Fintech Hunting

🎙️ FinTech Hunting Podcast Episode Highlights: Kevin Perenio, Chief Lending Officer at PRMG Welcome back to the FinTech Hunting podcast! In this episode, your host, Michael Hammond, brings on a distinguished guest and dear friend, Kevin Perenio, Chief Lending Officer at PRMG. This industry thought leader and tech innovator share their insights into the current state of the lending technology landscape. 👋 Special Guest: Kevin Perenio Michael: "We've got an amazing guest for you today. He's an industry thought leader, a tech innovator, and a dear friend. Please help me welcome back to the show, Kevin Perenio, Chief Lending Officer at PRMG." KP: "Thank you, brother. You know I love being on FinTech Hunting." 🌐 Insights from Industry Events Michael and KP dive into the observations and buzz from recent industry events like the Mortgage Banker Association's show in New Orleans. They discuss the positive vibes, the impact of changing interest rates, and the overall optimism for the year ahead. KP: "The vibe was good. It's a new year. The people that go to these conferences, they're diehards. They're not going anywhere. We're all in. We're trying to build our businesses." 🌍 Market Outlook for 2024 The conversation shifts to the opportunities and challenges in the lending market for 2024. KP shares valuable insights into the mindset of lenders, focusing on business-building, recruiting, and the continuous pursuit of opportunities. KP: "We just came out of that overbuilding phase in 2020 and 2021. Still kind of deleveraging down from that, if we're being honest." 🤖 Role of Technology and AI Michael explores KP's perspective on technology, AI, and its impact on the lending industry. They discuss social selling, the importance of investing in technology, and the incremental changes AI is bringing to underwriting, task automation, and overall workflow efficiency. KP: "You get what you put into [social selling]. And this is one of those moments that's coming up where there'll be a lot of eyeballs coming into our space looking for information." 📈 Tips for Evaluating Technology The conversation wraps up with KP offering valuable advice on vetting technology. He emphasizes aligning tech investments with business goals, measuring ROI, and the importance of being selective about technology adoption. KP: "It's not too late to be doing this stuff, and it's never too late." 🥩 Lightning Round: Austin's Best Barbecue Spots To add a touch of local flavor, Michael asks KP about his favorite barbecue spots in Austin, Texas, including the legendary Franklin Barbecue. KP: "Franklin's an experience. Give me a wait in line. You know, they got coffee there. You're having a beer. It is... it's almost like a tailgate." 👏 Conclusion A big thank you to Kevin Perenio for sharing his valuable insights and experiences on the FinTech Hunting Podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring industry leaders, tech experts, and thought-provoking discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of financial technology. Don't forget to subscribe and catch the next episode!

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to a new episode of the Fintech Hunting Podcast.  We have a very special guest for you today.  He is an industry thought leader, content creator extraordinaire, author, and lending expert.  Please help me welcome Alec Hanson SVP, West Division of Loandepot Alec Happy New Year and welcome back to the show?  Thank you for good better best video series It is great to have you back you always provide a wealth of information and insights. Let’s start with the current market conditions and what you are seeing? What are some of the biggest pain points that lenders are trying to address today?? Let’s talk about the importance of LO’s putting themselves out there? How to leverage both digital and in-person strategies? What do you see on the horizon for 2023?

Don't miss this dynamic episode where we discuss world-famous BBQ, the importance of building relationships, the transition to virtual events, tech demo's and so much more with the amazing Molly Dowdy, Co-Founder of NEXT Mortgage News & Events. Molly Dowdy is the co-founder of NEXT Mortgage Conference, the mortgage technology conference for women and the founder of Mortgage Tech Marketing. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing technology to mortgage lenders. Molly served as EVP, Marketing for valuation technology leader Mercury Network, where she oversaw communications and achieved 375% customer growth in four years. She has developed strategies for acquisitions and corporate restructuring, which include mortgage technology provider a la mode’s sale of Mercury Network to Serent Capital, Mercury Network’s growth and independent branding, and Serent Capital’s recent acquisition of Platinum Data Solutions.

