Closing Time

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to rise into leadership as a woman in today’s workplace?In this episode, women at NFM Lending share their real stories, challenges, and what helped them grow. We sit down with two incredible women from our NFM Lending branch alongside LaTasha M. Waddy, President of NFM Lending, to have an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, growth, and the impact women are making across the company.This episode highlights the stories behind the success. From where they started to how they rose through the ranks, each guest shares the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and what it takes to build a meaningful career in the mortgage industry.We also dive into the roles women play at NFM Lending today, how the company supports growth and opportunity, and why culture and collaboration are key to long term success.Whether you are early in your career, looking to grow, or simply want to hear real stories from strong women in leadership, this episode is packed with insight and perspective.This is more than a conversation about careers. It is about confidence, resilience, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with Rudy from Thrive, a Columbus based homebuilder that is taking a different approach to building homes and communities.We talk about what makes Thrive unique compared to traditional builders and how their philosophy goes beyond just building houses. Thrive focuses on designing communities where people can truly live well, with thoughtful neighborhoods, intentional design, and a customer experience that puts the homeowner first.Rudy shares the story behind Thrive, why they are passionate about what they do, and how their vision for the future continues to shape the way they build in Central Ohio. We also dive into the homebuilding process, what buyers should expect when building a new home, and how partnerships with lenders like NFM Lending help make the journey smoother for their clients.If you are thinking about building a home, curious about the Columbus housing market, or just want to learn what goes into creating great communities, this episode is packed with valuable insight.Listen in to learn more about Thrive’s mission, the future of homebuilding in Columbus, and how the right builder and lender partnership can make all the difference.

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ The Closing Time Podcast | Featuring Nicole WardIn this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Ward, Broker of Real of Ohio, a military veteran, wife, and mother, for a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, growth, and building a career with purpose.Nicole opens up about her childhood, including being sent to boarding school at a young age, and how those early experiences — followed by her time serving in the military — helped shape the discipline, grit, and mindset she carries today. When asked to describe herself in one word, Nicole doesn’t hesitate: resilient. Her story is one of overcoming challenges, adapting through adversity, and coming out stronger on the other side.She also speaks candidly about the role her husband has played as her rock — the person who believed in her and encouraged her to take a leap of faith in her career. That leap led her to where she is today, leading Real of Ohio, a brokerage that is growing rapidly and making a strong impact across the state.From there, Nicole shares real-world real estate advice, including why success in this industry goes far beyond transactions. For her, real estate is about selling yourself — building trust, creating comfort, and forming genuine relationships. People work with people they like, trust, and believe in, and Nicole explains how she brings that mindset into everything she does.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in real estate, lending, or entrepreneurship — especially those navigating growth, leadership, and life’s challenges while building something meaningful.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with a Loan Originator who made the leap from the traditional banking world to the fast-moving retail lending side — and found a completely new level of freedom, ownership, and opportunity.We break down what really changes when you move from a bank environment to a retail platform: • The mindset shift required • The learning curve of building a business instead of taking whatever walks into a branch • The surprises—both good and bad—when you lose a steady pipeline and have to create your own • The wins that come from having real tools, real support, and real control • How communication, culture, and speed make or break a retail LO’s successYou’ll hear about the challenges of starting over, what it takes to build confidence as a self-generated Loan Officer, and why the retail side isn’t just different—it’s a completely new career if you’re willing to work.Whether you're a loan officer thinking about making the jump, a leader trying to recruit, or someone who just wants to understand how the business really works behind the scenes, this episode is full of value, perspective, and honest conversation.

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, host Kyle McCort sits down with two experienced loan officers from NFM Lending to tackle one of the most confusing parts of the homebuying process—mortgage myths.From “you need 20% down” to “you can’t get approved if you have student loans,” there’s no shortage of misinformation out there. Our guests pull back the curtain on the most common myths and FAQs they hear every day, giving you real answers straight from the experts who live it.Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a realtor trying to guide your clients, or just curious about how mortgages really work, this episode will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to separate fact from fiction.Because when it comes to buying a home, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s the key to unlocking the door to your future.

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, host Kyle McCort sits down with two of the most respected names in real estate investing—RJ Pepino and Dave Payerchin. As the powerhouse duo behind The CREAM (Columbus Real Estate And Money), they’ve built more than just a massive Facebook group—they’ve built a thriving community where local real estate pros collaborate, educate, and close deals together.But RJ and Dave aren’t just about business—they’re deeply passionate about the mindset behind success. In this episode, they break down how to stay grounded when things go wrong, what it truly takes to win big, and why mental and physical well-being are non-negotiables if you want long-term success. From bouncing back after losses to daily habits that keep them sharp, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, real talk, and a heavy dose of inspiration.Whether you’re an investor, agent, or entrepreneur, this episode is your reminder that the inner game is the real game.

