The MikedUp Show

In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected operators in modern mortgage banking — James Hecht , the newly appointed CEO of OneTrust Home Loans . With more than 30 years of executive leadership across the largest and most influential lending institutions in the country, James brings a rare combination of operational discipline, strategic clarity, and vision for what sustainable gro...

In this week’s episode of MikedUp , we go inside the engine room of one of the nation’s most successful mortgage brokerages — C2 Financial — with its President, David Temko . Known for his sharp vision, leadership discipline, and deep understanding of financial systems, David has helped solidify C2 Financial’s position as the #1 Mortgage Broker in America , driving innovation that blends technolog...

In this powerful episode of MikedUp , we sit down with Jon Prussel , the President of City First Mortgage LLC , for a candid and deeply human conversation about resilience, leadership, and second chances. Jon’s story is not just about building a business — it’s about rebuilding oneself. From navigating personal and professional lows to steering one of Florida’s most respected mortgage firms, Jon’s...

In this week’s episode of MikedUp , we’re getting behind the curtain of mortgage operations with Rob Jewett , the Chief Operating Officer of NewFed Mortgage Corp and one of HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters . Known for streamlining processes and integrating innovative technology, Rob has reimagined what mortgage operations can look like in a digital-first world. From AI-driven automation to real-tim...

In this episode of MikedUp , we sit down with Gene Thompson , a mortgage leader whose story is built on loyalty, grit, and an unwavering belief in serving people— without exception . After 16 years of dedication to InterLinc Mortgage, Gene is now the majority owner of the company, stepping into a new era of leadership rooted in authenticity, accountability, and long-term impact. But this isn’t a c...

In this episode of MikedUp , we sit down with Paul Diamond , a leader who represents resilience, integrity, and staying power in mortgage banking. With more than three decades in the mortgage industry , Paul has built a reputation for leading with values before volume , standing firm during market cycles, and building a people-first culture that still drives results today. As President and CEO of...

In this episode of MikeDrop , we welcome Chris Vinson , CEO of Windsor Mortgage and head of the mortgage division at Plains Commerce Bank , for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build trust in lending —beyond rates, margins, and spreadsheets. Chris is a visionary leader who has built a legacy in wholesale and community banking by focusing not just on volume, but on relations...

In this episode of MikedUp , we sit down with Lisa Lang , Executive Vice President and Head of Capital Bank Home Loans , to explore how creative technology and sustainable innovation are shaping the future of the mortgage industry. Lisa brings a wealth of experience, deep market insight, and a proven track record of leadership to this conversation — making it a must-listen for anyone passionate ab...

In this episode, we dive deep into how homebuying has changed — and where it’s headed — with Dan Richards , President of Flyhomes Mortgage. Dan’s story is one of bridging tech, finance, and real estate to create more accessible paths to homeownership, especially in a market that’s constantly shifting. Dan joined Flyhomes in October 2022 , bringing with him a rich background from SoFi (where he led...

In this powerful episode of the podcast, we sit down with Mosi Gatling , Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion at New American Funding , to explore the future of homeownership in America and how the industry can take meaningful steps to close the homeownership gap. Mosi brings over two decades of mortgage industry expertise and has built an impressive career as a dynamic speaker,...

This week’s episode takes us through a deep, eye-opening conversation with Kevin Peranio , Chief Lending Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group (PRMG) . Kevin reflects on a career rooted in adapting, learning, and leading through nearly two decades of seismic shifts in the mortgage industry—from regional markets to nationwide lending cycles. Kevin’s journey begins in 2001, when he helped...

What does it really take to make homeownership possible for millions of Americans—especially Gen Z, first-time buyers, and families often overlooked by the traditional system? This week, we’re joined by two of the industry’s most passionate voices: Dave Savage and Kristin Messerli , co-founders of FirstHome IQ , a nonprofit on a mission to deliver financial education and empower five million young...

