Your next breakthrough starts here.
Uncover bold ideas, inspiring journeys, and strategies that will redefine your potential.
Episode 23: Brian Hogben
Freedom Starts With Capacity
How far can you expect to go if you’re doing everything yourself? In this episode of The Way, Brian Hogben shares his blueprint for mortgage professionals ready to shift from reaction-based production to strategic growth. Brian draws on lessons learned from building Mission 35 Mortgages into one of Canada’s top brokerages and insights from running multiple successful ventures, including Canada’s largest Liberty Tax franchise and Shore Capital.
Why This Matters
Solo producers often become trapped in a cycle of relentless work without real growth. Brian explains why simply chasing volume leads to burnout rather than success. True breakthroughs occur by creating structured systems, hiring proactively, and empowering others to handle day-to-day operations. He highlights how cross-industry experience deepens your understanding and makes your business more resilient.
Key Insights from this Episode
Why This Matters
Solo producers often become trapped in a cycle of relentless work without real growth. Brian explains why simply chasing volume leads to burnout rather than success. True breakthroughs occur by creating structured systems, hiring proactively, and empowering others to handle day-to-day operations. He highlights how cross-industry experience deepens your understanding and makes your business more resilient.
Key Insights from this Episode
- How to identify when it’s time to delegate and hire, even if it feels uncomfortable or premature.
- Why building sustainable systems is crucial to scaling beyond your personal capacity.
- Real-life lessons from Brian’s journey, including how he overcame significant personal setbacks, loss of key team members, and family challenges.
- Specific mindset shifts that allow mortgage producers to transition from handling every task themselves to confidently leading others.
- If you’re ready to move past the limits of solo production and build meaningful business capacity, listen now and take action to reshape your approach to growth.
Episode 22: Chris Piro
Lead from the Level Above
What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start running your business like you’ve already made it? In this episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis talks with Chris Piro, founder of Searchlight Lending, about scaling with intent, showing up with presence, and building a reputation that brings business to you.
Chris went from cold-calling subprime lists in the early 2000s to managing a multi-state brokerage and a database of 94,000 contacts. Along the way, he rejected traditional banking culture, embraced radical ownership, and built an ecosystem fueled by trust, consistency, and hustle. His approach is clear: act from the level you’re aiming for, not the one you’re in.
Why This Matters
Most loan officers are capable of much more – but they stay stuck waiting for direction. Chris’s story is a case study in what happens when you take full responsibility for your pipeline, your brand, and your future. It’s not about hustle for hustle’s sake, it’s about being intentional with how you show up.
Key Insights from the Episode
Chris went from cold-calling subprime lists in the early 2000s to managing a multi-state brokerage and a database of 94,000 contacts. Along the way, he rejected traditional banking culture, embraced radical ownership, and built an ecosystem fueled by trust, consistency, and hustle. His approach is clear: act from the level you’re aiming for, not the one you’re in.
Why This Matters
Most loan officers are capable of much more – but they stay stuck waiting for direction. Chris’s story is a case study in what happens when you take full responsibility for your pipeline, your brand, and your future. It’s not about hustle for hustle’s sake, it’s about being intentional with how you show up.
Key Insights from the Episode
- How to turn routines into revenue
- Why your brand starts with action, not design
- The compounding power of outreach
- Ways to scale without sacrificing identity
- Think you’re ready for the next level? Start acting like you’re already there. Watch or listen now.
Episode 21: Brian Covey
Build Teams. Boost Results. Repeat.
Brian Covey scaled mortgage production from $245 million to $2.45 billion by making pivotal decisions most originators postpone. In this episode, Dino Katsiametis explores the inflection points that shifted Brian from overwhelmed solo producer to Divisional SVP leading multistate teams at CrossCountry Mortgage. Brian explains the moment volume exceeded personal capacity, the one hire that unlocked predictable files, and the discipline of visiting operations to gather blunt feedback. He details how mentorship from Todd Duncan sharpened decision-making, why teaching new scripts earned instant credibility, and the 90-day scorecard that pinpoints where revenue leaks. Finally, Brian maps a restart plan for any market: train where affluent partners gather, host value-driven dinners, and showcase proof until referrals flow. Every story is backed by numbers and repeatable actions, giving listeners immediate benchmarks for production, leadership, and restart velocity. Hear how a former professional athlete applies competitive discipline to every client meeting and leadership initiative. Brian’s playbook translates to any commission-driven business.
Take the conversation on your next walk and identify the single constraint blocking scale, the metric that needs tracking, or the relationship that will catalyze your pipeline. Listen now and convert insight into results.
