Inspired By

NMP 40 Under 40 honoree Alex Rozhansky shares how determination, long hours, and a tight-knit group of peers helped him build early momentum in the mortgage industry. From solving the toughest loan files to mentoring new teammates and earning trust from top referral partners, Alex reveals what it takes to stand out—even in a challenging market.

Mortgage consultant John Pavlakovic shares how he turned personal resilience and strong relationships into a top-producing career at Prosperity Home Mortgage. In this Inspired By 40 Under 40 spotlight, Pavlakovic reflects on the mentors who shaped his path, his bold leap from Wells Fargo, and why communication after closing is the key to long-term success.

Mortgage leadership, mentorship, and industry transformation take center stage as Inspired By features Amorette “Mo” Hernandez, Growth Architect at CMS Mortgage. In this powerful Women of Inspiration episode, Mo shares how she rose from admin to top producer, why she champions an "ecosystem" over silos, and how her mentorship style empowers others to thrive — professionally and personally.

In this episode, McGowan Mortgages’ branch manager Derek McGowan unpacks his journey from grinding through 580-credit-score loans to topping NEXA’s national leaderboard. McGowan reveals the sports-driven mindset, client-first playbook, and scaling strategies — newsletter, speaking gigs, onboarding game plans — that power his growth even in a down market.

Mortgage industry success, loan officer training, and VA/FHA lending take center stage as top-100 originator Phil Crescenzo — branch manager at Nation One Mortgage in Charleston, SC — reveals how he climbed from cold-call telemarketer to national standout over a 25-year career. Phil walks listeners through the pivotal five-year milestones that shaped his production strategy, the “why” behind his relentless work ethic, and the empathetic leadership tactics now powering record VA and FHA closings in a difficult market.

Private lending marketing leader Erica LaCentra, CMO of RCN Capital, joins the Inspired By podcast’s Women of Inspiration series to reveal how she scaled mortgage marketing from a one-woman show to a 15-person powerhouse while steering the brand through market shocks. We dig into her playbook for crisis communication, product pivots, mentorship, and balancing new motherhood with C-suite demands — offering actionable insights for anyone in real-estate finance or marketing.

In this episode, Mike Brennan, President of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers, shares his journey in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, community service, and mentorship. He discusses the creation of NMB Cares, a foundation aimed at giving back to communities, and reflects on his personal growth and the significance of understanding one's 'why' in life and business.

Mortgage industry entrepreneur Michael Smith, owner of Okmulgee Mortgage Company in Macon, Georgia, joins Inspired By to reveal how a hyper-local brand, cutting-edge tech, and a servant’s heart can disrupt the mortgage broker channel. He retraces a remarkable journey — from VA streamline specialist and community-bank exec, to cross-country weapons-transport driver (and survivor of a 130 mph motorbike crash), to launching a lean, customer-centric brokerage and the turnkey Mortgage Systems USA platform that empowers other professionals to originate loans.

Brock Cassidy, Chief Revenue Officer at Newzip and one of NMP's 40 Under 40, shares the story of his dynamic rise in the mortgage and real estate industries. From his formative years at Rocket Mortgage to innovative work at EasyKnock and now driving growth at Newzip, Cassidy explains how being a relationship-first leader has shaped his career. He dives into the value of trust, the importance of doing your job well, and the long-term power of partnerships. Plus, he talks about co-hosting "REALFridays," a podcast that's quickly become a go-to industry voice.

In this episode, Adam Cohen — CFO and COO of Asset Based Lending and a 40 Under 40 honoree — dives into the principles that have guided his career: human connection, calculated risk, and relentless curiosity. Cohen explains how automation can enhance efficiency but not replace empathy, and how fostering a culture of ownership and dialogue keeps his team forward-thinking. He shares personal stories, from college wake-up calls to reinventing workflows through self-taught macros, all underscoring his belief that innovation begins by asking “why” — and that people are still at the heart of great business.

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Slesk of Gold Star Financial, one of NMP’s 40 Under 40 honorees, to explore the mindset and values that have fueled his early success. Tyler discusses his journey into mortgage lending, and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach — including the role of mentorship, the discipline of consistent effort, and the importance of education in serving clients. He opens up about his philosophy of embracing discomfort for growth, cultivating long-term relationships, and narrowing focus to deepen impact. With authenticity and humility, Tyler offers a blueprint for building a career — and life — of meaning and momentum.

In this episode, Bethany Williams Woodward from Dark Matter Technologies shares her journey in the mortgage technology industry, discussing her role in developing innovative data-driven solutions and the importance of AI readiness. She emphasizes the need for understanding customer needs and the intersection of data and practical application in creating tools that enhance the mortgage process. Bethany also reflects on her vision for the future and the importance of empowering others in their professional journeys.

Rich Stevenson, Leadership Development Trainer at ServiceLink and one of our 40 Under 40 honorees, joins us to unpack what it really means to lead. From his early days as a college intern to his current role guiding managers across the organization, Rich discusses the power of intentionality, the art of delegation, and the difference between managing and leading. He explains why organizations must structurally invest in their leaders and how slowing down can lead to greater success. A compelling conversation full of actionable takeaways for anyone looking to grow as a leader.

Mortgage lending, faith, and empathy take center stage in this inspiring conversation with 40 Under 40 honoree David Kakish, a former pastor turned top 1% mortgage producer. Discover how he leverages strategic automation, embraces rejection, and places people above profit to thrive in the competitive real estate market.

In this conversation, Adam Dellemonico shares his journey as a successful loan officer at Movement Mortgage, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, coaching, and a competitive mindset. He discusses the significance of building a strong team, setting proper expectations, and maintaining open communication with clients. Adam outlines his four pillars of success: setting proper expectations, being available, over-communicating, and never lying, which he believes are crucial for achieving long-term success in the mortgage industry.