I Love Mortgage Brokering

What’s the first hire you should make if you want to double your volume without doubling your hours?   This is Episode 2 of our $100 Million Dollar Journey with Nate Atkin, a series following Nate in real time as he builds a scalable mortgage business.   After funding $18M in his first year, Nate knew he needed leverage to keep growing. In this episode, we unpack the mindset, strategy, and exact process Nate used to find, train, and hire an underwriter before burnout set in.   If you’re juggling too many files or waiting too long to delegate, this is your roadmap. What We Cover: When to Hire – Why Nate made the move earlier than most and how to know when it’s time. The “Audit File” Strategy – How he tested candidates with real files to find the right fit. Training with Confidence – What Nate did in the first 30 days to get his new hire producing fast. Letting Go Without Losing Control – How to build trust and clarity into your file handoff. The Real ROI – Why this one hire gave Nate more time, more energy, a

In a time of economic chaos, how can mortgage brokers give clients advice they can actually trust?   Dave Larock returns to break down the uncertainty dominating global markets and what it means for Canadian mortgage clients. If you’ve ever hesitated when a client asks, “Should I go fixed or variable?”, this episode will help you sharpen your answer.    Dave doesn’t claim to know the future, but he does offer a clear-eyed view of what matters most right now.   What We Cover in This Episode: Fixed vs. Variable Today – Why Dave’s seeing most clients choose fixed, and how he frames the decision. Uncertainty Is the Point – What the Bank of Canada’s latest messaging really signals. The U.S. Wildcard – How political instability down south could ripple into Canadian rates. Manulife One Marketing Myths – Why Dave cautions clients about what sounds too good to be true. Better Reading, Faster Thinking – The information sources Dave relies on and how to shortcut your own learning.   We don’t need perfect predictions.

What if clients aren’t ghosting you… what if you’re just not giving them a reason to stay engaged? This is Episode 2 of our Coaching Q&A series where I answer real questions from brokers in our community. In this episode, I unpack why clients go cold after discovery calls and what you can do to prevent it. From fixing how you frame your value to setting better expectations, this is a tactical deep dive into earning trust early and staying in control of the process. If leads are going quiet after the first call, this episode will show you what to change. We’ll cover: Fixing the First Call – How to frame your value so clients actually follow through. Giving Them a Path – Why clients disappear when you don’t clearly outline the next step. Removing Uncertainty – How ambiguity creates hesitation and how to eliminate it. Using Deadlines Strategically – When and how to give clients a decision window. Building Micro-Commitments – Small yeses that keep momentum going. Clients don’t ghost when they feel clear, su

What if the fastest way to grow your mortgage business is to double your hourly rate? This is Episode 1 in our new series: How to Double Your Income—where we follow $40M producer Taylor Atkinson as he works to double his income without doubling his workload. Taylor shares the real numbers behind his business, how he’s tracking his hourly rate, and the systems he’s building to protect his time while still growing. If you want to earn more without burning out, this is the blueprint. If you're done trading hours for every extra deal, Taylor’s journey will show you how one broker is building smarter—not just working harder. What we’ll cover: Hourly Rate Over Volume – Why Taylor tracks dollars per hour, not file count. Cutting Discovery Calls – How Loom videos save time and boost conversion. Tracking with Toggl – The tool he uses to see what’s worth doing (and what’s not). Turning Away the Wrong Clients – Why less can actually mean more. Top Lead Sources – The channels driving consistent, high-quality business.

What do you say when a realtor gives out your name, but the client never calls? This is Episode 1 of a new series we’re calling The Weekly Broker Breakdown where I tackle real questions, real situations, and real wins from our coaching community. In this kickoff episode, I’m diving into one of the most common broker pain points: how to handle the vague “I gave your name out” referral and turn it into an actual conversation. I also cover simple CRM fixes and smart follow-up strategies that keep deals from falling through the cracks. These are bite-sized, tactical episodes you can use right away to grow your business. What We Cover: Turn Your CRM On Already – Why waiting for perfection is costing you conversations and deals. How Often to Update Referral Partners – Why more communication is always better than less (and how to make it automatic). The “Name First” Rule – The one question you must ask when a realtor says they sent someone your way. Live File vs. Lead – How to tailor your follow-up based on where t

