CONNECT by California MBA

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Boaz Reisman, AI and Machine Learning Expert, Dark Matter Technologies 1:24 - I always like to get started with a little background, so tell us how you got into the mortgage business. 4:13 - Artificial intelligence is used in an ever-increasing capacity in this industry and is top of mind for all lenders. What would you say is AI’s most effective aspect for the mortgage industry? 6:50 - The field of AI in general is met with such mixed reviews. The unimaginable potential and the fear of replacing humans! What are your thoughts on the future of AI in general? 13:42 - Dark Matter is a fascinating company, tell us about the company’s priorities in 2024? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

This is a special episode with the two hosts of California MBA's 2024 Mortgage Innovators Conference. Join Susan as she is joined by Kevin Peranio, PRMG and Paul Gigliotti, PJ Operations to talk about the exciting event in May. To learn more about the conference and to register, visit mortgageinnovators.com/conference

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Erin Wester, VP, Product Management, Optimal Blue 1:35 - I always like to get started with a little background, so tell us how you got into the mortgage business. 3:21 - As lenders are coming off an incredibly challenging year, 2023, what are the top solutions Optimal Blue is offering to help lenders be successful in this market? 9:13 - You were named one of “The Most Powerful Women in Fintech” in 2023 by PROGRESS in Lending Association, how did you react when you heard the news? 10:09 - Optimal Blue is a member of the California MBA, for which we are always grateful and the company has supported many of our events and initiatives over the years. Can you share why Optimal Blue is such a big supporter? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Holly Neber, CEO, AEI Consultants 1:35 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry.  Tell us how you got into this business. 3:35 - It is not common to see someone at one company for as long as you’ve been with AEI – what a great story.  Corporate culture must have had a lot to do with your longevity at the company.  Tell us a little about AEI’s corporate culture 5:18 - AEI offers a number of services, how has valuation and due diligence changed since the pandemic? 7:10 - FHA Radon requirements changed a year ago - how has the industry adapted? 9:53 - What is AEI seeing as far as office building valuation trends? 11:03 - Being a leader during hot markets is much different than challenging markets, like we’re in today. What are some of the leadership values that can help companies navigate the tough times? 13:37 - AEI Consultants has been a member of the California MBA for years AND have consistently sponsored our big Western States CREF Conference, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you choose to support our organization? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Rekha Siddani, EVP, National Credit Operations, Amerihome 1:22 - I always like to get started with a little background, so tell us how you got into the mortgage business. 3:59 - Rekha you’ve had a long history in the mortgage business, what is your outlook on the balance of 2024 for this industry? 5:50 - What do you find to be the biggest challenge today for a mortgage banks underwriting and appraisal operations? 8:39 - Cyber security continues to be a top priority for anyone in business. What advice would you give to lenders about prioritizing their data and information? 11:07 - You’ve been at Amerihome for many years, what are the priorities for that company in 2024? 13:12 - You’ve recently received the MBA’s Path to Diversity Scholarship, congratulations! Tell us more about that program To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Rajan Nair, CEO, Indecomm 1:52 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business. 4:59 - The mortgage industry seems ripe for automation, but I still talk to some lenders who are reluctant to use it. What do you think is the reason for the reluctance and how do you help them get through it? 11:55 - Tell me more about your Genius suite of automation products and the journey that you had to take to get here. 19:04 - Being a leader during hot markets is much different than challenging markets, like we’re in today. What are some of the leadership values that can help companies navigate the tough times? 23:57 - Indecomm is a member of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you choose to support our organization? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Pamela Hamrick, President, Incenter Diligence Solutions 1:27 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business. 2:36 - You’ve had a long history in the mortgage industry, We’re coming off a tough year for originators. How can a company be competitive in a purchase market? 3:38 - How does Incenter Diligence Solutions help lenders in a market such as this? 6:37 - How has California’s insurance crisis impacted risk management for lenders? 9:28 - What are the top priorities for Incenter Diligence Solutions this year? 11:58 - You’ve had a long career in financial services, what advice would you give a young mortgage professional just starting out? 14:44 - Incenter Diligence Solutions is a member of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you choose to support our organization? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Chad Ruggles, SVP Head of Vylla Home, brokerage arm of Carrington Mortgage Services 1:29 - I always like to get started with a little background, so tell us how you got into the mortgage business. 3:03 - You’ve had a long career in the mortgage industry - what’s your overall take on the residential mortgage market for 2024? 