny market, and how she built the kind of trust and loyalty that had clients and partners holding leads for her while she grieved the loss of her mother.

Tara’s story is a masterclass in leadership, delegation, culture, and staying grounded. Whether you're building in a small town or a major city, there’s gold in this conversation for you.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

💡 Key Insights:

• A 16-year-old mom turned mortgage powerhouse — Tara’s journey is driven by grit and purpose.
• Why her years in waitressing were the best customer service training ground ever.
• How she’s built 25–30% market share in a town of 20,000 — with just 6 builders.
• The secret to creating a team culture so strong, it runs itself during personal crisis.
• The power of being a trust builder in business — and why clients & agents stick.
• How delegation, SOPs, and structure allow her to scale and lead effectively.
• Why being aligned on beliefs and values attracts the right people and clients.

Guest Links:

Tara on LinkedIn

Guild Mortgage Elko Branch

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

What does it take to transition careers, move across the country multiple times, raise a family, and still close $41 million in a year?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode of the Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast, I sit down with Lucy Thornton, a vibrant loan officer and branch manager at Guild Mortgage. Lucy’s journey from real estate agent to top-producing loan officer is full of heart, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom.

Now based in Savannah, Georgia — and thriving after several relocations as a military spouse — Lucy shares how she built trust from the ground up, navigated the transition between industries, and turned her relationship-based approach into consistent production.

We talk about the difference between harmony and balance, the importance of showing up with authenticity, and how creating real connections can fuel both your career and your personal life.

💡 Takeaways for Rainmakers:

• Relationships are the foundation of every great mortgage business
• You don’t need to chase balance — strive for harmony
• Lean into the strengths from your past roles (like real estate!)
• Relocating doesn’t mean starting over — it means re-rooting
• Your energy is your brand — protect it, grow it, lead with it

Guest Info:

LinkedIn

Lucy the Lender

Edge Home Finance

PLUS–Slay with Shay Live is coming and trust me, you do NOT want to miss this!

This September 15th - 17th in beautiful Lake Tahoe, I’ll bring you my entire playbook, plus a host of top producers, speakers and badasses, all carefully chosen by me to get you to that next level.

Go to shaylagifford.com now, get your ticket and book your hotel. And yes...it will sell out!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

🔥 Want to 10x your results? It starts with this truth: high performance isn’t about talent.

Or even mindset...it’s about habits.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

Today I’m sharing the mindset, energy, focus, and discipline that actually separates top performers from everyone else. I’m not talking about cheesy affirmations or surface-level strategy. I’m talking about building a way of being that becomes habitual—a way of living that magnetizes results, energy, clarity, and impact.

This episode is a personal one. Because the truth is, I wasn’t always this way. I had to train myself to think differently. To stop wasting time. To claim the level of clarity and productivity required to lead, coach, and live in full alignment.

Whether you’re a loan officer, team leader, or entrepreneur—if you want to be the best of the best, this episode is your roadmap.

What we talk about:

• Why “just having a better mindset” isn’t enough—and what to do instead.
• The #1 focus of high performers that average producers ignore.
• How to generate energy on command (and why it matters more than strategy).
• The critical difference between being busy and being productive.
• How the Catalyst Planner and a simple “Top 3” can transform your year.
• Why journaling + self-awareness might be your most powerful growth tools.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Drowning in leads but struggling to hire help? You’re not alone — and I’ve got your roadmap! 

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode, I’m diving into a powerful office hours convo where Rox — a solo-producing loan broker getting 20–30 referrals a week — asks the million-dollar question: How do I hire the right support without repeating past mistakes?

She’s tried VAs, bank referrals, even recruiting agencies... but nothing’s stuck. And I get it — the hiring game can feel like a revolving door of frustration. That’s why I break it all down: how to find your lead admin, what to look for (hint: smart, charming, competitive), and why investing in someone’s growth path is the only way to build a ride-or-die team.

I also share a sneak peek at what I’m teaching at Slay with Shay this September — my complete playbook for hiring, onboarding, and leading a high-performing team that lets you finally breathe.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• You’re not too early — you’re probably late if you're overwhelmed by leads.
• The right hire often has zero mortgage experience — but tons of character and hunger.
• Think long-term: hire for who they’ll become, not just who they are today.
• The 3 personality traits I look for that form ‘The Golden Combo’
• Pitch the job like a 2-year business school — because that’s what it is.
• Love who you hire — because when sh*t hits the fan (and it will), that’s what keeps you patient!

