Chris is the President and Owner of Val-Chris Investments, Inc. and has been with the company since 1986. With nearly 35 years of experience in the private money industry, Chris has helped transform Val-Chris Investments from a small 3 person family business to one of the larger private money lenders in California. Chris holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from University of Southern California where he graduated with honors in 1983 and has been a California licensed Real Es...
Oct 09, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Dawar Alimi is a visionary in the fintech space, reshaping the mortgage industry with cutting-edge technology and innovation. As the driving force behind Lender Price, he has developed one of the most advanced and scalable mortgage pricing engines in the market today. His platform has become a game-changer for lenders, bringing unprecedented efficiency, transparency, and accuracy to the mortgage pricing process. With a background in both technology and entrepreneurship, Dawar has always been pas...
Oct 04, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Tom Davis is the Chief Sales Officer at Deephaven Mortgage, where he spearheads the development of strategies to make Deephaven the leading non-QM provider. With over 20 years in the mortgage industry, Tom has an extensive background in helping lending partners with non-QM and agency needs. Before joining Deephaven in 2022, he served as Executive Vice President, Head of TPO Production at First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, where he managed the wholesale and correspondent channels. Tom’s career ...
Oct 02, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Ike Shehadeh is the charismatic founder and current President of Ike's Love & Sandwiches. Renowned for his innovative approach to sandwich-making, Ike started the brand in 2007, and it has since grown into a beloved chain known for its unique and flavorful offerings. Ike's sandwiches feature the iconic "Dirty Sauce," which has become a signature ingredient across their menu. Under Ike's leadership, the brand has expanded rapidly, with locations now spread across California, Nevada, Arizona, ...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Milad Shamoun’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. After serving as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps for four years, he transitioned into the world of mortgages, applying the leadership, discipline, and determination he gained in the military to his new career. Today, Milad is the founder of Loan Goats Mortgage Brokerage, a trusted name in California’s competitive real estate market. His ability to connect with clients and provide expert guidance through the often-complicated wo...
Sep 25, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Wing Lam co-founded Wahoo's Fish Taco in 1988 with his brothers, starting with a $30,000 loan from their parents. The chain now boasts 65 locations across seven states, blending Mexican, Brazilian, and Asian flavors into its menu. Under Wing's leadership, Wahoo's has become a multi-million dollar business known for its surf-inspired atmosphere. He also founded the California Love Drop, delivering over 11,000 meals to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Wing's success story highlights his inn...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Robert Drenk (Selling Sunsets TV Show) is a real estate mogul and co-founder of Optimum First Mortgage, which he launched in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. His company has successfully funded over $12 billion in loans and completed more than 30,000 transactions. Drenk's focus on a customer-first philosophy has earned Optimum First a stellar reputation, including an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and 5-star Yelp reviews. Under his leadership, the company rapidly grew into a major player...
Sep 18, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this inspiring episode of Coffeez for Closers, Joe Shalaby sits down with Sarah DeCiantis, Chief Marketing Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), to explore her journey from the world of advertising to becoming one of the most influential figures in the mortgage industry. Since joining UWM in 2014, Sarah has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's marketing and communication strategies, helping UWM become a leader in the mortgage space. Sarah discusses her experience leading UWM’s...
Sep 13, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, host Joe Shalaby welcomes Kevin Kenerson, a mortgage expert with deep industry knowledge and the driving force behind the success of Lending Hand Mortgage, LLC. Since its doors opened in 2005 in Goodlettsville, TN, Lending Hand Mortgage has weathered the ups and downs of the mortgage industry, emerging stronger with a client-first approach. Kevin shares his insights on how Lending Hand Mortgage has thrived through economic challenges by staying committed t...
Sep 11, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Build Wealth with Brad: https://aimnatcon.com/coffeezforclosers Brad Sumrok a.k.a The Apartment King Since 2005, Brad has personally helped his students purchase over $6 Billion in apartment complexes, involving thousands of investors who have taken his training. Many of Brad’s students began with zero previous investing experience and, within a few short years, hundreds of his mentoring students have retired and/or increased their net worth by over $1 MILLION. Even more are earning double-digit...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this engaging episode of Coffeez for Closers, host Joe Shalaby sits down with David Temko from C2 Financial, one of the nation’s leading mortgage brokerages. Not only does David share his expertise in the mortgage industry, but he also opens up about his personal journey, offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the success. Join us as David discusses his path to becoming a top mortgage expert, his approach to building lasting client relationships, and his thoughts on the future of mortgag...