Episode 20: Alec Hanson
Adopt the $8B Mindset
What does it really take to evolve from a top-producing originator into a national force driving $8 billion in annual production? In this episode of The Way podcast, Dino Katsiametis is joined by Alec Hanson, Head of Revenue Development and Growth at LoanDepot and one of the mortgage industry’s most original voices. Alec’s journey – which took him from being Scotsman’s Rookie of the Year to SVP of Production and Chief Marketing Officer – is packed with lessons on leadership, reinvention, and staying relevant in a noisy digital world.
Why This Matters
Alec built a billion-dollar branch in the aftermath of the financial crisis. He’s helped thousands of LOs modernize their mindset, workflows, and influence with tactical coaching, unapologetic honesty, and a refusal to cling to outdated norms. In this conversation, he shares why most originators are building on broken foundations, how to stop hiding behind outdated systems, and what it actually takes to scale in today’s saturated market.
Is your model built to scale,or just to survive? Are you avoiding reinvention because it’s uncomfortable? And how can real growth happen if you’re afraid to challenge the rules?
Listen to the conversation now and get a no-filter look at what it takes to win today in the modern mortgage ecosystem.
Episode 19: Greg Sher
Reinvention to Real Talk
In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with Greg Sher, seasoned mortgage executive, broadcaster, and founder of Citizens Lending Group, to discuss how to navigate market shifts, the role of relationships, and the impact of AI. With over 25 years in the industry and a track record that includes successfully integrating 106 employees into NFM Lending, Greg offers a unique perspective on growth and adaptation. His insights blend a broadcaster’s eye for storytelling with a mortgage professional’s focus on relationships and service.
Why This Matters
Greg’s reflections reveal why understanding the changing mortgage landscape is essential. His candid take on AI, consolidation, and shifting market forces provide a practical roadmap for professionals seeking to thrive in a high-stakes environment.
Key Insights from the Episode
- The importance of aligning technology with authentic relationships
- The challenge of industry consolidation and the future of smaller players
- Greg’s journey from broadcaster to industry leader and entrepreneur
Ready to rethink how you lead and grow in the mortgage industry?
Episode 18: Tano Kapedani
This Model Drives $200M+
What does it take to close over 200 loans a year when the market is working against you? In this high-intensity episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Tano Kapedani, founder of EZ Fundings Home Loans and one of the most prolific producers in the country. Tano’s no-nonsense approach to volume, service, and stamina has made him a fixture in the business and earned Dino’s praise as “an absolute beast” in the industry.
Why This Matters
Tano has personally helped more than 3,000 families into homes, not by relying on flash but through systems, skill, and relentless energy. In this conversation, he breaks down the routines that keep his pipeline full, the mindset required to stay sharp under pressure, and why so many originators sabotage themselves with inconsistency. He also shares how speaking five languages and leading with service have helped him build trust with clients from every background.
How do you scale personal service without losing control? What happens when discipline becomes your default? And how far could you go if you stopped making excuses?
Listen to the Episode to hear how Tano built a high-volume business that thrives even when the market doesn’t.
How do you scale personal service without losing control? What happens when discipline becomes your default? And how far could you go if you stopped making excuses?
Listen to the Episode to hear how Tano built a high-volume business that thrives even when the market doesn’t.
Episode 17: Sosi Avila
From Struggle to Standout
Can purpose-driven leadership transform how you serve clients and build a career that actually matters? In this episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Sosi Avila, a mortgage professional on a mission to deliver more than just good intentions. With over 600 clients served and a background in nonprofit leadership, Sosi shares why the industry must shift from transactional thinking to meaningful, holistic guidance.
Why This Matters
Sosi’s journey began in service. As a civilian intern to a Navy Chaplain and later a leader in both domestic and international nonprofits, he learned that people want more than answers. They want direction that speaks to their values and their future. That same philosophy drives his mortgage work today, where financial education, accountability, and emotional clarity come first.
In this honest exchange, Dino and Sosi explore how to coach clients through fear, why purpose creates long-term success, and what it looks like to lead from conviction rather than urgency.
Is your advice helping clients find clarity, or just closing a deal? What kind of business could you build if purpose came first?
Listen to the Episode to hear how Sosi Avila redefines what it means to serve in this business.
Sosi’s journey began in service. As a civilian intern to a Navy Chaplain and later a leader in both domestic and international nonprofits, he learned that people want more than answers. They want direction that speaks to their values and their future. That same philosophy drives his mortgage work today, where financial education, accountability, and emotional clarity come first.
