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!

Leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about impact, influence, and the ability to scale your vision effectively.

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Owen Lee, CEO of Success Mortgage Partners, to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s mortgage industry. From building a strong personal brand to mastering delegation, Owen shares insights gained from years of experience as both a business leader and an industry advocate.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The Power of Personal Brand – Why top leaders focus on reputation, influence, and visibility.
✅ Effective Delegation – How to scale your business while empowering your team.
✅ Leading Through Industry Shifts – Owen’s take on the next 5-7 years in mortgage and real estate.
✅ The Role of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) – Why advocacy and participation in the industry matter now more than ever.
✅ Success Mortgage Partners’ Mission – How Owen leads with integrity and purpose, inspired by lessons from his father.

As a former MORPAC Chair and industry leader, Owen understands the challenges that mortgage professionals face in today’s changing landscape. He explains how local loan officers can thrive by leveraging relationships, technology, and strategic branding. This episode is packed with valuable leadership lessons that every mortgage professional, business owner, and industry advocate needs to hear!

"One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than ten men teaching it." This quote perfectly sums up Owen’s leadership philosophy—he doesn’t just talk about what makes a great leader, he lives it every day.

Sponsors & Resources:
We’re proud to be sponsored by Mortgage Connect and Aidium, two companies at the forefront of innovation in mortgage lending and technology. Be sure to check them out for solutions that can take your business to the next level!

Tune in now and discover what it takes to scale leadership, strengthen your brand, and lead with impact. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!

Welcome back to The MikedUp Show for our second installment of Season 4! Hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Candice McNaught, an Executive Sales Leader with more than 16 years of experience in the financial sector and current SVP at Planet Home Lending. Candice’s track record for driving measurable growth, mentoring high-performing teams, and forging strategic client relationships is unparalleled. Now she’s here to share her unique insights into thriving in the ever-evolving mortgage industry.

• Candice’s Blueprint for Success: Learn how she navigated the climb from entry-level positions to executive leadership, consistently delivering results through data-driven strategies and actionable insights.
• Leadership Essentials: Candice’s philosophy centers on building a culture of accountability, leveraging teamwork, and striving for excellence—whether rates are soaring or the market is in flux.
• Thriving in Tough Markets: From her stance on forging the right partnerships to optimizing processes, Candice shines a light on practical methods for staying ahead when times get challenging.
• Planet Home Lending’s Vision: Discover how Candice’s leadership style influences a more holistic approach to lending, transforming the daily grind into an opportunity for growth and long-term success.
  
  Episode Highlights
  1. Servant Leadership in Action: Why it’s crucial to “listen to understand” before you lead, and how that mindset empowers entire teams to overcome obstacles.
  2. Aligning Your Planets: The powerful analogy of aligning each “planet” in your business—teams, operations, and partnerships—to ensure smooth and strategic growth.
  3. 5-Yard Line vs. 1-Yard Line: Hear the hosts discuss how too many professionals stop just short of the finish line, missing out on what could be their biggest breakthroughs.
  4. Raising Your Hand: Candice stresses the importance of asking for help, whether it’s from senior leadership, peers, or new partners. Growth flourishes when communication is open and transparent.
  5. Throughout this conversation, you’ll gain a firsthand look at what it means to combine vision and execution—turning data into action and resilience into results. Whether you’re a seasoned mortgage professional, a rising star in sales, or simply someone driven to make a bigger impact in your field, this episode offers a roadmap to up-level your game. Our Sponsors

     We’re proud to be sponsored by Mortgage Connect and Aidium. Both organizations are industry leaders committed to raising the bar in lending and customer service. Be sure to check out their latest solutions for better workflows, improved customer experiences, and strategic insights that can help elevate your entire operation.

Link to buy the book : https://amzn.oia.bio/ks235
Find the 7 Principles here : https://postimg.cc/RNrn3WST

In this Season 4 premiere of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau welcome Stanley C. Middleman, Founder and CEO of Freedom Mortgage—one of the nation’s largest full-service mortgage companies. Titled “Seeing Around Corners,” this episode shines a spotlight on Stanley’s approach to entrepreneurship, resilience, and purposeful action.

Stanley reflects on his decades-long career—beginning with Freedom Mortgage’s founding in 1990 and growing it into a top U.S. originator and servicer. He also discusses his commitment to community, having served on non-profit boards like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Along the way, Stanley has navigated market swings and regulatory complexities, championing the idea that true success involves “doing things on purpose.”

During the conversation, you’ll hear about:

• The 7 Principles that form the backbone of Stanley’s entrepreneurial mindset
• Moments of unexpected change—from restaurant ventures to major mortgage industry pivots
• The importance of maintaining a forward-thinking (“seeing around corners”) perspective in volatile markets
• How adversity can spark reinvention, provided you’re dedicated to consistent, strategic effort
• Why Stanley first documented his insights for his children and grandchildren, and what it means to leave a legacy of knowledge

From recognizing revenue-generating activities to mapping out your week in advance, Stanley’s guidance offers practical tools for professionals and dreamers alike. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes anecdotes about learning from mistakes, negotiating with challenging landlords, and staying resilient when everything seems to “rain down” all at once.

