What does the future of mortgage lending really look like?
In this episode, Matthew Gallant of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) joins Fobby Naghmi for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts insightful and entertaining.
They dig into:
Why the broker vs. banker debate is evolving
What the MBA actually does behind the scenes
The real story behind trigger leads and industry advocacy
Why networking isn’t chasing — it’s teaching
How personal branding and education can help you grow your gravity
Why smarter hiring (not just more hiring) is what IMBs need in 2025 and beyond
You’ll also hear about Matthew’s experience co-authoring the Amazon best-seller Rethink Everything You Know About Networking — and what it really takes to create meaningful industry connections.
From brisket to breakout sessions, and cigars to strategy, this episode blends laughs with leadership lessons you won’t want to miss.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
This episode of Laugh, Lend, and Eat is a wild ride of insights, banter, and blindfolded truth-telling as I dive headfirst into the "Ask Fobby Anything" hot seat. No topic is off-limits and no question goes unanswered (well... almost none). With guest host and returning favorite Justin Neal joining us from Minnesota, we chop it up about leadership myths, flip phones, the evolution of AI in the mortgage industry, and even sticky situations involving jars of honey.
Whether you're in the mortgage game or just curious about the blend of comedy, candor, and career wisdom, this one has it all. Plus, you’ll hear the story behind my mall business card hustle in the '80s and the surprising guest that left a lasting impression on me. Buckle up—this is not your typical Q&A episode.
⏱️ Episode Highlights
[1:32] – Kicking things off with awkward intros and a new co-host audition
[4:40] – Debunking the biggest myth in mortgage leadership
[10:58] – The ‘87 business card story and the evolution of building relationships
[17:50] – Why LinkedIn is my daily ritual for nurturing connections
[22:15] – My strategy for cutting through the noise on social media
[29:36] – Would I trade in my iPhone for a flip phone? Spoiler: not a chance
[36:20] – Who surprised me most as a guest on the podcast and why
[42:00] – Rapid-fire: Coffee or tea, beach or mountains, QR codes or biz cards?
[47:45] – AI in mortgage by 2030: What the future (likely) holds
[55:30] – Can a man survive solely on honey? Justin may be finding out…
🔗 Links & Resources
Learn more about Laugh, Lend, and Eat: www.laughlendandeat.com
💬 Enjoyed This Episode?
If you got a laugh, a lesson, or a little inspiration out of today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and leave a review. Share it with someone who needs a break from the boring and a dose of real talk.
In this high-energy episode, Fobby welcomes back Liz “Get Sh*t Done” Short and Lindsey Meyer to talk about their new collaborative book, Rethink Everything You Know About Networking.
Together, they explore how networking has evolved far beyond suits, business cards, and surface-level connections. Liz and Lindsey share how their friendship and professional collaboration led to this project — one that challenges the myths around networking and celebrates real human stories of connection, courage, and community.
From LinkedIn relationships to live events, from organizing 20+ contributors to pre-launch marketing buzz, this episode reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how a book about networking turned into a movement.
Notable Quotes
“Anything worth doing deserves a little buzz.” – Liz Short
“Until someone says no, why not try?” – Lindsey Meyer
“It’s not a transaction. It’s a relationship. And the best ones turn into friendships.” – Fobby Naghmi
“Forget the business cards — just wave hello.” – Lindsey Meyer
Key Takeaways
1. Forget the Old Playbook
Networking isn’t about business cards or awkward handshakes — it’s about authentic human connection. Everyone networks, whether they realize it or not.
2. The Power of Collaboration
Lindsey and Liz turned an idea into a reality by bringing together 20+ contributors, proving that when networkers collaborate, magic happens.
3. Buzz Matters — Before the Launch
Liz explains why everything needs pre-launch buzz: “Only a third of your audience ever sees your best post, so you have to repeat the message.”
4. Stories That Stick
Lindsey highlights powerful stories from authors like Catherine Keaton Flanagan, Aaron Hurt, and Sasha Stare — reminding us that networking often begins with simple acts of courage and kindness.
5. A Movement in Motion
The duo is already thinking beyond the book — from a Rethink Everything RV tour to a Rethink podcast that will feature stories from across the “Rethink” family of authors.