In this honest exchange, Dino and Sosi explore how to coach clients through fear, why purpose creates long-term success, and what it looks like to lead from conviction rather than urgency.
Is your advice helping clients find clarity, or just closing a deal? What kind of business could you build if purpose came first?
Listen to the Episode to hear how Sosi Avila redefines what it means to serve in this business.
Episode 16: John Farrell
Pressure Builds Powerful People
What does it take to build a referral pipeline so strong it fuels your business year after year? In this high-energy episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis sits down with John Farrell, a veteran mortgage banker with more than 25 years in the game Dino describes him as “obnoxiously good” at what he does. Together, they unpack the mindset, tactics, and relationship strategy behind John’s remarkably consistent success in one of the industry’s most competitive segments.
Why This Matters
This is a shared exploration between two high-level professionals who’ve built their careers on trust, execution, and long-game thinking. John explains why most originators fail to turn happy clients into long-term referral sources, and what to do differently. He breaks down his follow-up strategy, how to work with high-performing agents without overpromising, and why simplification is often the most advanced skill of all.
Why do some originators build referral machines while others stay stuck chasing leads? What hidden habits keep you from scaling trusted relationships? And how can simplifying your client experience unlock your next level?
Listen to the Episode now and get ready to steal the simple systems and bold mindset that make John Farrell such a force in the mortgage business.
This is a shared exploration between two high-level professionals who’ve built their careers on trust, execution, and long-game thinking. John explains why most originators fail to turn happy clients into long-term referral sources, and what to do differently. He breaks down his follow-up strategy, how to work with high-performing agents without overpromising, and why simplification is often the most advanced skill of all.
Why do some originators build referral machines while others stay stuck chasing leads? What hidden habits keep you from scaling trusted relationships? And how can simplifying your client experience unlock your next level?
Listen to the Episode now and get ready to steal the simple systems and bold mindset that make John Farrell such a force in the mortgage business.
Episode 15: Amir Syed
Coached to a Billion
What if you could transform from a struggling loan officer into a billion-dollar producer with the right mindset, relentless discipline, and a proven game plan? In this electrifying episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Amir Syed, co-founder and CEO of GO! Coaching and mortgage industry titan known for personally originating over $1 billion in loans. Amir’s journey from immigrant hardship and persistent self-doubt to elite performance and influential industry leader offers powerful insights into resilience, faith-driven discipline, and strategic mastery.
Why This Matters
Amir believes most loan officers are operating below their potential – but breaking through requires more than technical skill. He shares precisely why mastering daily rituals, leveraging affirmations, and fiercely protecting your client relationships can transform your mortgage business forever. Amir openly discusses the three critical barriers limiting your growth, how your mental habits shape your success, and why most loan officers unintentionally sabotage their own results.
Could your self-talk be quietly limiting your career? How might relentless daily discipline accelerate your growth? And why does success start with mastering your mind first?
Listen to the Episode to get a unique glimpse into the mind of one of the most disciplined originators in the industry, and rethink your path to millions.
Amir believes most loan officers are operating below their potential – but breaking through requires more than technical skill. He shares precisely why mastering daily rituals, leveraging affirmations, and fiercely protecting your client relationships can transform your mortgage business forever. Amir openly discusses the three critical barriers limiting your growth, how your mental habits shape your success, and why most loan officers unintentionally sabotage their own results.
Could your self-talk be quietly limiting your career? How might relentless daily discipline accelerate your growth? And why does success start with mastering your mind first?
Listen to the Episode to get a unique glimpse into the mind of one of the most disciplined originators in the industry, and rethink your path to millions.
Episode 14: JJ Mazzo
Habits Make the Millionaire
In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, titled “The 7-Figure Plan,” guest JJ Mazzo delivers a candid, tactical look at how he went from financial rock bottom to building a seven-figure mortgage business. JJ opens up about his early struggles: family instability, substance use, and bankruptcy – and how those experiences fueled his drive to create stability and success.
You will learn exactly how JJ transitioned from relying on internet leads to building a thriving, referral-based mortgage business. He breaks down his tried-and-true strategies for cultivating relationships with real estate agents, including his open house kit method, consistent weekend networking, and relentless follow-up. JJ also explains how he differentiated himself in a saturated market through a bold 14-day close guarantee, offering real-world insights on standing out and delivering undeniable value.
Beyond tactics, JJ speaks to the mindset behind his success. He shares how faith, discipline, and structured mornings gave him the clarity and energy to lead, build wealth, and maintain balance. He also unpacks the realities of tough markets, the difference between making a living and building a legacy, and why now is the time to double down.
