In a recent episode of the Savvy Brokers Club, host Abby Torres welcomed Ania Kozera, a seasoned mortgage advisor with a compelling story of resilience and triumph. Abby delved deep into Ania's journey from Poland to the United States, highlighting the significant challenges and remarkable successes she encountered along the way.

Ania's story begins in a small village in Poland, where opportunities were scarce. Despite these limitations, Ania's parents instilled in her the value of education and perseverance. At the age of 19, driven by a desire for a better future, she made the bold decision to move to the United States alone. "I left without my parents' permission," Ania recalls. "My mom was devastated, but my dad gave me his blessing, hoping I would make him proud."

The transition was anything but easy. Ania juggled multiple jobs while putting herself through school, often sleeping less than four hours a night. Despite these hardships, she remained undeterred. "I remember my dad visiting me at my community college graduation," she shared. "I was so exhausted, but seeing his pride made it all worth it."

Ania's entry into the mortgage industry was serendipitous. A friend suggested she explore the field, and despite initially not understanding what a mortgage was, Ania embraced the opportunity. She joined a Polish brokerage and quickly realized that success required building connections and bringing in clients independently. "I showed up at the office expecting training, but soon learned I had to create my own opportunities," she said.

Ania discussed how she leveraged her Polish community connections and used creative marketing strategies, like advertising in Polish newspapers, to build her client base. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work and resilience.

One of the key takeaways from the interview is Ania's emphasis on patience and perseverance. "Be patient because it's not something that's going to happen instantly," she advised aspiring mortgage professionals. "The money will come if you do the right thing and if you're human in all of this."

Ania's journey is not just about professional success but also personal growth. She credits her parents for teaching her the importance of a positive attitude and the willingness to try new things. "My dad always said, 'Put your mind into it and try it first before you say no.' That's something I’m instilling in my kids too," she shared.

Abby highlighted how Ania's story resonates with many immigrants who come to the United States seeking better opportunities. Ania's experience of starting with nothing and working her way up is inspiring. Her dedication to helping others in her community, whether Polish or Latino, is a reflection of her generous spirit.

Ania's journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about financial gain but about making a positive impact on others' lives. She ensures that every client she encounters, regardless of their initial qualifications, leaves with a plan and hope for the future. "I didn't get any help when I started, so I make sure no one leaves my office without direction," she stated.

Abby and Ania reflected on the importance of community and the role it plays in achieving success. Ania's story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible with the right attitude and effort. Her journey is an inspiration to all, showing that with determination and support, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams.

In this episode of The Savvy Brokers Club Podcast, Jose Baeza, CEO of eFunding Expert, takes us on an inspiring journey from his humble beginnings to his current success.

Raised in Palatine, Illinois, after moving from Mexico at age six, Jose’s dream of becoming a chef morphed into a passion for entrepreneurship. Despite financial obstacles and the challenge of funding a college education, he navigated his path with resilience and determination.

Jose’s story emphasizes the importance of integrity, mentorship, and a relentless belief in oneself. He shares valuable insights on protecting credit, seeking the right funding, and the crucial role of having a supportive network.

Jose's philosophy of "ask and it is given" serves as a powerful reminder that opportunities are abundant if you know where to look and have the courage to ask. Tune in to hear how Jose’s experiences can inspire and guide you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Devontae Brooks' journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up in the Quad Cities, Illinois, Devontae faced numerous challenges, but he always saw a bigger world beyond his circumstances. From his early days in low-income housing to earning a finance degree from Northern Illinois University, Devontae's path was paved with hard work and unwavering focus.

His story of becoming a regional underwriting manager at Wells Fargo and transitioning to a successful mortgage loan officer is a beacon of hope for many. Devontae emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself, continuous learning, and building authentic relationships. His nonprofit, Roman's Wish, born out of personal tragedy, supports families experiencing infant loss, showcasing his deep commitment to community and empathy.

Devontae's journey is a powerful reminder that with perseverance and vision, one can overcome any adversity. Listen to his full story on the Savvy Brokers Club Podcast and be inspired to pursue your own dreams with relentless determination.

In the latest episode of The Savvy Brokers Club Podcast, we dive deep into the life of Alex Filin, whose story is not just one of success, but a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the essential human need for community. Alex, a mortgage advisor with a knack for transforming lives through financial wisdom, shares his journey from the humble beginnings in Riga, Latvia, to making his mark in the mortgage world.