Key Moment
When Fobby says the words “This isn’t a how-to book — it’s a forget-everything-you-know book,” the tone of the entire conversation shifts from professional to personal. It’s not about learning new tricks; it’s about remembering what matters — people.
This episode reminds us that the most powerful form of networking isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about building community.
“We don’t need more business cards. We just need more hellos.”
In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby Naghmi sits down with Jeremy Potter, founder of Next Belt Strategies and one of the most forward-thinking voices in mortgage technology, to talk about courage, innovation, and how to navigate an industry that’s evolving faster than ever.
Jeremy and Fobby dive into what it truly means to innovate responsibly — moving fast enough to stay relevant, but smart enough to stay compliant. Together, they explore how mortgage companies can adapt to AI without losing control of the process or the human touch that defines great lending.
Adapting to AI intentionally: Building frameworks and documentation to avoid the operational and compliance disasters that come from rushing in too fast.
AI as a profitability engine: Why artificial intelligence is the first real tool in years that’s adding margin back to lenders’ bottom lines.
The consolidation wave: How technology and efficiency are accelerating a shakeout — not by logos, but by talent, productivity, and adaptability.
Responsible innovation: What it means to lead with purpose, clarity, and courage in a tech-driven lending world.
Memorable Quotes:
Jeremy Potter: “There’s a big difference between intent and outcome. The intent of a rule or a tool may be clear, but how it plays out in real life is often very different.”
Jeremy Potter: “We’ve already thrown enough spaghetti at the wall in this industry. Responsible innovation means slowing down, being intentional, and making sure technology actually delivers value instead of just burning money.”
Fobby Naghmi: “AI is the first tangible thing I’ve seen in years that truly puts money back into a lender’s pocket — and if you don’t start moving today, you’re already behind.”
💡 Key Takeaway:
The mortgage industry doesn’t need to fear AI — it needs to understand it. The future will reward those who are bold enough to adapt and disciplined enough to innovate responsibly.
Non-QM mortgages are no longer a niche product or a “last resort.” They’re a $100 billion market in 2025 — and if you’re not paying attention, you’re leaving massive opportunities on the table.
In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby sits down with a powerhouse panel of Non-QM experts:
Lisa Schreiber – SVP, eRESI Mortgage
David Porter – VP Correspondent Lending, Vista Point Mortgage
Mike Perry – AnnieMac’s own Non-QM leader and architect of the “No Deal Left Behind” initiative
Together, they tackle the misconceptions, challenges, and future of Non-QM lending — and they don’t hold back.
Why are less than 20% of loan officers adopting Non-QM, and what’s stopping the rest?
With average 70% LTVs and 700+ FICOs, why is Non-QM still confused with subprime?
If one-third of all loans require exceptions, how do you actually win them?
Why do 50% of submissions come in poorly structured — and how do top lenders fix this?
What does it mean for the industry that Non-QM is projected to hit $100B this year?
Key Takeaway: Non-QM isn’t a backup plan. It’s a business plan. If you want to grow volume, stand out to referral partners, and own a market niche, Non-QM may be the single biggest opportunity you’re ignoring.
Questions We Dig Into:
On this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby welcomes Brad Springer and Jeff Springer, the founders of RatePlug, to explore how they turned a simple idea—embedding real-time mortgage payments into MLS listings—into a nationwide platform serving hundreds of thousands of agents.
From 2003 flip phones and carbon-paper loan apps to AI-powered buyer portals, Brad and Jeff share how they overcame fragmented MLS politics, scaled to 70+ platform integrations, and launched Afordal, a tool that lets buyers search for homes by true affordability (PITI) instead of sticker price.
Key topics include:
The origin story of RatePlug and the challenge of integrating with multiple MLS systems
Why Fobby believes “No business ever goes out of business because they don’t have enough business. They go out because they get too much and can’t keep the service level.”
How Afordal filters listings by real monthly payment, bringing financing to the top of the funnel
The role of AI in outbound nurturing and predictive buyer behavior
The evolving relationship between real estate agents and loan officers in a tech-driven market
Whether you’re a loan officer, realtor, or tech enthusiast, this episode shows how innovation and service can grow side-by-side—and why the next wave of mortgage technology is already here.
We’re debuting a new format on Laugh, Lend & Eat—welcome to Laugh, Lend & Scoop: Mortgage News Update.