For loan officers, real estate pros, or anyone rebuilding from adversity, this episode is a blueprint for transformation. JJ’s story proves that with discipline, heart, and a smart game plan, you can write a new story – no matter how it started.
You will learn exactly how JJ transitioned from relying on internet leads to building a thriving, referral-based mortgage business. He breaks down his tried-and-true strategies for cultivating relationships with real estate agents, including his open house kit method, consistent weekend networking, and relentless follow-up. JJ also explains how he differentiated himself in a saturated market through a bold 14-day close guarantee, offering real-world insights on standing out and delivering undeniable value.
Beyond tactics, JJ speaks to the mindset behind his success. He shares how faith, discipline, and structured mornings gave him the clarity and energy to lead, build wealth, and maintain balance. He also unpacks the realities of tough markets, the difference between making a living and building a legacy, and why now is the time to double down.
For loan officers, real estate pros, or anyone rebuilding from adversity, this episode is a blueprint for transformation. JJ’s story proves that with discipline, heart, and a smart game plan, you can write a new story – no matter how it started.
Episode 13: Sean Herrero
The Mortgage Model is Broken
What if the secrets to mortgage success weren’t just about technical mastery—but about reprogramming your mindset and daring to push limits? On this high-impact episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis speaks candidly with Sean Herrero, a top-producing mortgage advisor known for closing over $220 million in loans annually and his unconventional approach: “Home Loans for Your Lifestyle.” Sean goes beyond typical mortgage tactics, sharing deeply personal experiences, from becoming a father at 21, to overcoming profound challenges and leveraging adventure sports to sharpen his professional edge.
Why This Matters
Sean’s authentic story proves success isn’t only about numbers—it’s shaped by personal growth, calculated risks, and relentless positivity. Discover why his disciplined routines, including daily affirmations and structured mindfulness, have dramatically elevated his career and personal life. He reveals precisely how confronting discomfort, embracing adventure, and mastering video marketing have positioned him uniquely in a crowded market.
Could your mindset be holding back your next breakthrough? How does embracing discomfort translate directly into professional growth? And why might your biggest successes lie beyond traditional methods?
Listen now to hear Sean’s actionable strategies to dramatically redefine your limits and accelerate your mortgage career.
Why This Matters
Sean’s authentic story proves success isn’t only about numbers—it’s shaped by personal growth, calculated risks, and relentless positivity. Discover why his disciplined routines, including daily affirmations and structured mindfulness, have dramatically elevated his career and personal life. He reveals precisely how confronting discomfort, embracing adventure, and mastering video marketing have positioned him uniquely in a crowded market.
Could your mindset be holding back your next breakthrough? How does embracing discomfort translate directly into professional growth? And why might your biggest successes lie beyond traditional methods?
Listen now to hear Sean’s actionable strategies to dramatically redefine your limits and accelerate your mortgage career.
Episode 12: Rene Rodriguez
Train Your Brain to Lead
Could the secrets to powerful influence and breakthrough success lie in rethinking rejection, discipline, and daily mindfulness? In this game-changing episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis sits down with renowned keynote speaker and bestselling author Rene Rodriguez, author of Amplify Your Influence. Rene brings deep insights from neuroscience and decades of coaching loan officers and executives on mindset, courage, and intentional living. He reveals how overcoming repeated rejection, intense setbacks, and personal struggles created the powerful resilience and tenacity that drives his remarkable success today.
Why This Matters
Rene argues that genuine success—especially in challenging markets—starts with mastering influence and rethinking how you respond to obstacles. He dives deep into why conventional approaches to rejection often fail, how true gratitude rewires your brain for peak performance, and why structured creativity is your competitive edge.
What if rejection could become your greatest strength? How would your business and personal life change if you harnessed the power of intentional mindfulness? Could embracing constraints be the ultimate key to your professional breakthrough?
Listen now to tap into Rene’s powerful strategies and neuroscience-backed secrets, and transform your mortgage business and life into something extraordinary.
Why This Matters
Rene argues that genuine success—especially in challenging markets—starts with mastering influence and rethinking how you respond to obstacles. He dives deep into why conventional approaches to rejection often fail, how true gratitude rewires your brain for peak performance, and why structured creativity is your competitive edge.
What if rejection could become your greatest strength? How would your business and personal life change if you harnessed the power of intentional mindfulness? Could embracing constraints be the ultimate key to your professional breakthrough?
Listen now to tap into Rene’s powerful strategies and neuroscience-backed secrets, and transform your mortgage business and life into something extraordinary.
