Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael McAllister go coast-to-coast—from Idaho to Georgia—to break down what’s really happening with Google Ads in the mortgage game. They tackle rising ad costs, how AI is changing search behavior, and why most LOs are wasting money on outdated strategies. If you’re not using long-tail keywords and thinking about conversions before clicks, you’re already behind. They also dive into the future of AI-powered ad platforms—and how to ...
Jul 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 26
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael take a flamethrower to the myths holding mortgage pros back. Think you need to wear a suit to be taken seriously? Wrong. Think only extroverts win? Nope. Think social media doesn't bring in deals? That’s outdated thinking. This episode is about killing the cookie-cutter advice that’s still floating around and replacing it with what actually works—authenticity, creativity, and confidence in your own style. Whether you're bran...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 25
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael get real about the shift happening in the mortgage industry—and what it means for your mindset. They spotlight how newer loan officers, unchained from the “way it used to be,” are taking massive action and winning. Meanwhile, seasoned pros stuck in old habits are falling behind. The hosts break down why mindset resets are no longer optional and how experienced LOs can pivot to stay relevant and competitive. They also reflect...
Jul 01, 2025•24 min•Ep. 24
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael dive into one of the biggest blind spots in the mortgage industry—tech adoption. They unpack why buying great tools isn’t enough if no one actually uses them. From top-down leadership buy-in to having internal champions (especially top producers), they share what it really takes to make tech stick in your company. The hosts also drop practical advice on how to keep momentum, create peer accountability, and leverage online co...
Jun 24, 2025•31 min•Ep. 23
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael recap their time at the TAG Conference in Atlanta—sharing big takeaways, personal reflections, and a few laughs along the way. From standout moments with speakers like Dr. Jordan Peterson and Braden Shaw to real conversations about what’s working (and what’s not) in the mortgage industry, this one’s packed with insight. The hosts talk about why community and connection still matter more than ever, especially for new originat...
Jun 17, 2025•40 min•Ep. 22
Send us a text In this high-energy episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael "Hot Sauce" McAllister cut through the noise to reveal what actually separates elite loan officers from everyone else grinding it out in the mortgage trenches. They break down the non-negotiable traits that every top producer shares—laser focus, decisive action without second-guessing, and communication skills that turn prospects into clients and clients into raving fans. But here's the kicker: it's not just abou...
Jun 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 21
Send us a text In this special in-person episode of The MLO Project , recorded live at Fulcrum Studio in Eagle, Idaho, Frazier and Michael break down what it really takes to attract and support great loan originators. They cover why your recruiting pitch must match your reality, how authentic culture beats hype, and why modern branding and marketing aren’t optional anymore. Whether you’re trying to recruit top producers or nurture growth-minded talent, the message is clear: be real, be relevant,...
Jun 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 20
Send us a text In this powerhouse episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael sit down with mortgage leader, speaker, and coach Brian Covey for a raw conversation on what it really takes to lead, inspire, and win in today’s mortgage market. Fresh off his move to CrossCountry Mortgage , Brian opens up about leadership, personal branding, and the power of storytelling to build trust and long-term advocates—not just one-time closings. He shares his tactical playbook for hitting massive goals, ...
May 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 19
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael welcome a special guest—Michael’s wife and business partner, Kimberlee McAllister —for a candid, funny, and insightful conversation about building a business and a marriage at the same time. Together, they unpack what it’s like running Empower LO , navigating roles, boundaries, and balancing life in the fast-paced mortgage world. With backgrounds in both mortgage and real estate, Michael and Kimberlee share what’s worked, wh...
May 20, 2025•43 min•Ep. 18
Send us a text See It. Track It. Win It. The Power of Visualization in the Mortgage Game In this high-energy episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael break down a game-changing principle for originators: what gets visualized and tracked gets improved. They dive into how using dashboards, tracking daily activities, and focusing on leading measures (the stuff you control) instead of just lagging results (like closed deals) can transform your business. From gamification and leaderboards to ...
May 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 17
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael McAllister get brutally honest about why most loan officers waste money on marketing —and how to flip that script. They kick things off with some laughs, then dive into real stories of marketing fails, breaking down how poor time management, lack of follow-through, and shiny object syndrome sabotage results. Their message? Marketing is an investment, not a lottery ticket. If you’re not doing your due diligence, blocking time...
May 06, 2025•35 min•Ep. 16
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael break down why HighLevel is hands down the best CRM platform for loan officers today. They dive into the powerful features that make HighLevel a game-changer, from its scalability for growing teams to its flexibility with tech integrations. Sharing real-world insights from their own experiences, they show how HighLevel streamlines operations, elevates marketing, and drives serious cost savings. Thinking about making the swit...
Apr 29, 2025•36 min•Ep. 15
Send us a text AI Isn’t the Future..It’s Already Here! In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael dive into how AI is completely changing the game for content creation in the mortgage world—and why you can’t afford to ignore it. They break down real strategies for using tools like ChatGPT and Claude , from crafting better prompts to building custom GPTs for creating content that actually sounds human and connects. The key? Consistency, clarity, and adapting your voice—not letting A...