Born in the Soviet Union, Alex's narrative is one of sacrifice and the pursuit of the American dream—a dream that his family chased with a mere $600 to their name. This sum, though modest, was the seed from which Alex's future would sprout, nurtured by his parents' unyielding dedication to providing a better life for their family in the United States. "My parents sacrificed a lot," Alex reflects. "I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that I don’t think about that because I’m truly grateful for it."

Alex's story resonates with listeners not just for its themes of sacrifice and success, but for the relatable struggles he faced along the way. From being bullied for his accent upon arriving in the U.S. to finding acceptance and self-worth through sports, Alex's early experiences shaped his resilient character and his understanding of community and belonging. He brings these values into his professional life, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, empathy, and the power of uplifting others. "I never wanted to be... arrogant. Because I remember the feelings I had when I was verbally bullied," he shares, highlighting the profound impact of his childhood experiences on his approach to leadership and relationship-building.

Transitioning from life insurance to the mortgage industry was a leap of faith for Alex, driven by a desire for change and guided by mentors who believed in his potential. This move wasn't just about a career shift; it was a bet on himself and his ability to make a meaningful impact. "What I did was bet on myself, but I also bet on the leadership I had that were true friends," he explains, underscoring the importance of trust, mentorship, and community in achieving success.

Alex's journey is a powerful reminder that success is not solely about financial gain but about finding fulfillment and purpose through service to others. His involvement in coaching and mentorship, inspired by his mentors Amir and Justin, is a testament to his commitment to giving back and fostering growth in others. "It’s been a blessing to be a coach... I learn so much from them," he says, highlighting the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning.

For those navigating their paths, Alex offers timeless advice: surround yourself with people who uplift you, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never lose sight of where you came from. His story is a beacon of hope and a guide for anyone striving to achieve their dreams against all odds.

In sharing his journey, Alex Filin not only inspires us to pursue our aspirations with tenacity and grace but also reminds us of the importance of community, mentorship, and the power of a positive outlook. His story is not just one of achieving the American dream but of redefining it for himself and others, proving that with grit, gratitude, and the right people by your side, anything is possible.

In the latest episode of The Savvy Brokers’ Club Podcast, we sit down with Ward Powell, a wealth strategist whose journey from the deep South to the financial forefront embodies a narrative of resilience, discipline, and unconventional wisdom. This isn't just another financial advice session; it's a masterclass in life, investments, and the art of genuine success.

Ward's story begins in Mississippi, a state known for its blues but also for birthing individuals with grit and determination. Moving to Chicago as a baby, Ward was raised in a family where hard work and entrepreneurship were not just values but a way of life. 

His grandfather's bus company and his own stint as a teacher before diving into the world of finance paint a picture of a man who's not afraid to pivot in pursuit of his passions.

The essence of Ward's message lies in the discipline he applies to every aspect of his life, a discipline that has its roots in his upbringing and was honed through personal challenges and professional experiences. His transition from teaching to financial advising wasn't just a career change; it was a leap into understanding the broader implications of financial decisions on one's life.

Ward's approach to finance is refreshingly straightforward and deeply insightful. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of where you're losing money before making any investment decisions. 

According to Ward, the average household could be losing between one to four million dollars over a lifetime due to unnoticed financial leaks. His strategy focuses on identifying these leaks and redirecting funds towards more fruitful investments, thereby transforming potential losses into gains.

One of the most striking aspects of Ward's philosophy is his view on investment, not just as a financial concept but as a holistic approach to life. "You're never too young to lose money," he remarks, challenging the common misconception that youth is a safety net for risky financial decisions. This principle is a testament to his belief in the power of informed, disciplined investing as a tool for building a secure future.

Ward's narrative is not just about financial success; it's about living a life of purpose, health, and well-being. His personal journey includes a remarkable 40-day fast, a testament to his extraordinary discipline and commitment to health. This discipline extends to his professional life, where he advocates for slow, steady growth over the allure of quick gains.

Listeners are left with invaluable lessons on the importance of discipline, the wisdom of cautious investing, and the power of personal health. Ward Powell's life story is a beacon for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of finance with integrity and purpose.