Episode 11: Stew Sweet
Relationships over Refis
Could relentless hustle and innovative outsourcing completely transform your mortgage business? On this powerful episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Stew Sweet, co-founder and CEO of NightOwl Consulting and a 2020 HousingWire Rising Star, to reveal how he rapidly rose from a young loan officer assistant to leading a billion-dollar branch – and eventually redefining the mortgage industry through strategic outsourcing. Stew openly shares how facing down immense pressure, unexpected setbacks, and intense competition shaped his relentless work ethic and growth mindset.
Why This Matters
Stew doesn’t just believe in working smarter. He believes in working harder first, then smarter. His dynamic journey highlights the tactical strategies that took him from overwhelming initial uncertainty to confidently scaling mortgage businesses. He explains exactly how embracing outsourcing and targeted delegation elevated his team’s capacity, boosted profitability, and created sustainable growth.
How could rethinking your processes unlock untapped capacity and dramatically cut costs? Why might your greatest competitive advantage lie in smarter resource allocation? And what critical shifts are needed to scale your mortgage business?
Gain Stew’s insider secrets for driving growth and optimizing efficiency. Listen to the Episode to start scaling your mortgage operation strategically.
Why This Matters
Stew doesn’t just believe in working smarter. He believes in working harder first, then smarter. His dynamic journey highlights the tactical strategies that took him from overwhelming initial uncertainty to confidently scaling mortgage businesses. He explains exactly how embracing outsourcing and targeted delegation elevated his team’s capacity, boosted profitability, and created sustainable growth.
How could rethinking your processes unlock untapped capacity and dramatically cut costs? Why might your greatest competitive advantage lie in smarter resource allocation? And what critical shifts are needed to scale your mortgage business?
Gain Stew’s insider secrets for driving growth and optimizing efficiency. Listen to the Episode to start scaling your mortgage operation strategically.
Episode 10: Cindy Ertman
Shift Happens. Embrace It.
Could one bold choice completely change the trajectory of your mortgage career? In this powerful episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis welcomes Cindy Ertman, CEO of The Defining Difference and former top mortgage originator, whose innovative strategies fueled decades of success, including originating over $230 million in a single year. Cindy opens up about the relentless challenges she overcame, from intense competition and industry turmoil to building an elite-level business from scratch.
Why This Matters
Cindy believes success isn’t accidental, but comes from clear, intentional choices. Her deep experience navigating market highs and devastating lows, including losing her mortgage bank during the 2007 crisis, reveals invaluable insights for surviving tough times and capitalizing on opportunities others miss. She emphasizes that true mastery comes from aligning intentional growth strategies with unwavering mindset discipline.
What could you achieve by making just one bold decision today? How can you turn market disruptions into your greatest advantage? And what mindset shifts distinguish top performers from the rest?
Cindy’s proven methods offer clarity, inspiration, and actionable guidance. Listen to the Episode and learn how to redefine your mortgage career and life, no matter what market challenges you face.
Why This Matters
Cindy believes success isn’t accidental, but comes from clear, intentional choices. Her deep experience navigating market highs and devastating lows, including losing her mortgage bank during the 2007 crisis, reveals invaluable insights for surviving tough times and capitalizing on opportunities others miss. She emphasizes that true mastery comes from aligning intentional growth strategies with unwavering mindset discipline.
What could you achieve by making just one bold decision today? How can you turn market disruptions into your greatest advantage? And what mindset shifts distinguish top performers from the rest?
Cindy’s proven methods offer clarity, inspiration, and actionable guidance. Listen to the Episode and learn how to redefine your mortgage career and life, no matter what market challenges you face.
Episode 09: Hope Bourman
Lead Boldly. Love Fiercely.
Can mental fitness be your greatest competitive advantage in turbulent markets? In this candid episode of The Way Podcast, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Hope Bourman, CEO of Signature Strategies and veteran executive coach renowned for transforming mortgage and real estate leaders into strategic powerhouses. With a prestigious 25-year career spanning Commercial Real Estate Finance and Mortgage Banking, Hope reveals why technical skill alone won’t carry you through market volatility, and shares the personal disciplines that changed her trajectory and elevated countless careers.
Why This Matters
Hope knows firsthand that success requires more than just sales prowess. Through powerful anecdotes and sharp insights, she demonstrates how integrating daily practices around mindfulness and clarity not only rebuilds resilience but propels exceptional market performance. You’ll hear exactly how top producers pivot when markets shift, why traditional referral tactics often fail, and how strategic adjustments turn good salespeople into industry leaders.
Could your approach to market shifts actually be holding you back? What critical routines might be missing from your daily discipline? And how could a shift in your mental fitness completely transform your results?