Apr 22, 2025•31 min•Ep. 14
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Jason Frazier and Michael McAllister break down a major shift in the mortgage game— winning business happens long before the application. They dive into the concept of the pre-funnel ecosystem and why loan officers must start showing up before buyers are ready. From breaking down consumer barriers to building trust and authority through platforms like YouTube , this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you connect earlier, co...
Apr 15, 2025•30 min•Ep. 13
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , host Michael sits down with Bryce Gonser , a mortgage powerhouse out of Eagle, Idaho, who closed over 300 loans and $130 million in volume last year. But Bryce didn’t start in lending—he started as a performance coach , and he’s brought that same mindset into building a scalable, relationship-driven mortgage business. Bryce shares how he went all-in during the COVID years by doubling down on agent relationships , mastering proactive communicati...
Apr 08, 2025•45 min•Ep. 12
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael dig into one of the biggest shifts in the mortgage industry right now: AI integration. From AI agents to automated consumer engagement, they break down how this tech is already changing the way leads are generated and converted. But here’s the catch— automation can’t replace connection. The hosts explore how to keep the human touch while using AI to scale smarter, not just faster. They also look ahead at where AI is taking m...
Apr 01, 2025•27 min•Ep. 11
Send us a text In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael break down what most loan officers get wrong when working internet leads—and how to fix it. They dive into the real challenges of online lead generation, from setting the right expectations to understanding the mindset of the consumer on the other side of the click. Spoiler: it’s not just about getting leads—it’s about speed, follow-up, and disciplined execution. Packed with real-world success stories and no-fluff insights, ...
Mar 25, 2025•38 min•Ep. 10
Send us a text Are you playing the game, or are you letting the game play you? Rocket’s acquisition of Redfin isn’t just big news—it’s a heaping dose of reality. In this episode, Frazier and Michael break down what this means for the mortgage and real estate industry and why the key to surviving this shift is getting to consumers first. The competition is heating up, and those who fail to innovate will get left behind. They also introduce Empower LO, their Facebook group for mortgage pros , and ...
Mar 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 9
Send us a text Too many people try to fit in when standing out is what makes you unstoppable. In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael McAllister dive into the power of embracing your differences , inspired by Jonathan Haddad’s session at a recent Scottsdale event. Your quirks, your neurodivergence, your unique way of thinking—they’re not flaws. They’re your edge. They share personal stories, including experiences with autism in their families, and how leaning into authenticity l...
Mar 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 8
Send us a text Want to build a mortgage business that thrives—no matter the market? Jen Conley is proof that it’s possible. In this episode, Frazier sits down with Jen, a powerhouse mortgage pro from Southern Ohio, to unpack her game-changing approach to direct-to-consumer marketing and how she uses radio storytelling to connect with clients. Jen gets real about the ups and downs of the industry and shares why taking control, building genuine relationships, and creating a balanced partnership wi...
Mar 04, 2025•45 min•Ep. 7
Send us a text Texting your leads and clients? You better know the rules. In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael break down the complex world of TCPA and A2P messaging compliance. They cover why express written consent is a must, the risks of non-compliance, and how loan officers can text responsibly without getting hit with fines. Too many LOs are winging it when it comes to text marketing— don’t be one of them. Learn the right way to leverage messaging while protecting yourse...
Feb 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 6
Send us a text UWM just shook up the wholesale platform game, and we are going to talk about it. In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier, and Michael dive into UWM’s big partnership with Sphere LOS and what it really means for mortgage brokers. They break down how Sphere stacks up against Arrive, LendingPad, and other LOS platforms , what this means for competition in the market, and whether this shift is a win or a risk for LOs. Plus, they zoom out to discuss the bigger picture—how mortgag...
Feb 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 5
Send us a text The #1 question in the mortgage world: What’s the best CRM? The real answer? Most loan officers are using them WRONG. In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael break down why CRMs always seem to disappoint—and it’s not the software’s fault. Too many LOs expect a CRM to fix their business when it should be the other way around. Here’s the truth: Your CRM won’t save you. Your plan will. They’ll show you how to stop overcomplicating things, set clear non-negotiables , ...
Feb 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 4
Send us a text RESPA compliance, huh! What is it good for? Absolutely.... In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier, and Michael break down a hot LinkedIn article from Greg Sher on RESPA reform and why pushing for change might be riskier than you think. Frazier’s been in the trenches as a former mortgage company co-owner and compliance consultant, and he knows how this game is played. Michael and Frazier unpack what RESPA really means for your business, the landmines smaller lenders face, and...
Feb 06, 2025•27 min•Ep. 3
Send us a text Grant Cardone. The 10X Rule. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying the dude sparks reactions. In this episode of The MLO Project , Frazier and Michael McAllister dive into the firestorm that erupted after their email about the book. Some people loved it. Others? Not so much. Success isn’t about who says it but what you take from it. The best lessons often come from unexpected places (even people you don’t vibe with). This episode is all about staying open, grabbing what works, ...
Feb 05, 2025•22 min•Ep. 2
Send us a text In the first episode of the MLO Project podcast by Empower LO, hosts Frazier and Michael McAllister introduce the show's mission and dive into a candid discussion about the mortgage industry. Most loan officers are chasing the wrong numbers. The industry is flooded with misleading stats, but what are the REAL indicators of success? Conversations, engagement, and understanding your market—not just sales pitches. In this episode, we’re breaking down why content that actually connect...
Feb 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 1
