IMPACTful Thoughts Podcast

Steve Wiskow’s journey—from arriving in Colorado with $300 to becoming Marketing Director at Ferrari—is anything but ordinary. In this episode, he shares how he carved out a unique niche selling experiences, not necessities, to ultra-high-net-worth clients. The conversation explores how great sales professionals shift from pitching products to creating emotion, connection, and aspiration—and why mastering that skill is what separates average performers from elite ones.

Jason Cummings believes in real competition—the kind that sharpens your discipline, standards, and execution. In this episode, we discuss what it takes to scale during market headwinds, why elite delegation is a growth strategy, and how fitness, boundaries, and personal development have strengthened both his marriage and his business. If you want to perform at a higher level without sacrificing what matters most, this episode delivers the framework.

Hunter Marckwardt interviews John Israel—aka “Mr. Thank You”—to break down how gratitude becomes a measurable business advantage when it’s done with intention. John shares the story behind the Gratitude Project, the concept of perpetual discontentment, and why high performers often struggle to feel satisfied even after “winning.” They dive into practical frameworks like the Rapid Relatability Formula (Story, Significance, Struggle) and the ABCs of a Legendary Thank You Note (Attitude, Behaviors, Challenges)—plus how to choose the right tool (card, email, video, or gift) for the right moment. A powerful episode on building deeper relationships in an increasingly automated world.

In this episode of Impactful Thoughts, Josh Sigman sits down with longtime friend, investor, and powerhouse leader Nikki Salter for a deeply honest conversation about success, fulfillment, and the inner work required to sustain both. Nikki shares how her greatest personal transformation didn’t come from failure—but from monumental success she wasn’t yet ready to hold. Together, they explore why balance is a myth, how priorities and boundaries shape real freedom, and why success without self-worth will always feel hollow. This episode is a must-listen for leaders who want more than achievement—they want alignment.Want to learn more about how coaching can help you scale without burnout? Click below to learn more:Learn More

In this episode, Host Gavin Ekstrom sits down with Brian Covey, former professional soccer player and now Divisional SVP at CrossCountry Mortgage, to explore how discipline, curiosity, and alignment create lasting success. Brian shares his journey from the soccer field to the national stage, revealing how unseen hours, personal reinvention, and servant leadership drive true growth. Together, they dive deep into what it means to integrate—not just balance—faith, family, and business, and how to lead with purpose in a noisy world.Listeners will learn:How “breakdowns” often precede breakthroughsThe four levels of leadership—and how to reach aspirational impactWhy curiosity fuels performance, relationships, and salesThe difference between balance and integrationHow alignment produces both peace and powerPerfect for anyone ready to lead with intention, recalibrate priorities, and grow without losing what matters most.

In this episode, Host, Gavin Ekstrom sits down with Top-Producing Mortgage Lender and Entrepreneur, Shawn Kaplan, to unpack how to earn attention and convert it—without gimmicks. Shawn shows how consistency, authentic content, and tight systems can overcome today’s trust recession. They dig into practical frameworks—batching content, measuring interactions over views, turning DMs into deals, and running your presence like a media company—while protecting family time and boundaries. If you’re a lender or agent looking to transform credibility into closings, this playbook is for you.

Top producer and new Impact Coach, Oleg Tkach, shares how loan officers can move beyond surface-level connections with agents and build intentional, scalable partnerships. In this episode, Oleg and Hunter unpack the “friend zone” trap, the four levels of agent relationships, and why output plus strategy is the formula for explosive growth in today’s market.

In this episode of Impactful Thoughts, host Hunter Marckwardt sits down with powerhouse loan officer and coach Lisa Wells for an insightful conversation on the art—and necessity—of authentic relationship-building in today's hyper-automated world.Together, they unpack why personal connection remains the most powerful currency in business, even as AI tools and automation continue to rise. From monthly newsletters and personalized birthday outreach to annual client reviews and thoughtfully designed client events, Lisa shares real-world strategies for creating and sustaining meaningful relationships with clients, referral partners, and teammates.You’ll also hear practical tips for staying consistent, how to scale personal touches with integrity, and why your relationship “pyramid” might need a second look. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or growing your network, this episode is a playbook on how to lead with heart in a tech-driven age.

In this inspiring episode of Impactful Thoughts, host Hunter Marckwardt sits down with top-producing lender and leader Danell Riggs to unpack how intentionality, consistency, and energy alignment drive results—especially in a noisy market. Danell shares her exact approach to staying focused, holding herself and her partners accountable, and building high-trust relationships that go beyond the transaction.From calendaring with purpose to tracking conversion ratios weekly, she brings a mindset of excellence to every detail—while making people feel like they’re the only one in the room. Whether you're a loan officer, realtor, or leader looking to reclaim momentum and joy in your business, this conversation delivers tactical insight and a dose of clarity.

On this episode of IMPACTFUL Thoughts, host Hunter Marckwardt sits down with Allen Huggins. Allen shares how he built one of the top real estate organizations in the country, and the mindset shift it took to go from high-producing agent to business owner and leader. They talk about what it really means to be a rainmaker, why many top producers fail to scale, and the role of structure, standards, and culture in sustainable growth. If you're looking to build a real business — not just a job — this episode is a must-listen.

On this episode of IMPACTFUL Thoughts, host Hunter Marckwardt, interviews Stewart Sadler. Stewart, a successful mortgage company owner and top-tier coach, shares insights on coaching, business performance, and strategies for success. As they reflect on the end of Q1, they explore key takeaways, challenges, and opportunities in personal and professional growth. This episode provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to elevate their mindset and results!

In this episode, Hunter Marckwardt sits down with one of the most driven and inspiring leaders in the industry, Gavin Ekstrom—a powerhouse in mortgage lending, coaching, and leadership. They unpack the current market, the mindset needed to thrive in 2025, and the tactical moves that separate top producers from the rest.If you're ready to level up, grab a pen and paper—because this conversation is packed with golden nuggets you won’t want to miss. 🔥📩 Interested in coaching? Email [email protected] for more info.

In this episode of IMPACTful Thoughts, host Hunter Markwardt sits down with Haley Garcia to explore how to make 2025 a year of focus and intentionality. They dive into themes like leveraging relationships, strategic planning, and eliminating frenetic energy, highlighting the importance of clarity, delegation, and pre-planning to achieve freedom, efficiency, and growth in both business and life.For video versions of our podcast, head over to our YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@ImpactEliteCoachingFor more information on business coaching, head over to our website:https://impactelitecoaching.com/

In this episode of IMPACTful Thoughts, host Hunter Markwardt engages with JJ Mazzo to explore the art of business planning and its importance for success. They discuss foundational questions to kickstart planning, the difference between goals and actionable plans, and how to track and measure progress effectively. With practical insights on data gathering, accountability, and breaking down the process, this episode provides a roadmap to ensure clarity and direction for 2025.For video versions of our podcast, head over to our YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@ImpactEliteCoachingFor more information on business coaching, head over to our website:https://impactelitecoaching.com/

In this episode of IMPACTful Thoughts, host Hunter Markwardt facilitates an open discussion with Josh and Lisa, reflecting on 2024 and setting the stage for 2025. They explore themes like recommitment, discipline, and granularity, emphasizing the importance of business planning, clarity, and consistent adjustments to stay efficient and impactful in a challenging business landscape. For video versions of our podcast, head over to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ImpactEliteCoachingFor more information on business coaching, head over to our website: https://impactelitecoaching.com/