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Episode 80: The WMN and VA Summits Debrief Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. In this episode, Jonathon and Tommy take you behind the scenes of Fuse 2026, shining a spotlight on some of the best moments from the WMN and VA Summits and explaining what it takes to build an event of this scale. Broker Buzz – Which lead sources are actually worth the investment, including early funnels, live transfers, NerdWallet, and more. – Resources for passing the NMLS exam, including MLO Force and how to reach Nathan Knottingham directly. – Whether a self-employed borrower with only one year of tax returns can qualify for FHA or conventional, and the specific stipulations that make it possible. Fuse 2026 Debrief | The WMN and VA Summits The WMN Summit was standing room only this year, with a waiting list and an unforgettable denim and diamonds theme. The VA Summit brought hard hitting education, including Gay Veale’s powerful story about sacrificing time with her son to serve. Jonathon and Tommy break down the amount of work that goes into navigating 1200 people through the hotel efficiently and adapting the space to fit the AIME experience. It’s a unique look behind the scenes and serves as an effective reminder that these summits are built with intention and are only getting better. Story Time | Be on the Alert for New Opportunities  Jonathon reflects on spending a full day with his father for the first time in years, and how his relationship with his dad has deepened in his thirties. Tommy shares his own renewed connection with his father and the joy of getting out to sporting events with his wife. Opportunities aren’t always business deals. Sometimes they’re just moments with the people who matter most. Listen wherever you get your podcasts Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes every week #MortgageBroker #Fuse2026 #WMNSummit #VASummit #LeadGeneration #NMLSExam #MLOForce #SelfEmployedIncome #FHA #ConventionalLoan #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Lending #BrokerCommunity #MortgageIndustry #ProfessionalDevelopment #BrokersAreBest #BrokerPowerUp #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker Power-Up Podcast: Episode 80 appeared first on AIME.

In this week’s special episode, Samantha Shelton talks with Carol Pope, Andrea Nemetz, and Meghan Sarbo about their experience at the WMN Summit during Fuse 2026. They get honest about the nerves of walking into a room where you don’t know anyone, the way women tend to pick themselves apart on video, and why showing up as yourself is the real superpower. They also share the challenge that stuck with them and why the connections made in this community are the whole point. If you have ever been on the fence about showing up, this is the episode for you. Subscribe to our channel and join the movement! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #WMN #WomenInMortgage #FuseRecap #Community #Authenticity #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network #MortgageJourney The post Women’s Mortgage Network Podcast Special: Fuse 2026 Recap appeared first on AIME.

Episode 79: Know Thy Numbers Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. In this episode, Jonathon and Tommy break down Know Thy Numbers, a framework for tracking the five metrics that tell you exactly where your business is succeeding and where it is falling apart. They also debrief on Fuse 2026 and why this year felt different for the AIME team. Broker Buzz – How to handle VA appraisal payments upfront, including the compliance requirements and who carries the risk. – Whether a borrower can change jobs before closing on a conventional loan without a pay stub, and the specific Fannie Mae guidelines for future income. – Whether to reach out on a Sunday evening when a purchase contract comes in, and why the answer is almost always yes. Sales Training | Know Thy Numbers Jonathon walks through five metrics that give you a complete picture of your business. Jonathon explains how each metric points to a specific problem, from communication issues to weak follow-up, and why most loan officers are guessing instead of measuring. If you do not know your numbers, you are guessing. And guessing is not consistent enough to reliably grow your business. Story Time | You Will Look Back on This Moment and Smile  Jonathon and Tommy take turns imagining where they will be a year from now, with Fuse in Denver, the podcast past one hundred episodes, and the AIME community stronger than ever Tommy shares that this was the first year he truly felt like part of the community, with members approaching him just to talk. The work can be challenging at times, but the moments are worth it in the end. One year from now, you will smile at what you built. Listen wherever you get your podcasts Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes every week Link to referenced guidelines available here: https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/sel/b3-3.3-03/employment-offers-or-contracts #MortgageBroker #KnowThyNumbers #SalesTraining #Fuse2026 #FuseDebrief #VAAppraisal #FutureIncome #FannieMaeGuidelines #SundayCalls #RateLock #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Lending #BrokerCommunity #MortgageIndustry #ProfessionalDevelopment #BrokersAreBest #BrokerPowerUp #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker Power-Up Podcast: Episode 79 appeared first on AIME.