Aug 30, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Willie Newman is the visionary owner of Willow Canyon Advisories. With over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Willie is known for his innovative approach and leadership. He previously played a critical role in the growth of companies such as InterFirst and Home Point Capital, where he helped scale operations to become a top-25 non-bank originator and servicer. Additionally, during his tenure at ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, he was instrumental in developing the company into a top-five ...
Aug 23, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Russell Petty, the owner of Grow Mortgage, is a dynamic figure in the mortgage industry, known for his innovative approach and impressive achievements. He launched Grow Mortgage on February 2, 2022, and in its first year alone, the company posted a volume of around $60 million. Despite his role as an owner, Russell remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, considering himself an originator first and foremost. His strategic focus on the purchase market, even during the refinance boom,...
Aug 16, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Trevor Barrett, the dynamic founder of Barrett Financial, has revolutionized the mortgage industry with his forward-thinking leadership. Under his guidance, Barrett Financial has grown to over $2 billion in loan originations annually, serving clients across 30 states. With a commitment to excellence, Trevor has led his team to earn top rankings in industry publications, including being recognized in the Scotsman Guide’s Top Originators list multiple times. His company’s impressive 95% customer s...
Aug 09, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Dan Fleyshman, the youngest founder of a publicly traded company at 23, launched the "Who’s Your Daddy" energy drink, now in 55,000 stores. He has sold $15 million worth of clothing and co-founded one of the top five global online poker sites. As an angel investor, he has invested in over 36 companies and founded Elevator Studio, managing influencer campaigns with over 600 influencers. A dynamic speaker, Dan has shared his expertise at more than 250 events worldwide. He also founded the Model Ci...
Aug 05, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Jonathon Haddad is the Chairman and CEO of AIME (Association of Independent Mortgage Experts), a leading organization dedicated to supporting independent mortgage professionals. Under his leadership, AIME has grown to serve thousands of independent mortgage brokers across the country, advocating for the broker community and providing essential resources. Haddad's leadership earned him recognition as one of the top influencers in the mortgage industry. AIME has thrived under Haddad's guidance, si...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Erik Huberman is the founder and CEO of Hawke Media, a leading marketing agency valued at over $150 million. Recognized for his entrepreneurial success, Erik has been featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30, Inc. Magazine’s Top 25 Marketing Influencers, and CSQ’s 40 Under 40. He also co-founded Hawke Ventures, a venture capital fund, and authored "The Hawke Method." Under his leadership, Hawke Media has helped over 4,700 brands and remains one of the fastest-growing agencies in the U.S. For More Check O...
Jul 19, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Ben Teerlink is the founder and CEO of Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leading provider of data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries. Under his leadership, MMI serves over 350 enterprise customers, including 20 of the top 25 lenders in the U.S. Teerlink's innovative approach earned him the 2022 Tech Trendsetter award by HousingWire. MMI has thrived despite market volatility, ranking among Utah's fastest-growing companies and making the Inc. 5000...
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Jason Perkins is the President and co-founder of Bonzo, a groundbreaking relationship management automation provider for mortgage and real estate professionals. Under his leadership, Bonzo has revolutionized the industry with its innovative CRM platform, which enhances efficiency and personalization through automation and real-time updates. Since its founding in 2018, Bonzo has grown significantly, boasting over 2,000 clients and 10,000 users. The platform offers key features such as a campaign ...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, as well as CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). Mat Ishbia's journey is one of remarkable achievement and leadership. As the CEO of UWM, he transformed the company into the largest wholesale mortgage lender in the United States. His visionary leadership and innovative approach have set industry standards, earning him recognition as a top executive in the mortgage business. Beyond the mortgage industry, Mat ventured into the world of professio...
