Loan Officer Freedom

Episode 617 Schedule a one on one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Brandon Hutchenson, a producing branch manager at Summit Funding with over two decades in the mortgage business, to share one of the most raw and honest conversations ever recorded on the show. Brandon opens up about growing up with very little, building a successful mortgage business, and what happened when a series of personal and financial blows nearly took everything he had built. Brandon walks through how drifting away from the fundamentals of his mortgage business led to massive distractions, broken trust, financial loss, and overwhelming stress. He explains how losing focus on the one thing that built his success created ripple effects across his team, his finances, and his personal life and why discipline in the same direction is non negotiable for long term success. You will also hear how consistent marketing, database follow up, and staying visible with referral partners became the stabilizing force that helped him keep producing even during the most difficult season of his career. Brandon shares powerful lessons on grief, humility, resilience, and why achievement without purpose never leads to fulfillment. If you want a real world reminder of why consistency beats chaos, why marketing is your safety net, and why keeping the main thing the main thing matters more than ever, this episode with Brandon Hutchenson is a must listen.

Episode 616 Join Loan Officer Breakfast Club at LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com where we share ideas like this every weekday morning and even send you the replays if you can't make it live. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this practical and eye opening episode, Carl sits down with returning guest John King to unpack a smart AI driven approach for consuming podcast content faster without missing what actually matters. John shares how he uses tools like Google Gemini to pull transcripts, summaries, and action steps from podcasts so he can focus on implementation instead of information overload. They walk through simple ways to extract the real takeaways, turn ideas into clear game plans, and avoid the trap of endless learning that never turns into action. The conversation also dives into how to think about AI the right way, when to go deep, when to keep it simple, and how to use technology as a tool that supports your core daily activities instead of distracting you from them. This episode is a strong reminder that success does not come from consuming more content. It comes from acting on the right ideas, quickly, with clarity and accountability.  

Episode 615 If you want a simple way to create more consistency, better conversions, and more control over your business, grab a free walkthrough of the Freedom Tracker at GetMoreLoans.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Lacey Moores, a producing branch manager out of Kansas City who closed 177 loans for $55 million last year, to break down how she has stayed consistent, profitable, and in love with the business after more than two decades in mortgages. Lacey shares why falling back in love with originating changed everything, how disciplined tracking drives higher conversions, and why knowing your numbers gives you the ability to pull the right levers at the right time instead of guessing your way through growth. The conversation dives into lead follow up, simple scripts that dramatically increase response rates, how consistency quietly outperforms raw talent, and why most loan officers stop one or two steps before the deal actually happens. If you want fewer wasted leads, better conversions, and a clearer path to predictable growth, this episode will challenge you to simplify, track what matters, and stay consistent long enough for the real freedom to show up.

Episode 614 Schedule a seat at our next live event, the Pipeline Accelerator Event in Clearwater, Florida. Get details and first notification at MastermindRetreats.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with John King of California Dream for All to uncover how consistent YouTube content became a reliable source of business without chasing viral status. John walks through his early years of dormant video output, the shift to intentional content, and the moment he started seeing real production from his videos. You'll hear why focusing on a specific avatar and carving out niche channels helped YouTube's algorithm work in his favor, how longer-form videos outperformed flashy short clips, and how video fits into a diversified business model without replacing core referral and database strategies. John also breaks down how he integrates weekly content into his agent outreach, what metrics matter (and which don't), and why persistence beats perfection when building an audience that converts. If you want a grounded, real-world approach to using video and YouTube to grow your mortgage business sustainably, this episode delivers actionable insights beyond the hype. Click here to check out John King's California Dream for All YouTube channel  