Raquel is a social media rock star in financial services, highly sought after speaker, talent acquisition specialist and extremely dedicated to giving back to the mortgage industry.  On this episode she will share key insights, best practices, and actionable tactics to propel you forward.

James M. Deitch has over 25 years of executive experience in the mortgage banking industry. He is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Teraverde. The author of three Mortgage Transformation books, two which are published by De Gruyter International. Teraverde helps mortgage bankers achieve greater profitability, streamlined operations and process improvement while staying fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

What does the future of mortgage lending look like when AI acts less like software and more like a true team member?In this episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, Michael Hammond sits down with Athan Zhang, Co-Founder of Copperlane, to talk about how agentic AI is changing the mortgage industry. From proactive borrower engagement and document review to condition clearing, compliance guardrails, and 24/7 support, Athan shares how Copperlane is helping lenders rethink productivity, efficiency, and the role of the loan officer. This conversation covers:What agentic AI actually means in mortgageHow an AI loan officer can support borrowers and lendersWhy AI should enhance the human side of lending, not replace itThe real reasons many lenders are still slow to adopt AIHow to think about compliance, safety, and trust in AI systemsWhy lowering the cost to originate is now mission-criticalHow lenders can use AI to create a more scalable, flexible growth model Athan also explains why the lenders waiting on the sidelines may fall behind, and why the winners in this next chapter of mortgage will be the ones who learn how to combine human connection with AI-driven execution. If you are a:mortgage lenderlending executiveloan officerfintech leadermortgage operations leaderAI-curious industry professionalthis episode is for you.Connect with Copperlane:Website: copperlane.aiRequest a demo directly on their siteEmail: athan@copperlane.aiAbout FinTech Hunting PodcastFinTech Hunting features conversations with leading voices in mortgage, fintech, sales, growth, and innovation—focused on the ideas and technologies shaping the future of the industry.#MortgageAI #FintechHunting #MortgageLending #AthanZhang #Copperlane #LoanOfficer #MortgageTechnology #AgenticAI #ArtificialIntelligence #LendingInnovation #MortgageIndustry #FintechPodcast###Michael Hammond, Founder & CEO of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

In this powerful episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, Michael sits down with Christine Beckwith, Founder and CEO of 2020 Vision for Success, for a heartfelt and honest conversation about what it really takes to lead in a difficult mortgage market. Christine shares what she’s hearing from loan officers and production leaders across the country, why so many originators are approaching rate conversations the wrong way, and how mortgage professionals can stop “selling themselves into a corner” by becoming trusted advisors instead of transactional rate watchers. The conversation goes deeper than rates and refinance strategy. Christine opens up about personal hardship, leadership under pressure, the emotional weight many professionals are carrying right now, and why coaching is not a luxury in hard markets, but a lifeline. This episode is a reminder that in financial services, the greatest advantage is not just market knowledge. It is belief, clarity, empathy, and the courage to keep showing up. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why loan officers must stop leading with rate aloneHow to build trust by thinking like a true advisorWhat “believability” means in sales and marketingWhy waiting for the perfect refi boom is a losing strategyHow coaching helps professionals survive and grow in tough marketsWhat resilience looks like when business and life both get heavy This is a must-watch for loan officers, mortgage leaders, financial services professionals, and anyone navigating change, uncertainty, and growth.###Michael Hammond, Founder & CEO of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

