The Million Dollar Mortgage Experience Podcast

Ubaldo V. Leon III, known as "Skooter," is a Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage. He is a Top 1% Mortgage Professional in the Nation, recognized for delivering superior mortgage solutions. In episode #128 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Jon and Skooter discuss Skooter's start in the industry, working with realtors on Selling Sunset and Million Dollar Listing, how to earn a reputation as a trusted advisor, benefits of non-QM loans, closing a $7.5M loan with FundLoans, his biggest challenge (hint: educating), maintaining a good work-life balance, world travel, and raising kids. Connect with Skooter on Instagram @skooterleon.

Thuan Nguyen is the CEO of Loan Factory, one of the fastest growing mortgage brokerages in the country with over 1,100 loan officers. He closed 11,000 loans in 2020 and 2021 by prioritizing service and efficiency.

In episode #127 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Jon and Thuan discuss moving to the US without knowing any English and eventually starting a business, Loan Factory’s business model, adapting to the market downturn by shifting focus from refinances to purchases, strategies for maximizing loan production and navigating market changes, and non-QM loans. Connect with Thuan by searching for “Loan Factory” online.

Alex Sonkin is the Founder of Virtual Family Office Hub as well as The Due Diligence Project, which is a revolutionary platform and a community of elite CPA firms, law firms, family offices, and best-in-class specialty firms. In episode #124 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Jon and Alex discuss his companies - Virtual Family Office Hub and the Due Diligence Project, how these companies connect CPAs to Fortune 500 companies and successful people to help solve their complex tax issues, common misconceptions about taxes, how Alex's wife founded GoMacro, and a failure that ended in a positive outcome (hint: building a city in Panama).

Bryce and Brant Aberg are Vice Chairmen at Cushman & Wakefield. Brant oversees institutional leasing throughout San Diego county for over 20 million square feet and Bryce co-leads the west coast capital markets for Cushman & Wakefield. 
In episode #123 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Jon, Bryce, and Brant discuss their career paths getting started at Cushman & Wakefield, tips on negotiation and sales, how to build client relationships, the state of commercial real estate in San Diego, and the future of the economy and real estate.

Eric and Anthony Karnezis are entrepreneurs, thrill-seekers, and philanthropists. Eric shares his life experiences through memoirs and podcasts, hoping to inspire others to persevere through challenges and find their purpose. They discuss growing up with parents who were arrested for selling drugs, getting arrested for armed robbery, driving sports cars and motorcycles, getting into Cal Poly San Luis Obispo even as a high school dropout, building a successful credit card processing company, Eric’s book, “Golden Scissors,” philanthropy, thrill seeking through paragliding, dirt biking, and driving fast cars. Connect with Eric at erickarnezis.com or @eric_karnezis on Instagram

Andy Dane Carter is a real estate expert, investment strategist, author, and keynote speaker. Jon and Andy discuss Andy’s transition from a real estate investor to agent, how Andy built a real estate empire in Long Beach using social media, YouTube, and print marketing, selling luxury homes, finding high-end clients, marketing to wealthy clients, tips for brokers to become a preferred lender, a hot take on whether it’s a good time to buy or sell, the NAR settlement and how it will impact the industry, and cherishing moments with family and kids.

Eric Morgenson is the VP of Business Development at Angel Oak. For the past 30 years he’s built a successful career in real estate, sub-prime and non-QM alternative mortgage solutions. Jon and Eric discuss, how to close more loans with non-QM,  non-QM programs like bank statement 2nd and DSCR,  where to find clients, technology & how it will affect mortgage jobs, and habits that contribute to success & happiness (like manifestation).

Kimberly Koll is a seasoned real estate professional based in San Diego and the founder of Heritage Homes. During episode #117, Jon and Kimberly discuss her inspiration to start a real estate career, Heritage Homes (her firm), the NAR settlement, the San Diego luxury market, niches (specifically Kim being a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and certified Military Relocation Professional), and tips for brokers to become a preferred lender (how to stand out).

To contact Kimberly, visit her website heritagehomesre.com or call her directly at (858) 231-4997.