Emma Butler, a renowned mortgage lender, joined the Savvy Brokers Club to share her insights on the mortgage lending industry and her approach to building relationships.

Emma started her career as a loan officer and over the years, she has worked with different companies, which gave her a unique perspective on the industry.

Emma shared the importance of understanding her client's financial goals and how it is essential to make sure that her clients are aware of all the available options. She emphasized that the mortgage lender's role is to guide their clients through the entire process, not just to sell them a mortgage.

Emma believes that transparency and communication are the key components in the mortgage lending industry. She shared how communication breakdowns can cause delays, which can cost the clients more money. 

Therefore, it is vital for the mortgage lender to establish clear communication channels with the clients and respond to their queries promptly.

Another aspect that Emma highlighted was the importance of building relationships with her clients. She mentioned that building a rapport with her clients is essential for her business, and it helps to create trust and confidence with them.

Emma's insights provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to invest in real estate or take out a mortgage. Her advice emphasizes the importance of transparency, communication, and building relationships with clients, which can benefit anyone in any industry.

Emma Butler's interview sheds light on how the mortgage lending industry can be revolutionized by changing the traditional ways of selling a mortgage to guiding clients through the entire process while building a relationship of trust and transparency. 

Her insights provide valuable lessons that can be applied to any industry, making her a leader in the field.

In this episode of the Savvy Brokers Club Podcast, Javier Garcia, Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending at The Federal Savings Bank, shares his journey in the mortgage industry and the lessons he has learned along the way. 

Garcia speaks about his fearless approach to sales and how he was able to refine his skillset and gain confidence by hearing "no" countless times. He also talks about the importance of simplifying the mortgage process for consumers, particularly those in the minority community, and demystifying certain aspects of it such as VA loans for veterans.

Garcia's story is one of hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to educating and empowering consumers. As a first-generation Latino in America, he understands the challenges that many in his community face when it comes to navigating the complex world of mortgages and real estate.

But through his work, he has been able to help countless families achieve their dreams of homeownership and financial stability.

One of the key takeaways from Garcia's interview is the importance of taking a long-term view when it comes to mortgages and real estate. He emphasizes that the first loan is just the beginning, and that there are many options available to consumers depending on their goals and circumstances. 

By educating consumers and empowering them to make informed decisions, Garcia is helping to create a more equitable and accessible mortgage industry for all.

Another key theme that emerges from Garcia's story is the power of faith and connection. He believes that God is working among us, connecting us with other people who are in alignment with our values and goals. And through these connections, he has been able to find success and fulfillment in his work.

Overall, Javier Garcia's interview on the Savvy Brokers Club Podcast is a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving others. 

As the mortgage industry continues to evolve and change, it is leaders like Garcia who will help to ensure that it remains accessible and equitable for all.

Henry Gomez, VP of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate, shares his journey of traveling the world and connecting with people on a deeper level. 

In 2020, Henry left the industry at its peak, sold his house, paid off debt and traveled for a year. Through his travels, he learned to connect with people remotely, in a way that's efficient and gets the job done, just as effectively as in-person meetings. 

He believes that we can use technology smarter and more efficiently to conduct business, even in the face of adversity. Henry's experience highlights the importance of self-discovery and being in tune with who you are and what works for you, both personally and professionally.

Dean Vlamis joins us on this episode of The Savvy Brokers Club Podcast to share his story and the keys to his success in the mortgage industry. 

With a background rooted in finance and economics, Dean Vlamis is a seasoned expert in the mortgage lending industry. Born in Chicago and raised in Kansas, Vlamis started his career as a runner on the trading floor at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Over the next 11 years, he honed his skills in the fast-paced world of financial futures and commodities, eventually transitioning to computerized trading. 

Despite initial setbacks, Vlamis eventually found his true calling as a mortgage lender, where he now serves as Senior Vice President at Guaranteed. 

Insurance Broker Dan Kaleel shares his journey to success in this episode of The Savvy Brokers Club Podcast.

Originally studying nutrition, Dan pivoted to IT before eventually finding his passion in insurance brokering. He attributes his success to building relationships and offering value to clients. The drive behind his work is personal, inspired by the loss of his father who was unable to fully utilize his life insurance policy. 

Dan believes that protecting oneself with a life insurance policy is crucial and strives to help others protect their biggest asset - themselves.