Episode 613 Schedule a one on one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Jonas Rosenberg, a top producing loan officer at Summit Funding, to share what happened when his entire team left and he was forced to rebuild his business from scratch. Jonas opens up about how that reset exposed unhealthy habits, pushed him to simplify his role, and ultimately helped him create more momentum with far less stress. Jonas explains how defining clear non negotiables around nights, weekends, and availability changed both his business and his marriage. He walks through why staying in his lane, trusting his LP1 and LP2, and focusing only on lead generation allowed his team to regain consistency faster than expected. You will also hear how Jonas drives steady production through visibility, community involvement, first time homebuyer classes, and strong past client relationships. He breaks down his lead targets, conversion math, and why being better known still outperforms flashy tactics and short term trends. If you want to close more loans without working more hours, build a team you can trust, and create boundaries that actually fuel growth, this conversation with Jonas Rosenberg delivers a powerful blueprint for sustainable success in the mortgage business. Connect with Jonas Rosenberg Connect on LinkedIn Follow on Facebook

Episode 612 If you want a simple framework to stop overthinking lost deals and start winning more business by fixing what actually matters, visit GetMoreLoans.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Jim Reed for a candid, practical conversation about why loan officers lose business and why it usually has nothing to do with rates, skill, or talent. Carl breaks down the four real reasons someone does not choose you, they did not know you, they could not relate to you, you did not present a clear plan, or you never asked for the commitment, and explains how most loan officers make these problems far bigger in their head than they actually are. The discussion dives into visibility, relatability, simple follow up plans, and why asking for the business is often the fastest lever to pull if you want immediate growth, along with real stories that make these concepts easy to understand and apply. If you have ever walked away from a missed opportunity thinking you just were not good enough, this episode will help you reset your mindset, focus on the right activities, and realize that fixing a few small things can dramatically change your results.

Episode 611 Schedule a one on one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Dave Kammerer, the number one producer in volume at Summit Funding, to unpack how he consistently leads a massive branch while still producing at an elite level himself. Dave shares what it really looks like to be a producing branch manager, why most people misunderstand that role, and how he intentionally built his personal production to run efficiently so he could also coach, lead, and grow others. Dave breaks down his philosophy around time blocking, calendar control, and being highly impactful in short conversations, whether that is with loan officers, referral partners, or clients. He explains how focusing on what you can control eliminates noise, sharpens decision making, and allows you to scale both production and leadership without burning out. You will also hear exactly where his business comes from, including how roughly half of his volume is driven by past clients and database relationships, how he stays top of mind through simple systems and client events, and why genuine curiosity about people is one of the most powerful business development tools loan officers overlook. If you want to learn how a true leader balances production, coaching, and legacy building while staying competitive and fulfilled, this conversation with Dave Kammerer delivers a masterclass in efficient growth, servant leadership, and long term success in the mortgage business.

Episode 610 If you want help building a sales process that blends real relationships with smart technology, without racing to the lowest price, visit GetMoreLoans.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Linus Thalman, a Metro Detroit based loan officer and brokerage owner who closed 150 personal units this year by leaning into old school sales fundamentals in a high tech mortgage world. Linus shares his journey from starting in the business back in 2003 to becoming a top producing broker who still meets buyers face to face and believes relationships will always win. Linus breaks down why convenience can quietly kill conversion, how returning to in person buyer consultations boosted his conversion rate by 15%, and why being a true professional means guiding clients through a full sales process instead of just sending a link and quoting a rate. He also explains how coaching, accountability, and consistent activity played a major role in his best year ever. The conversation dives into team structure, how Linus simplified his operation by assigning one person to manage each loan from start to finish, and how he uses technology and AI as support tools without letting them replace the loan officer. Linus shares practical insights on agent relationships, open houses, database follow up, and why combining marketing, prospecting, and relationship building is the real edge. If you want proof that old school relationship based selling still works and actually works better when paired with the right technology, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, efficiency, and what really drives long term success in the mortgage business.