Most loan officers have a production plan. Very few have a career blueprint. But what if that’s the difference between burning out and building something that lasts? Megan Marsh brings over eighteen years of experience, including eight years as a top producer and building her own brokerage from the ground up. On this week’s episode, Laura Brandao sits down with Megan, Founder of CoLab Lending, to talk about why leaders tend to avoid career conversations and how fear keeps loan officers from being honest about their goals. Megan gets practical about the questions to ask, the three projects per quarter rule, and why breaking big goals into bite sized action steps is the only way to make real progress. She also opens up about the role ancillary income played in her own life and why being transparent with her team about it changed everything. If you have ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of what comes next in your career, this episode will give you the framework to start building your own blueprint. Subscribe to our channel and join the movement! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #WMN #WomenInMortgage #CareerBlueprint #CareerPathing #Leadership #MortgageLeadership #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network #MortgageJourney The post Women’s Mortgage Network Podcast: Episode 32 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 258 Host: Marc Summers (AIME’s Founding President) Guest: Jason duPont (Chief Strategy Officer at NEXA Mortgage) This week’s episode features Jason duPont, a thirty-year mortgage veteran who started as a broker, spent time in retail, built and sold his own brokerage, retired early, and found his way back to the business he loves. Now the Chief Strategy Officer at NEXA Mortgage, Jason shares his perspective on growth, alignment, and why the broker channel is the best place for loan officers and consumers alike. He also discusses NEXA’s partnership with AIME as the first enterprise account and what it means for the industry. Key Takeaways: – Why purchase business is the foundation of a recession-proof career. – How NEXA’s volume-based model allows them to pass more back to loan officers. – Why alignment and shared vision matter more than competition. – The importance of being yourself and being vulnerable when building a team. Golden Nugget: “It’s always what’s best for the loan officer, and that in turn helps the consumer. If everyone in our channel took that mindset, we’d be at forty percent market share before we know it.” Subscribe to Broker to Broker on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Join AIME: aimegroup.com/membership #NEXAMortgage #BrokerGrowth #PurchaseBusiness #MarketShare #MortgageLeadership #BrokerChannel #JasonduPont #BrokerToBroker #MortgageTech #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Jason duPont – Ep. 258 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 78: Our Favorite Fuse Memories Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. In this episode, Jonathon and Tommy look back on their favorite Fuse memories and preview what is coming to Austin. They share the moments that made them laugh, the people who made an impact, and why this community keeps showing up year after year. Broker Buzz – How to get a condo project re-approved by Fannie Mae after an insurance issue. – Whether brokers can handle short sales, and why no additional training is needed. – How to talk to a borrower who does not want their loan transferred. – Whether AI twin programs are worth using for marketing, and why the humanity side may become your biggest differentiator. Story Time | Favorite Fuse Memories  Jonathon shares some of the moments that stand out from past Fuse events, including the first time he spoke on stage, the year Tom Ahles booked his flight when he thought he could not make it, and the night in New Orleans when he and Tommy sat in his room and talked about life. Tommy shares his own memories, including the vendor walk in New Orleans where he insisted on going with Jonathon just in case, and the podcast booth where he recorded sixty six episodes in two days. Fuse is not just an event. It is the people, the moments, and the memories that keep this community coming back. Listen wherever you get your podcasts Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes every week #MortgageBroker #Fuse2026 #BrokerCommunity #CondoreApproval #FannieMae #PERSList #ShortSales #LoanServicing #AITwin #AIMarketing #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Lending #MortgageIndustry #ProfessionalDevelopment #BrokersAreBest #BrokerPowerUp #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker Power-Up Podcast: Episode 78 appeared first on AIME.

