The CEO1440 Show

The CRM + AI Combo You’ve Been Waiting For as a Mortgage Broker | With Jared Hart of LoanOfficer.AI

Let’s be honest—most CRMs are just digital paperweights.And the ones that say they use AI? Mostly fluff.
So when I saw what Jared Hart built at LoanOfficer.ai, I knew I had to bring him on The CEO1440 Show.
Built by an actual loan officer—who scaled & automated his own business
Actually uses real AI (not some GoHighLevel skin job)
Handles appointment setting, lead follow-up, and even refi detection
Learns your voice, handles post-close communication, and talks like YOU
Works in multiple languages, across channels, with full LOS integration
Oh—and it takes about a day to launch.
If you’ve got old Zillow leads collecting dust, or no system for converting new ones—this could be the fix.
Tag a loan officer who needs to get out of spreadsheet hell.
Connect with Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredrhart/
Check out their website: https://loanofficer.ai/
#CEO1440 #MortgageTech #LoanOfficerLife #CRMThatWorks #AIinMortgage #LoanOfficerAI

Behind the Broker: Shah Tehrany with Madison Mortgage Services on Disrupting the New York Mortgage Broker Game.

Retail is changing. The mortgage industry is shifting. And Shah Tehrany is out in front.
In this episode of The CEO1440 Show, I sit down with Shah Tehrany, CEO of Madison Mortgage Services, to talk about the big moves he’s making—from launching a flat-fee brokerage model to building a company that’s tech-forward, people-first, and ready for whatever the next 10 years throws at us.
Here’s what we get into:
The power of running a process-engineered mortgage company
Why flat-fee brokerages are the next evolution in the game
What great LOs are doing today to prep for a 5-handle rate market
How AI is changing operations, lead conversion, and client experience
Why Shah believes the best way to scale is helping loan officers win
Real talk from a real leader—no fluff, no pitch, just strategy.
Tag a broker, loan officer, or leader who needs to hear this!
Connect with Shah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahtehrany/
Check out Madison Mortgage Services: https://madisonmortgage.com/careers/
#CEO1440 #MortgageLeadership #FlatFeeBrokerage #TechStack #MadisonMortgage #BrokerModel #MortgageFuture

No More Cold Leads: The Smarter Way to Do Mortgage Marketing | With Guest Luke Shankula

90 days won’t fix your lead flow problem.
Too many LOs are spending money on ads, buying leads, or cold-DMing agents… with nothing to show for it. Because they don’t have a system.
So I brought in Luke Shankula, founder of Loans on Demand, to break down what it actually takes to:
Build lead gen that lasts (not just spikes your pipeline for a week)
Use Facebook, webinars & retargeting to build trust before the sale
Stand out in a crowded market (hint: different beats better)
Get referral partners chasing YOU—not the other way around
Stop looking at results in 30–90 day windows and play the long game
If you want more apps and more closings in the next 12–24 months—this one’s a must.
Tag a loan officer or team lead who needs to hear this.
Connect with Luke: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lshankula/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-shankula/
Check out Loans on Demand: https://www.loansondemand.io/
#CEO1440 #LeadGen #MortgageMarketing #SocialSelling #LoansOnDemand #RealEstateGrowth

Still Think You Don’t Need a Website? You’re Wrong | With Guest Anthony Balsamo

Think you don’t need a website? Think again.
Every single day, mortgage leads are slipping through your fingers. Not because of rates. Not because of competition. Because your online presence is weak.
Your website isn’t just a digital business card—it’s the first step in your lead conversion process. And if it’s not optimized to capture and convert clients, you’re handing business to your competitors.
That’s why I sat down with Anthony Balsamo, founder of Vonk Digital, to break down:
Why your clients are Googling you before they ever call
The biggest website mistakes LOs & brokers make (and how to fix them)
What a high-converting landing page actually looks like
How to turn your website into a lead-generating machine
If your website isn’t working for you, it’s working against you.
Connect with Anthony over at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyvincentbalsamo/
Check out Vonk Digital: https://www.vonkdigital.com/?vonk=mbb
📌 Tag a loan officer, realtor, or business owner who needs to hear this!
#CEO1440 #MortgageMarketing #LeadGeneration #RealEstateSuccess #SocialSelling

Attract, Capture, Convert: How to Close More Mortgage Leads | With Guest Andrew Pawlak