Unlock Hope’s insights and elevate your approach to leadership and growth. Listen to the Episode now!
Why This Matters
Hope knows firsthand that success requires more than just sales prowess. Through powerful anecdotes and sharp insights, she demonstrates how integrating daily practices around mindfulness and clarity not only rebuilds resilience but propels exceptional market performance. You’ll hear exactly how top producers pivot when markets shift, why traditional referral tactics often fail, and how strategic adjustments turn good salespeople into industry leaders.
Could your approach to market shifts actually be holding you back? What critical routines might be missing from your daily discipline? And how could a shift in your mental fitness completely transform your results?
Unlock Hope’s insights and elevate your approach to leadership and growth. Listen to the Episode now!
Episode 08: Mike Benton
Started at 40. Dominated.
What does it take to rebuild your life from devastating losses and emerge stronger than ever? In this revealing episode of The Way, Dino Katsiametis talks with Mike Benton, Senior Vice President of Responsive Mortgage and a visionary leader respected for his strategic innovation and relentless determination. Mike opens up about losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis, confronting personal struggles with alcohol, and how faith and decisive action became cornerstones of his remarkable turnaround.
Why This Matters
Mike’s transparent story is more than just another comeback: it’s a powerful testament to how confronting inner barriers such as alcohol or drug dependency and placing faith at the forefront can reshape your entire career and personal trajectory. As a respected executive, real estate investor, and sought-after mentor, Mike illustrates that authentic success requires courage, clarity, and deep conviction.
Key Insights from the Episode
Key Insights from the Episode
- From Crisis to Clarity: Mike’s pivotal decision to eliminate alcohol and reclaim control of his life.
- Faith-Driven Discipline: How daily spiritual practices transformed his business leadership and personal resilience.
- Strategic Relentlessness: Proven tactics for breaking into new markets and sustaining high-performance outcomes.
- Legacy and Influence: Building lasting success through intentional leadership, mentoring, and continuous improvement.
- Listen to the Episode now for Mike and Dino’s unfiltered insights on turning personal breakthroughs into extraordinary success!
Episode 07: Wally Elibiary
Your Calendar Reveals Truth
What does it take to excel as a mortgage professional? In this episode, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Wally Elibiary to explore how to turn setbacks into setups for success. Wally shares how the 2008 crash forced him to rebuild from scratch, teaching him that experience, even the painful kind, is a powerful teacher.
They dive into the critical difference between work-life balance and counterbalance, opening up a new perspective on what matters most when the workday ends. Learn why coaching can be the shortcut to skipping mistakes and how offering real value to realtors can unlock unexpected referrals.
Wally’s advice for new brokers facing tough times is simple but challenging: talk to everyone, open every door, and trust that the path forward might be one conversation away.
Are you ready to rethink your approach and open doors you didn’t even know were there? Listen in and discover the keys to a thriving business and a life that’s rich in every way.
They dive into the critical difference between work-life balance and counterbalance, opening up a new perspective on what matters most when the workday ends. Learn why coaching can be the shortcut to skipping mistakes and how offering real value to realtors can unlock unexpected referrals.
Wally’s advice for new brokers facing tough times is simple but challenging: talk to everyone, open every door, and trust that the path forward might be one conversation away.
Are you ready to rethink your approach and open doors you didn’t even know were there? Listen in and discover the keys to a thriving business and a life that’s rich in every way.
Episode 06: Rick Mount
Legacy Built on Leadership
What if just two focused hours a day could transform your business – and your life?
In this episode of The Way, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Rick Mount, a legend in the mortgage industry and co-leader of a $100M+ origination team, to reveal the discipline strategy that changed everything.
They discuss how a simple commitment – two hours daily of distraction-free, high-value activity became the cornerstone of his growth. This episode centers on focus, implementation, and a daily system built to deliver results – without relying on hacks or hustle.
Together, Dino and Rick unpack:
The hidden cost of staying in “getting ready” mode
A step-by-step approach to eliminating overwhelm and taking action
What’s really behind the resistance to outbound calls and prospecting
How treating time like revenue reshapes daily performance
This episode will challenge your assumptions about productivity, and give you a tactical framework for doing more by doing less. Whether you’re a mortgage advisor, an entrepreneur, or a professional looking to increase output without burnout, Rick’s story delivers practical strategies you can implement immediately.
Stop chasing busy. Start owning your day.
Listen now and learn how two hours can change everything.
In this episode of The Way, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Rick Mount, a legend in the mortgage industry and co-leader of a $100M+ origination team, to reveal the discipline strategy that changed everything.