Beyond running a thriving business, Stanley remains deeply engaged with industry boards. He’s served on the Mortgage Bankers Association Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG), as well as advisory boards for Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ellie Mae. His numerous awards—including recognition as a top CEO by South Jersey Business Magazine—further underscore his influence on the mortgage landscape.

Prepare to discover how Stanley Middleman’s experiences can help you anticipate challenges, optimize your strategy, and strengthen your leadership approach. Whether you’re a loan officer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves hearing success stories, you’ll find this chat both enlightening and inspiring. Stanley proves that real growth, personal or professional, rarely happens by accident—it’s the result of measured planning and an unwavering commitment to progress.

Sponsored By: Mortgage Connect
Be sure to visit Mortgage Connect for comprehensive mortgage solutions that streamline processes and optimize your lending operations. Their cutting-edge services mirror the innovative spirit we celebrate on The MikedUp Show.

Join Michael, Michael, and Stanley for this deep dive into purposeful leadership, staying ahead of the curve, and building a lasting legacy—starting now, on The MikedUp Show!

In this compelling installment of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau welcome Steven Plaisance, a transformational mortgage banking executive whose 35+ years in the industry have been fueled by a genuine passion for people, servant leadership, and strategic innovation. Aptly titled “Ambassador of Advocacy,” this episode goes beyond the buzzwords and dives straight into how advocacy can be transformed into tangible actions that reshape an entire industry.

Steven’s story is as personal as it is professional: He’s led massive teams—1,600 members at Gateway First Bank and over 2,000 at Arvest—through market shifts, technological evolutions, and cultural transitions. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals, he has consistently championed collaborative work environments, robust people development programs, and open-communication cultures. He believes in leading from a place of authenticity, staying approachable, and investing in the strengths of every team member.

Throughout the conversation, Michael & Michael tap into Steven’s vast expertise on topics like capital markets, risk management, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric strategies—all areas where he has a proven track record of success. You’ll get a front-row seat to his behind-the-scenes insights on how to weather volatile markets, drive operational efficiency, and implement meaningful growth initiatives, even when the road gets bumpy.

But it’s not just about spreadsheets and strategies. Steven reveals the human side of leadership—how championing advocacy means serving communities, supporting families in need, and nurturing future talent through targeted programs like Gateway’s “RISE” leadership development initiative. He discusses the challenges and rewards of fostering inclusive cultures, underscoring that true advocacy happens when leaders prioritize people first and profits follow.

If you’re looking for a playbook on how to blend heartfelt service with high-level business acumen, this is the episode for you. Steven’s blend of values and visionary thinking sets the stage for an uplifting and informative discussion—one that might just spark your next big idea for championing change in your own sphere of influence.

Tune in now at mikedupshow.com to learn why Steven truly embodies the spirit of an Ambassador of Advocacy, and how you too can harness the power of proactive leadership to make a lasting impact in the mortgage industry and beyond.

It’s time for a deep dive into MBA’s Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference 2025 (IMB25)—and your hosts, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau, are back to share all the game-changing highlights on this latest episode of The MikedUp Show! Recorded right after the biggest annual gathering of IMBs in Austin, Texas, this episode gives you the exclusive inside scoop on what went down from January 27–29.

The guys open with an overview of the conference vibe—an intimate yet powerhouse setting packed with senior executives, industry influencers, and ambitious leaders from every corner of the independent mortgage banking world. Hear how IMB25 delivered on its promise of curated content for every IMB size and model, from deep-dive breakout sessions to insights on maximizing profitability, embracing AI-driven processes, and future-proofing your business strategy.

Then, Michael and Michael break down the major keynotes, touching on Stan Middleman (Founder, President & CEO of Freedom Mortgage) and Bill Lowman (Chairman of American Pacific Mortgage), along with their must-hear predictions for 2025 and beyond. From cutting-edge technology solutions to compliance considerations, you’ll get the inside track on industry best practices and the do’s and don’ts for staying ahead of the mortgage game.

Finally, enjoy the duo’s signature banter as they discuss Austin’s vibrant culture, the Live Music Capital of the World, and how that energy carried over into networking events, after-parties, and the all-important annual IMB party. If you missed the conference, this episode is the perfect recap. And if you were there, you’ll appreciate Michael and Michael’s fresh takes on what’s next for independent mortgage bankers—and why you don’t want to miss the next round of IMB events.

Tune in now on The MikedUp Show to hear the definitive wrap-up of IMB25, and get inspired to tackle the new year with the latest trends, relationships, and revenue-boosting ideas!