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we spotlight four mortgage professionals with radically different journeys—but one shared goal: making a lasting impact in the industry.Hosted by the Cleveland Branch Lead at NFM Lending, this dynamic panel discussion covers everything from building a national powerhouse and launching new branches in untapped markets to breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Whether you're a seasoned Loan Officer, a new recruit, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in mortgage lending, this episode is packed with raw insights, real stories, and actionable advice.Here’s what you’ll hear:A Top 1% Branch Manager shares his rise, leadership mindset, and coaching strategiesThe host’s own journey of bringing NFM Lending to Cleveland and building culture from the ground upHow a new Cincinnati branch is thriving early—and why its leader made the jump to NFMA standout female LO reveals how she builds authentic, lasting realtor relationshipsA fun, fast-paced group round table with myths, tools, and hilarious loan storiesQuick-fire advice every Loan Officer needs to hearWhether you’re charting your path or leveling up, this episode reminds us that the road to success doesn’t have to look the same—it just has to move you forward.🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Closing Time Podcast – Episode 13: “Coaching Champions”In this episode of Closing Time, we sit down with Joe and Ashley Kovacs—a powerhouse duo in the world of track and field. Joe is a three-time Olympic silver medalist and two-time World Champion in shot put, boasting a personal best of 23.23 meters, making him the second-best competitor all-time in the event. Ashley, his wife and coach, is a former collegiate shot-putter and has been recognized as a top throws coach, having led athletes to national titles.​Together, they share their unique journey of balancing marriage and a professional athlete-coach relationship. From the pressures of Olympic competition to the nuances of separating training from home life, Joe and Ashley offer an intimate look into their world. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their partnership, how they maintain boundaries between the track and home, and the trust that fuels their success.​Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone navigating the complexities of working closely with a partner, this episode provides valuable insights into communication, resilience, and the power of shared goals.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 12 of the Closing Time Podcast, we’re joined by two amazing women in real estate: Cristina Romanelli, President of the Women's Council of Realtors in Columbus, OH, and Jessica Craig, a member of the governing board! In this episode, we dive into the incredible benefits of joining the Women's Council of Realtors, why it's so important to surround yourself with like-minded women in the industry, and how they balance the hustle of real estate with being amazing moms. This conversation was a blast – full of inspiration, insights, and real talk about succeeding in a competitive field. Don’t miss it!

Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to build a legacy in home building? In this episode of Closing Time, we sit down with Rockford Homes to talk about their 40-year journey in the industry. From market trends and homebuyer tips to what sets them apart, we dive into the strategies that have kept them thriving for decades. Whether you're in the market for a new home or just love real estate insights, this is one you don’t want to miss!

Send us Fan Mail🎯 Struggling to stick to your 2025 goals? You’re not alone.Most people set resolutions in January—only to abandon them by February. But what if you could create goals that actually stick? In this episode of Closing Time, host Kyle McCort sits down with Jason Block, a business leader who has scaled companies from $4M to $26M and $25M to $50M—all by setting the right goals and executing them effectively.🚀 What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ The biggest mistakes people make when setting goals✅ How to create goals that are actually achievable✅ Strategies to stay accountable and follow through✅ Real, actionable takeaways you can implement todayIf you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional looking to make 2025 your breakthrough year, this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, co-hosts Kelli Sa, Daniel Sa, and Alex Thompson sit down with the charismatic and beloved David Arocho, a seasoned LO with a remarkable journey of success. Known for his kindness, humor, and love for people, David opens up about how he got started in the mortgage industry and the keys to staying relevant and successful over the years. With heartfelt stories and actionable insights, he reveals how he genuinely cares for his clients and creates lasting relationships that drive his success.

Send us Fan MailOur latest episode featuring Division President, Daniel Sa, is now live! Join us as Daniel shares his journey—from his beginnings, to the challenges of moving to the U.S., to building a career driven by ambition and determination. Hosted by Kelli Sa and Alex Thompson, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights on career growth and business building.

Send us Fan MailWinning on and off the court 🏀From the court to closing deals! We sat down with two incredible realtors—one a former college basketball player and the other a Harlem Globetrotter—to talk about how their athletic skills translate into real estate success. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode host Kelli Sa sits down with two incredible realtors and home flippers, John Brunner and Micah Myers. They share their fascinating experiences and insights into the world of flipping homes and real estate investing. Get ready to dive deep into their journey, learn valuable tips, and get inspired by their success stories. This episode is packed with knowledge for anyone interested in real estate! 

Send us Fan MailTaking the Closing Time Podcast on the road! The Great Lakes NFM marketing team sat down with Loan Originator Dave Summers and Realtor Berry Aldridge to discuss all things Savanah, Georgia. Berry also works as the recruiter for the Savannah Bananas, a viral professional baseball exhibition team taking the world by storm. Listen as we get the inside scoop on how the team operates, hear about Dave's transition to Georgia, and learn about the hot market trends they are both seeing in this growing city.

Send us Fan MailRecently, Influencer Jordan Nutter was in town to discuss building your brand on social media. After our hit event, she sat down with Closing Time to delve deeper into the topic. Join hosts Kelli Sa and Kyle McCort as they learn from these two industry experts

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we discuss Kyle and Brians military career, how they help veteran home buyers, the difficult transition to civilian life and much more.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode we sit down with Andy and Lesley Beigel to discuss their recent hike up Kilimanjaro and how they continue to reach new peaks in the business world as a powerhouse couple. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Closing Time, the podcast where we delve into the world of mortgages and real estate. Join us as we sit down with industry professionals, each offering unique perspectives and specialized knowledge. In this episode we dive into the world of home staging with the dynamic duo behind Live Beyond Blonde, Amber and Ashley. Join Kate and Nyny as they go beyond the basics by discussing the value of staging, how to maximize your home’s potential and common pitfalls to avoid.