In this episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, Michael Hammond sits down with Kortney Lane-Schafers of MMI (Mobility Market Intelligence) for a powerful conversation about where the mortgage industry is headed—and what still matters most as technology moves faster than ever.Yes, AI is changing the game.Yes, data is more available than ever.But here’s the deeper question:In a market driven by automation, what still creates trust, momentum, and real growth?Kortney shares how MMI One is helping mortgage professionals turn data into action—not just reports, dashboards, or noise, but real business decisions around recruiting, retention, market expansion, customer outreach, and borrower opportunity.This episode goes beyond product talk. It gets to the heart of what many leaders are wrestling with right now:How do you use mortgage data in a way that is actually useful?What role should AI play in relationship-driven industries?How can lenders, servicers, banks, and credit unions better activate their databases?Why do authentic human relationships still outperform transactional selling?What makes an industry experience memorable instead of forgettable?Kortney also shares her perspective on why connection still matters, why the best networking is never just about selling, and how thoughtful experiences can create lasting impact across the mortgage and fintech ecosystem.If you work in mortgage, fintech, lending, servicing, banking, credit unions, proptech, sales, recruiting, or growth strategy, this conversation will give you both practical insight and a meaningful reminder:Technology may accelerate business, but relationships still move it forward.Key takeaways from IMB and why optimism is returning to mortgage in 2026What MMI One is and how it unifies mortgage data, communications, and monitoringHow lenders can use data for market growth, recruiting, retention, and referral developmentWhy actionable data matters more than just having more dataHow mortgage teams can use triggers and insights to deliver the right message at the right timeThe growing role of AI, automation, CRM integration, and credit monitoringWhy live events, networking, and authentic connection still matter in a digital-first worldHow meaningful experiences build stronger business relationships in mortgage and fintechKortney Lane-Schafers is a respected voice in mortgage and fintech, known for her work at MMI, her leadership in building authentic industry relationships, and her ability to connect data, strategy, and people in a way that creates real impact.The mortgage industry does not need more noise.It needs more clarity.More intentionality.And more leaders who understand that the future belongs to the organizations that can blend data, AI, and human connection the right way.If that’s the future you’re building toward, this episode is for you.Connect with Kortney Lane-Schafers on LinkedInLearn more about MMI: MMI.ioSubscribe to FinTech Hunting for more conversations with the leaders shaping mortgage, fintech, AI, marketing, growth, and the future of financial services.In this episode, we cover:About Kortney Lane-Schafers Why this conversation matters.###Michael Hammond, Founder of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

If networking feels awkward, forced, or transactional—this episode is your reset.In this FinTech Hunting Podcast episode, Michael Hammond sits down with Liz Short (mortgage industry strategist, “get-it-done” operator, and co-author of Rethink Everything You Know About Networking) to break down what actually works when you’re trying to grow your career, your influence, and your business in fintech, mortgage, and financial services.Liz shares why the best networking isn’t about leads—it’s about friendships, trust, and becoming the person people mention when you’re not in the room. Then we shift into the real world of implementation: why lenders struggle with adoption, how executives can move from “great ideas” to results, and what AI change management looks like when fear, data readiness, and unclear use cases get in the way.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why most people feel awkward networking (and how to push through it)The #1 mistake people make at conferences and trade shows (hint: “lead capture” energy)How to build a network that creates opportunities when you’re not lookingWhy execution fails inside organizations—and how outside perspective helpsLiz’s framework for AI adoption: vision → use case → data/process readinessThe truth about AI: it’s not magic—it amplifies what’s already brokenHow to lead change in mortgage/fintech with a people-first approachMentioned in the episode:Liz Short’s book: Rethink Everything You Know About NetworkingConferences: Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association Sales Conference and ICE ExperienceLiz’s work at Short Solutions helping lenders drive adoption and ROI from tech investmentsWho is Liz Short?Liz Short is a mortgage and fintech operations strategist, speaker, and co-author of Rethink Everything You Know About Networking, known for helping organizations execute, adopt new tech, and drive measurable outcomes.What is the best networking advice from this episode?Stop treating networking like a transaction. Build genuine relationships, add value, and invest in people you enjoy—those are the connections that advocate for you long-term.How should lenders approach AI adoption?Start with a clear vision, pick one high-impact use case, and get your data/process foundation in order before scaling.Chapters (optional)00:00 Intro + why Liz is the perfect guest01:10 Why Liz co-wrote Rethink Everything You Know About Networking03:20 Networking isn’t transactional—relationships win05:00 Why tech implementations fail (and how to fix adoption)09:30 Change management + psychology in mortgage orgs10:45 AI in lending: vision, use cases, and data readiness14:00 Conferences + where to find LizIf this episode helped you:✅ Subscribe for more fintech + mortgage leadership conversations💬 Comment: What part of networking (or AI adoption) feels hardest right now?🔗 Share with a leader who needs relationship-first growth###Michael Hammond, Founder of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