Episode 609 If you want help getting clear on your numbers, your income, and a smarter path to long term freedom, schedule a free strategy call at LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Adam Crosley, a regional manager with Crown Home Mortgage, for a candid conversation about money, investing, and what it really means to make work optional. The discussion kicks off with Adam sharing how he saved over $8,400 in a single month by consistently paying himself 25% first, and why that habit alone puts him ahead of the vast majority of Americans. Carl and Adam dive deep into real numbers around real estate investing versus the stock market, pulling from decades of firsthand experience. Carl openly shares lessons learned from single family rentals, negative cash flow, and underestimated maintenance, while comparing those results to long term investing in the S&P 500 and precious metals. The conversation strips away theory and focuses on what actually builds wealth with fewer distractions and less stress. They also explore multi unit real estate, leverage, tax strategies, liquidity, and why most investors underestimate the true cost of time and opportunity. Throughout the episode, the message stays clear and practical: save consistently, know your numbers, and keep your focus on the activities that produce the highest return. If you want a real world conversation about building long term wealth while staying focused on your mortgage business and your family, this episode will challenge how you think about money, investing, and freedom.

Episode 608 If you want help mapping out a clear, step by step plan to grow your production, visit GetMoreLoans.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Chris Kloc, a Chattanooga based loan officer who is just four years into the business and on pace to close roughly 175 loans in 2025. Chris shares his journey from being completely outside the mortgage industry to building a high performing, leveraged team and producing at a level most loan officers never reach. Chris breaks down the simple principles that fueled his growth, including ruthless implementation, tracking daily activity, and shortening the gap between learning something proven and actually doing it. He explains how accountability, consistency, and being highly active and visible in the market drove both his purchase and refinance production. The conversation also dives into team structure, buying back time, and why knowing your real job as a loan officer is critical once production starts to scale. Chris outlines how he built leverage around himself so he could stay focused on lead generation, consultations, and leadership. If you are early in your career or stuck at a few loans a month and want a clear picture of what it really takes to scale quickly without burning out, this episode delivers practical lessons you can apply immediately.

Episode 607 To see if a quick strategy call makes sense for your business, visit GetMoreLoans.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with John King, a Sacramento based branch manager and 25 year mortgage veteran who is on pace to close roughly 135 units this year. John shares how leading mastermind groups for local business owners has strengthened his leadership skills, expanded his influence, and created deeper, more loyal relationships in his market. John explains how his mastermind groups are structured, why they are intentionally not leads groups, and how teaching and facilitating conversations has helped him grow personally and professionally. He breaks down the difference between coaching and masterminding, and why removing pressure and formal accountability actually increased engagement and trust. The conversation also dives into confidence, imposter syndrome, and why fear never really disappears, even for experienced producers. Carl and John unpack how stepping into leadership roles sharpens confidence, improves communication, and positively impacts sales conversations and relationships. If you are looking for a smarter way to grow through leadership, collaboration, and shared ideas rather than grinding harder, this episode delivers a powerful blueprint you can apply right away.  

Episode 606 For more information about Carl's upcoming accountability group, visit AllianceNextLevel.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Robyn LaVassaur, a powerhouse leader and producer whose branch closed an incredible 191 units in a single month, and this was not a one-time spike. Robyn shares her journey from a small-town start with no industry background to becoming one of the top producers and executives in the country, all while raising a family and building a high-performing team. Robyn breaks down the simple math behind consistent production, including why daily lead goals, tracking conversion, and focusing on tomorrow's money are non negotiable for long-term success. She explains how her team maintains high standards through clear expectations, strong process control, and a culture built around service rather than pressure. The conversation also dives deep into accountability, leadership, and mindset as Carl and Robyn unpack why most loan officers struggle with consistency and how tracking activity removes emotion from the business. Robyn shares why controlling the process, setting expectations early, and measuring what actually matters leads to predictable results month after month. If you want a real-world look at how disciplined activity, clear numbers, and accountability with heart can drive massive production, this episode delivers a masterclass you can apply immediately.

