Podcasts

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.

Episode 597

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 Tuan Nguyen to unpack his incredible story of going from escaping Vietnam’s Mekong Delta as a child to now closing 10 loans a month in a small Tennessee market.

Tuan shares how his family’s journey shaped his work ethic, what reignited his success after hitting a plateau, and the simple “1% rule” that helped him rebuild momentum—making 10 extra agent calls a day and turning cold calls into lasting relationships.

Carl and Tuan dive deep into how consistency, community, and coaching can completely change your trajectory, especially when you stop chasing magic fixes and double down on the basics that work. They also explore what it really takes to scale from 10 to 15 loans a month without losing your sanity or your weekends.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between your next level of growth and your current reality, this episode will show you how discipline, gratitude, and connection can create lasting success.

Episode 596

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 Owen Lee, CEO of Success Mortgage Partners, to explore one of the most groundbreaking uses of AI the mortgage world has seen yet: an automated phone agent that can answer borrower calls 24/7, collect key details, and deliver pre-qualification letters within minutes.

Owen reveals how this new AI system acts as a true digital assistant for loan officers, handling after-hours calls, summarizing conversations, scheduling appointments, and sending pre-qualification letters instantly, all while making sure no lead slips through the cracks. The result is more conversations, more offers, and more closings, even while you’re off the clock.

Carl and Owen break down why this innovation is a game changer for loan officers who want to stay ahead of the curve, and how it gives them a serious advantage over competitors still relying on voicemail. They also discuss the next phase of AI in mortgage, when it will begin analyzing docs, verifying income, and helping with true pre-approvals, plus what it means for anyone looking to scale without burnout.

If you’ve been wondering how to use AI for real business growth, this episode will show you what’s working right now and what’s coming next.

Call the live demo at 734-206-7164 to experience the AI assistant for yourself.

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.

Episode 595

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 Jon Tober from San Antonio to unpack how he went from closing 3 loans a month to consistently hitting 8 and 9, even in a market where most loan officers are struggling to stay flat.

Jon opens up about what shifted for him after facing a 50% drop in production, and how joining the right mentorship circle completely changed his trajectory. He shares the exact strategy that’s been driving his surge in business: a simple but powerful book club for referral partners that builds real relationships, adds value, and keeps agents engaged week after week.

You’ll hear how Jon identifies the right agents to invite, structures his meetings, and turns each chapter into an opportunity for accountability and growth, both for his partners and his own business. Carl and Jon also dig into what it really means to be intentional, how to stay a lifelong student, and how consistency and connection can triple your income in less than a year.

If you’ve been wondering how to create deeper, scalable relationships with your agents and grow your pipeline without adding chaos to your schedule, this conversation is packed with real-world ideas you can put to work right away.

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.

Episode 594

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 Johnstone, CEO of Loan Officer CRM, to talk about one of the biggest changes the mortgage industry has ever faced, the rise of AI-powered search and how it’s already reshaping where loan officers get their leads.

Chris shares how ChatGPT and other large language models are becoming the new “Google,” why top producers are already closing fully completed loan applications through AI, and what every loan officer can do right now to position themselves as the go-to expert in their market before the wave hits.

Together, they unpack how AI is disrupting traditional marketing, what it means to “rank” inside ChatGPT, and why being an early adopter could secure your spot for years to come. You’ll also learn practical steps to get your business recognized by AI so you can start seeing real leads and closings from it.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and future-proof your mortgage business, this episode will show you exactly how to do it before everyone else catches on.

Want help getting ranked and optimized for AI-driven leads? Visit LoanOfficerCRM.ai/AIO to learn more.

Enjoying the podcast? Leave Carl an honest review at 5StarCarl.com.

Schedule a one-on-one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com.

Episode 593

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 Kevin Gillespie, leader of the Leadership Academy at Mortgage Marketing Animals, to reveal how loan officers can stop competing on price and start winning with value. Kevin shares five key strategies that top producers use to raise conversion rates, increase profits, and stand out in a crowded market without being the lowest rate in town.

Together, they dive into how to build irresistible “wow” offers, stack value into every loan, and instantly engage clients so they feel confident choosing you from the very first call. You’ll also learn how to move from transactional selling to true consultative conversations that build trust and long-term relationships.

If you’re ready to earn more while doing less, this episode will show you how to turn pricing pressure into profit power.

Want help putting these systems in place for your own business? Visit ProfitDrivenPlan.com to schedule a free strategy call.

Episode 592

Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White.

In this episode, Carl shares a powerful perspective that every loan officer needs to hear. He explains why building a thriving mortgage business is actually a smarter and more profitable path than owning a franchise like McDonald’s. He compares the $2 million investment it takes to open a single McDonald’s location to the near-zero startup cost of being a loan officer and reveals how a handful of well-managed closings each month can outpace what most franchise owners earn in a year.

Carl breaks down the real numbers, lifestyle freedom, and scalability that make the mortgage business such an incredible opportunity when you follow the right systems. He also gives a nod to Kevin Gillespie and the Leadership Academy for inspiring this powerful mindset shift that could change how you see your own business.

If you’re tired of thinking you need a massive investment to make a great living, this episode will open your eyes to just how close you already are to building your own McDonald’s-level success without the grease traps or name tags.

Ready to see how simple it can be to grow your income and freedom at the same time?
Visit GetMoreLoans.com to schedule a free strategy call.

Episode 591

Welcome to Loan Officer Freedom, the #1 podcast in the country for loan officers, hosted by Carl White.

In this insightful episode, Carl sits down with top-producing loan officer Mike Steplowski from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, to uncover how his team is using AI to clear underwriting conditions faster than ever. Mike shares how his crew leverages a free AI tool called Perplexity to instantly find answers straight from agency guidelines, cutting out the hours of manual searching and reducing interruptions so everyone stays focused on closing loans.

Carl and Mike break down how this simple shift has streamlined communication, boosted productivity, and helped his team close 13 loans in a single month while freeing Mike from being the “easy button” for every question. They also touch on how sticking to the basics of the Daily Success Plan continues to fuel steady, referral-based growth even in a changing market.

This episode is a great reminder that technology doesn’t replace good habits, it amplifies them. When your team knows where to find answers, you stay focused on what really moves the needle: conversations, closings, and client relationships.

If you’d like to connect with Mike, click here to find him on Facebook.

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.

Schedule a one-on-one free coaching call, click here or visit LoanOfficerStrategyCall.com.