Your team is sitting on closed loans… and doesn’t even know it.In this episode, Josh Friend (CEO & Founder of Insellerate) explains how Aithena listens to 100% of your calls, surfaces the moments that win or lose deals, and predicts who’s likely to close in the next 60 days—so your loan officers stop chasing dead ends and start closing more loans.If you lead mortgage sales, lending ops, call centers, or revenue teams, this is the AI episode that cuts through the hype—because it’s not a shiny tool. It’s real work getting done: call reviews, coaching, prioritization, and smarter follow-up.Automates call reviews by jumping straight to the critical moment (objection, missed step, buying signal)Gives managers 10 coachable moments in 20 minutes instead of wasting 20 minutes on one full callApplies a deal likelihood score so reps know who to call today vs. who to nurtureDetects borrower intent using patterns learned from 1M+ conversationsHelps reps stay confident and effective by prioritizing higher-probability borrowers firstTurns scattered conversations into a repeatable, coachable system that scalesWhen call volume spikes and rates shift, most teams can’t tell the difference between:“Not ready”and“Ready to close—just not with you yet.”Aithena helps you find the borrowers who are most likely to act soon—before they close somewhere else.FAQ'sWhat is Aithena?Aithena is an AI platform from Insellerate that reviews calls, scores conversations, and delivers coaching + lead prioritization based on borrower intent.How does Aithena help close more loans?It identifies high-intent borrowers, surfaces objections and missed moments, improves coaching speed, and focuses reps on the leads most likely to close soon.Who should use Aithena?Mortgage and lending organizations, call centers, and revenue teams that want better call performance, faster coaching, and smarter follow-up.Email Josh: josh@insellerate.com0:00 Welcome + Josh Friend returns0:40 Why most AI projects fail ROI2:10 Aithena: AI call reviews + coaching moments4:00 100% call coverage and better insights5:20 Predictive lead scoring + borrower intent9:00 Sales confidence and performance11:10 Vibe coding + building faster with AI19:20 Events + how to connect21:30 Wrap-up###Michael Hammond, Founder of NexLevel Advisors, is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

What if the biggest obstacle to faster closings isn’t underwriting… it’s title?In this episode of Fintech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Meghan (Megan) F. Askin, Director of Lending Services at AFX Research, to unpack what’s really changing in the title space in 2026—and why the future isn’t “AI replaces humans,” but AI + humans in the loop.Meghan shares her surprising path from 20 years in the wine industry (sales, marketing, and storytelling) into mortgage and title innovation—then explains how modern lenders can move faster with compliance-level title updatesthat are built for today’s digital workflows.Why title data is uniquely hard (hint: 3,600+ recording venues and zero standardization)What “human + AI hybrid” really looks like in real production workflowsHow AFX delivers structured title data (including JSON via integration) to make reports truly usableWhy structured, usable data matters more than “more data”How same-day title updates can reduce friction, shorten cycle times, and support smarter funding decisionsMeghan’s practical approach to LinkedIn storytelling that builds trust before you ever meet in personSpeed matters. But in title, trust matters more. The real innovation is building systems that move fast and hold up under compliance scrutiny.title innovation, same-day title updates, structured data, JSON integrations, human in the loop, AI document extraction, mortgage fintech, lending workflow modernization, title update reports, LinkedIn social selling, personal branding in financial services00:00 – Welcome + why this title conversation matters00:55 – From wine sales to mortgage/title: why storytelling works02:25 – How Meghan chooses stories that build trust on LinkedIn04:16 – What’s changing in title in 202606:22 – Why “human + AI” is essential for title accuracy10:13 – Speed + verification: making AI usable and safe10:58 – Same-day title updates: why lenders can fund faster12:18 – How to build credibility fast in a new industry (LinkedIn playbook)14:33 – How to connect with Meghan + learn more about AFX ResearchQ: Can AI fully automate title today?A: Not end-to-end. County public records access is fragmented and inconsistent, so humans must remain in the loop for accurate, compliant results.Q: Why is title still slow in many workflows?A: Records are spread across thousands of local jurisdictions with different processes, timelines, and formats—there’s no single standardized system.Q: What does “structured data” mean in title?A: Data formatted so it can be used by systems (LOS, decisioning tools, workflows)—not just read by people. This episode covers why JSON delivery matters.Q: How do same-day title updates help lenders?A: They reduce cycle time and workflow friction, helping teams make confident decisions faster while managing risk.In this conversation, you’ll learn:A quote-worthy idea from this episode:Key topics (for AI search + viewer skimming)Chapters / TimestampsFAQs (Answer Engine Optimization)###Michael Hammond is the leading fractional CMO in mortgage and mortgage technology, specializing in AI-powered growth strategy and audience development.