Jun 28, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Mateen Cleaves, a former basketball star, now serves as a leadership coach at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). Cleaves, a celebrated athlete, led Michigan State University to an NCAA Championship in 2000 and was drafted 14th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2000 NBA Draft. Over his NBA career, he played for several teams, including the Pistons, Kings, and Cavaliers, with career averages of 3.6 points and 1.9 assists per game. After retiring from basketball, Cleaves joined UWM in 2019. He qu...
Jun 21, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Desmond P. Smith serves as the Chief Growth Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), where he focuses on advancing the independent mortgage broker channel through innovative strategies. With over 30 years of experience at prominent institutions like FHA, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Capital One Home Loans, and Fannie Mae, Desmond has a track record of creating high-performance cultures and transforming businesses. At Fannie Mae, he reorganized customer teams, resulting in record volumes...
Jun 14, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of the "Coffeez for Closers" podcast, the host interviews Bryan Miller, the VP of National Sales at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). and the significant impact of mentorship from UWM's founder, Mat Ishbia. Bryan shares valuable insights into his daily routines, motivations, and the importance of a strong work ethic and grit. He emphasizes the crucial balance between professional and personal life, dedicating time to his family and the importance of taking vacations. Bryan also ta...
Jun 07, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Glenn Stearns is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist with a remarkable track record in the financial services industry. In 1989, he founded Stearns Lending, which grew to become one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the United States. By 2013, Stearns Lending had funded over $25 billion in loans annually and was ranked as the top wholesale lender by Inside Mortgage Finance. Glenn's leadership propelled the company to be recognized in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growin...
May 31, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Wes Yuan is the President of WEI Technology and CEO of LendingPad, a leading innovator in mortgage technology. His leadership has driven LendingPad's cloud-based platform to revolutionize loan origination with automation and real-time updates, enhancing efficiency and security. Since 2015, LendingPad has introduced solutions like integrating with Freddie Mac's automated underwriting system, speeding up home loan processing and reducing costs. Recognized as a 2023 Tech Trendsetter, Yuan has a...
May 24, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Robert Lynn is the dynamic Founder and CEO of Future Home Loans, the fastest growing company in the mortgage space. Since launching in 2017, the firm has exploded to over $1 billion in originations and a team of 100 experts. A former top-producing loan officer, Robert leads with a focus on technology, efficiency, and unmatched customer service, ensuring the best rates and loan experiences. With core values like expertise and relentless improvement, Lynn answers the question, “Why is you business...
May 17, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Meet Tan Karim, a pivotal force behind the success of Change Wholesale, where he serves as the Vice President of Wholesale. Karim, With over 20 years in the financial services industry, has consistently demonstrated his expertise and commitment to excellence. At Change, he leads the wholesale division, focusing on enhancing broker partnerships and streamlining lending processes to better serve diverse client needs. Wondering "what is a mortgage" or "how much mortgage can I afford?" Tan has devel...
May 10, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Who: Sofia Rossato - CEO of Floify Role: Visionary leader in the tech industry, currently spearheading Floify. Experience: Over 20 years of leading startups and corporate giants, including transforming a FinTech startup into a 400-person, $57M powerhouse. Achievements: Played a pivotal role in strategic mergers and developed data-driven platforms crucial to global financial institutions. Leadership: Managed billion-dollar divisions and steered a SaaS business to success during the pandemic, maki...
May 03, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 17
This Week on Coffeez for Closers: Roger Moore Tune in to this week's engaging episode of "Coffeez for Closers" as we welcome the dynamic Roger Moore, CEO of Loan Pronto. Roger is a seasoned professional in the mortgage and lending industry, recognized for his innovative approaches to simplifying the loan process. With over 19 years of experience, he has significantly impacted the sector by integrating cutting-edge technology and providing strategic solutions that enhance client experiences. 🔹 A...
Apr 26, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 16
This Week on Coffeez for Closers: Tom Ahles Join us for an electrifying new episode of "Coffeez for Closers" where we welcome the distinguished Tom Ahles, the Broker Owner of Edge Home Finance. Tom brings to the table over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, including a successful tenure as the co-founder of Edge Home Finance. Under his guidance, the company has soared to new heights, achieving over $2.8 billion in originations and securing a place in the top 10 AIME Brok...
Apr 19, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 15