What if you’re not building a business—you’re just building a job you can’t walk away from?  Most brokers never think about selling their business—until they’re forced to. Doug Adlam did the opposite: before closing a single deal, he sat down and planned his exit. In this episode, Doug shares what it really takes to build a mortgage business that’s scalable, valuable, and eventually sellable. With experience in brokering, coaching, tech, and corporate leadership, Doug breaks down the real reasons most brokers can’t exit—and how to fix it. Whether you want to sell someday or just want a business that runs without you, this episode will help you think—and build—like a true business owner. What We’ll Cover: Systems, Process, People – The 3 pillars of a scalable and sellable mortgage business. Exit Starts Now – Why planning your exit before you “need to” gives you more options and freedom. Stop Hiring Clones – Why hiring people just like you limits growth, innovation, and transferability. The Google Review Trap

What if the reason change doesn’t last is because you’re using the wrong strategy, not the wrong goal? New year, same problem: most people set big goals and quit before February. But what if change wasn’t about willpower, but about identity, peer groups, and accountability that actually works? In this solo episode, I break down three tools that actually make change stick. These are the exact strategies I’m using in my own business and life right now and they’re already creating massive momentum. If you’re tired of setting goals and not following through, this episode will give you a practical roadmap for doing it differently this year. What We Cover: Why Peer Groups Matter – How the people around you shape your habits, identity, and baseline for success. The Identity Shift Framework – How the story you tell yourself turns into action—and the hidden beliefs that hold you back. Accountability That Works – Why being accountable to your buddy fails, and how a simple pact with someone you don’t want to disappoint

What does it actually take to go from $0 to $100 million as a mortgage broker? This is the first episode in a series where we follow broker Nate Atkin on his journey to $100M in funded volume. In year one, Nate funded $18M—without a big team or years of experience. His secret? A repeatable client process, a focus on referrals, and the discipline to show up consistently. In this kickoff conversation, Nate breaks down his 5-step client journey and how it’s helping him build a scalable, sustainable business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to tighten your systems, this series will give you a front-row seat to what real growth looks like in motion. What We’ll Cover: The 5-Step Client Path – How Nate guides every client from intro to funded with clarity. First Call Framework – The 3 things he hits on every intro call to build instant trust. Upfront Docs, Less Chasing – How he sets expectations so clients send what’s needed early. Referral-Ready Experience – Why delivering consistency builds long-term

What if you’re not stuck because of effort—but because of how you’re thinking about growth?   In this solo episode, I break down a real conversation I had with a broker who felt stuck at 4–5 files a month—and thought working harder was the only solution.   The truth is, it’s rarely a hustle problem. It’s almost always a structure, mindset, or focus problem. I share three key insights from that conversation that could unlock the next level of growth in your business—without burning you out in the process. What We’ll Cover: Growth ≠ More Headaches – Why believing more volume means more pain will sabotage your success. Zone of Excellence vs. Genius – How doing what you’re “good at” can quietly drain your energy and cap your growth. Stop Hiring Clones – Why you shouldn’t build your team around someone who does what you do. How to Actually Train an Assistant – The daily huddle framework that keeps your team aligned and productive. Fixing the Real Bottleneck – Why your team needs to bring solutions, not just probl

What do you see differently when you’ve sat on both sides of the mortgage deal? Tracie Barnes started as a mortgage broker, moved into the lender world, and then returned to brokering with fresh eyes and a new approach. In this episode, she shares what she learned about how deals get funded, what underwriters really want, and how being on the inside changed how she serves clients—and builds her business. If you’ve ever wondered what lenders are thinking behind the scenes, Tracie pulls back the curtain with practical insights and powerful takeaways. What We Cover: From Broker to Lender to Broker Again – Why Tracie made the jump (twice) and what she learned each time. Inside the Lender’s Desk – What underwriters are really looking for—and what brokers misunderstand. Fewer Files, Bigger Margins – How her model changed after working inside the lending world. Trust Over Tactics – Why building relationships and being proactive creates smoother deals. Keeping Clients Calm – How Tracie translates lender logic into c