Our newest team member, James Kleinmann, founder of The Mortgage Scoop, joins Fobby and Justin Neal to bring insider mortgage news and fresh perspectives every episode.
In this first edition, we cover:
Dual Compensation / Dual Licensing
Why more real estate agents are pursuing mortgage licenses, what FHA and VA’s recent rule change means, and the roadblocks agents hit when taking the MLO test.
Mortgage Bankers Association Update
From a $2.3M operating loss to vendor buzz in Las Vegas, what MBA’s numbers and conference trends signal for the 2025 market.
AI’s Impact on Lending & Journalism
Where automation helps, where trust still requires humans, and how technology is reshaping everything from podcast production to loan officer roles.
Along the way:
Beards, berets, and the story behind James’s signature 1930s-style reporter hat
Fobby’s “Easy Pass” analogy for how technology quietly replaces jobs
Justin’s take on why human connection still matters in big life decisions like buying a home
Why listen:
Real market insight, candid laughs, and a front-row seat to how mortgage lending is evolving—delivered by people who live it every day.
In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby sits down with Jodi Hall, President of The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), to explore what it truly means to leave a mark on the mortgage industry.
Jodi shares her journey from starting out as an account executive with nothing but a phone book and a product manual, to leading one of the industry’s most collaborative trade organizations. She explains why focusing solely on loan counts misses the bigger picture, and why legacy, leadership, and relationships matter more than production numbers.
Listeners will hear Jodi’s insights on:
How TMC brings 200+ lenders and 70+ partners together for real collaboration and problem-solving.
Why adaptability is the cornerstone of leadership in today’s mortgage market.
The role of AI and automation in reshaping — but not replacing — the human side of mortgage lending.
Her personal story of trading the daily grind for life on a horse farm, and how it’s shifted her perspective on balance and leadership.
The worst “advice” she ever got in her career — and how it fueled her competitive spirit instead of holding her back.
Jodi reminds us that the true legacy of a leader isn’t measured in funded loans, but in the lasting impact on people, organizations, and the industry as a whole.
Money is more than math—it’s mindset. In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby sits down with Dana Georgiou, Brooke Lapides, and Dee Zimmerman, co-authors of Rethink Everything You Know About Financial Literacy for Teens. Together, they unpack how to make money simple, visual, and empowering for the next generation.
The conversation explores the “bucket system” (savings, needs, wants, charity), the power of compound interest, and why confidence and curiosity are just as important as knowing the numbers. Along the way, the guests share their own mistakes, lessons learned, and practical tips that work for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Whether you’re a parent trying to teach your kids, a teen starting your financial journey, or an adult looking to finally “get it right,” this episode will change the way you think about money.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why visual “buckets” make financial lessons easier for kids and teens
How compound interest can transform long-term financial health
The role of confidence and curiosity in financial literacy
How instant gratification culture blurs the line between wants and needs
Real-life mistakes (and lessons) from the authors’ own money journeys
Practical steps families can use to start financial conversations early
Guest Highlights:
Dana Georgiou – Author and advocate for simple, practical money lessons
Brooke Lapides – Award-winning author of Financial Fun from A to Z and co-creator of this new teen-focused book
Dee Zimmerman – Financial literacy coach helping families and parents build confidence with money
🎧 Listen now and rethink everything you know about money.
What happens when a mortgage recruiter with an MBA also happens to be a stand-up comedian? You get lessons in persistence, humor, and resilience that every loan officer, recruiter, and leader can relate to.
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Neal, MBA — VP of Recruiting at Summit Mortgage Corp. Justin blends his professional career in mortgage recruiting with a passion for comedy, and the overlap is more powerful (and entertaining) than you might expect. From handling ghosting to navigating rejection, Justin shares why adaptability and likability matter as much in recruiting as they do on stage.
👉 What you’ll hear in this episode:
The funny side of persistence — including Justin’s joke about using a burner phone just to get a candidate to pick up.
Ghosting in business — why it’s unnecessary, and how a simple “check back later” can go a long way.
Comedy and recruiting parallels — hustle, resilience, thick skin, and the importance of making people laugh.
