In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by none other than David Lykken, CEO of Transformational Mortgage Solutions—a true industry legend, thought leader, and master of change. Together, they dive deep into what it means to not just talk about transformation, but to lead it—through better conversations, intentional leadership, and a mindset shift around lending and mortgage culture.

Spoiler: This episode is about way more than mortgages. It’s about purpose, storytelling, transformation—and how the right conversations can ignite real industry change.

✅ Why Purpose Is the Foundation of Performance
David breaks down how understanding your “why” isn’t fluff—it’s fuel for better culture, better strategy, and better lending conversations that convert.

✅ The Six Types of Working Genius
Learn about the WIDGET model and how identifying your natural genius—from Wonder to Tenacity—can transform leadership teams and unlock business momentum.

✅ How to Lead Through Change
David doesn’t just preach transformation—he’s lived it. He shares how to inspire teams and clients alike through better communication and storytelling that drives action.

✅ AI, Adaptability & the Future of Lending
Are you using AI effectively? Or are you missing the mark on its true potential? This episode explores where AI fits in and why transformation starts with the human behind the tech.

✅ The Final Yard
Why do so many leaders stop at the 1-yard line? David challenges us to rethink our process, reconnect with our purpose, and push past the hesitation that stops innovation in its tracks.

Powered by partners that help you scale smarter:

Mortgage Connect – End-to-end solutions for a seamless lending experience.
Aidium – Intelligent CRM designed for today’s top mortgage professionals.

Welcome to another power-packed episode of The MikedUp Show, where we break down the evolving dynamics of the mortgage industry—one conversation at a time. This week, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau are joined by Rich Weidel, CEO of Princeton Mortgage, for an unfiltered, insightful discussion on what it really takes to win in the new normal of mortgage lending.

Whether you're an originator, branch manager, or executive, this episode offers the clarity, accountability, and strategy you need to not just survive—but thrive—in this shifting market.

✅ Understanding the "New Normal" – Rich explains how the current market isn't just a downturn—it's a battle of models. Adaptation isn't optional; it's essential.

✅ Transparency as a Competitive Advantage – Learn why "sunlight is the best disinfectant" when it comes to performance metrics, decision-making, and growth.

✅ Empowering Originators with Confidence – At Princeton, originators say they’ve never felt more confident talking to borrowers. Why? Because they’re backed by real numbers, real strategy, and real support.

✅ Reality-Driven Leadership – Rich dives deep into data-backed accountability, showing how a transparent company culture leads to better decisions, healthier branches, and long-term sustainability.

✅ Choose Your Hard – “It’s hard to scale with integrity. It’s also hard to fail because your model is broken.” Rich lays out why you must choose your hard—and why honest leadership is always worth it.

✅ Freedom Reframed – Hear why financial freedom isn't just about remote work—it’s about the freedom to choose, to plan, and to thrive without being stuck in survival mode.

Mortgage Connect – Empowering lenders with innovative solutions that streamline the mortgage lifecycle.

Aidium – Redefining CRM for mortgage professionals with intelligent workflows and customer journeys that convert.

The mortgage industry is evolving, and if you’re not paying attention to the Hispanic homeownership movement, you’re missing out on the biggest opportunity in real estate.

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Alex Garza and Rick Guerrero, two powerhouse leaders from NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) to discuss the future of mortgage lending, the power of networking, and why Spanish is the language of opportunity in real estate.

✅ The Role of NAHREP – Why NAHREP has grown from 40 people in a room to nearly 60,000 members influencing the industry nationwide.
✅ Hispanic Homeownership Trends – How Latinos are driving mortgage and homebuying growth for the next 10-20 years.
✅ The Power of Networking – Why loan officers, real estate professionals, and lenders should be part of NAHREP to expand their business and build lifelong partnerships.
✅ Overcoming Cultural Barriers in Lending – Understanding the financial fears, banking habits, and homebuying challenges unique to the Hispanic community.
✅ Marketing to Hispanic Buyers – How professionals can tailor their approach to connect with first-generation buyers, business owners, and multi-generational households.
✅ The Hispanic Wealth Project & The NAHREP 10 – The key wealth-building principles NAHREP teaches to help Latinos achieve financial success.
✅ Industry Shifts & the Rocket Mortgage-Redfin Deal – What it means for the future of real estate and mortgage professionals.
✅ AI & the Future of Mortgage Sales – How artificial intelligence is reshaping real estate marketing and lead conversion while still needing the human touch.

The Hispanic market isn’t just growing—it’s shaping the future of homeownership. If you’re a loan officer, mortgage broker, real estate professional, or lender, understanding this demographic is essential to your long-term success. NAHREP is more than just an organization—it’s a movement helping professionals build relationships, grow wealth, and advocate for industry change.

"You don’t have to speak Spanish to join NAHREP, but you do need to understand that the future of mortgage lending is multicultural."

A huge shoutout to our sponsors for supporting this conversation:

Mortgage Connect – Delivering cutting-edge mortgage solutions for lenders, servicers, and institutional investors.
Aidium – Revolutionizing real estate & mortgage marketing with AI-driven consumer insights.

Want to level up your mortgage business? Make sure to check out these industry-leading solutions!