The Big Skip Energy Podcast

Join Skip for one last hurrah on the show. He shares some memories and personal insights as well as some actionable information/advise. Plus, an announcement! 

In this episode of Big Skip Energy, Skip is joined by Dr. Christie McMullen, who helps people make work fun to prevent burnout and increase productivity. Christie shares her insights on how to create a better workspace, emphasizing the value of joy, appreciation, and leveraging talents. She and Skip discuss the significance of intentionality, the importance of aligning passions with talents, and h...

In this episode of Big Skip Energy, Skip welcomes back Steve Richman, a seasoned professional in the mortgage and real estate industry. Steve shares insights from his extensive career, including speaking in all 50 states and addressing over 750,000 professionals. He and Skip talk about the importance of differentiating yourself from the competition, identifying personal strengths, and maintaining...

In this episode of the Big Skip Energy podcast, Skip welcomes Felisha Junge, an LO with over 20 years of experience. Felicia shares insights on her longstanding career at Green State Credit Union in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they are consistently hitting over $100 million annually. She discusses the importance of consistency, building trust with realtor partners, and the advantages of in-house loa...

Today on The Big Skip Energy Podcast, Skip welcomes Cynthia Barnes back to the show to share her sales wisdom and insights. As the first black woman to keynote a national sales conference and founder of the National Association of Women's Sales Professionals, Cynthia discusses her impactful talks on the confidence-quota connection, her transformation through healthy living, and the significan...

Today Skip brings you an episode packed with useful information to make 2025 more productive and profitable. He is joined by Alayna Gardner, Director of Revenue at LodeStar Software Solutions , and they discuss the exciting news of LodeStar starting a title company called SettleWise, and her role in sales and marketing.  She and Skip dig into the value of trade shows, effective networking strategi...

Whether you've been in the mortgage industry for decades, or you're just starting out, today's episode is extremely valuable. Skip welcomes Adrienne Holmes, Vice President of Sales at Highland Mortgage . Adrienne shares her 30-year journey in the mortgage industry, discussing challenges, mentorship, and the importance of adaptability. They dig into the relevance and impact of AI and...

What thought pops in your head when you think about a non-QM loan? There are definitely some misconceptions out there, but fear not, Skip is here with a guest that will explain just how versatile and wide-ranging these loans can be, and why that means more opportunity for you. Wendy Licis, SVP of Non-QM Production at Kind Lending joins the podcast today. Wendy is a seasoned professional in the mor...

In this episode of the Big Skip Energy Podcast, Skip welcomes financial advisor Meredith Moore and mortgage originator Laura Witte . Meredith shares her inspiring story about beating cancer and moving on to be one of the top financial advisors in the country. And Laura talks about the challenge of having to start over again financially after the housing crash.  The group discusses the importance o...

Happy New Year and welcome to a new season of The Big Skip Energy Podcast! Today Skip is kicking it off in a big way with legendary sales expert Mark Hunter, AKA, The Sales Hunter. Mark begins with some amazing stories of his entry into sales and his philosophy that sales is a lifestyle, not just a profession.  He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and referrals in the s...

In this episode of the Big Skip Energy podcast, Skip welcomes back Connor Bartley , National Recruiting Manager at Lower, to discuss the current state of mortgage recruitment, the importance of personal branding, and innovative strategies for success. Connor emphasizes finding the right company culture, long-term growth over short-term incentives, and the critical role of a supportive ecosystem. H...

Today on the Big Skip Energy Podcast, Skip welcomes Amy Franko , a veteran sales expert and author. Amy shares insights from her start in corporate America, working with IBM and Lenovo, to becoming an entrepreneur and sales consultant. She and Skip discuss crucial sales strategies, the importance of focusing on the right customers, and the mental shift required in transitioning from a large organi...

Today Skip welcomes Malik Wilkes to discuss his extensive experience and involvement in the mortgage industry. Malik shares his not so unique story about stumbling into the mortgage field, from planning a career in law to becoming the lead of the mortgage origination team at a credit union. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, industry education, and community involvement. They also...