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

From $6M to $57M...To $2B? Maui Parra’s Blueprint for Bold, Heart-Led Growth

What does it take to scale from $6M to $57M in six years, build a thriving team, and still show up with heart and hustle? Maui Parra is here to tell you.

Hey there, Rainmakers! 

From three Subway sandwiches and ten people in a room to 100+ attendees at her monthly Spanish-speaking events, Maui Parra’s rise as a top-producing loan officer and branch manager in Atlanta is nothing short of epic. In this episode, we talk about:

Maui’s immigrant story and how her father's wisdom shaped her mindset that nothing is impossible

The magic of consistency—from humble beginnings to leading five satellite training events monthly

How she cultivates deep loyalty and leadership with her VIP realtors, including personalized coaching and even taco parties 🍽️

Her $2B vision and what it truly means to be a tribe builder in business

Whether you’re a new LO, a seasoned vet, or someone looking to lead with purpose, Maui’s strategies, energy, and heart will light a fire under you.

💡 What we talk about:

• Big goals generate energy—use them to magnetize your team.
• Networkers win through community and consistency.
• Teach first—relationships follow.
• Be bold. Speak your vision out loud.
• Your follow-up and personalization define your results.

Guest links:

LinkedIn

Instagram 

Cross Country Mortgage

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Think you need to hustle 60+ hours a week to grow your business? Think again.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

This episode is a masterclass in sustainable success from one of the most technically brilliant—and heart-centered—leaders in our field: Chantry Abbott from St. George, Utah. In a town of just 200,000 people, Chantry and his Guild Mortgage team have carved out 20% market share—with Chantry himself producing $55M+ with just one support staff, working only 32 hours a week.

We dive deep into how Chantry went from burnout to joy, how he found his groove as a Trust Builder + Technician archetype, and why stepping back into his zone of genius was the best decision he made for both his business and life. If you’ve ever felt torn between scaling and staying sane, this one is for you.

From the psychology of high-converting preapproval meetings to his streamlined TCA process and radical clarity on what matters most—Chantry brings it all. He’s not loud, he’s not flashy… but man, does he convert.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Chantry runs a $55M business in 32 hours/week—proof that efficiency and clarity beat hustle.
• His strength lies in preapproval mastery: in-person or Zoom, he builds deep trust and closes big.
• Transitioning from background operator to Rainmaker took pain, coaching, and purpose—but it was worth it.
• 33 agents closed deals with him last year—yet he’s adding 5 more intentionally to hit $60M.
• Trust Builders don’t need to cold call—they thrive on referrals, reputation, and retention.
• His debrief process after losing a client to rate-shopping? Powerful and practical.

Guest Links:

Guild Mortgage Branch Page

LinkedIn – Chantry Abbott

Southern Utah Mortgage

Instagram – @chantabbott

YouTube Channel

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Feeling like you're getting your ass handed to you in this business? Good. That means you're growing. Now let's do something about it.

Hey there, rainmakers!

If you’re in the mortgage business, you’ve felt it: the pressure, the fires, the ghosting, the chaos. In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on my own journey—after 6,500+ closings—to share the mindsets that keep you stuck… and what it takes to finally break through.

From control issues and perfectionism to team leadership, trust, and thick-skin resilience, this is the real talk no one else is having. I also share why your next level won’t come from grinding harder—it comes from expanding your comfort zone, refining your process, and staying coachable every damn day.

I made this episode especially for my Catalyst Coaching Community and those of you gearing up for our upcoming events. If you’re ready to grow your business by growing yourself, this one’s for you.

No more excuses. Let’s rise. Let’s lead. Let’s make it rain. ☔🔥

💡 Chaos doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it means you’re growing

💡 Your business will never outgrow your personal growth

💡 You don’t need “perfect people”—you need people who care and own their mess

💡 Control, perfectionism, and needing harmony = secret business killers

💡 Stop making the client the hero—start championing your team

💡 Discipline to process is what makes you unfireable

💡 Track pre-approval meetings—they’re the stage where trust is built and deals are won

💡 Everyone’s insecure. Focus on how you can help and the nerves go away

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

You’ll never hit your next level of success by doing more of what’s already burning you out.

Hey there, rainmakers!