5:19 - Vylla Title is part of the Carrington Family of Companies. How was it moving from the mortgage side of the business to leading their brokerage company? 7:18 - Cyber security continues to be a top priority for anyone in business. Running your company means you have access to significant personal information. What advice would you give to lenders about prioritizing their data and information? 8:49 - How does Vylla Home set themselves apart from their competitors? 11:51 - Chad, Vylla Home is not only a member company but a consistent sponsor of our annual CAMPAC Golf Tournament, which we greatly appreciate. Can you share with us why you choose to support our organization? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Amit Tyagi, Principal, Gantry 1:24 - This year, you’ve been promoted to Principal at Gantry. What does this new role mean to you? 3:01 - How did you get your start into the mortgage industry? 4:51 - 2023 was tough market for all real estate finance. What asset classes do you see faring better than others in the next 12 months? 10:43 - What makes Gantry unique in the industry? 14:43 - The real estate finance industry is always looking to increase diversity. How is Gantry attracting young or diverse mortgage professionals to this industry? 17:57 - Can you speak to the role of mentors as you have moved through different stages of your career? And what advice would you give a person just starting their career in our industry? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Wes Iseley, Senior Managing Director, Carrington Mortgage Services I always like to get started with a little personal background; how did you get into the mortgage industry? We’re at the start of a new year, and interest rates seem to be stabilized.  What are your insights into what you expect for the overall mortgage market in 24? What do you expect will be the priorities for Ginnie Mae this year? In 2022, The Five Star Institute honored you with their Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing your amazing 40-year career!  How did you react when you heard the news? Your company has an incredible charity, the Carrington Charitable Foundation.  Tell us a little about how that non-profit got started and programs it supports. Wes, I have been so honored to work with you as part of our Board of Directors and later this year, you’ll be installed as Chairman of our Board!  Can you talk about why it’s important for the industry to support the California MBA? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Tony Kaufmann Principal, Gantry 1:21 - This year, you’ve been promoted to Principal at Gantry. What does this new role mean to you? 2:18 - How did you get your start into the mortgage industry? 5:22 - 2023 was tough market for all real estate finance. What asset classes do you see faring better than others in the next 12 months? 9:37 - What makes Gantry unique in the industry? 13:01 - The real estate finance industry is always looking to increase diversity. How is Gantry attracting young or diverse mortgage professionals to this industry? 15:36 - Can you speak to the role of mentors as you have moved through different stages of your career? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Brian Devlin, CEO, Arc Home Loans. 1:30 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business. 2:11 - You’ve had a long history in the mortgage industry, We’re coming off of a tough year for originators. How can a company be competitive in a purchase market like this? How does Arc Home set themselves apart from competitors? 3:35 - What are some of the opportunities in today’s market for the non-QM lending space? 6:31 - Being a leader during hot markets is much different than challenging markets, like we’re in today. What are some of the leadership values that can help companies navigate the tough times? 8:15 - You’ve had a long career in financial services, what advice would you give a young mortgage professional just starting out? 11:32 - Arc Home is a member of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why you choose to support our organization? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Josh Friend, CEO, Insellerate 1:49 - Josh, you’ve been a guest on Connect before, welcome back! We’re kicking off a new year – what’s your overall take on the residential mortgage market for 2024? 2:46 - I have heard you give a fascinating presentation on artificial intelligence. What should lenders be thinking about this year regarding AI? 5:08 - Tell us what’s in store for Insellerate in 2024 7:20 - Being a leader during hot markets is much different than challenging markets, like we’re emerging from today. What are some of the leadership values that can help companies navigate the tough times? 8:52 - We were fortunate to have Tristan Friend in our Future Leaders Program in 2023, thank you for supporting that program. What was his/your impression of that experience? 10:31 - Josh, Insellerate has been a member for years, a President’s Council sponsor for many years also, and we’re just so grateful for your overall support. Can you share with us why you choose to support our organization? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Chris Robbins and Joe Euphrat, Managing Principals, GreenRock. Topics of discussion: I always like to get started with a little personal background, how did you get into the mortgage/C-PACE industry? I love a good entrepreneurial story, tell us about starting GreenRock Tell us about the charitable partners you’ve chosen (City of Hope and Little Wishes) We’re at the start of a new year, any insights into what you expect for the overall commercial real estate market in 24? How has C-PACE financing changed in the past decade? What do you see for the coming 12-24 months? What are you seeing in the industry from a conversion standpoint (office to some other use, etc.)