They discuss how a simple commitment – two hours daily of distraction-free, high-value activity became the cornerstone of his growth. This episode centers on focus, implementation, and a daily system built to deliver results – without relying on hacks or hustle.
Together, Dino and Rick unpack:
Stop chasing busy. Start owning your day.
Listen now and learn how two hours can change everything.
Episode 05: Trevor Hammond
Content that Builds Trust
Can you truly thrive in business without sacrificing what matters most? In this episode of The Way, Dino Katsiametis dives deep with industry thought-leaderTrevor Hammond, best-selling author of Borrow Smart, Repay Smart, and a dedicated advocate for creating balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Why This Matters
Trevor’s journey offers a roadmap for anyone striving to achieve more while staying grounded in what truly matters: family, health, and happiness. As a mortgage professional and coach, Trevor has guided countless professionals to rethink their approach to work and life, focusing on sustainable growth and long-term satisfaction.
Key Insights from the Episode:
Ready to rethink your path to success? Tune in now to hear Trevor Hammond’s inspiring insights on building a life where both your career and your happiness can flourish.
Why This Matters
Trevor’s journey offers a roadmap for anyone striving to achieve more while staying grounded in what truly matters: family, health, and happiness. As a mortgage professional and coach, Trevor has guided countless professionals to rethink their approach to work and life, focusing on sustainable growth and long-term satisfaction.
Key Insights from the Episode:
- The Power of Balance: Why aligning personal and professional goals leads to higher performance.
- Borrow Smart, Repay Smart: Lessons from Trevor’s book and how financial wisdom applies to life and business.
- Practical Strategies: Tips for building a thriving career without burning out or sacrificing family time.
- Legacy and Leadership: How intentional habits create lasting impact for you, your team, and your community.
- Trevor’s unique ability to combine real-world financial expertise with personal growth strategies makes this conversation not just insightful but actionable. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of a high-pressure career or looking to redefine your priorities, this episode will inspire you to take meaningful steps toward balance and fulfillment.
Ready to rethink your path to success? Tune in now to hear Trevor Hammond’s inspiring insights on building a life where both your career and your happiness can flourish.
Episode 04: Mike Hardy
Faith, Focus and Financial Freedom
What if 14 minutes a day could transform your life and business? In this episode of The Way Podcast, Mike Hardy, Managing Partner of Churchill Mortgage and a top 1% mortgage originator, shares how his “Core Four” routine and holistic approach to lending have driven success for over 10,000 families.
From building trust through character to mastering financial strategies, this conversation is packed with insights to help loan officers and professionals rethink how they achieve impact and growth.
Why This Episode Matters:
From building trust through character to mastering financial strategies, this conversation is packed with insights to help loan officers and professionals rethink how they achieve impact and growth.
Why This Episode Matters:
- The Core Four Routine: Discover how investing just 1% of your day – 14 minutes and 27 seconds – can create meaningful change for you and those you love.
- Trust Through Character: Learn why trust isn’t just about competency but also about character and care.
- First Deals, Lasting Impact: Explore how surrounding yourself with trustworthy, competent people can elevate your service and grow your influence.
- Building Financial Success: Gain insight into the three stages of money: getting it, making it, and keeping it, and how technology plays a critical role.
- The Journey to Success: Mike reflects on the challenges, victories, and lessons learned in his journey to build a stellar business.
- Listen now and start building a business, and a life, that truly matter.
Episode 03: Ryan Grant
Think Beyond the Close
Dino welcomes Ryan Grant, Co-Creator of NEO Home Loans and founder of The Art of Homeownership and The Loan Atlas, for a powerful conversation on redefining what it means to lead in today’s mortgage industry.
Ryan shares how real trust is built: through consistent action, post-close value, and delivering meaningful outcomes for families. He explains why marketing, visibility, and a clear client experience are now essential skills for loan officers who want to build long-term influence and impact.
This episode is packed with practical insights for professionals ready to move beyond transactions and create lasting relationships that fuel real wealth and opportunity.
Why This Matters:
Ryan shares how real trust is built: through consistent action, post-close value, and delivering meaningful outcomes for families. He explains why marketing, visibility, and a clear client experience are now essential skills for loan officers who want to build long-term influence and impact.
This episode is packed with practical insights for professionals ready to move beyond transactions and create lasting relationships that fuel real wealth and opportunity.
Why This Matters:
- Build Real Trust: Titles don’t matter: value and follow-through do.
- Follow Your Compass: Stay true to direction, even when the map runs out.
- Lead the Next Generation: Pair trade skills with character and literacy.
- Stand Out on Purpose: Visibility, initiative, and clarity drive referrals.