What if the reason you’re holding back isn’t fear of failure—but guilt about leaving others behind? In this episode, I dig into one of the most surprising mindset blocks I’ve faced as a business owner: the belief that if I succeed too much, I’ll lose the people I care about. This idea comes from The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, a book I’ve read five times—and each time, it reveals something new. This time, it showed me how old loyalty patterns and hidden guilt were still shaping how I lead, grow, and show up. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about leveling up, this episode will help you see what’s really going on—and what to do about it. What We Cover: Why Growth Feels Risky – The fear that success will cost you connection with friends, family, or your roots. The Loyalty Trap – How childhood beliefs about “not outshining” others can follow you into business. Replacing the Narrative – Why I used to believe I couldn’t grow my business and have a strong relationship. Seeing the Pattern – How this hidden belief was

What if the biggest breakthroughs in your business aren’t found in new ideas—but in fixing what you already know is broken? After taking a break from creating new content, I’m back with a reflection on three of the biggest lessons I learned in 2025—each one reshaping how I lead, market, and think as a broker and business owner. Whether you’re managing a team, creating content, or just trying to stay in the game mentally, these lessons will help you refocus and build with more clarity in 2026. I’m going to share: Serving Who’s Already With You – Why I got distracted chasing new agents—and how I’m fixing it with concierge calls, better training, and focus on existing team support. Reposting Works – The strategy that kept our podcast downloads and engagement up even when I wasn’t creating. Mindset as the Multiplier – Why your internal dialogue matters more than your tactics—and how I use “frames” to keep my head straight under pressure. Growth doesn’t always come from doing more. Sometimes it comes from slowin

What if the business you’re building is serving your ego, but not your actual life? This episode will originally air on The Money Buddha Podcast on Thursday, hosted by Joline Cloutier, who we had on the recent episode 677 of the pod. We’re resharing this conversation here because it was too good not to. Joline interviewed me about rebuilding a mortgage business after burnout, letting go of the hustle-for-hustle's-sake mindset, and how to create systems and content that match your energy, not your ego. It’s an honest, practical look at what it really takes to build a business that supports your life. What We Cover: Burnout at the Peak – What 260 files a year taught her about limits and sustainability. Letting Go of the Hustle Persona – Why ego-driven growth nearly cost her everything. Ditching Discovery Calls – How automation and self-booking freed up her time. Content Without Comparison – Why she stopped forcing mortgage content and started being real. The Money Buddha Podcast – How podcasting gave her a voi

What if the key to growing your mortgage business isn’t complicated—just consistent? In this episode, I sit down with Scott McCracken, a former bank specialist who transitioned into the broker world and found a game-changing strategy hiding in plain sight: personalized 25-second video messages. Scott reveals how he used short daily outreach—via DMs, calls, and voicemails—to generate over $10M in business. No fancy tech. No gimmicks. Just a phone, a clear message, and a commitment to showing up every day. If you’re struggling to stay top of mind or looking for a repeatable system that actually moves the needle, this one’s for you. What We Cover: From Banker to Broker – Why Scott left the bank and how the broker channel opened up new opportunities. Video DMs That Work – The exact 25-second script Scott used to reconnect with his network and generate leads. Game of Phones – How turning prospecting into a competition changed everything for Scott’s consistency and mindset. Planting Seeds That Pay Off – Why you sh

What’s the fastest way to fail as a new broker—and what’s the one move that could save you? In this no-punches-pulled episode, Ron Butler lays out what’s really happening in the mortgage industry right now—and what new brokers must do to survive it. We cover everything from tech disruption and lender consolidation to why generalist brokers are getting crushed. If you’re building a mortgage business in 2025, this is required listening. We’ll cover: Why Volume Isn’t Enough – What it means when the market grows 56%—and you don’t. The Tech Arms Race – How platforms like Nesto and Edison are quietly reshaping broker competition. The Myth of Blockchain – Ron’s take on crypto, NFTs, and whether any of it matters in our space. Specialize or Get Smoked – Why new brokers need to niche down yesterday. The Harsh Truth About Lender Trust – What lenders are watching—and what they won’t tolerate. This industry isn’t slowing down. Brokers who win the next five years will do it by specializing, focusing, and executing. Ever