Paul “The Ultimate” Vaden is a former professional boxer with a record of 29 and 3 who held the IBF light middleweight title in 1995. Paul remains the only native San Diegan to grow up to be a professional boxer. Today Paul is a motivational speaker, mentor, consultant and author. Jon and Paul discuss Paul’s boxing career, becoming a champion, the origin of his nickname, “The Ultimate,” YouTube stars in boxing (Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson), Ryan Garcia, Paul’s secret to success, Paul’s company, Answer the Bell, advice for salespeople, and Paul’s favorite failure story.

Follow Paul at @paul_vaden or find his website at answerthebell.com 

Chris and Aleyna Groves are the CEO and COO of Groves Capital, a residential and commercial lender based in San Diego, CA. They discuss running a company together, the secrets to being a successful entrepreneur, the importance of non-QM loans, how to use social media to build your business, tips for mortgage brokers to crush it, self-improvement and healthy lifestyle (exercise, diet, mindset), and supercars.

Juan Munoz is a realtor and mortgage broker at First Choice Home Team. He’s bilingual and used to work in the private banking world. During episode #114 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Jon and Juan discuss Juan’s career path, advantages of working as both a realtor and broker, the benefits of non-QM loans (especially bank statement 2nd mortgages), dealing with tough competition, automation and AI, and building client relationships.

Jordan Nutter is a loan officer at NFM Lending and the co-founder of their social media influencer program, called the Creator Collective. She’s gained over 250,000 TikTok followers and she’s embarking on a nationwide RV tour to teach financial literacy to the masses. Jon and Jordan discuss how Jordan went from modeling in NYC and LA to becoming a loan officer, NFM’s Creator Collective (a group of LOs using social media to reach borrowers), social media strategy and advice for platforms, how to develop ideas for content, and Jordan’s financial literacy RV tour.

Logan Mohtashami is a lead analyst for HousingWire and is a regular contributor on their podcast. Logan deciphers complex economic data and translates it into understandable, actionable insights. His passion for data and economics, coupled with his years of direct lending experience, provides industry professionals with critical insights into the ever-evolving mortgage and housing landscape.

Jon Maddux talks with Troy Fontana, who's unique coaching approach helps people tap into their inner superpowers and achieve lasting change. Besides being an author and speaker, he’s the go-to expert for entrepreneurs looking to skyrocket their profits, relationships, and personal growth.

As President of C2 Financial, David leads a team dedicated to maximizing the value C2 Financial offers loan officers. David oversees all company verticals with a vision to continue industry innovation and growth as the #1 Mortgage Broker in the nation. Jon and David discuss David’s career path & role as President at C2, benefits of working at a mortgage brokerage vs. a retail shop, ways C2 is overcoming the current industry challenges, benefits of non-QM loans, technology in the mortgage space (including AI), habits that contribute to David’s success and happiness, missed opportunities in the mortgage industry, and setting goals for 2024.

Jimmy Langley is a man of many talents. From a small town in Northern California, Jimmy dealt with lots of adversity growing up, which made him who he is today. Jimmy is the Founder and Managing Partner of LDG Commercial Real Estate, a boutique firm that focuses on the representation of office, industrial, and retail tenants in the leasing or acquisition of real estate. He also owns Empress Investments, a restaurant group responsible for the very popular Death by Tequila and has funded 18 restaurants around San Diego. He’s also involved in the SEAL Future Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Find Jimmy on his Instagram @leftylangly or any of his websites: ldgcre.com // empressinvestments.com // deathbytequila.com // residentbrewing.com

Dale Vermillion is an industry-leading trainer, speaker and consultant. He started Mortgage Champions in 1995 and has trained over 1 million mortgage professionals and 600 lenders. Dale was named an MPA Housing Industry Icon and a HousingWire Vanguard.

Jon and Dale discuss Dale’s company called Mortgage Champions, the biggest mistake that loan originators make, why rate is overrated and how to sell in a high interest rate environment, the best way to ask for a referral, the importance of offering non-QM loans to your borrowers, tips for positive sales activity, second mortgages: small commissions lead to big commissions, and Dale’s podcast, “Batting 1,000.”

Logan Mohtashami is an expert on the U.S. economy and real estate market. As Lead Analyst for HousingWire, he translates complex data into financial truth for housing economics. 