Episode 605 To see more of this loan consultation checklist, visit GetMoreLoans.com and ask the team for the full breakdown. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl is joined by top producer Jenay Bowen, who consistently closes eight to nine units a month by following a structured loan consultation process that dramatically increases conversion and minimizes surprises for buyers and agents. Jenay walks through her three part framework intro, nuts and bolts, and close and explains how it transforms the pre approval meeting into a smooth, predictable, and highly professional experience. You'll hear how she uses a simple 21 point checklist to stay on track, avoid missed steps, and set clear expectations from the start, which she says eliminates up to 90 percent of the problems that usually surface later in the transaction. Jenay shares how she educates clients with real numbers, guides couples to get aligned on budget, and uses her triangle of trust approach to strengthen agent relationships in every meeting. She also breaks down her pilot and turbulence story that prepares buyers for the journey ahead and shows why it boosts confidence and trust. Carl and Jenay dig into her closeout strategy, including why she has every borrower sign their application on the spot, how she asks for referrals in a natural way, and why this meeting creates pre approvals that agents view as solid as cash. Her system leaves nothing to chance and gives loan officers a repeatable process that increases conversion without adding more hours to the day. If you want pre approvals that stick, smoother transactions, and a consistent path to higher conversion, Jenay's process gives you the blueprint.

Episode 604 Schedule a one-on-one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl is joined by top-producing loan officer and team leader Sarah Cox, who breaks down her full 5 star client experience system and explains how she consistently turns borrowers into lifelong fans. Sarah shares how a simple Walt Disney quote on her desk sparked the idea for a client journey that feels thoughtful, tangible, and unforgettable in a world full of digital noise and lookalike lenders. You'll hear how she re-engineered every stage of the client path, from branded thank you postcards with QR-activated homebuyer guides, to glossy pre-approval packets that feel like a true milestone event, to sweet contract gifts, to a clear to close pizza box that creates excitement and earns glowing reviews. She even walks through the watercolor home magnets she gives at closing, a unique top-of-mind tool that stays on the client's refrigerator long after move-in day. Sarah and Carl also explore how these touchpoints spark more referrals, how she built the system so her whole team can use it, and how she's using this experience strategy to book more agent appointments than ever before. She opens up about what she learned from major brands like Disney, Apple, and Coca-Cola, why she believes loan officers should invest 8 to 10 percent of gross revenue back into marketing, and how this shift is helping her team close more loans with less chasing. If you want to separate yourself from every lender down the street and create a client journey that builds loyalty, referrals, and remarkable moments, Sarah's blueprint will show you how to elevate your entire business and become the person of interest that borrowers and agents are drawn to. Connect with Sarah and see how she runs her operation at StartWithSarah.com

Episode 603 Get the full Refi Toolkit to spark more refis from your past database at GetMoreLoans.com Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with top-producing loan officer Monica Ledbetter, who is on track for 21 closings this month and shares the story of how a blue polyester uniform, a backpack full of catalogs, and sheer grit taught her the discipline that now powers her success in the mortgage business. Monica opens up about the habits, mindset, and daily structure that take her far beyond the industry average, including her "surprise and delight" client touches, her relentless morning outreach, and the authentic connection that fuels almost all of her referrals. You'll hear how she builds deep, loyal agent relationships, why her handwritten notes are converting like crazy, and how her new-agent breakfasts consistently turn fresh licensees into long-term referral partners. She also breaks down her team structure, her marketing cadences, and the practical activities she recommends for loan officers who want to go from 1 closing a month to 4… and then from 4 to 15+. If you're looking for real-world, boots-on-the-ground strategies from someone actively doing 20+ units a month in today's market, Monica's story will show you exactly what's possible with intention, structure, and a genuine love of people.

Episode 602 To map out the exact plan top producers use to grow their business, visit GetMoreLoans.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Jim Reed to break down one of the biggest leaps a loan officer can make in their business: hiring their first assistant and doing it the right way. Jim shares the exact signals that show you are ready, the traps most LOs fall into when they wait too long, and why bringing on support early can often double your capacity faster than any marketing tactic. Together they unpack what tasks should come off your plate first, how to structure the role for maximum impact, and why a great assistant can create more freedom, more consistency, and more closings. Carl explains how his own business transformed the moment he let go of the busy work and focused his time on the highest value activities that only he could do. Jim also walks through the mindset shift required to stop thinking like a solo operator and start thinking like a business owner, including how to afford an assistant sooner than you might expect and what qualities matter more than resume experience. Their conversation gives a clear picture of how the right hire becomes a force multiplier for growth. If you have ever felt buried in tasks, stuck at the same production level, or unsure how to scale without burning out, this episode will show you how a single hire can open the door to more loans, more freedom, and more momentum.