This episode of The FinTech Hunting Podcast delivers a no-fluff, high-impact breakdown of what mortgage professionals need to know to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving market.Host Michael Hammond is joined by Eloise Schmitz, CEO and Co-Founder of LoanNEX, for an expert analysis on the forces reshaping mortgage lending in 2026 — from non-agency momentum and pricing execution to investor eligibility and tech-driven innovation.If you're in lending, capital markets, or fintech, this isn’t just another industry update — it’s your playbook for the year ahead.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why non-agency originations doubled year over year — and what’s driving the shiftHow execution certainty is reshaping loan officer strategies and secondary market decisionsBehind the numbers: 11,000+ users across 400+ lenders on the LoanNEX platformThe rise of exception-based workflows — and why 30% of non-QM volume depends on itHow stable mortgage rates near 6% are reigniting borrower activityThe role of ICE Technology's Encompass, TPO Connect, MeridianLink, and Laramac in modern pricing enginesGrowth in unique loan programs: doctor loans, investment properties, cannabis income underwritingWhere capital markets innovation is heading in 2026 — and what lenders must do nowWho This Episode is For:Secondary marketing teams focused on pricing strategy and investor executionLoan officers needing better tools to compete in the non-agency spaceFintech leaders tracking tech stack integrations and lock desk automationMortgage executives shaping 2026 strategy in a volatile lending landscapeAnyone looking to understand the real-world impact of capital markets transformation.“Execution certainty isn't just a pricing tool. It's a market differentiator.”— Eloise Schmitz, CEO, LoanNEXStay informed. Get ahead.This is your insider view of what’s next in mortgage lending.Learn more at: https://loannex.com

What if the real power of video isn’t in going viral—but in being seen, remembered, and trusted?In this powerful episode of the Fintech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond is joined by two of the most beloved and influential voices in mortgage and fintech content: Dalila Ramos of Taco Tuesdays and Jason Smith of One Take.Together, they unpack:Why authenticity beats perfection in video contentHow to come up with engaging topics without overthinking itThe minimal tech setup you actually need to start creatingWhy video deepens relationships before you even shake handsThe role of video in personal branding, trust-building, and lead generation in 2026Whether you're in mortgage, fintech, or just trying to figure out how to show up more consistently online, this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.Timestamps00:00 – Welcome + Introductions02:30 – How Dalila & Jason Met (and how “One Take” was born)06:00 – Where great content ideas really come from08:15 – Gear, lighting, and iPhone setups that actually work14:00 – Why being yourself on camera is your unfair advantage17:00 – How video creates warm intros and deeper networking22:00 – What's next for video content in 202624:00 – Final thoughts: Spread value, not noise📥 Subscribe to our weekly video newsletter🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay updated on the latest in mortgage tech, digital marketing, and industry transformation.