Jon and Logan discuss the health of the U.S. housing market, rising mortgage rates and home prices, the 10-year treasury yield, de-Dollarization, how this market different than 2008, BRICS and what that alliance means for the U.S., what the Israel/Gaza conflict could mean for the U.S. housing market, U.S. debt and GDP, and the biggest challenge the U.S. is facing right now.⁠

Courtney Costello is one of San Diego's top real estate agents, a member of the Oppenheim Group, and she was featured on the Netflix show, "Selling the OC." Courtney’s curated valuable skills that she uses in negotiations, marketing, and educating clients. Jon and Courtney discuss the importance of educating yourself about the market to deliver for your clients, how Courtney started her career in real estate & what she loves about working in this industry, working for Oppenheim Group, filming with Netflix, the power of passion, how to avoid negative energy, mastering your mindset, treating every customer with the same luxurious experience, Courtney’s podcast “Selling San Diego," how to be direct & honest, and dealing with rejection.

Contact Courtney: @courtsmiles on Instagram or email courtney@ogroup.com.

Dr. Jason Phan is a Naturopathic doctor. He started LIVV Natural to offer services like IV nutritional therapy, regenerative injections, hormone replacement therapy, and pain management. Jon and Dr. Jason discuss health savings, toxins, testosterone levels, blood work, men's health (especially cardiac, prostate, hair, confidence, energy), heavy metals, cold plunges, parasites, fasting, peptides, coffee vs. nicotine, hydration vs. irrigation, sugar and LIVV Natural. For 20% off of LIVV products, use code "MDME20" on livvnatural.com.

Josh Sternberg started Sternberg Law Group in 2009. He’s helped thousands of families avoid foreclosure and achieve financial freedom. Josh advocates for his clients, protecting them from being bullied by big bank antics or predatory lending practices. Jon and Joshua discuss how today’s market is different (and safer) than the 2008 recession, why adjustable-rate mortgages are popular (plus 40-year I/O loans), how Joshua helps homeowners stay in homes through financial hardships, working smarter - not harder, scaling your business to work less hours, Delegation, outsourcing, automating, and tips for brokers to partner with attorneys.

Mark Dodson is the founder of Mortgage Capital Advisors, a boutique private mortgage banking firm in Atlanta that specializes in jumbo loans and helping self-employed borrowers. During episode #103 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Jon and Mark discuss Mark's path to becoming a broker, the importance of a good loan processor, doing 2 of Elton John's home loans, strategies for getting new business, the upcoming election year, the benefits of non-QM loans, and why bank statement loans are Mark's favorite type of non-QM loans.

Mike Moser is a Partner at Retail Insite, a commercial real estate firm in San Diego. He brings over 35 years of experience in the retail arena, including development, site planning, retailer representation, leasing, strategic planning and sales. He has completed over $4 billion dollars of transactions over his Career. During this episode, Jon and Mike discuss starting a career in commercial real estate, how to be successful in real estate, trends in real estate and consumers, San Diego retail space and the development of Mission Valley, the future of San Diego, and tips for building relationships.

In episode #101 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Jon Maddux talks with Kyle Bucket, a retired Navy SEAL leader and soon-to-be New York Times best selling author. Jon and Kyle discuss how Kyle became a Navy Seal after growing up as an Army kid, Navy training, deployments, and climbing the leadership ranks, a crazy story of when Kyle realized he was standing on an improvised explosive device (IED), One More Wave - a company that provides wounded and disabled veterans with customized surfing equipment and a community to surf with, Kyle's new book, "Leadership is Overrated" and his approach to fostering a strong culture, Navy Seal mottos, and Kyle's definition of leadership.

This is episode #100 of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience! Jon Maddux talks with Lucee Cesena, the founder of Nobility Consulting Services which helps people turn their dream business into a reality by forming LLCs and getting businesses off the ground. Lucee has shares her incredible story of fighting through all the adversity life brought to start a successful business and care for her daughters. Jon and Lucee discuss growing up with both parents in Los Angeles gangs, dancing for a Christian biker Church that traveled around the country in Harley Davidsons, how Lucee dealt with a short stint of homelessness, how reading books changed Lucee's life. To reach Lucee, find her on Instagram, @luceecesena or visit her website, nobilityconsulting.com.