Notable Quotes:
"Being likable goes a long way — on stage, in recruiting, and in loan officering." – Justin Neal (00:08:11)
"If you bomb, you’re gonna bomb — and you just gotta get back up again and go after the next one." – Justin Neal (00:10:09)
"Thirty-one years in the mortgage business, this is the first time a candidate has ever called me first." – Fobby Naghmi (00:14:12)
"Ghosting… it’s not necessary, right? People can just say, ‘Hey Justin, I’m gonna stay where I’m at. Let’s stay in touch. Give me a call in 6 months.’" – Fobby Naghmi (00:13:13)
From laughs to lessons, this episode is about more than recruiting or comedy — it’s about the art of connecting with people.
🔗 Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: Justin Neal, MBA – VP of Recruiting at Summit Mortgage
In this special Laugh, Lend & Eat episode, Fobby sits down for his first on-air conversation with the leadership of InGenius since they acquired his recruiting platform, SIMPL. Jeff Walton, CEO of InGenius, and Varant Herculian, Head of Customer Success, join the mic to talk about how the mortgage recruiting landscape is shifting — and what it takes to lead through change.
They dive into:
Jeff’s 36+ years of lessons on staying ahead in both mortgage and tech.
How Varant builds customer success strategies that actually stick.
The thinking behind the InGenius + SIMPL merger and its real impact on branch managers.
Why leadership in recruiting is about more than filling seats — it’s about building the right culture.
Notable Quote:
"The recruiting game is going to be won by the people who can take great data and turn it into real, human conversations that lead to action." – Jeff Walton
"It’s about listening to the client, understanding their process, and making sure the tech fits their workflow — not the other way around." – Varant Herculian
"You have to be willing to adapt your business model — not just once, but continuously — if you want to stay relevant in this industry." – Jeff Walton
This is a conversation about change, leadership, and where recruiting is headed — and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Listen now and see what the future of recruiting really looks like.
In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby sits down with Fatima Khan — one of LinkedIn’s top emerging creators — to break down what it really takes to build a personal brand on LinkedIn. Forget posting for the sake of posting; Fatima shares her strategic approach to branding that attracts opportunities instead of chasing them.
From her journey as a job seeker in a new country to becoming a recognized marketing voice, Fatima reveals how intentional content, personal storytelling, and audience-focused strategy can change the trajectory of your career or business.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Brand over random posting – Posting content without a clear purpose is like shouting into the void. Every post should connect to a bigger “why.”
The 3-step process – 1) Know your why, 2) Identify your who (audience), 3) Craft your how (style and format that builds connection).
Signals matter – Every post sends a signal to your audience. Be intentional so you’re sending the right ones.
LinkedIn is still untapped – Despite growing competition, organic reach is alive and well. The best time to start building is now.
Content can be simple – Behind-the-scenes moments, work routines, and real-life experiences are powerful brand-builders when shared authentically.
Opportunities find you – A strong personal brand can bring job offers, clients, and collaborations directly to your inbox.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“If you plan on getting another job in three to five years, it’s too late to start then — start today.”
“Every post sends a signal to your audience. Make sure it’s the signal you actually want to send.”
“I wasn’t looking for clients or a business — I just wanted a safety net. But the brand I built brought opportunities I didn’t even imagine.”
📣 Call to Action
If you’ve been posting on LinkedIn without a plan, it’s time to stop and rethink your approach. Listen to the full conversation with Fatima Khan and start building a brand that works for you long after you hit “post.”
In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby Naghmi is joined by Linda Thomas, SVP of Retail Sales at AnnieMac Home Mortgage, for a real, grounded conversation about what it means to lead with integrity—especially in a business that often confuses performance with leadership.
From her early days in title work to building teams in new markets, Linda has led by one core principle: do the right thing, even when it’s not popular. Together, she and Fobby unpack the tough realities of hiring, setting culture, and the limits of coaching. Because as Fobby says in this episode:
“I know I can make a loan officer a better loan officer—but I don’t know if I can make them a better human being.”
Key Topics Covered:
Why top producers don’t always make great leaders
The hiring mistakes that taught Linda who not to bring onto her team
What it really takes to build culture from scratch
How to lead without micromanaging
Why clear boundaries create better performance and happier teams
The mindset shift from production to people leadership
Notable Quotes:
“You can teach skills, but you can’t teach character.” — Linda Thomas
“I was never a top producer. I was always about growing others.” — Linda Thomas
“Leadership isn’t about what you do. It’s about what you help others do.” — Fobby Naghmi
About the Guest:
Linda Thomas is SVP of Retail Sales at AnnieMac Home Mortgage. With a background that started in title insurance and evolved into multi-branch leadership, Linda is known for her structured leadership style, deep empathy, and no-nonsense approach to hiring and culture-building.
