Take It To The Max!

In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max , LaDonna Lockard welcomes Dr. Boyce Watkins for a thought-provoking conversation on financial education, resilience, and the realities of wealth-building in America. From overcoming early academic challenges to redefining how we approach opportunity, this episode challenges listeners to move beyond blame, embrace growth, and take ownership of their f...

In this episode of Take It To The Max , LaDonna Lockard welcomes Corey Singleton, CEO of Inspired Mortgage and Chief Equity & Ethics Officer for BMPA, for a powerful conversation on equity, access, and legacy in homeownership. From navigating systemic barriers to redefining success through education instead of sales, this episode challenges lenders to rethink how they serve—and who they serve.

In this episode of Take It To The Max , LaDonna Lockard welcomes Rogelio Goertzen for a powerful conversation on breaking barriers to homeownership through education, accessibility, and unified industry action. From language access and ITIN lending to leadership responsibility and the next generation of mortgage professionals, this episode challenges the industry to stop talking about the problem—...

In this episode of Take It To The Max , LaDonna Lockard sits down again with Dr. Jennifer Gormer to spotlight the growth of the Minority Homeownership Conference and the urgent work being done to expand access and equity in housing. From financial literacy and trust-building to AI, advocacy, and cross-industry collaboration, this conversation challenges mortgage professionals to move beyond awaren...

In this episode of Take It To The Max , LaDonna Lockard welcomes marketing strategist and fractional CMO Bri Lees for a candid conversation about the state of mortgage marketing and the leadership decisions shaping it. From executive branding and authentic content creation to the leadership accountability behind successful marketing strategies, this discussion challenges companies to rethink how t...

In this episode of Take It To The Max , MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard sits down with Jeana Lanktree, Director of Training and Compliance at MaxClass, to unpack the real-world impact of loan officer compensation rules and compliance challenges facing mortgage professionals today. From industry misconceptions to scalable compensation models and the future of regulation, this conversation delivers pra...

In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max , MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes former MLO turned educator Tricia McIntosh, CFP®️, for a deep dive into building sustainable, six-figure mortgage practices. From advisor-level positioning and gig economy niches to AI adoption and dismantling limiting beliefs, this conversation challenges originators to stop competing on rate and start competin...

In this special Black History Month episode of Take It To The Max , MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes Dr. Jennifer Gormer, President and CEO of Integrity Home Lending and founder of the Black Mortgage Professional Alliance, for a powerful conversation on leadership, equity, and action. From policy advocacy on Capitol Hill to tangible solutions for affordability and education, this episode high...

In this episode of Take It To The Max , MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes Dave Gray, Vice President of Business Development at Anchor Loans, for a candid conversation about the modernization of private lending and its role in addressing the housing deficit. From relationship-driven capital strategy to representation in lending and real opportunities in ground-up construction, this episode unpa...

In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max , MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes Jeremy Davis, President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp, for a deeply personal conversation about mission-driven lending and closing generational homeownership gaps. From community-first leadership and equitable product design to the idea of “mortgage nobility,” this episode challenges the industry to rethink ho...

In this episode of Take It To The Max , LaDonna Lockard welcomes back Brian Vieaux, President of MISMO, for a deep dive into why clean data and standardized workflows matter more than any new AI tool. From MISMO compliance and fintech partnerships to automation pitfalls and regulatory readiness, this conversation offers practical insight for lenders preparing to grow smarter in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode of Take It To The Max , LaDonna Lockard sits down with Rogelio Goertzen, Founder and CEO of HOME (Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts), to discuss inclusion, education, and access in the mortgage industry. From language barriers and ITIN lending to financial literacy and leadership, this conversation highlights how building people and community is the key to expanding homeown...

In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max , CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with returning guest Jeana Lanktree for a deep, forward-looking conversation about what’s really ahead for the mortgage and housing industry in 2026. From home affordability and evolving loan products to AI, income shifts, and the growing importance of human connection, this episode challenges conventional t...

In this forward-focused episode of Take It To The Max , CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with Elle Muse, VP of Education at MaxClass, to talk innovation, compliance, and how education is evolving to meet a changing industry. From “sticky situations” to new professional development tracks, Elle reveals how MaxClass is shaping the next generation of mortgage professionals.

In this emotional and inspiring episode of Take It To The Max , CEO of MaxClass, LaDonna Lockard has Jen Peachman on to share her journey of balancing career growth, leadership, and motherhood while championing authenticity in an industry that often prizes polish over honesty. Discover how vulnerability and intention can transform not only your network, but your life.

It’s renewal season — and MaxClass CEO LaDonna is here to make sure you don’t lose your license or your edge. Joined by Cerryia Lindberg, she covers key renewal reminders, lessons from MBA Annual, and a powerful look at how AI, layoffs, and leadership are reshaping the housing ecosystem heading into 2026.

In this episode of Take It To The Max, MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard sits down with Matt Gallant, Director of Member Engagement at the MBA, to explore how education fuels stronger networks and better leadership. Discover why empowering others through learning isn’t just good business — it’s the key to real professional growth.

For the first time ever, Take It To The Max welcomes two powerhouse guests in one episode. Liz Short and Lindsey Meyer join CEO of MaxClass, LaDonna Lockard, for the special “Three L’s” edition to share the story behind their new coauthored book Rethink Everything You Know About Networking. From how one authentic connection sparked a 26-person collaboration to the power of building relationships t...

In this episode of Take It To The Max!, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with Jake Vermillion to dive deep into how loan officers can strategically expand their networks in a challenging lending environment. From leveraging local partnerships to capitalizing on open houses and community marketing, Jake shares practical, time-tested strategies top producers are using to thrive.

In this episode of Take It To The Max, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard talks with Brian Vieaux, currently President of FinLocker and soon-to-be President of MISMO. Brian discusses the transition, MISMO’s role in driving industry standards, and how initiatives around AI, collaboration, and affordability can transform the future of housing finance.

In this episode, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with mortgage strategist Jeana Lanktree to discuss the biggest shifts in today’s lending landscape, from non-QM opportunities to creative affordability solutions. Together they explore why authenticity, kindness, and trust are more essential than ever for building lasting client relationships in the mortgage industry.

Marketing strategist DeLaine Nick reveals how an unexpected leap—literally—propelled her into an industry she never planned to join. In this conversation, she discusses leadership lessons from her father, the power of LinkedIn connections, and her mission to spotlight women shaping the future. She also highlights her “Coffee Chats That Connect” series, a platform for authentic voices and community...

In this episode, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard , sits down with the dynamic and visionary Heidi Belney , a rising leader in the mortgage and fintech space whose journey into the industry was anything but conventional. From her accidental entry via an appraisal job to shaping impactful tech solutions and reinventing live events for the New Jersey MBA, Heidi shares a candid look at how she’s chall...

Despite unprecedented access to information, many young Americans remain confused and unprepared for homeownership. Kristin Messerli, Executive Director of FirstHome IQ, highlights how financial education, early outreach, and community partnerships are essential to breaking generational cycles of financial exclusion on Take It To The Max with LaDonna Lockard. This candid interview reveals how tech...

In this episode, LaDonna Lockard and Steven Wynands dig into real estate market shifts, noting a surprising flattening of 2025 home sales despite early optimism. They explore a surge in new real estate licenses and discuss how AI is transforming recruitment and personality analysis in the industry. It’s an energizing blend of market insight, personal updates, and tactical advice for anyone navigat...