In this powerful episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Nikki Bialka, an unstoppable advocate for financial inclusion and the force behind Fifth Third Bank’s community lending initiatives. With a career rooted in mortgage, pipeline management, and operations, Nikki’s true passion lies in creating access and empowering underserved communities.

She’s not just talking about equitable lending—she’s actively building it. From leading homeownership symposiums across the country to driving national conversations with organizations like MBA, Project REACh, and Su Casa Hispanic Center, Nikki is redefining what community lending looks like.

✅ How Real Community Lending Works
Discover how Nikki and her team meet people where they are—literally. From brokers and housing counselors to nonprofits and local leaders, she’s uniting the Avengers of housing.

✅ Every Mortgage Has a Story
It all started with hardship letters. Nikki’s journey proves that behind every loan file is a family, a challenge, and a community in the making.

✅ Serving the Underserved
Learn how targeted education, cultural connection, and showing up (not just selling) makes the difference in building trust and generational wealth.

✅ Relatability Over Salesmanship
Nikki challenges the industry to rethink who shows up for borrowers. It’s not always the polished salesperson—it’s the relatable face that understands the struggle.

✅ Empowering the 98%
While only a small percent of people can “sell” their way through problems, Nikki’s mission is focused on the rest—the 98%—who need honest support and real access.

“We’re not just helping people buy homes—we’re building communities, one conversation at a time.” – Nikki Bialka

This episode is a must-listen for any lender, loan officer, or leader who wants to make a difference where it truly matters.

Mortgage Connect – Revolutionizing the lending experience from end to end.
Aidium – Smart CRM tools built for modern mortgage pros who lead with impact.

What does it take to not only survive but thrive for over 45 years in mortgage banking?

On this week’s episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with industry legend Steven A. Milner, the Founder & CEO of US Mortgage Corporation—a company that’s been going strong since 1994. From his days as a high school math teacher to leading a nationwide lender licensed in all 50 states and D.C., Steven shares how he's built a business not only with volume, but with values, vision, and real staying power.

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a masterclass in how to build a mortgage career (and company) that lasts.

✅ What “Longevity” Really Means
Steven breaks down why longevity isn't just about years in business—it's about consistency, mentorship, adaptability, and having a clear core value that drives every decision.

✅ Own Your Zip Code
In a world of Rocket, Zillow, and automation, Steven reminds us why local matters. You know your customer’s neighbors—algorithms don’t. And that’s your edge.

✅ From Originator to CEO
Still personally originating ~10 loans per month, Steven shares how staying connected to the front lines fuels his leadership, innovation, and culture at US Mortgage.

✅ Succession Planning & Sustainable Growth
Learn why every mortgage company needs a plan for the future, and how building the next generation of leaders is critical to long-term relevance.

✅ Generational Wealth Beyond Money
Steven talks legacy—not just in terms of dollars, but in mentorship, culture, and serving others with empathy and consistency.

✅ Doing the Small Things Right
From sending a book to a fellow loan officer expecting a child, to serving on national boards, Steven shows that how you do anything is how you do everything.

Mortgage Connect – Seamlessly supporting every step of the mortgage process with end-to-end solutions.
Aidium – The CRM that’s helping mortgage pros build real pipelines with intelligent automation.

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by none other than David Lykken, CEO of Transformational Mortgage Solutions—a true industry legend, thought leader, and master of change. Together, they dive deep into what it means to not just talk about transformation, but to lead it—through better conversations, intentional leadership, and a mindset shift around lending and mortgage culture.

Spoiler: This episode is about way more than mortgages. It’s about purpose, storytelling, transformation—and how the right conversations can ignite real industry change.

✅ Why Purpose Is the Foundation of Performance
David breaks down how understanding your “why” isn’t fluff—it’s fuel for better culture, better strategy, and better lending conversations that convert.

✅ The Six Types of Working Genius
Learn about the WIDGET model and how identifying your natural genius—from Wonder to Tenacity—can transform leadership teams and unlock business momentum.

✅ How to Lead Through Change
David doesn’t just preach transformation—he’s lived it. He shares how to inspire teams and clients alike through better communication and storytelling that drives action.

✅ AI, Adaptability & the Future of Lending
Are you using AI effectively? Or are you missing the mark on its true potential? This episode explores where AI fits in and why transformation starts with the human behind the tech.

✅ The Final Yard
Why do so many leaders stop at the 1-yard line? David challenges us to rethink our process, reconnect with our purpose, and push past the hesitation that stops innovation in its tracks.

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Mortgage Connect – End-to-end solutions for a seamless lending experience.
Aidium – Intelligent CRM designed for today’s top mortgage professionals.