Listen Now:
If you're leading a team—or thinking about stepping into leadership—this episode is for you
Fobby Naghmi sits down with Wes Costello, EVP of Sales Operations at AnnieMac, for a high-energy conversation about Appraisal Assurance—a new way to help buyers write stronger offers by eliminating the uncertainty of appraisal contingencies.
If you’re in lending or real estate, this episode breaks down exactly how Appraisal Assurance helps qualifying buyers lock in mortgage insurance pricing, even if the property under-appraises. 🏡💥
“This is the kind of strategy LOs and agents will wish they had known 3 deals ago.” — Fobby Naghmi
How Appraisal Assurance removes appraisal contingencies from offers
What happens when the appraisal comes in low—and why the buyer’s payment doesn’t change
Why AnnieMac is willing to absorb the risk most lenders won’t
How this pairs with Cash2Keys for unbeatable buyer strength
“You’re giving a warranty. And a warranty, legally, is basically a guarantee.” — Fobby
“Our pledge to the buyer is that your payment is not going to change.” — Wes
“This program was designed because people were losing deals—plain and simple.” — Wes
🎬 The closing moment you’ll be replaying:
“Bringing certainty back.” — Wes
“I’m bringing certainty back.” — Fobby
“You’re bringing certainty.” — Wes
📲 Subscribe for more insights on sales strategy, mortgage innovation, and leadership.
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You won’t believe where this business plan was written...
Here’s a hint: it wasn’t in a boardroom.
This week on Laugh, Lend & Eat, I sat down with Divine — an artist, entrepreneur, and former inmate who built a plan for his life while serving an 84-month sentence.
Before he ever launched a business, stepped on a stage, or mentored others… he was sitting in a cell, writing out a new story for himself.
From the streets to the system — and now to tech and leadership — Divine’s journey proves one thing:
👉 Where you are doesn’t determine where you’re going.
On this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Dana Georgiou—The Lending Luminary—pulls no punches. She argues that most financial education is outdated, ineffective, and downright dishonest with the people who need it most: teens. If the mortgage industry wants to build a better future, it starts with telling the truth. Raw, real, and packed with wisdom—this one hits different.
About Dana Georgiou
Dana Georgiou—better known as The Lending Luminary—is a powerhouse in the mortgage space with nearly 30 years of industry experience. She’s led top-performing sales teams, built strategic growth models, and operated mortgage platforms across all channels—retail, wholesale, and private lending. Her depth spans compliance, risk, marketing, and operations, and she’s never been afraid to challenge the status quo.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dana is a passionate educator. She recently co-authored "Rethink Everything You Know About Financial Literacy for Teens," writes for publications such as Mortgage Women Magazine and Deal Maker, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity as a financial counselor. She lives on a ranch in East Texas with her husband, two Labradors, and a few other four-legged characters.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Why traditional money advice doesn’t stick with teens
How Dana bridges the gap between finance and human connection
What it means to lead with empathy and purpose
Key Takeaways:
Lead by adapting. Great leaders shift their style to fit the moment and the individual.
Financial literacy must evolve. Teaching money should be relatable, real, and rooted in mindset.
Put people first. The right thing often is the smart thing in business.
Energy is influence. Show up with intention—your vibe shapes the outcome.
“Money will come if you treat people well.” — Dana Georgiou
Connect with Dana Georgiou: CLICK HERE
Laugh, Lend & Eat is hosted by Fobby Naghmi, SVP at AnnieMac and author of Leadership Matters. We bring you unfiltered conversations with industry leaders and change-makers shaping the future of mortgage, money, and mindset.
Subscribe and listen on your preferred podcast platform.
Are you ready to lead — or just pretending to?
In this no-holds-barred episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby and Maddi sit down with Kristi Straw — leadership expert, founder of Lighthouse Consultants, and author of Unicorn Leader — to expose the brutal truth about leadership in 2025.
The days of command-and-control leadership are over. In today’s world, connection beats control, authenticity beats authority, and adaptability isn’t optional — it’s survival.