What if the secret to growing your mortgage business wasn’t working more hours, but working more intentionally? In this episode, Michelle Chretien sits down with Brittney Morris, Director of Sales for Grand Line Lending, to talk about her journey from accidentally applying for a mortgage instead of a job to becoming a top producing loan officer and sales leader. Brittney candidly talks about the chaos of her first few years, how she learned to structure her day so she could actually enjoy nights and weekends, and why being proactive with agents and clients is the key to saving your sanity. She also talks about the importance of betting on yourself, why not every sales strategy works for every person, and how she helps her team find their own unique path to success. Subscribe to our channel and join the movement! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #WMN #WomenInMortgage #TimeManagement #SalesLeadership #ProactiveNotReactive #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network #MortgageJourney The post Women’s Mortgage Network Podcast: Episode 31 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 77: Building Trust and Converting Applications with Samantha Shelton Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager, featuring special guest Samantha Shelton, AIME’s Director of Membership (Regional) and broker owner of Align Lending. In this episode, Jonathon and Tommy are joined by Samantha Shelton for a conversation about what it takes to build trust with clients, convert applications into closings, and stay grounded in an industry that can harden even the softest hearts. Broker Buzz – What the upcoming appraisal changes mean for brokers, and why Fannie Mae is pushing for a more objective process. – Healthy benchmarks for application-to-close conversion rates, and how Samantha turned a sub-50% rate into 75%+. – The best way to add a payment calculator to your website, including using AI or LenderPrice. Sales Training | Make People Feel Seen  Jonathon shares a story about an employee who asked him to fill out a survey after meeting him just twice. He did it without hesitation because she made him feel seen, valued, and welcome. Samantha adds that the key to building trust in the first few minutes of any conversation is leaning into the other person’s why, finding out what motivates them, and tailoring your approach accordingly. People remember how you make them feel. Make sure to lean into that. Story Time | Entrepreneurial Spirit and Financial Success  The fortune cookie this week promises that your entrepreneurial spirit will lead to great financial success and wealth. Samantha reflects on the wealth of relationships she has built through WMN and the women who have supported her along the way. Jonathon talks about the anxiety that never fully goes away as an entrepreneur, but the confidence that you will figure it out. Tommy shares a small business he ran on the side and why he eventually stepped away. Wealth is not just money. It is the people, the relationships, and the confidence to keep going. Listen wherever you get your podcasts Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes every week Fannie Mae 3.6 FAQ’s: https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/media/23286/display #MortgageBroker #SalesTraining #BrokerOwner #ApplicationToClose #SamanthaShelton #AlignLending #WMN #AppraisalChanges #ForeignNationalLoan #PaymentCalculator #GiftGivingTheory #TrustBuilding #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Lending #BrokerCommunity #MortgageIndustry #ProfessionalDevelopment #BrokersAreBest #BrokerPowerUp #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker Power-Up Podcast: Episode 77 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 257 Host: Marc Summers (AIME’s Founding President) Guest: Ashley Bedford (Loan Originator at appli Home Loans) This week’s episode features Ashley Bedford, a top producing loan officer who found her way into mortgages after a life-changing home buying experience. Ashley shares how she went from a one-bedroom with her mother-in-law to closing twenty to thirty loans a month, all while maintaining a focus on people over paychecks. She talks advice for social media, building authentic relationships, and why consistency and attention are the new currencies in the mortgage industry. Key Takeaways: – Why focusing on the person, not the paycheck, leads to long-term success. – The importance of consistency and creating a repeatable client experience. – Why AI is a tool to implement, not a replacement for human connection. – The power of the AIME community and events like FUSE. Golden Nugget: “We’re no longer fighting for information. We’re fighting for attention. Post the content. Don’t let perfect get in the way of good.” Subscribe to Broker to Broker on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Join AIME: aimegroup.com/membership #TopProducer #SocialMediaStrategy #WomenInMortgage #MortgageTech #BrokerTips #Consistency #Appli #HomeLoans #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #BrokersAreBest #BrokerToBroker #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Ashley Bedford – Ep. 257 appeared first on AIME.

