What if abundance in mortgage wasn’t about working longer or harder?

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Ruzicka, a 39-year producing loan officer who has built a business that doesn’t panic when markets shift or rates spike. Frank isn’t chasing trends. He’s built something durable — rooted in relationships, trust, coaching, and a deep belief that abundance beats scarcity every single time.

We talk about what it really takes to stop living in Groundhog Day as a loan officer. From stepping away for two full weeks without his business falling apart, to building an investor niche through relationships, to staying coachable and hungry in every season — this conversation is about creating a mortgage career that supports your life, not consumes it.

If you’re tired of rebuilding every cycle, reacting to rates, or running on fumes, this episode will challenge you to think differently about leverage, longevity, and what true mortgage abundance actually looks like.

Key Insights

Abundance is built when you trust your systems and relationships instead of operating from fear.

Relationships compound over time and protect you through every market cycle.

Niches don’t create success. Commitment and consistency inside the niche do.

Coaching keeps you relevant, grounded, and growing in every season of your career.

A sustainable mortgage business should give you freedom, not anxiety.

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

Guest Links:

Frank on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankruzicka/

Frank on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/frank.ruzicka/?hl=en

Frank at Guild Mortgage:

https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mo/chesterfield/francis-ruzicka-122-cnfr.html

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

You don’t need more tools or tactics. You need to master these 3 skills — and execute.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

I love salespeople. I love entrepreneurs. I love people willing to bet on themselves for a limitless future. And I also know this truth — when we get stuck, drift, or stall, it’s almost always because of fear or overwhelm.

This market can feel chaotic. Rates move. Buyers freeze. Everyone wants your attention, your content, your responsiveness. And suddenly you’re trying to be a marketer, a technician, a prospector, and everything in between. In this episode, I bring you back to simplicity — the kind that creates control instead of burnout.

I break down the three skill sets every Rainmaker must master to grow in any market. These are the fundamentals that took me from reactive chaos to intentional momentum — and they still work today. When you focus here, everything else starts to fall into place.

Key Insights

• Booking the appointment is the first priority and the gateway to growth.
• Every face-to-face conversation is an interview you must intentionally win.
• Great meetings require preparation, structure, and purpose.
• Losing deals usually means the interview was never truly won.
• Momentum dies when there is no clearly defined next step.
• Proactive chaos beats reactive chaos every single time.
• Two hours a day of intentional green time can change everything.

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

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

What if the reason realtors don’t call you back has nothing to do with the market—and everything to do with your focus and conviction?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode of The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast. I sat down with James Carmody, a top-producing loan officer in Southern California who closed $70M while recovering from a devastating ski accident that took away his ability to drive—and forced him to slow down, in ways that changed everything.

We unpack why most loan officers struggle with call reluctance, inconsistent referrals, and radio silence from agents—and why the fix isn’t more scripts or more events. James shares how focus, belief, and a money-first mindset helped him earn real loyalty from realtors in one of the most competitive markets in the country. From A and B lists to Money-Making Mondays, whale hunting, and a two-step close, this episode is packed with real-world strategy you can use immediately.

If you’re tired of chasing agents, wondering why your calls go unanswered, or craving deeper partnerships that actually produce, this episode will challenge you to stop being liked—and start being chosen.

Key Insights

• Focus creates freedom when distractions are removed.
• Call reluctance disappears when you believe you help people make money.
• A and B lists beat chasing everyone with no strategy.
• Realtors respond faster when conversations are about their paycheck.
• Whale hunting requires patience, conviction, and a two-step close.
• Education beats rate quotes with sophisticated partners.
• Discipline at home creates confidence at work.

Guest Links

Synergy One Lending

https://s1l.com/loanofficer/jamescarmody/

James on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescarmody/

James on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thejamescarmody/?hl=en

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

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Hey there, Rainmakers!

This episode is a real behind-the-scenes look at the system I teach for sustainable mortgage growth — and why it actually works in real life. I brought Allison Larson back because she’s living proof that you don’t have to choose between massive production, leadership, motherhood, and peace.

In the last two years, Allison has grown her production by over 40 percent, built a thriving team, crossed $250 million as a branch, had two babies, and still goes home at four o’clock. We break down the systems, playbooks, and mindset shifts that removed stress from her business instead of adding more pressure.

We also get real about loan officer burnout, why “winging it” creates emotional exhaustion, and how documented systems calm your nervous system, your team, your clients, and your referral partners. If you want mortgage growth without living in survival mode, this episode will change how you think about your business.