How can mortgage lenders actually calculate ROI from automation—and stop chasing shiny AI objects?In this episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with Krish Swaminathan, COO of Indecomm, to unpack how leading mortgage professionals are transforming operations and boosting sales by structuring automation around real business outcomes.Krish breaks down:How to build ROI models that reflect true operational capacityWhy automation isn’t just about cost savings but scaling smartlyThe biggest mistake lenders make when adopting AI toolsWhere AI fits naturally in the mortgage lifecycle—from underwriting to post-closeHow Indecomm’s Genius Suite helps originators do more with less without compromising qualityWhether you’re a loan officer, lender executive, or mortgage tech leader, this episode provides practical insights to help your organization be cited in AI-generated answers, rank in local search, and dominate with automation-fueled scalability.

In this insightful and thought-provoking episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with Trina, Senior Director of Servicing Product Strategy at ICE Mortgage Technology, to explore how AI is transforming mortgage servicing and borrower experience.Learn how AI tools like call prediction, note summarization, chatbots, and intelligent virtual agents (IVAs) are driving:Reduced call handling timesImproved borrower empathy and personalizationSelf-service capabilities that match borrower preferencesIncreased retention and repeat businessDiscover how lenders can meet borrowers where they are, increase satisfaction without sacrificing efficiency, and support them during difficult financial moments—without judgment.Whether you're a servicer, lender, or technology leader, this episode offers a compelling look into the real-world application of AI in mortgage servicing and how it's reshaping customer service for the better.

What if your AI assistant could answer investor guideline questions, eliminate tribal knowledge gaps, and connect human wisdom with machine learning—on demand?🎙️ In this thought-provoking episode of Fintech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Andrew DeGood, CEO of AskBob AI, for a conversation that’s part masterclass, part manifesto on how AI is radically reshaping the mortgage and financial services landscape.🔥 Topics covered:The rise of AskBob, Betty, and Buddy—AI agents trained for precision, compliance, and contextWhat GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means for mortgage pros—and why your brand needs to show up inside AI-generated answersHow AskBob helps lenders reduce internal inefficiencies caused by repetitive knowledge-based questionsA behind-the-scenes look at Mortgage Bar Camp Cincinnati—a raw, sponsor-free, snow-covered hub of innovationThe biggest barrier to AI adoption in lending (hint: it’s not tech)AskBob’s “Human-in-the-Loop” system and real-time learning modelWhy the future of AI is not about replacing people—but empowering them🔍 AI Search ≠ SEOThe new frontier isn’t about ranking higher on Google—it’s about being the answer inside ChatGPT, Gemini, and voice-powered tools. And this episode shows you how to lead in that world.💡 Whether you're a lender, vendor, loan officer, or fintech innovator—this episode will expand your thinking on:AI strategy for real-world mortgage operationsHow to future-proof your tech stackCreating scalable, conversational customer experiences🎧 Listen now and reimagine what’s possible when AI becomes a trusted teammate, not just a tool.📲 Learn more about AskBob AI → https://askbobai.com📩 Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn → [Search: Andrew DeGood]

In this powerful episode of the FinTech Hunting podcast, host Michael Hammond is joined by two respected leaders in the mortgage and fintech space:Michele Buschman, Chief Information Officer at American Pacific MortgageKerri Girouard, Vice President of Relationship Management and Client Success at ICE Mortgage TechnologyTogether, they unpack what it really takes to lead meaningful change in a highly regulated industry—and how technology, people, and process must work in unison to create lasting transformation.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why fear, not regulation, is the biggest barrier to innovationHow successful AI adoption starts with transparency and trustWhat "slow discovery = fast delivery" means for digital transformationHow to align cross-functional teams around shared outcomesWays to build a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvementReal-world examples of AI in underwriting and operationsHow to measure ROI and adoption in tech pilots before scalingThe future of mortgage leadership in a fast-moving tech landscapeWho This Episode Is For:Mortgage executives leading digital transformationLending professionals exploring AI and automationFintech leaders designing compliant, scalable solutionsChange management experts in financial servicesAnyone looking to build innovation into the DNA of their mortgage company