What if the key to surviving motherhood and mortgage wasn’t finding perfect balance, but finding your people? In this episode, Samantha Shelton sits down with her broker bestie, Kristin O’Neil of Open Door Lending, to share an incredibly honest and loving conversation about the beautiful chaos that comes with being a mom in the mortgage industry. They get honest about the guilt of taking time away from kids, the pressure to keep producing, and the fear of undercutting your own professionalism by oversharing with clients. Kristin shares how her business actually grew after having children, why she regrets waiting so long to start her family, and how being a mom made her a better loan officer when it was all said and done. They also talk about the power of community, why WMN has been a lifeline, and the importance of surrounding yourself with women who genuinely want you to win. If you have ever felt like you’re juggling too much, or wondered if you can have both a thriving career and a present family life, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone. Subscribe to our channel and join the movement! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #WMN #WomenInMortgage #MomLife #BrokerBestie #WorkLifeHarmony #Motherhood #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network #MortgageJourney The post Women’s Mortgage Network Podcast: Episode 30 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 76: The Online Troll, Mr. Fuse, and Protecting Your Mindset Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. In this episode, Jonathon and Tommy tackle the growing challenge of protecting your mindset in a world designed to keep you distracted. They discuss the Online Troll and Mr. Fuse video series coming to Fuse 2026 and why the loudest voices on social media are rarely the ones worth listening to. Broker Buzz – Whether retail closings are smoother than broker closings, and why managing expectations matters more than the channel. – Why more leads are asking for soft pulls instead of full pre-approvals, and how AI is changing the way borrowers prepare. – The best VoIP services for separating business from personal calls, including Zoom VoIP. Sales Training | Protect Your Mindset  Jonathon shares the inspiration behind the Online Troll and Mr. Fuse video series. This industry is full of noise, people in ivory towers, and social media personalities who aren’t actually writing loans. Your job is to stay focused on what genuinely matters. Tommy adds that these social media platforms are not designed to make you happy. They are designed to keep you engaged. Anger keeps you on the platform longer than joy. So, remember to be very cautious about what you put into your mind. It has the power to dictate your day, your business, and your life. Story Time | Go Where There Is No Path and Leave a Trail  The fortune cookie this week delivers a message about forging your own path. Jonathon reflects on his family history, his father leaving Syria at eighteen with no English, and his wife’s ancestors moving west in the seventeen hundreds to claim land that did not exist yet. Tommy connects it to leadership and the courage to challenge “the way we have always done it.” You do not have to follow the path in front of you. You can build a new one. But you have to be willing to take the first step. Listen wherever you get your podcasts Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes every week #MortgageBroker #SalesTraining #SocialMedia #Mindset #Fuse2026 #OnlineTroll #MrFuse #SoftPulls #VoIP #ZoomVoIP #RetailVsBroker #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Lending #BrokerCommunity #MortgageIndustry #ProfessionalDevelopment #BrokersAreBest #BrokerPowerUp #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker Power-Up Podcast: Episode 76 appeared first on AIME.

It’s time to leave a conference with more than just notes and short-term inspiration. What if you could walk out with a carefully crafted plan to help find synergy between your life and business? In this special episode of the WMN Podcast, Kirstie MacArthur hosts a powerful conversation with Kim Clancy, Ellen Petry Leanse, and Erin Bradley about the upcoming WMN Soulful Success Summit and the benefits of seeing it first-hand. They dive into why traditional conferences leave women feeling energized but overwhelmed, the neuroscience behind burnout, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling career without sacrificing your well-being. Kim shares the vision behind creating an event focused on implementation, not just information. Ellen explains the physiological and neurological reasons why the “hustle harder” model doesn’t work for women’s brains and bodies. And Erin gets real about her own experience with burnout and how she learned to build a life she doesn’t need a vacation from. Subscribe to our channel and join the movement! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Secure your tickets to all of AIME’s upcoming events: https://aimegroup.com/fuse-2026/ https://aimegroup.com/fuse-2026/wmn-at-fuse/ https://aimegroup.com/events/wmn-soulful-summit/ #WMN #SoulfulSummit #WomenInMortgage #Wellness #WorkLifeHarmony #BurnoutRecovery #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network #MortgageJourney The post Women’s Mortgage Network Podcast Special: Soulful Success Summit appeared first on AIME.