In this episode of the Big Skip Energy Podcast, Skip welcomes back Laura Witte , a loan officer with Highland Mortgage, and two new faces, Chelsea Monaco Carlis and Gabby Hines from the Anna K InTown real estate team in Atlanta. With all the recent changes for agents, the group dives into the critical role of buyer's agents, the importance of local partnerships and how buyers and sellers can...

Skip is here to drop some knowledge today with  Laura Witte from Highland Mortgage   and Mark Jones, CEO of Keller Williams Atlanta ,. They delve into the complexities of the current real estate market, from the importance of local expertise and the shift to a skills-based approach to navigating commissions and securing successful transactions. They address election season dynamics, the risks of f...

We have all faced some tough times in the industry, and Skip's guest today, Bryan Lovell, is no exception as he started his career in 2007.  Bryan is a mortgage retail sales leader with Highland Mortgage. He and Skip discuss the current ups and downs of the mortgage business, and Bryan shares his experiences starting in a very challenging market, the importance of maintaining a proactive mind...

On today's episode, brought to you by Highland Mortgage, Skip welcomes John McNair , President and CEO of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia. They discuss his history in the banking industry, the importance of community banking, and his experience with advocacy and education. John highlights the tech advancements in community banking, the association’s legislative accomplishments, a...

In this episode of the Big Skip Energy Podcast, sponsored by Highland Mortgage, Skip welcomes Laura Witte from Highland Mortgage and veteran real estate agent Weslee Knapp, Owner at KellerKnapp .  They share their extensive experience in the real estate industry, discuss the implications of the recent NAR settlement, and offer valuable advice for both consumers and real estate pros. They talk with...

Today Skip welcomes Kristie Jones, a sales consultant for early-stage B2B SaaS startups. She tells her story about her start in corporate America and transition to self-employment. Kristie explains how her entrepreneurial background inspired her to help founders transition from founder-led selling to building robust sales processes. She and Skip discuss the importance of finding the right sales ro...

In this episode of the Big Skip Energy Podcast, Skip welcomes Ashley Yarabinec, CMB, AMP, the Director of Member Relations for the Bankers Association. They discuss the Mortgage Action Alliance (MAA) and its significance in mortgage industry advocacy. She explains how industry professionals can get involved, the tools available for advocacy, and shares success stories of impactful campaigns. Ashle...

In this episode of the Big Skip Energy Podcast, Skip welcomes Michelle Berman Mikel , CEO of Berman Media PD. Her background in fitness and competitive swimming translates into high competitive energy in the world of social media coaching for real estate agents and mortgage professionals. She discusses her company services and goals, and offers tips on effective social media prospecting and conten...

The one and only Susanna Gray Jones returns to the Big Skip Energy podcast to share her story from education recruitment in England to starting a business in Dubai. Susanna and Skip discuss the challenges of sales management, effective recruitment, the importance of clear communication and accountability, and the significance of treating employees with dignity, even when parting ways.

Today Skip welcomes Mark Milam, former airline pilot and current President of Highland Mortgage. He talks about his transition from aviation to the mortgage industry, and discusses the importance of persistence, nurturing client relationships, and effective communication strategies. Learn how Mark overcame challenges, adapted his skills, and built a successful mortgage company from the ground up

Today Dr. Bruce Lund joins the Big Skip Energy Podcast to discuss his background in human performance, his transition into mortgage coaching, and launching his coaching business, 90 Day Sales Manager. He gives insights on building confidence, returning to basics, thriving in the mortgage industry, and embracing unique individual experiences and strategies for bank and credit union loan officers to...

Sit back, maybe pop open a cold one, and listen to Skip and his guest Rick Roque dish out some market insights. Rick is a mortgage industry pro with over two decades of experience. He explains his beginnings in technology and transition into the mortgage business. He and Skip discuss insights on market cycles, strategies for mortgage professionals in current market conditions, the importance of ad...