- Invest in Your Team: Great onboarding builds culture and performance.
- Stay Valuable After Close: Long-term loyalty is earned post-transaction.
Episode 02: Todd Bookspan
Success Starts before Sunrise
What does it mean to live an influential life? For Todd Bookspan, founder of Win by Noon, it starts with vision. In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Todd shares the systems and mindset that helped him scale his mortgage business while staying grounded in purpose, family, and service.
Todd explains why financial mastery goes beyond income and is about making money work for you. He and Dino unpack practical strategies for smart investing, long-term planning, and avoiding the traps that drain wealth over time.
They also explore the difference between chasing perfection and showing up with consistency. Todd reveals the habits that power his results and how focusing on what matters most fuels real progress.
From books that spark breakthroughs to the Core Four routines that keep him centered, Todd explains why lifelong learning is essential to leadership and how authenticity builds trust in every area of life.
The conversation tackles scaling challenges too, including the fear of hiring and the mindset shift required to delegate. Todd and Dino offer clear insights into building a team that reflects your values and vision.
Finally, Todd challenges listeners to think bigger. What legacy are you building? How do your daily choices align with that future? This episode offers clarity, direction, and the motivation to act with intention.
If you’re a mortgage professional ready to grow your business without losing sight of what matters, tune in now and rethink your path to success.
Todd explains why financial mastery goes beyond income and is about making money work for you. He and Dino unpack practical strategies for smart investing, long-term planning, and avoiding the traps that drain wealth over time.
They also explore the difference between chasing perfection and showing up with consistency. Todd reveals the habits that power his results and how focusing on what matters most fuels real progress.
From books that spark breakthroughs to the Core Four routines that keep him centered, Todd explains why lifelong learning is essential to leadership and how authenticity builds trust in every area of life.
The conversation tackles scaling challenges too, including the fear of hiring and the mindset shift required to delegate. Todd and Dino offer clear insights into building a team that reflects your values and vision.
Finally, Todd challenges listeners to think bigger. What legacy are you building? How do your daily choices align with that future? This episode offers clarity, direction, and the motivation to act with intention.
If you’re a mortgage professional ready to grow your business without losing sight of what matters, tune in now and rethink your path to success.
Episode 01: Dave Savage
Win by Noon. Always.
What separates high achievers from those stuck in survival mode? According to Dave Savage, Chief Growth Officer and founder of Mortgage Coach, it starts with self-awareness. In this episode of The Way, Dave joins host Dino Katsiametis to break down how knowing your strengths—and aligning your systems accordingly—can radically transform your mortgage career.
Dave and Dino share how clarity around your personal strengths allows you to stop wasting time on work that doesn’t move the needle. Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, the message is simple: focus on what you do best, and build systems that support it.
They explore how to replace burnout with sustainable routines tailored to your working style, not someone else’s morning playbook. If your day-to-day feels reactive, this conversation shows how to regain control and scale with intention.
When pressure hits, most mortgage professionals default to stress. Dave sees it as a spark for creativity. He shares how to reframe high-stakes moments as growth opportunities—and how resilience fuels innovation.
They also tackle the critical role of mentorship and strategic partnerships. The right relationships accelerate your growth, while the wrong ones drain your momentum. Dino and Dave explain how to spot the difference and align with people who elevate your goals.
Finally, they challenge the common trap of thinking like a salesperson instead of a business owner. Learn how to shift into an entrepreneurial mindset and build a long-term business rooted in loyalty, consistency, and leadership.
If you’re ready to stop chasing deals and start building something lasting, tune in now to rethink what success in this business can really look like.
Dave and Dino share how clarity around your personal strengths allows you to stop wasting time on work that doesn’t move the needle. Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, the message is simple: focus on what you do best, and build systems that support it.
They explore how to replace burnout with sustainable routines tailored to your working style, not someone else’s morning playbook. If your day-to-day feels reactive, this conversation shows how to regain control and scale with intention.
When pressure hits, most mortgage professionals default to stress. Dave sees it as a spark for creativity. He shares how to reframe high-stakes moments as growth opportunities—and how resilience fuels innovation.
They also tackle the critical role of mentorship and strategic partnerships. The right relationships accelerate your growth, while the wrong ones drain your momentum. Dino and Dave explain how to spot the difference and align with people who elevate your goals.
Finally, they challenge the common trap of thinking like a salesperson instead of a business owner. Learn how to shift into an entrepreneurial mindset and build a long-term business rooted in loyalty, consistency, and leadership.
If you’re ready to stop chasing deals and start building something lasting, tune in now to rethink what success in this business can really look like.