Episode 256 Host: Marc Summers (AIME’s Founding President) Guest: Jason Kindler (President of First Coast Mortgage Funding) This week’s episode features Jason Kindler, a 25-year mortgage veteran who started as a broker, moved to retail, and came back to the broker channel with a fresh perspective. Jason shares why independence was the catalyst for his return, how brokers can successfully compete with builder financing, and his simple approach to AI that anyone can implement. He also discusses his coaching philosophy and why focusing on your strengths beats forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. Key Takeaways: – How to build relationships with builders and compete with their incentives. – The hybrid model: combining retail support with broker freedom. – Why the broker community’s willingness to share sets it apart from retail. – The value of FUSE and immersing yourself in the community. Golden Nugget: “Figure out what you want AI to solve for you. If there’s something in your week that you hate doing, AI can probably do it for you.” Subscribe to Broker to Broker on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Join AIME: aimegroup.com/membership #RetailToBroker #BuilderBusiness #Independence #AIForMortgage #BrokerCommunity #FUSE2026 #FirstCoastMortgage #BrokerToBroker #MortgageTech #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker to Broker Podcast: Jason Kindler – Ep. 256 appeared first on AIME.

Episode 75: Behind the Curtain for Fuse 2026 Hosted by Jonathon Haddad, AIME’s Chairman & CEO, and Tommy Golightly, AIME’s Marketing Manager. In this milestone episode, Jonathon and Tommy pull back the curtain on everything coming to Fuse 2026 in Austin, Texas. They share behind the scenes details on breakout sessions, swag, a guest bartender, a lassoing cowboy, the return of the podcast booth, and a truck giveaway courtesy of Cake. Broker Buzz – The top three things loan officers value most in a processor, including communication, problem solving, and daily file touches. – How to help a client who lost their home in a fire and wants to buy a new one before the insurance claim is finalized, including the risks of carrying two payments. – Whether a borrower with rolling lates can refinance, and why investors will run in the opposite direction. – How to navigate the Safe at Home program for victims of domestic violence, including what documents are needed and who must be notified. Fuse 2026 Sneak Peek  Jonathon and Tommy share a behind the scenes look at what is coming to Fuse. The breakout submission process drew more than 59 applicants this year, with 28 of them selected to present. The hotel is already over seventy percent full and expected to sell out. The marketing team is in full crunch mode, designing signage, swag, and photo ops that will make Fuse feel bigger and more immersive than ever. Tommy also reveals the story behind his caffeine-fueled sixty six podcast recordings last year and promises to pace himself this time. Fuse is not just an event. It is a community built by brokers for brokers. And this year is going to be the biggest one yet. Story Time | The Fortune You Seek Is in Another Cookie “The fortune you seek is in another cookie.” Jonathon interprets it as a reminder that sometimes what you are chasing is not what you actually need. Tommy adds a Mario reference about Princess Peach being in another castle. Consistency is king, but knowing when to pivot is just as important. Listen wherever you get your podcasts Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes every week #MortgageBroker #Fuse2026 #SalesTraining #BrokerCommunity #SafeAtHome #ProcessorTips #DisasterReliefMortgage #RollingLates #HardMoney #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Lending #MortgageIndustry #ProfessionalDevelopment #BrokersAreBest #BrokerPowerUp #AIME #Podcast #Network The post Broker Power-Up Podcast: Episode 75 appeared first on AIME.

What if the key to building a thriving mortgage business wasn’t chasing agents, but genuinely connecting with people? In this episode, Gabi Wiartalla sits down with Alexa DePaolo to talk about her journey from the reception desk to producing at a high level, why she made the switch from retail to broker, and how she built a business where over 60% of her opportunities come directly from her database. Alexa gets real about the fear of cold calling, why she refuses to chase realtors, and how women can build business in a way that feels natural, through connection, not transactions. She also opens up about the guilt so many working moms face, why she had to schedule family time on her calendar, and how she learned to set boundaries without apology. If you have ever struggled with picking up the phone, felt stuck in retail, or wondered how to scale without burning out, this episode is packed with practical advice straight from the heart. Subscribe to our channel and join the movement! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #WMN #WomenInMortgage #BrokerLife #OrganicGrowth #DatabaseMarketing #WorkingMom #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #BrokersAreBest #AIME #Podcast #Network #MortgageJourney The post Women’s Mortgage Network Podcast: Episode 29 appeared first on AIME.