I used to believe my worth was in my speed, my availability, and how much I could cram into a day. I prided myself on closing over 200 loans a year—alone. No team, no boundaries, no balance. Just pure hustle. But inside, I was exhausted, stuck, and unsure how to break the cycle.

In this solo episode, I open up about the moment I realized that more volume wasn’t the goal—more life was. I share the exact shift that changed everything: the decision to build a business with intention, with a team, and with the kind of coaching and community I now offer through my Catalyst community.

This isn’t just about doing more—it’s about becoming more. This episode is your invitation to say yes to building something sustainable, something powerful, something that finally feels like you.

Are you ready to become the Rainmaker you were meant to be? Let’s DO this!

• Speed and efficiency without strategy leads to burnout and inconsistency.
• True success comes from designing the life you want, not just chasing volume.
• You need a clear vision, belief in possibility, a plan—and accountability.
• Catalyst isn’t just coaching; it’s community, mentorship, and mindset transformation.
• Wanting “20 loans a month” is empty without knowing why that number matters.
• The rainmaker identity requires a full remodel—from lone wolf to bold leader.

Find out more about my Catalyst Coaching Community:

👉 https://catalyst-coaching.mn.co/

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

Hey there, rainmakers!

In this high-energy, soul-stirring episode, I sit down with the one and only Dino Rossetti—a five-time Blue Dragon award winner–if you know you know ;-) - former Core Training coach, and current powerhouse behind Ultimate Business Partner. From pounding the pavement in 110-degree Sacramento heat to hosting packed Realtor Coffee meetups, Dino’s journey is a masterclass in grit, growth, and what it really takes to make it rain.

We unpack the transformation from grinder to intentional rainmaker, the evolution of Dino’s sales process, and why your professional consultation might be the most important part of your entire business. If you’ve been skipping pre-approval meetings, relying on speed over substance, or feeling like your pipeline is leaking referrals—you need to hear this.

PLUS Are you playing small when it comes to being seen? Or are you stepping into your full potential? Dino drops gems on visibility, coachability, and how refining your process can double your conversion rate, boost your referrals, and reignite your fire.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! 💥

• Your comfort zone is not your home—growth happens just outside of it
• Don’t be a commodity: lead clients through a crafted consultation experience
• Every client represents up to six loans—if you play the long game
• Educated borrowers submit faster, close smoother, and shop less
• Hosting small events like “Realtor Coffee” builds trust and authority
• You’re sitting on a goldmine—retool your borrower experience
• A dialed-in consultation converts 2X more than a quick prequal

Connect with Dino on Instagram

Connect with Dino on LinkedIn

Dino’s GB Mortgage Bio

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage

 What if showing up as yourself–and focusing on service–is the most powerful sales strategy?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode, I sit down with one of my dearest friends and powerhouse producers, Andy Zemon — and let me tell you, this man is the definition of humble, heart-centered hustle.

Andy isn’t flashy. He calls himself “average.” But last year, he closed 177 units for $83M in production. Seventy-one different realtors referred him business — and his secret? He leads with trust, builds deep systems of care, and follows up like his legacy depends on it.

We talk about everything from radical ownership and making tough family decisions… to how he uses tools like Otter, Grammarly, Chat GPT and Calendly to stay ridiculously efficient — while still making every client feel like they’re the only one.

If you’ve ever wondered how to scale a business without losing your soul — Andy shows you how it’s done.

Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s DO this!

💡 What we talk about:

• You don’t need to be fancy — just consistent, honest, and deeply human.
• The trust is earned at the first call. Not after.
• Systematize your service so the client always feels like they’re talking to you — even when your team is doing the backend work.
• The mid-process tool that earns Andy referrals and feedback (that no one else is doing!)
• Extreme ownership means making hard personal decisions in service of alignment.
• Want to stand out? Use your personal voice in a text — even when using automation.

Guest links:

Novus Home Mortgage 

AndyZemon.com

Instagram 

LinkedIn

If you liked what you heard, why not leave me a five star review, and tell me what you liked most about the show!

PLUS :

Do you feel like you've hit a plateau or lost some of your enthusiasm, focus, and fire? Has business become a grind and you often wonder what it’s going to take to get you excited again? Or do you feel like your world is constant chaos and you aren’t driving your life forward with clarity of vision?

If so - check out my catalyst coaching community, where we accelerate your success!

Connect with Shayla:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Show Links:

Shaylagifford.com

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

The Catalyst Coaching Community

Guild Mortgage