In episode #99, Jon Maddux talks with Adam Rutz, a former Navy SEAL who is now a real estate agent, founder of Apricot Solar, and heavily involved in multiple charity foundations. Jon and Adam discuss why Adam joined the Navy, how intense being a part of the SEALS really is, Adam's transition to real estate, Adam's internal struggles and how he overcame them, charities that help Navy SEALS after the military, and Adam's renewable energy company that focuses on solar. To reach Adam, find him on Instagram @adam_rutz.

In episode #98, Jon Maddux talks with Shane Colson, FundLoans' top account executive. Shane's commitment to customer service stems from his history in luxury hotel food & beverage service and management. Jon and Shane discuss how a hospitality background translates into serving mortgage brokers, Shane's favorite aspects of Non-QM loans, Shane's favorite loan programs (DSCR and Alt-Doc), finding fulfillment in funding loans, what differentiates FundLoans, tips to help brokers close more loans with non-QM, missed opportunities in the mortgage industry, and Shane's Sommelier status.

Eric Iantorno is a highly regarded and award-winning Realtor specializing in San Diego luxury homes. Eric is recognized as the #1 individual agent at Pacific Sotheby’s and annually ranks in San Diego’s top 3 individual agents by sales volume. Eric has closed some of the highest priced sales ever recorded in San Diego.During this episode, Jon and Eric discuss: - Eric's career path in real estate- What it's like working with high-end luxury clients- Selling a $24 million dollar home in San Diego- How to become a preferred mortgage broker for a luxury real estate agent- Self-employed homebuyers and non-QM LoansTo get ahold of Eric and his team, visit: ericiantorno.com.Learn more about FundLoans, our industry-leading non-QM loan programs, and Jon Maddux at fundloans.com.

John Lloyd is the President and Co-Founder of Fidelis Private Fund, a direct portfolio lender specializing in commercial and residential investment real estate loans in California. Fidelis offers investors the opportunity to invest in a pool of real estate-secured loans generating a competitive rate of return with moderate risk and reasonable liquidity. Topics include how Fidelis operates, how John's never lost money for investors, key benefits for long-term investors, the profile of a typical investor, where the market is headed, missed opportunities in the mortgage industry, as well as non-QM loans and bank statement seconds.

Michael McAllister is the President of Empower LO, a mortgage marketing company that equips loan officers and mortgage brokers with the technology, skills, and team that they need to get more deals using consumer direct internet lead generation tactics. During this episode of the Million Dollar Mortgage Experience, Michael McAllister and FundLoans CEO Jon Maddux discuss Google ads for mortgage marketing, how automated workflows can nurture leads, how to target borrowers for a bank statement 2nd mortgage, how to convert internet leads, why real estate agents get homebuyer leads first, missed opportunities in the mortgage industry.

Alejandro Szita is a mortgage broker who’s been involved with real estate and loans since 2006. He specializes in serving artists and entrepreneurs as he expertly maneuvers the ins and outs of mortgages for self-employed borrowers.
During this episode Jon and Alejandro discuss how why it's important to have a niche, how to help self-employed clients with the challenges they face as borrowers, crazy loan stories, and opinions on non-QM loans and bank statement 2nds.

Daniel Shkolnik is an entrepreneur, developer, and founder & CEO of Atlas West Group — a privately held full-service development and investment firm in San Diego. Daniel has more than a dozen years of experience in multifamily and commercial real estate and has completed more than $250 million in transactions throughout his career. Jon Maddux and Daniel Shkolnik discuss working on Wall Street, how Daniel's company identifies opportunistic investments and builds multi-family affordable housing, advice for mortgage brokers to get business, how to get started in investing, and the war in Ukraine.

Masud Sarwary tells his captivating story of escaping Afghanistan as a young child to eventually having a successful career in the mortgage industry before building his company, Foundation Escrow. Jon and Masud discuss the difference between the 2008 recession and today's environment, the value Foundation Escrow brings, wire fraud, escrow technology, how to get more business as a mortgage broker, market predictions, standalone 2nds vs HELOCs, smart investments, Masud's philanthropic involvements, cold plunges, and spending quality time with the people you love. To connect with Masud, find him on instagram @sarwarymasud or check out his website foundationescrow.com.