This episode welcomes an industry original— Khash Saghafi , founder and CEO of Liberty Home Mortgage —to unpack why, even after 25 years in lending, he still believes “It is always a great day.” Khash isn’t just known for his longevity—he’s built a reputation as the problem solver for homebuyers, whether they have perfect credit or have been turned away elsewhere. His direct-lender model specializ...

In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, we step into the shoes of Mariana Martinez , a student-athlete turned mortgage industry insider, whose career journey began as an intern at Easy Mortgage App and evolved into a pivotal role managing operations for the Mike’d Up Show. Born in Mexico and thriving at Texas Christian University, Mariana didn’t follow the typical corporate ladder...

This week on the podcast, we welcome Kate Amor , Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Products at Guaranteed Rate , to talk about leadership, trust, and building connection in an industry where relationships are everything. Kate’s career started right out of college as a mortgage loan officer—a role that gave her firsthand experience in understanding the challenges borrowers face and the d...

This week on the show, we’re diving into a conversation that connects leadership, capital markets, and representation in mortgage finance. Our guest, Deborah (Deb) Jones , Senior Vice President and Director of Mortgage Secondary and Capital Markets at Citizens , brings over 21 years of experience guiding clients and organizations through one of the most dynamic industries in financial services. De...

This week, we sit down with Andrew Panagos, President of GO Mortgage, for a no-fluff, high-insight conversation on what it really takes to lead a modern mortgage company in today’s shifting landscape. With a career that spans powerhouse brands like Fairway, PHH, Deutsche Bank, and H&R Block Mortgage, Andrew brings over two decades of cross-channel experience—retail, wholesale, direct-to-consum...

On this episode, we sit down with Steve Thomas — a veteran mortgage executive, Navy officer, and now the visionary behind FutureWave Finance, a newly launched minority-owned national correspondent lender. With nearly 30 years in residential mortgage, capital markets, and inclusive financial leadership, Steve brings a perspective rooted in innovation, community empowerment, and bold transformation....

This week on the show, we sit down with three of the most compelling voices in the mortgage industry—Rick Roque, Brock Cassidy, and Jeremy Potter—who together host the influential weekly show REALFridays . In this dynamic conversation, we unpack the intersection of leadership, media, and strategy, diving into the insights that only come from three decades of combined mortgage, fintech, and proptec...

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Todd Feager , Co-Founder of Haven Home Equity , to explore how lenders and borrowers alike can harness the untapped power of home equity . With over 23 years in the mortgage industry , Todd brings a deep, hands-on understanding of what today’s consumers actually need—especially in the evolving consumer-direct lending landscape. At Haven, Todd has he...

What does it take to lead one of America’s largest independent mortgage banks in today’s market—and still put the customer at the center of it all? In this episode of MikeDrop , we sit down with Justin Messer , the President and CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage , to unpack the leadership mindset, technology strategy, and service-first culture that’s redefining the mortgage experience from the insid...

In this powerful episode of MikeDrop , we sit down with Jeremy Davis , President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp, to explore what it really means to build legacy through lending. Jeremy doesn’t just talk housing; he lives and breathes it—from grassroots advocacy to C-suite leadership. His journey is a masterclass in mission-driven business, and this episode captures his voice, vision, and unwaveri...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Tannenbaum, the new CEO of Figure Technology Solutions, for a conversation about career growth, smart leadership, and how new ideas are changing the way lending and finance work today. Michael’s path is nothing short of impressive. He helped grow SoFi’s lending operations, including building their mortgage business from the ground up. He later joined Brex...

In this powerful episode titled Thrive & Lead , we sit down with one of the mortgage industry’s most influential voices— Patty Arvielo , CEO and Co-Founder of New American Funding , and a beacon of leadership, resilience, and equity in financial services. Patty’s story isn’t just about building a mortgage company—it’s about building a movement. From humble beginnings cleaning real estate offic...

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, we dive deep into what it truly means to build lasting relationships in the mortgage world—one call at a time. Featuring Alec Hanson, CMO at loanDepot and one of the most outspoken voices in modern mortgage, this conversation is all about real connection in a digital-first industry . Alec isn’t just a top-tier executive—he’s a street-built loan officer who has...