What if your struggle to focus isn’t a flaw—but a signal that you need better scaffolding to succeed? If you’ve got ADD (or think you do), you’re not alone—especially in the mortgage space. In fact, entrepreneurs are 5–7x more likely to have ADHD than the general population. In this solo episode, I walk through 5 tools that have helped me manage my focus and show up with energy and clarity. This isn’t a prescription—it’s what works for me. But if you’re constantly feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or underperforming, it might help you too. We’ll Cover: Morning Routine as Compass – Why I start each day with gratitude, goals, and reorientation—not just work. Scaffolding Through Team – How an EA, a COO, and role clarity help keep me operating in my zone of genius. Daily Exercise for Mental Reset – Why I work out after work to clear my head and show up better at home. Sleep as a Performance Tool – Why good sleep beats any hack or productivity system, hands down. Medication (and No Shame About It) – How going on a

What happens when you scale fast—but realize the business you’ve built no longer fits your life? Joline Cloutier went from helping her husband with files part-time to funding 260 deals a year—just the two of them. But after burnout, a move to the cottage, and taking over the business solo, she knew something had to change. In this episode, Joline shares how she’s rebuilding her business with better systems, a podcast, and more intention. If you're feeling the weight of growth without clarity, this episode will help you reset. We’ll cover: Scaling Without Staff – How she and her husband handled 260 files a year—just the two of them. Burnout and Breaking Points – The cottage move that made her rethink how she wanted to work. Podcast as a Platform – Why she launched a podcast and how it helped her connect and convert. System Rebuild – Tools like Finmo, Gmail tags, and MyBrokerPro that support her new workflow. Content Without Pressure – Why she rarely posts about mortgages—and still gets referrals. You can gro

What if the fastest way to grow your mortgage business isn’t learning more—but finally fixing what’s holding you back? Most mortgage events are packed with speakers who don’t broker and ideas you’ll never use. That’s why we created Broker Talks—a different kind of event built by brokers, for brokers. In this episode, I walk through the real reason we launched Broker Talks, the framework that guides it, and how this format is helping brokers solve their #1 constraint—whether it’s leads, people, or process. If you’re stuck between $10M and $15M—or just want better ideas from people in the trenches—this is the event (and the episode) for you. We’ll cover: Why Traditional Conferences Fail – The problem with speaker-led events (and why we flipped the script). The Triangle Framework – The simple tool we use to diagnose any broker bottleneck fast. Real Talk from Real Brokers – Why Broker Talks is built on peer sharing, not stage presentations. Idea Babies and Table Wins – How collaboration creates breakthroughs you

What if the pressure to be the expert for everyone is what’s holding you back the most? Alisha Manning spent years behind the scenes underwriting over a billion dollars in mortgages for top producers—until burnout and addiction forced her to hit pause and rebuild everything. In this honest, powerful episode, she shares how working 12+ hour days led to personal collapse—and how recovery, clarity, and better systems helped her come back stronger as a broker running her own business. If you’ve been pushing too hard for too long, this is your permission to reset. What We Cover: Templates That Scale – How email templates and simple systems protect your time and energy. Docs Up Front, No Apologies – Why setting expectations early builds trust and filters in better clients. The Real Cost of Hustle – Alisha’s story of overwork, burnout, and a hidden gambling addiction. Recovery Habits That Work – How daily routines and gratitude helped her rebuild her life and business. Leading with Honesty – Why she now builds her

What if the biggest threat to your long-term success is the way you’re prioritizing today? In this episode, I break down a powerful mental trap called hyperbolic discounting— a hidden habit where we consistently choose short-term rewards over long-term gains. From skipping important business projects to clients picking bad mortgage terms for a lower rate today, this bias shows up everywhere. I’ll share what it is, how to spot it, and what I personally do to protect future Scott from present Scott’s worst instincts. What We Cover: Why We Set Big Goals and Still Procrastinate – How your brain tricks you into short-term decisions that hurt your future. Mortgage Clients Do This Too – The psychology behind picking a bad mortgage to save a few bucks now. The Homer Simpson Problem – Why "future you" keeps getting stuck cleaning up "current you’s" mess. My 23-Year Vision Trick – How visualizing my 70-year-old self helps me stay focused today. How to Override the Bias – A simple morning routine that changed how I wor