Key Insights

1. Stress is not the cost of success. It’s a symptom of missing systems.
2. If clients keep calling after hours, something wasn’t explained earlier.
3. Checklists eliminate emotion and create confidence at scale.
4. You don’t need to be every agent’s lender to grow. You need to fill the right gap.
5. Business conversations build trust faster than being “the nice one.”
6. Permission-based follow-up removes fear and strengthens relationships.
7. Growth feels lighter when the process is clear and repeatable.

Guest Links:

My Offer Ready:

https://myofferready.com

Allison on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/allisonlarsonloans

Allison on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-larson-87a19030/

Guild Mortgage:

https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mn/edina/allison-larson-425-apalar.html

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGWN3FvJP46PZ9YkrZ6S7w

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

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

What if the reason your business feels heavy… is because you’re out of alignment?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

In this episode I’m sitting down with one of my Catalyst members, John Major, to unpack what it really looks like to step back into production after years in leadership—and why experience alone doesn’t guarantee results.

John re-entered production in 2024 after time spent building teams and supporting others. Instead of momentum, he found himself closing one deal a month, questioning his confidence, and wondering if he still had “it.” What followed wasn’t more hustle or louder marketing—it was a return to alignment, intentionality, and owning his time, energy, and relationships.

In this conversation, we break down how John went from zero clarity and scattered effort to consistently closing five loans a month—without sacrificing his marriage, his health, or his role as a present father. This episode is a reminder that when business is personal, alignment isn’t optional—it’s everything.

Key Insights

• Alignment creates momentum faster than hustle ever will.
• Being busy is not the same as being intentional.
• The right people matter more than more people.
• Confidence comes from consistent, imperfect action.
• Boundaries protect your family and fuel your business.
• You don’t need to be aggressive—just present and aligned.
• Winning the day matters more than chasing the big number.

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

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Goals matter. But if you want to win in 2026, you have to win every week — and the days inside it. Let’s talk about how to turn big goals into simple, consistent action.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

This episode is a one-on-one. I’m stepping in as your coach to help you take a strong goal and break it all the way down into what actually needs to happen daily and weekly to make it real.

Most loan officers don’t struggle because they lack ambition. They struggle because they don’t have a clear, repeatable plan for execution. In this episode, I walk you through how to define success for your season, understand your numbers, and remove emotion from the process so you can stay consistent even when a week doesn’t go perfectly.

To make this practical, I’ve created a simple one-page tool I use myself and with my teams.

You can download the Win the Week, Win the Year worksheet at https://shaylagifford.com/loan-officer-goal-setting-with-shayla/

It shows you exactly how to track weekly leads, credit pulls, pre-approvals, deals, and partner conversations so you always know if you’re winning.

Key Insights

1. Goals only work when they’re broken down into daily and weekly action.
2. Winning the year starts with knowing how to win the week.
3. Tracking your numbers removes emotion and builds confidence.
4. Consistency beats intensity every time.
5. Simple plans outperform complicated strategies.
6. Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

What if joy wasn’t just a feeling — but a strategy for building a billion-dollar branch?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

Today I’m sitting down with one of my favorite humans in this entire business — the wildly fun, deeply driven, culture-obsessed rainmaker himself, Casey Oiness. This is a man who closes $180–$200M a year, leads a thriving branch of 22 LOs and 50 team members, and still shows up every single day with laughter, hunger, and the heart of a true servant leader.

In this episode, Casey and I get into the truth of what leadership really looks like — the accountability rhythms, the culture standards, the joy factor, and the boldness required to build a team that wins together. We talk about how he chases elite partners, how he teaches his LOs to prospect with heart instead of fear, and why keeping business fun has been his greatest competitive advantage. This is an inside look at a billion-dollar leadership method rooted in relationships, consistency, and genuine love for the game.

If you want to lead with more energy, attract better people, and build a business that feels as good as it performs — this conversation will change you.

Key Insights:

• Leadership is built on rhythm: weekly accountability, shared standards, and real collaboration.
• Joy is a strategy — and it amplifies production, culture, and retention.
• The right partners are the ones who energize you, not drain you.
• Top producers win by going deep with 5–10 committed referral partners.
• Warm introductions beat cold calls — always.
• Culture scales when you hire only people you’d go to battle with.
• Every elite LO needs shared support: pre-approval specialists, processors, and systems that free them to hunt.
• Fun isn’t extra — it’s the fuel that sustains high-performance.

Guest Links:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyoiness/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/caseyoinessteam/?hl=en

Website:

https://branches.guildmortgage.com/wa/bellevue/casey-oiness-860-kdco.html

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

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.

Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.

Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

You can’t win this game if you’re hiding behind your keyboard.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

For years I believed that being “the best loan officer” meant doing everything myself — answering every email instantly, solving every problem personally, and outworking everyone in sight. But even with all that hustle, my income hit a ceiling. I was exhausted, reactive, and starting at zero every single month.

