This week’s episode takes us through a deep, eye-opening conversation with Kevin Peranio, Chief Lending Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group (PRMG). Kevin reflects on a career rooted in adapting, learning, and leading through nearly two decades of seismic shifts in the mortgage industry—from regional markets to nationwide lending cycles. Kevin’s journey begins in 2001, when he helped expand First Magnus Financial throughout Texas and Florida. As both a launchpad and learning ground, these regional markets taught him the power of regulation, local demand dynamics, and credit evolution—especially as the Community Reinvestment Act influenced lending, independent mortgage bankers rose to prominence, and credit standards expanded. He then walks us through the factors behind the global financial crisis—risky lending, shifting consumer behavior, big bank practices, and failing oversight—and how those lessons reshaped how lenders should act responsibly. Kevin brings this full circle with the story of North Star Lending, where he served as COO from 2007–2010, rebuilding trust and standards through lean operations and smarter lending after the crash. Today, Kevin runs the loan process at PRMG with precision—focusing on customer satisfaction and quality control across the board. His experience and leadership offer rare clarity on how to lead lending not just with volume, but with integrity and foresight. Topics Covered: The 2000s real estate boom through regional lenses: Texas vs. Florida How lenders balanced community mandates, market expansion, and credit risks The origins and impact of the 2008 crisis—then and now Building a post-crisis lending business centered around culture, efficiency, and service Kevin’s vision for PRMG’s future—balanced, customer-first growth with resilient processes This episode is essential for originators, executives, and anyone wondering how mortgage leadership evolves in the wake of disruption. Kevin’s story is a reminder that leading lending is equal parts strategy, experience, and responsibility. About Our Sponsors Mortgage Connect – A full-service mortgage solutions partner delivering end-to-end support across closing, title, valuation, and loss mitigation. Visit https://www.mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium – Modern CRM and lead management tools built specifically to help mortgage professionals streamline pipelines and grow business. Visit https://www.thinkaidium.com Floify – A leading mortgage point-of-sale platform making it easier for lenders, borrowers, and agents to manage digital loan applications from start to finish. Visit https://www.floify.com Truework – Employment and income verification solutions built for fast, secure lender access to trusted borrower data. Visit https://www.truework.com FundingShield – Advanced risk detection and borrower identity verification tools tailored for mortgage and commercial lending. Visit https://www.fundingshield.com