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Lodestar's Lending Leaders

Lodestar's Lending Leaders

By Lodestar Lending Leaders

Listen every week as Lodestar CEO Jim Paolino interviews people across the Mortgage Industry.
Episode ideas? Email us at lendingleaders@lssoftwaresolutions.com
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Building Bridges with Technology

Lodestar's Lending LeadersMar 21, 2024

00:00
31:07
Building Bridges with Technology

Building Bridges with Technology

For this week's episode of Lending Leaders, Jim chats with Allen Pollack, a product innovator, board advisor, and strategist, about the mortgage industry, tech, and how to build bridges and relationships in lending.

Mar 21, 202431:07
The Tech That Matters Most

The Tech That Matters Most

For this week's Lending Leaders episode, Greg Uttal, President at Cyberlink Software Solutions, was kind enough to talk with us about tech, implementation, the benefits of AI, and what matters most when it comes to implementing automations.

Mar 14, 202423:56
How to NOT Miss Lending Opportunities

How to NOT Miss Lending Opportunities

For this week's episode of the Lending Leaders podcast, Jim Paolino interviews Josh Friend, the CEO and Founder of InSellerate, a powerful marketing automation platform for lenders. Together they discuss missed opportunities and how to avoid them.

Mar 07, 202421:28
Going Deeper with AI

Going Deeper with AI

For this week's episode of Lending Leaders, Alayna chats with Brandon Goldstein of Cape Analytics about how AI can be more than just a buzzword and elevate customer experience.

Feb 29, 202419:15
How to Ace Tech Implementation

How to Ace Tech Implementation

LodeStar's Alayna Gardner chats with Lynnette Nuese, Director of Sales at Constellation Mortgage Solutions, about how lenders and vendors can work together to improve the loan origination process and ace tech implementation.

Feb 22, 202418:01
The Homebuyer's Journey in 2023

The Homebuyer's Journey in 2023

LodeStar's Jim Paolino chats with longtime friend and recent homebuyer, Brian Popek, about the ups and downs of buying a home in a less-than-ideal time.

Feb 15, 202421:45
Sizing Up Challenges Ahead

Sizing Up Challenges Ahead

Jim Paolino talks with CEO and Founder of BeSmartee, Tim Nguyen, about what's ahead for mortgage in 2024, and how companies should size up various challenges on the horizon.

Feb 08, 202424:11
Which Strategies Have the Biggest Impact

Which Strategies Have the Biggest Impact

NFM Lending's Greg Sher sits down with Alayna Gardner to discuss the impact of social media, the need for true leadership, and which marketing and leadership strategies really make the biggest difference in today's mortgage industry.

Feb 01, 202421:49
A Person-First Approach to Lending

A Person-First Approach to Lending

Alayna Gardner sits down with Travis Dyson, VP of Sales at Flagstaff Bank, on the power of relationships in lending, the importance of planning, and the primacy of putting people first.

Jan 25, 202418:41
Innovation in a Tough Market

Innovation in a Tough Market

LodeStar's Jim Paolino interviews Dave Savage of Trust Engine. Together they chat about the spirit of innovation, how to weather tough markets, and the importance of customer service.

Jan 18, 202423:12
The Credit Union Movement

The Credit Union Movement

LodeStar's own Jim Paolino chats with ACUMA President, Peter Benjamin, CMB, about the credit union movement, the American dream of homeownership, and the importance of community engagement.

Jan 11, 202419:40
Emphasizing the Borrower Experience

Emphasizing the Borrower Experience

Alayna chats with longtime LodeStar friend, John Hardesty, General Manager-Mortgage Division at Argyle, about the borrower experience, the importance of education, and how technology moves the industry forward.

Jan 04, 202422:38
Reflecting on 2023

Reflecting on 2023

Get ready for an eyeful of holiday sweater... Alayna and Jim sit down with Dave Spektor to reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024.

Dec 21, 202317:45
The Power of Vulnerability

The Power of Vulnerability

Raquel Borras, host of Raq the Boat and Women Who Shred, talks with Alayna Gardner about bridging the generational gap, fostering accountability, and bringing a spirit of fun to the workplace.

Dec 14, 202320:23
The Impact of the NAR Ruling

The Impact of the NAR Ruling

For this week's episode of Lending Leaders, Jim chats with longtime LodeStar friend, Matt Einheber, Principal at TitleEQ and Creator of Title Box, about the impact of the NAR ruling and the future of real estate.

Dec 07, 202322:58
More Than Just Surviving

More Than Just Surviving

LodeStar's Alayna Gardner chats with the indefatigable Liz Short, CEO of Short Solutions, about how to do more than just "Survive Till '25."

Nov 30, 202318:27
A Better World Through PMI

A Better World Through PMI

This week's guest is a new friend, Nomi Smith, Founder and CEO of PMI Rate Pro. She and Jim Paolino chat about Nomi's amazing story, her journey into mortgage lending, and her expertise in the world of mortgage insurance.

