In this powerful episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Jon Prussel, the President of City First Mortgage LLC, for a candid and deeply human conversation about resilience, leadership, and second chances. Jon’s story is not just about building a business — it’s about rebuilding oneself. From navigating personal and professional lows to steering one of Florida’s most respected mortgage firms, Jon’s journey is a testament to what it means to rise, rebuild, and redeem. City First Mortgage, founded in 1988, has built its reputation on trust, transparency, and long-term relationships. As a licensed mortgage lender and servicer, the company has stood the test of time by putting people over profit and principles over trends. Jon opens up about what it takes to lead a company that prioritizes principal preservation, stability, and personal service in an era dominated by speed and automation. In “Rock Bottom to Redemption,” Jon reflects on the hard lessons that shaped both his personal growth and his professional philosophy. From market volatility and economic downturns to moments of doubt and rebuilding, he shares how hitting bottom became the catalyst for transformation — not defeat. Listeners will discover: The foundational values that built City First Mortgage’s 35-year legacy How trust and integrity anchor success in lending and leadership What “redemption” truly looks like after struggle or failure The importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in business recovery Why long-term relationships — not transactions — are the real capital of mortgage lending How to stay centered, ethical, and optimistic in a shifting financial landscape Jon’s leadership philosophy echoes through every story: “We don’t just underwrite loans — we underwrite lives.” His approach blends old-school relationship building with forward-thinking adaptability, reminding today’s industry leaders that technology may change, but trust never goes out of style. This episode isn’t about spreadsheets or pipelines — it’s about the human side of mortgage lending, the lessons learned in failure, and the mindset needed to rise again. Whether you’re a loan officer, broker, executive, or entrepreneur, Jon’s story will challenge how you think about success, survival, and self-redemption. Episode Sponsors Polly The modern mortgage capital markets platform transforming how lenders price, hedge, and manage pipelines for greater accuracy and profitability. Website: https://polly.io Floify A secure, easy-to-use point-of-sale platform that streamlines borrower communication, document collection, and loan processing from start to finish. Website: https://floify.com Truework Trusted by lenders nationwide, Truework simplifies income and employment verification to accelerate approvals and reduce fraud risk. Website: https://truework.com FundingShield The mortgage industry’s gold standard for wire and title fraud protection, providing real-time validation to keep lenders and borrowers safe. Website: https://www.fundingshield.com