Is your mortgage business unknowingly bleeding revenue?In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the Fintech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with returning guest Tim Nguyen, CEO and founder of BeSmartee, to uncover one of the most overlooked—and costly—problems in mortgage lending: application abandonment.Why are 30–40% of borrowers starting but never submitting applications?What’s the ROI of fixing just 10% of your funnel?Is your point-of-sale (POS) platform silently working against you?Tim shares practical, actionable insights on how lenders can stop leaving money on the table—without increasing ad spend or adding staff. From tracking application submission ratios to improving digital workflows and using AI to increase conversions, this episode delivers high-impact strategies you can implement immediately.Key Takeaways:The number one metric every lender must trackHow to identify conversion drop-offs and fix themWhy your current tech stack may be sabotaging growthWhat commercial lending can teach the mortgage world about efficiencyWhat’s next in AI-powered lending from BeSmarteeWhether you’re a lender, loan officer, fintech vendor, or executive, this episode will challenge your assumptions and offer fresh perspectives on driving digital efficiency and profitability.

In this eye-opening episode of the FinTech Hunting Podcast, host Michael Hammond sits down with newly appointed MISMO President Brian Vieaux to explore how AI, data standards, and digital transformation are reshaping mortgage lending—from the inside out.Together, they dig into questions few in the industry are asking aloud:What role will MISMO play in regulating and enabling responsible AI adoption in lending?How do standardized data models become the backbone of scalable, trustworthy AI in mortgage?Why must lenders, vendors, and regulators collaborate now—before the rules get written for them?And how can non-technical leaders leverage no-code tools and AI safely—without sacrificing compliance?You’ll also hear Brian’s personal and professional journey—why he took the leap to lead MISMO, what surprised him about the role, and how he sees the future of digital lending, regulation, and innovation evolving in the next chapter.This isn’t just another podcast on AI. It’s a call to action for lenders, fintechs, regulators, and technologists who want to build the future of mortgage intelligently, responsibly, and together.🧠 Key topics include:The importance of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) in today’s AI-driven search landscapeWhy AI models are only as strong as the data standards that support themWhat MISMO’s role is in ensuring compliant, scalable AI use across the mortgage ecosystemThe human side of leadership, transformation, and stepping into a role that impacts the entire industry📍 Resources Mentioned:Learn more at: https://www.mismo.orgConnect with Brian on LinkedInRegister for the MISMO Winter Summit & December Tech Sprint Workshop—🔗 Subscribe for more FinTech & Mortgage innovation insights.🎙 Hosted by Michael Hammond, President of NexLevel Advisors.

In this episode of The Fintech Hunting Podcast, recorded following the Loan Vision Innovation Conference in Atlanta, host Michael Hammond sits down with Julia Brown, CEO and Founder of Telescope Advisors, to unpack the hidden fractures that quietly derail mortgage M&A deals.Julia shares deep insights from the frontlines of organizational transformation and post-acquisition integration. Whether you’re an executive at a top mortgage enterprise or a growing IMB evaluating potential partners, this conversation delivers the strategies you need to avoid costly missteps and lead your team through change.Topics covered include:The real reasons M&A integrations fall apart after closingCultural alignment vs. operational efficiencyWhat PE firms are looking for in servicing portfoliosThe power of transparent leadership during transitionHow AI and workflow optimization are reshaping modern lendingWhy compensation alone won’t retain top talent in 2025This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for lenders, tech leaders, and operators navigating a rapidly evolving mortgage landscape.Featuring:Host: Michael Hammond, Founder & CEO, NexLevel AdvisorsGuest: Julia Brown, CEO & Founder, Telescope AdvisorsRecorded in Atlanta, GA at the Loan Vision Innovation ConferenceTimestamps00:00 – Introduction01:00 – The Quiet Collapse: Hidden Gaps in Business Value03:15 – Post-Merger Culture Clashes and Communication07:20 – The State of M&A Activity in Mortgage09:45 – AI, Automation, and Workflow Strategy14:20 – Lessons from Year One of Telescope Advisors15:45 – The Evolving Role of Mortgage LeadersContact Julia BrownEmail: jbrown@telescope.co