Nov 16, 202318:38
Key Takeaways from MBA 2023

Key Takeaways from MBA 2023

Two hosts for the price of one! Jim and Alayna regroup at LodeStar HQ to recap MBA Annual 2023 in Philadelphia. They discuss key takeaways, shifts in focus in mortgage tech, and—of course—Philly food.

Nov 09, 202320:23
How to Be Unbreakable

How to Be Unbreakable

This week LendingLeaders features an awesome conversation between LodeStar's own Alayna Gardner and Equity Capital Mortgage Group's Rick Rucker on how to be unbreakable in tough times and tough markets.

Nov 02, 202322:23
Leading with Authenticity

Leading with Authenticity

For this week's Lending Leaders episode, Alayna talks with Meg Bennett, AMP, CMB, on the struggle of getting those impressive letters behind her name. Meg is a champion of authenticity, and she brings that to every conversation and endeavor.

Oct 26, 202316:54
Creating Connections in Lending

Creating Connections in Lending

For this week's episode of Lending Leaders, Jim Paolino talks with Joel Gonzalez, Managing Partner & EVP of Sales MOR Lending, about Joel's journey into mortgage lending and the power of connection in sales.

Oct 19, 202323:04
Competing on More Than Just Cost

Competing on More Than Just Cost

For this week’s episode of Lending Leaders, Alayna Gardner and Dustin McClelland, EVP of Sales at Lender Price, talk about the importance of usable data, integrity and respect, and competing on more than just cost.

Oct 12, 202315:03
How Expertise Builds Trust

How Expertise Builds Trust

For this week’s episode of Lending Leaders, Jim Paolino chats with Marina Hubenova, Director of Sales at Inspect HOA. They discuss the fear of changing, navigating difficult markets, the role of tech, and how to build trust with expertise.

Oct 05, 202317:35
Sales and Leadership

Sales and Leadership

During this week's episode of the Lending Leaders podcast, Alayna Gardner and Skip Willcox discuss sales, time management, the importance of investing in your dreams, and the value of leadership.

Sep 28, 202318:43
The Impact of Impact Lending

The Impact of Impact Lending

In today’s episode of Lending Leaders, Heather Horovitz, the SVP of Community Development, Financial Institutions, and Impact Lending at VyStar Credit Union, joins us to discuss her journey into community development and impact lending. Heather’s transition from being a chef to working in finance might seem like an unlikely path, but it was driven by her passion for strategic planning and the desire to make a difference in her community.

Sep 21, 202318:57
Transparency in Mortgage

Transparency in Mortgage

In this week's episode of Lending Leaders, Alina Gardner interviews Jimmy King, CEO and Co-Founder of Banking Bridge, to discuss the importance of transparency in the mortgage industry and how it can benefit both borrowers and lenders.

Sep 14, 202319:49
Future-Proofing Your Business

Future-Proofing Your Business

Lending Leaders is back for its fourth season. We're kicking things off with Alayna, Jim, and Dave discussing how to build your business with an eye to the future.

Sep 07, 202322:22
Anatomy of a Rebrand

Anatomy of a Rebrand

For this week's episode of the Lending Leaders Summer Session, Jim and Alayna dissect LodeStar's much needed rebrand (see last week's episode 😬) and talk about what makes a good brand.

Aug 24, 202318:25
The Ghost of Marketing Past

The Ghost of Marketing Past

For this week’s episode of the Lending Leaders Summer Session, Alayna and Jim mark the beginning of LodeStar’s tenth anniversary by resurrecting some old marketing, website materials, and cringe fuel. Let’s just say we’re proud of how far we’ve come…

Aug 17, 202316:50
Lessons from the Office: Part Four

Lessons from the Office: Part Four

For this week's episode of the Lending Leaders Summer Session, we're back for the fourth and final installment of our ongoing conversation: business lessons from the hit sitcom, The Office.

Jul 27, 202313:18
Lessons from the Office: Part Three

Lessons from the Office: Part Three

For this week's episode of the Lending Leaders Summer Session, we're back to part three of our ongoing conversation: lessons from the hit sitcom, The Office.

Jul 20, 202311:18
Lessons from the Office: Part Two

Lessons from the Office: Part Two

For this week's episode of the Lending Leaders Summer Session, we're back to the next installment of last week's conversation: lessons from the hit sitcom, The Office.

Jul 13, 202311:43
Lessons from the Office: Part One

Lessons from the Office: Part One

To kick off the Lending Leaders Summer Session, Jim and Alayna begin a four-part discussion on the Office, the beloved TV show about a small-town paper company and the people who work there. This week’s question: is Dunder Mifflin a good company?

Jul 06, 202306:55
Rethinking Hire/Fire Cycles

Rethinking Hire/Fire Cycles

For this week’s episode of LLL, Jim chats with Leora Ruzin, Founder of Ruzin Creative, to talk about the mortgage industry, hiring and firing cycles, and why those are so unnecessary.

May 18, 202323:50
The Importance of Compliance

The Importance of Compliance

For this week's episode of LLL, Alayna sits down with Dominique Wiest, VP of Regulatory Compliance with LendingPad. Together, they discuss all things compliance, the importance of knowing how disclosures work, and why lenders can't afford not to know about state and federal requirements.

