In this engaging episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Mike Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Eddy Perez, CMB, CEO and co-founder of Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM), to explore powerful insights into leadership, growth, and embracing change in the mortgage industry. Eddy Perez brings his expertise, passion, and visionary approach to this candid discussion, highlighting what it takes to succeed in an ever-evolving market.

The conversation kicks off with a unique metaphor—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Eddy challenges mortgage professionals to break free from "playing reindeer games" and to embrace their individuality and leadership potential. Using this analogy, the discussion delves into the importance of standing out, focusing on strengths, and maintaining gratitude during times of discomfort.

Eddy shares his journey of building EPM into one of the largest and most respected mortgage companies in the country. With a steadfast focus on the TPO (Third Party Origination) channel, Eddy emphasizes the value of commitment, consistency, and long-term vision. Drawing inspiration from athletes like Usain Bolt, he reminds listeners that success is the result of years of focused effort, not overnight results.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the power of gratitude as a driving force for change. Eddy explains how adopting a mindset of gratitude—especially for challenges and discomfort—creates opportunities for personal and professional growth. The episode underscores the importance of being honest with oneself, embracing reality checks, and taking ownership of one's journey.

Eddy's empathetic leadership style, rooted in his experience as a former loan officer, shines through as he discusses how leaders can motivate and support their teams. He encourages mortgage professionals to lean into video marketing as a vital tool for success in 2025, emphasizing the importance of consistency and authenticity in building trust with clients and partners.

As the year comes to a close, Eddy reminds listeners to take advantage of the holiday season to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. He leaves the audience with a motivating message: by committing to growth, gratitude, and consistent effort in 2025, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and transformative year in 2026.

Tune in to this inspiring and thought-provoking episode to learn from one of the mortgage industry’s most influential leaders. Eddy Perez’s wisdom, passion, and actionable advice will leave you energized and ready to level up your game in 2025.

As 2024 draws to a close, hosts Mike Kelleher and Michael Zau take a moment to reflect on the remarkable conversations and transformative insights shared on The MikedUp Show this year. From the launch of Season 3 to now, every episode brought unique perspectives, memorable discussions, and actionable strategies from some of the brightest minds in mortgage, finance, and real estate.

The hosts kick off the Year Recap by revisiting standout moments from Eric and Brad Blumberg of AsterKey, where they discussed the power of mortgage data security and innovation. Their insights into building tools to simplify backend processes for lenders set the tone for a season focused on solving big challenges.

From there, Ryan Black of BMG shared his expertise on how legal firms can empower lenders, diving into critical conversations about efficiency and compliance. His episode underscored how collaboration between lenders and legal professionals helps maintain the integrity and growth of the mortgage space.

Industry expert Mike Mills brought a fresh lens to creating lasting relationships in mortgage banking. His emphasis on connecting with borrowers and team-building offered tangible takeaways on maintaining trust, even in volatile markets.

The year continued to gain momentum with Chuck Iverson, whose deep dive into team culture and personal development as a cornerstone of leadership struck a powerful chord with originators and mortgage leaders alike. Chuck’s “people-first” approach became a recurring theme throughout the season as other guests reinforced the importance of culture-driven businesses.

Dain Ehring took us on a journey into technology’s role in mortgage lending. His eye-opening discussion explored automation, digital tools, and AI-driven processes to enhance operations while preserving the human touch critical to lending success. Dain challenged lenders to embrace innovation while staying nimble in an ever-changing landscape.

With Daniel Smith, listeners heard a compelling perspective on risk management and forward-thinking strategies. His insights into managing volatility offered practical frameworks for success that resonated in an uncertain market.

We also welcomed Jorge Campodonico, whose conversation showcased what it means to lead in transformative environments. His focus on empowering teams, embracing adaptability, and building sustainable processes provided critical lessons for mortgage professionals striving to thrive.

John Toohig, a standout guest, captured the audience’s attention with his candid discussion on loan sales, capital markets, and portfolio management. John’s data-driven approach to optimizing loan strategies and balancing risk highlighted why these topics remain a priority for lenders navigating tightening market conditions.

As Mike and Michael guide listeners through the highlights of the year, they celebrate each guest’s unique contribution to the show. They also reflect on recurring themes, such as leadership, innovation, and adaptability, and share their favorite moments that defined 2024’s season of The MikedUp Show.

Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or are just joining in, this Year in Review is a perfect opportunity to catch up on everything you may have missed, gain a deeper appreciation for this year’s incredible insights, and feel inspired to take on 2025 with confidence.

The mortgage industry is evolving at a breathtaking pace, and in this episode of The MikedUp Show, we are joined by the esteemed Jim Clapp, Chief Lending Officer at Assurance Financial, to unpack the dynamic landscape of lending and mortgage origination. Jim’s extensive expertise—spanning over 25 years—provides a lens into the strategies, innovations, and leadership practices needed to thrive in an industry that’s both highly competitive and constantly adapting to technological advancements.

As a forward-thinking executive with a proven history of driving business growth, Jim shares his invaluable insights on leading teams through transformation, embracing AI-driven processes, and maintaining efficiency in an industry often marked by its cyclical nature. With a robust career background that includes roles at top-tier financial institutions, he has mastered the art of blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that companies like Assurance Financial remain on the cutting edge of lending practices.

During our conversation, Jim unpacks the four critical pillars of a successful mortgage bank—people, process, product, and pricing. He emphasizes that smaller companies are now positioned to rival larger organizations by leveraging advanced technologies and cultivating people-centric cultures, all while maintaining agility and customer focus. His insights into the advantages of working within smaller, tech-savvy mortgage firms will resonate deeply with loan officers and mortgage bankers who are considering their next career move.

We also discuss the pressing issue of originator attrition, noting a striking 30-40% decline in recent years. As a result, independent mortgage bankers are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the evolving market. Jim provides practical advice for loan officers contemplating transitions in their careers, stressing the importance of aligning personal values, professional aspirations, and family considerations with their next employer.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of today’s mortgage industry, from understanding the implications of AI on origination workflows to embracing transformational leadership practices. If you’re a mortgage professional seeking clarity on how to future-proof your career, this is a must-listen episode!

Join us as we dive deep with Jim Clapp, exploring the profound changes shaping the mortgage world and how industry professionals can adapt, innovate, and excel.