Kristi breaks down the mindset shifts every leader must make if they want to build teams that trust them, follow them, and grow with them. She opens up about fighting imposter syndrome, why vulnerability is now a leadership superpower, and how “fake leaders” are getting exposed faster than ever.
If you're serious about becoming the kind of leader who wins and leaves a legacy — this conversation is your blueprint.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why "faking it" is a career killer in 2025
How true leaders adapt, connect, and stay resilient
What to do when imposter syndrome shows up (because it will)
Why leading yourself first is non-negotiable
The difference between getting compliance and building real loyalty
Notable Quote:
"You can't fake caring about people. They will know. And when they know you care, they'll follow you anywhere." — Kristi Straw
CTA at the end:
🎧 Hit play, and discover how to lead with authenticity, courage, and heart in a world that's tired of pretending.
What if retirement wasn’t the end of your impact—but the beginning of a new kind of leadership?
In this heartfelt episode, Fobby reconnects with longtime friend and mortgage veteran Dave Baer, who started in the business in 1977 and made the decision to retire after a profound personal shift.
Dave opens up about his sister’s battle with brain cancer—and how that moment changed his definition of success and purpose. Now, in retirement, he’s far from done. Dave dedicates his time to Women Giving Back, a nonprofit supporting women and children in crisis. It’s proof that legacy lives on, even after the titles fade.
In this episode, Dave shares:
The moment he knew it was time to walk away from the industry
Why retirement didn’t mean slowing down — it meant shifting direction
How he's continued making a difference without needing a business card
Notable Quotes:
“It wasn’t about the title anymore. It was about where I could make a real difference.”
“I may have stepped away from the office, but I haven’t stepped away from helping people.”
“The biggest part of the business that I miss are the people.”
If you’re wondering what’s on the other side of the hustle… this episode might be your answer.
This isn’t your average mortgage industry chat.
In this high-impact episode, Diego Sanchez, President of HousingWire, joins Fobby for a raw, unfiltered conversation on the real forces shaping the mortgage business in 2025. From AI and servicing dominance to the truth about signing bonuses, nothing is off-limits.
Whether you’re a loan officer looking for your edge or a leader planning next year’s strategy—this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.
Why servicers are positioned to dominate refis —and what that means for retail
How to actually use AI to free up time and drive better borrower engagement
What top executives are privately saying (and doing) that’s shaping the industry
Why signing bonuses are alive and well—even when leaders publicly denounce them
How to leverage local market knowledge as your competitive advantage
"One guy told me he’s got an ice cube (servicing pool)—and he’s going to do everything he can to not let it melt. That’s the mindset servicers have now with their portfolios."
– Fobby Naghmi
“Know your local market better than anyone else. Don’t just repeat national headlines—be the expert your clients and agents trust.”
– Diego Sanchez
📍 The Gathering by HousingWire
🗓️ June 8, 2025
📍 The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
A premier event for mortgage + real estate executives. Details →
In this deeply personal and power-packed episode, Fobby sits down with his longtime friend and mortgage industry veteran, Kevin DeLory, Chief Lending Officer at EPM. What unfolds isn’t just a leadership lesson — it’s a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, and real connection.
Kevin and Fobby reflect on their 12-year friendship, which started at Carrington Mortgage in 2012 when both were rebuilding after the 2008 meltdown. Despite time and distance, their bond has remained strong, grounded in trust, loyalty, and shared experience.
The heart of the conversation centers on Kevin’s unique leadership philosophy: the Three Ps — People, Problems, and Profit. He challenges the traditional obsession with title, power, and pay, and instead champions a leadership style rooted in listening, caring, and doing the right thing when no one’s watching.
Notable Quotes:
“I never wanted to be a leader. But when six people looked at me and asked, ‘What do we do next?’ — I realized I didn’t have a choice. They chose me.” – Kevin DeLory
“If you want the gold, talk to your people. Get to know them. Listen. Care. That’s where real leadership lives.” – Kevin DeLory
"There’s always going to be another mountain to climb… I was looking for an outside solution to fix an inside problem." – Fobby
What You'll Learn:
Why the Three Ps (People, Problems, Profit) matter more than Position, Pay, and Power
How authentic friendships fuel long-term leadership growth
The power of leading by example — and never asking your team to do what you wouldn’t
What real influence looks like in today’s mortgage industry