Jon Maddux interviews Aron Jimenez, top producing mortgage broker at Secure Choice Lending. Aron specializes in helping first-time homebuyers as well as other types of buyers with his smart approach to building relationships. They discuss Aron's path from Wells Fargo personal banker to mortgage broker, building rapport, the benefit of a strong CRM, adopting social media in, purchasing an AirBnB to build wealth, the "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" philosophy, how to use the 1003 to build relationships with your borrowers, and non-QM loans. Find Aron on instagram or securechoicelending.com.

Rocco Cortese is the CEO and Co-Founder of Intersection, a full-service commercial real estate management and capital markets firm based in San Diego. Jon and Rocco discuss the real estate market in Iceland, Rocco's start in the real estate industry, navigating difficult economic cycles, the labor market in the U.S., the return to the office (or lack thereof) from a commercial real estate perspective, productivity at home vs. in the office, building wealth with real estate investments, tips for mortgage brokers to build their business in difficult times, and how to use debt as a tool to build wealth.

Brandon Boyd is a social media director, marketing expert, and loan originator at Secure Choice Lending, a Riverside-based mortgage lender. Brandon has over 7 years of originating experience and a keen eye for creative marketing tactics to help his company close more loans.  During this conversation, Jon Maddux and Brandon discuss how Brandon went from Calvin Klein store manager to the mortgage industry, the importance of personal branding on social media, finding leads on social media, how to stand out and differentiate yourself, keeping updated headshots, and why you should send out a weekly market update.

Jon Maddux interviews Phillip Baltazar, whose expertise is driving growth and developing affinity partnerships across direct-to-consumer mortgage platforms. He's an Executive Advisor for Culture Index, a strategic advisory firm that works with visionary entrepreneurs, business leaders, and management to scale and transform organizations using applied analytics. Jon and Phillip discuss Phillip's path from ballet to the mortgage industry, his rise to #1 broker at Lending Tree, how Culture Index helps companies maximize efficiency and company culture, and one of Phillip's favorite quotes: "Chop wood, carry water." Try the Culture Index survey and free team diagnostics.

Joey Roquet is a vice president and top producer at Secure Choice Lending, a Riverside-based mortgage brokerage. Despite most of the industry struggling in 2022, Joey led Secure Choice Lending through significant growth. During this episode, Joey and MDME host Jon Maddux discuss Joey's path through the mortgage industry, what makes his company stand out, how to grow a company during tough times, the importance of culture and hiring right people, how to build relationships by getting back to the basics, how artificial intelligence (AI) will affect the future of mortgage lending, the benefits and drawbacks of non-QM, tips for mortgage brokers, and their optimistic predictions for 2023.

Michelle Berman is an Instagram coach, speaker, and author. She created the Instagram Power Method Course specifically for realtors and loan officers to level up from the basic Instagram 101 courses. In this episode, Jon and Michelle discuss why mortgage brokers should be using social media, why Instagram is the best social media platform, how to write captions, how to come up with ideas for content & the specific steps for creating content, how to attract engaging followers & have meaningful conversations on Instagram, and the different types of posts ( like stories, highlights, feed, reels).

Matthew Cox is a former mortgage broker who became a secret service most wanted con man. Sentenced to 26 years in Federal prison, he served 12.5 years and is now on parole. He avoided capture for 3 years while he was hunted by the FBI and US Marshalls, and It all started by whiting out a VOR 30-day late. In this episode, Jon Maddux and Matthew Cox discuss Matt's start in the mortgage industry, the first time he committed fraud & how that lead to more, an FBI sting operation, creating fake people & IDs and stealing social security numbers, spending time in prison, the fact that fraud is still prevalent, and Matt's advice to avoid mortgage fraud.

Clinton Selfridge is a luxury real estate agent at Pacific Sotheby’s with over thirty years of experience. He's one of the top-rated real estate agents in San Diego County and last year alone, he did over $50MM in home sales.

Jon and Michael discuss selling a $7MM home as a 25-year-old, what Clinton’s high-end luxury clients are like, how to get referral relationships from Clinton, tips for mortgage brokers, cash buyers, and self-employed buyers.