Everything changed when I stopped trying to be the technician… and started becoming the Rainmaker. The moment I committed to teaching classes, hosting events, and putting a real marketing calendar in Sharpie — not in feelings — my world shifted. Visibility became credibility. Credibility became profitability. And I finally broke out of the hamster wheel.

In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to expand your audience, use the law of promotion, and fill rooms with people who want to do business with you. If you’ve been stuck behind your desk wondering why your results aren’t matching your effort — this is your wake-up call.

Key Insights

• Visibility without credibility doesn’t convert.
• One-to-many is the strategy that frees you from the roller coaster.
• The law of promotion is simple: raise the perceived value higher than the objection.
• Humans show up for people, not flyers — call them, invite them, ask for the RSVP.
• Teaching classes gives you an hour of someone’s undivided attention — social media gives you seconds.
• Your fear of rejection is costing you referrals, relationships, and revenue.
• Hosting events forces you into leadership — and that’s where the real growth is.

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

Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of?

Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward.

Enrollment is open, but not for long.

Don’t miss your chance!

Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst.

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

What if the hardest moments of your childhood became the fire that fuels your greatness?

Hey there, Rainmakers!

Today, you’re going to meet a man whose story grabbed my heart from the moment he started speaking. I’m talking with William J. Gomez, a rising star out of Tulsa, a father of two little ones, and a loan officer on pace for 130 units and $30M. But the numbers aren’t what make him extraordinary. It’s his story. It’s his spirit. It’s the unshakable, grounded positivity that comes from a childhood marked by poverty, sacrifice, and separation — and a mother who gave everything so he could have a chance at more.

In this episode, William walks us through the moment he realized his family couldn’t afford a single slice of pizza… the day his mother left for the United States to build a better life… and the three and a half years he spent without her. He shares how that pain shaped his work ethic, why selling came naturally inside a bank at age 20, and the exact moment he realized that time — not money — is the one thing you can never get back.

We go deep into what made him MVP at GrowthCon, why he commits fully to coaching, how he uses discipline to build consistency, and why leadership is the next unlock for his growth. And yes, we talk about the cold plunges and the 683-day streak that’s shaping his identity.

This is a conversation about heart, grit, and the power of knowing your why.

Key Insights

• Pain becomes purpose when you choose meaning instead of bitterness.
• Discipline shows up when results don’t — and that’s where transformation begins.
• Consistency is the only path to becoming top of mind in your market.
• Leadership unlocks growth when hustle has reached its limit.
• Impact matters more than speed; presence creates loyalty.

Guest Links:

Website:

https://williamjgomez.com

William on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-gomez-152b80112/

William on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/willgomez23/

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

Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of?

Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward.

Enrollment is open, but not for long.

Don’t miss your chance!

Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst.

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Winning at the highest level isn’t magic — it’s mechanics, discipline, and the courage to scale beyond your comfort zone.

Hey there, Rainmakers!

Today I’m sitting down with a good friend, a fierce competitor, and one of the most consistent producers in the entire mortgage industry — Oleg Tkach. He’s pacing $250M this year, but what’s even more impressive is how he’s doing it: 30 hours a week, a locked-in routine, and a team engineered for capacity, leverage, and simplicity.

In this conversation, Oleg breaks down the exact mindset and systems that took him from $150M to $250M — and why most loan officers stay stuck long after they have the talent to grow. We talk about the truth behind “being locked in,” the real way elite producers win with agents, and how programming—not relationships—is the key to dominating in tough markets.

If you've ever wanted to understand what separates a good LO from a generational one… this is the episode.

Key Insights

Being locked in starts with your emotional health, routine, and discipline.

Capacity determines your ceiling — not desire, not effort.

Agents don’t want friends; they want solutions to predictable problems.

Your income is capped by the size of your audience, not the depth of your relationships.

A tough market is the test that reveals whether your strategy is real or fluff.

Guest Links

NFM Lending:

https://nfmlending.com/loanoriginator/oleg-tkach/

Oleg on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleg-tkach-1905b820/

Oleg on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@olegtkachlending

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

If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!

PLUS—if you’re ready to stop drifting and start driving your results, join me on December 10th for Your Best Year Ever, a 90-minute live virtual event designed for loan officers who are done with good intentions and ready for real results.

This isn’t a pep talk—it’s a strategy session. We’ll uncover what’s holding you back, realign your mindset, and map out a plan that actually sticks.

Make 2026 the year everything clicks. Save your seat now at shaylagifford.com.

Connect with Shayla:

Shayla on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/

Shayla on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/

Show Links:

Shayla's Website:

https://shaylagifford.com/

The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast:

https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/

The Catalyst Coaching Community:

https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/

Guild Mortgage:

https://www.guildmortgage.com/