Episode 601 For more information about Carl's upcoming accountability group, visit AllianceNextLevel.com. Schedule a one-on-one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Diane Ranger to revisit one of the most influential experiences in his business life, a little known mastermind inside a Breckenridge ski house that quietly shaped the strategies the Mortgage Marketing Animals still use today. He shares how that group introduced him to early mentors, sparked major breakthroughs, and taught him the true difference between masterminding and coaching. Carl reflects on the lesson of writing small checks to cash big checks, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how unexpected connections can lead to life changing opportunities. Diane adds her perspective on those early days and how relationships from that season helped fuel nearly two decades of growth for the MMA community. The conversation then moves into the power of accountability as Carl highlights real members saving thousands each month by simply sticking to the plan with guidance and follow-through. He explains why accountability with a hug works, who the group is designed for, and why now is the time to lock in your plan before the new year rush. If you enjoy the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped this movement and the practical takeaways that still hold true today, this episode will show you exactly how one mastermind sparked a ripple effect that changed everything.  

Episode 600 For more information about Carl's upcoming accountability group, visit AllianceNextLevel.com. Schedule a one-on-one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. This is not just another episode. This is episode 600, a milestone nearly two decades in the making. To celebrate, Carl brings on the one person who has been there since day one: Diane Ranger. Together they reflect on the early days of the Mortgage Marketing Animals, back when podcasting was not common, and how their partnership shaped everything loan officers now know as the MMA system. Carl and Diane share the biggest truths they have learned along the way, including the now famous "Don't ask how, ask who," why loan officers must stop building the farm and start milking the cows, and the dangers of half built bridges and chasing too many shiny objects. Their conversation dives into delegation, confidence, staying in your lane, and the hard won lessons that transformed a small idea in 2004 into a nationwide movement. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on the impact Diane has had not only on the MMA organization, but on hundreds of thousands of loan officers who have built better businesses and better lives because of the work they quietly built behind the scenes. If you want the real story behind 600 episodes, the wisdom learned, the mistakes made, and the people who made it possible, this celebration is a must listen.  

Episode 599 For more information about Carl's upcoming accountability group, visit AllianceNextLevel.com. Schedule a one-on-one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with branch manager and trusted partner Jim Reed for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with Christmas bonuses and ends with a lesson on grace, growth, and leadership. Jim shares the simple formula he uses to keep bonuses consistent year after year, why employees value stability more than big swings, and how to build culture without tying it to market cycles. Carl and Jim also dig into the real work of leading a team, including why top performers want responsibility, why you should never jump in and do someone's job for them, and how inconsistency can unintentionally send the wrong message. They open up about money, purpose, and the difference between compensation and appreciation, offering a grounded look at what it means to lead people well in a volatile industry. The conversation wraps with a powerful discussion about personal growth, learning from pressure, and how the biggest breakthroughs often come from the weight life puts on your barbell. If you've ever wondered how to lead with clarity, reward your team fairly, and grow through both challenges and successes, this episode will hit home.  

Episode 598 For more information about Carl's upcoming accountability group, visit AllianceNextLevel.com. To map out the exact plan top producers use to grow their business, visit GetMoreLoans.com. Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White. In this episode, Carl sits down with Rebecca Bernard, the executive assistant behind one of the most productive mortgage branches in the nation, closing nearly $400 million a year. Rebecca shares how she supports branch manager Jim Reed both personally and professionally, taking everything off his plate that does not generate revenue so he can focus entirely on growth. You will hear how Rebecca manages finances, schedules, communication, tech issues, branch operations, event planning, coaching logistics, and even borrower intake in her earlier role, freeing up massive time for the entire branch. She explains what traits to look for when hiring your first assistant, why green and eager often beats experience, and how the right support person becomes a true profit center instead of an expense. Carl and Rebecca break down why top earners almost always have this level of help, how assistants keep loan officers focused on prospecting instead of distractions, and why the most successful leaders build their team before they think they qualify. If you have ever wondered when it is time to hire help or how much it could change your life, this episode lays it out clearly and simply.