? Chris and Joe, we are grateful for the support you’ve shown to the California MBA over the years through GreenRock and other companies. Can you talk about why it’s important for the CRE industry to support the California MBA? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome David Doyle, Sales and Business Development, Sagent 1:29 - Introduce yourself and share a little about your role at Sagent? 2:31 - What initially got you into lending and financial services, and how has the space changed over the years? 7:05 - What's in store for the housing market as we look ahead to 2024? What are the biggest headwinds / opportunities? 10:50 - How can lenders help homebuyers navigate home affordability? 12:50 - Any technology trends that stand out to you right now, especially as we move into the new year? 16:17 - When it comes to recruitment and retention, what do lenders, servicers, and their fintech partners need to consider to attract the right individuals to their companies? 18:48 - Sagent had a participant in our 2023 Future Leaders Program, what were your thoughts on that program? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Ed Gill, Partner, BridgeCounsel Strategies Topics of Discussion: 1:37 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into the mortgage industry 2:57 - Describe what it was like moving from the private sector in the role of a state regulator? 7:58 - As a former regulator, what advice can you give lenders as to the best way to communicate with your state regulator? 11:00 - You started BridgeCounsel with Manny Alvarez, former DFPI Commissioner this year, What are the top priorities you’re hearing from clients? 14:52 - What’s does BridgeCounsel have planned for 2024? 17:08 - Ed, your company became a member of the California MBA this year and you and I will be on stage together at our Legal Issues & Regulatory Compliance Conference next week, and I truly appreciate your support. To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Jehan Patterson, Counsel, Debevoise & Plimpton Topics of Discussion: 1:44 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into legal representation for financial services. 5:35 - You have recently joined the Board of Directors of the DC Bar Foundation - how did you react when you got that news? Tell us a little bit about the Foundation 6:39 - You were an Enforcement Attorney at the CFPB, what were some of the top compliance areas that seemed to trend the most? 9:01 - What are the legal trends that mortgage lenders should be paying attention to right now? 12:08 - You will be speaking at our Legal Issues & Regulatory Compliance conference that’s coming up December 11 – 12 in Irvine. Can you give us a sneak peek at what you’ll be covering? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Jeff Flory, CMB, AMP, CEO, QCAlly Topics of Discussion: 1:26 - Jeff, I always like to start by finding out how people got into this industry, so tell us your story. 4:14 - Congratulations on your professional designations – both CMB and AMP, that’s impressive. What can you share with our listeners about what you experienced while going through those programs? 8:39 - We’ve known each other since you were at First American and I’ve always valued working with you. What are some of the top QC issues lenders should be focusing on right now? 12:09 - Another congratulations on becoming the CEO of QCAlly! What’s in store for the company in 2024? 16:24 - Jeff, you’ve been a fantastic and active member of the California MBA. I especially appreciate your role in our legislative efforts over the years and encouraging others to pay attention to what’s happening from a legislative perspective. Can you share why you are a supporter of the California MBA? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Anoush Garakani, Partner, Alston & Bird Topics of Discussion: 1:40 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry.  Tell us how you got into legal representation for financial services. 5:59 - You were recognized in 2021 and 2022 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” on the “Ones to Watch” list for your work in Corporate Governance and Compliance Law.  What did that recognition mean to you? 7:01 - 2023 is certainly the toughest market we’ve seen in years.  What do you advise lenders as the most important thing to monitor from a compliance perspective right now? 10:19 - Can you give us a little insight as to what you might be covering at our annual Legal Issues & Regulatory Compliance Conference? 13:45 - You’ve been a big supporter of the California MBA, can you share with us why you’re such a big supporter? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!

Welcome to Connect, a podcast featuring one-on-one interviews with some of the top movers and shakers in the mortgage industry. This week we welcome Michael Pearson, SVP Business Development, A&D Mortgage Topics of Discussion: 1:26 - I always like to get started with our journeys to the mortgage industry. Tell us how you got into this business. 2:39 - 2023 is definitely a tough year for originators. How can a company be competitive in a purchase market like this? How does A&D set themselves apart from competitors? 4:30 - What are some of the opportunities in today’s market for the non-QM lending space? 6:40 - How do you work with brokers to help combat any current fears that clients may have about whether this is the right time to buy a home? 8:26 - You’ve had a long career in financial services, what advice would you give a young mortgage professional just starting out? 10:12 - A&D Mortgage is a big supporter of the California MBA, for which I’m always grateful. Can you share with us why the company supports us? To learn more about the California MBA visit www.cmba.com and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode!