The Level Up Loan Officer Podcast

AI is everywhere right now, and most loan officers are either overwhelmed by it or ignoring it entirely. Kelly Zitlow and Jay Crowell cut through the noise and share exactly how top producers are putting AI to work without losing what makes them irreplaceable to clients. Listen in as they break down Jay's "not-to-do list" framework for reclaiming your time, why emotional intelligence is still your...

In today's shifting mortgage landscape, the key to thriving isn't waiting for rates to drop. It's redefining your strategy now. If you're a loan officer feeling stuck or unsure of your next moves in a market where traditional tactics fall short, this Season 2 premiere reveals how to break through with purpose and proactive action. Walk away with the mindset shifts and tools that can transform you...

Ever had your emotions sabotage your leadership? Here's how to manage them and turn them into your greatest strength. Kelly and Jay dive deep into the emotional side of leadership and how our feelings can either drive or derail us, especially in high-stress industries. Jay gets real about using anger as fuel for years, why setting boundaries before you explode is critical, and the importance of st...

In this episode of Level Up Loan Officer, Kelly reveals the networking strategy that grew her business by 30% in a single year no cold calling required. If prospecting feels uncomfortable or inauthentic, this one's for you. Kelly breaks down exactly how she used education and video marketing to build real relationships with real estate agents, grow her database, and create consistent, lasting resu...

In this essential leadership episode of Level Up with Kelly and Jay, they dive deep into the often uncomfortable topic of feedback and how mastering it can transform your team dynamics. If you've ever struggled to get honest feedback from your team or wondered why your coaching isn't landing, this conversation will change how you lead. Jay reveals his systematic approach to leadership and shares w...

In this deeply personal episode of Level Up with Kelly and Jay, they tackle the messy reality of human connection: what happens when emotions cloud judgment, how to handle moments when you feel let down, and why the stories we tell ourselves can be toxic or transformative. Kelly shares her journey from dismissing compliments to learning how to receive praise with grace, while Jay reveals why his f...

In this raw and inspiring episode of Level Up with Kelly and Jay, Jay opens up about how he's stayed resilient through years of market challenges while others have burned out around him. If you've ever felt exhausted, unmotivated, or questioned whether you can keep going in this industry, this conversation is for you. Jay shares the powerful lesson his dad learned from a college professor: "You cr...

In this episode of Level Up with Kelly and Jay, they break down why your scripted approach is costing you clients and reveal the conversational framework that builds trust and closes deals in challenging markets. Forget the scripts and loan officer monologues—Kelly and Jay share how to have real, high-trust conversations that uncover your clients' true motivations. From navigating buyer fatigue to...

In this episode, bestselling author and thought leader Erwin McManus joins hosts Kelly and Jay as their first guest on Level Up Loan Officer for an unforgettable conversation about human potential, mindset transformation, and the power of narrative. Erwin shares profound insights on why negative emotions stick while positive ones flee, how to navigate depression through managing expectations versu...

Excellence isn't a destination; it's a way of life. Excellence fuels professional growth and personal development . Jay shares how his father's legacy and the mantra of RPE ( relentless pursuit of excellence ) shaped his career and purpose. Discover the power of finding your "why" and how it fuels resilience, growth, and service to others. This heartfelt conversation will challenge you to honor yo...

Discover the  secret weapon  top performers use to  dominate the market ! In an ever-evolving market, staying relevant means  maintaining relationships  and going beyond surface-level conversations. Kelly and Jay share how you can  elevate your mind  and  mortgage strategies  with high-trust conversations to  build client relationships . Learn how to leverage tools like Mortgage Coach,   empower y...

What if your biggest mistake could become your greatest success story? Owning your mistakes  and offering genuine apologies are crucial for  building trust with clients  in the mortgage industry. Mistakes happen—but how you handle them can make all the difference. Kelly and Jay share how to turn setbacks into opportunities and how to apologize to clients after making mistakes.  Build stronger clie...

Success starts with you . Learn practical strategies  to develop the right mindset  and  take control of your life . Kelly and Jay uncover how  intentional living  can transform your personal and professional growth. If you're ready to  master your mindset  and learn  how to reset  when overwhelmed, this conversation is a must-listen! Discover how to  embrace intentionality in daily life  to build...