May 11, 202317:07
Data and Accountability

Data and Accountability

For this week's episode of LLL, Alayna sits down to talk with Steve Sussman, Chief Business Development Officer with Nationwide Appraisal Network (NAN), about the world of appraisal, the importance of data, and the value of accountability.

May 04, 202322:26
Industry Update with Jim Paolino

Industry Update with Jim Paolino

For this week's episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders podcast, Jim and Alayna sit down to talk spring market, market cycles in the mortgage industry, and the perennial fear: recession.

Apr 27, 202315:34
The Importance of (Re)Branding

The Importance of (Re)Branding

For this week's episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders Podcast, Alayna talks with Robert Palmer, Marketing Manager at Byte Software, to discuss the importance of branding, rebranding, and core marketing principles.

Apr 20, 202327:47
What is Hybrid Automation?

What is Hybrid Automation?

For this week's episode of LLL, Jim sits down with Babar Chaudhary, Founder of Mortgage Automation, to talk about one of the mortgage industry's most overused buzzwords: automation.

Apr 13, 202326:29
The Blockchain Revolution

The Blockchain Revolution

For this week's episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders Podcast, Alayna chats with Molly Elmore, Partner at Valhil Advisors and co-host of the new podcast Escape Velocity, about how Blockchain is changing the internet and the economy at large.

Apr 06, 202325:14
Women in Mortgage Tech

Women in Mortgage Tech

For this week's episode of LLL, Alayna and Kelsey chat about their experience as women in the mortgage space and how things have changed since they got their start.

Mar 30, 202316:03
Viewing Challenges as Opportunities

Viewing Challenges as Opportunities

For this week's episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders podcast, Alayna talks with SimpleNexus CTO Lori Brewer about women in STEM and the impact that unforeseen challenges can have on your career.

Mar 23, 202319:23
The Irreplaceable Value of Mentorship

The Irreplaceable Value of Mentorship

For this week’s episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders Podcast, Jim sits down with Michele Kryczkowski, a mortgage industry pro with twenty years of experience, and a passionate advocate of mentorships. They discuss the difference between instilling competence and demanding confidence, and how mentors can best empower their mentees.

Mar 09, 202328:57
Empowering Down Payment Assistance

Empowering Down Payment Assistance

For this week’s episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders podcast, Alayna sat down with Rob Chrane, Founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource. Down Payment Resource connects homebuyers with the down payment help they need and provides tools for housing professionals to help them along the way. Together they discussed all things down payment assistance, empowering local lenders to help borrowers, and fighting the uphill battle of homebuyer education.

Mar 02, 202323:19
Predicting Better Futures

Predicting Better Futures

For this week's episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders podcast, Jim sat down with Laird Nossuli, CEO of iEmergent, a data and analytics technology provider focused on forecasting the future of the mortgage industry. Since 2000, iEmergent has been focused on delivering insights to help organizations navigate the industry’s changing landscape. Jim and Laird talked about using data to forecast the future, navigating changes, and the importance of championing diversity and underserved markets.

Feb 23, 202329:47
By the Numbers: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

By the Numbers: Looking Back and Looking Ahead

For this week’s episode of LLL, Jim speaks with longtime friend, Matt Einheber, Creator of TitleBox, to nerd out over some stats and numbers. They take a look back at the 2021 and 2022 markets, and speculateabout 2023.

Feb 16, 202328:26
Serving the Larger Conversation

Serving the Larger Conversation

For this week’s episode of LodeStar Lending Leaders, we were beyond excited to sit down with Rob Chrisman of the Chrisman Commentary. In our industry, he’s a legend who needs no introduction. He was kind enough to give some of his time to our podcast while attending IMB23 in sunny Coronado, California.

Feb 02, 202311:16
"Don't Get Too High on the Highs"

"Don't Get Too High on the Highs"

For this week’s episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders podcast, Jim had the pleasure of chatting with Bob Ventola, Branch Manager, and Tim Shultz, SVP of National Sales Administration, with Draper & Kramer Mortgage Corp. Both are industry veterans who’ve seen their share of “good” and “bad” mortgage markets. We were eager to pick their brains and glean some wisdom for cutting through the doom-and-gloom headlines of the 2022 and early 2023 market.

Jan 12, 202328:30
Leveraging AI in Mortgage

Leveraging AI in Mortgage

For this week’s episode of the LodeStar Lending Leaders podcast—the very first of the new year!—CEO Jim Paolino sat down with Hoyt Mann, President and Co-Founder of Alanna.ai, a virtual assistant software for the title industry. We were excited to pick his brain about all things AI, machine learning, and technology in the mortgage and title industries.

Jan 05, 202329:47
2022: Reflecting on a Crazy Year

2022: Reflecting on a Crazy Year

For this week’s pre-holiday break episode of Lending Leaders, Jim and Alayna slowed things down a bit and sat down with LodeStar Co-Founder and CTO, David Spektor, to reflect on what 2022 meant for the company.

Dec 22, 202208:52