Here’s a thought: you're losing deals you should be closing—just because your website sucks.
Loan officers and real estate agents spend thousands on marketing, ads, and lead generation—only to watch those leads slip right through their fingers.
That’s why I brought in Andrew Pawlak, founder of Rebel IQ, to break down:
The #1 reason mortgage leads don’t convert (and it’s NOT your follow-up)
How bad landing pages are costing you deals (and how to fix yours)
The 3 things every loan officer’s website must have
Why “Apply Now” is the worst CTA you can use—and what to do instead
If you're driving traffic but not getting leads, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN.
Tag a loan officer, realtor, or business owner who needs to hear this!
#CEO1440 #MortgageMarketing #LeadGeneration #RealEstateSuccess #SocialSelling

The Fortune Is in the Follow-Up: Stay Top of Mind or Get Left Behind | With Guest Alex Hernandez

What if I told you that you’re losing MORE business than you’re gaining—and you don’t even know it?
Too many LOs and real estate agents focus all their energy on getting new clients—but what about the ones who already know, like, and trust you?
On this episode of The CEO1440 Show, I sit down with Alex Hernandez, a loan officer who’s not just closing deals but building tech to help LOs & agents stop losing repeat business.
Here’s what we break down:
Why most past clients DON’T come back (and how to fix it)
The simple system Alex built that keeps him top of mind year-round
The key to nurturing real estate agents—so they send you more business
The “cost to acquire” mistake that’s crushing your long-term success
If you’re not actively staying in front of your past clients and agent partners, you’re leaving money on the table.
Tag a loan officer, realtor, or business owner who needs to hear this!
Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderhernandezloans/
#CEO1440 #MortgageProspecting #ClientRetention #RealEstateSuccess #SocialSelling

You're Posting Every Day... And Still Broke. Here's Why. | With Guest Michelle Berman-Mikel

We all know social media is important—but if it’s not bringing in business, what’s the point? Too many people spend their time chasing likes instead of closing deals.
That’s why I sat down with Michelle Berman-Mikel on this week’s episode of The CEO1440 Show to break it all down. She’s not just another social media “guru.” She’s the real deal when it comes to turning your social media presence into actual revenue.
Here’s what we got into:✅ Why "looking good" on social media doesn’t mean a thing if it’s not making you money✅ The difference between “posting” and actually prospecting (Hint: One gets engagement, the other gets deals)✅ How to use the audience you already have instead of constantly chasing new followers✅ A simple shift that takes your social media from “just content” to a real lead-generating tool
At the end of the day, likes don’t pay your bills. Clients do.
Tag a loan officer, realtor, or business owner who needs to hear this!
#CEO1440 #SocialSelling #MortgageMarketing #RealEstateGrowth

The Mortgage Tech Trap: Why Your CRM Won't Save You | with Guest Liz Short

“Tech isn’t your problem. It’s how you’re using it.”
On this week’s The CEO1440 Show, I sat down with Liz Short of Short Solutions to talk about why so many mortgage businesses struggle with tech implementation, scaling, and efficiency.
Biggest problems?No clear vision—You’re chasing tech instead of building a system.No adoption strategy—The best CRM in the world won’t fix bad processes.No execution plan—Buying tech ≠ growth.
The solution? Get your poop in a group (as Liz and I both like to say).
If you’re a mortgage broker, IMB, or leader, this episode is a must-listen before you sign up for another shiny tool.
Connect with Liz Short on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelizshort/
#MortgageTech #CEO1440Show #ScaleYourBusiness #LoanOfficerGrowth

Down Payment Assistance: The Competitive Advantage Every Loan Officer Needs | with Guest Rob Chrane

"What if I told you thousands of buyers are ready—but they think they can’t afford a home?"
This week on The CEO1440 Show, I sat down with Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource, to talk about one of the biggest myth in homeownership: the down payment.
Most people think they need 15-20% down. They don’t.
There are 2,266+ down payment assistance programs out there.
Loan officers who understand this aren’t just closing loans—they’re building trust and relationships.
If you're in real estate or mortgage, you can either fight with the masses after buyers think they’re ready, or you can move up the funnel and be the expert guiding them from the start.
This episode is a game-changer. 
#DownPaymentAssistance #CEO1440Show #HomebuyerEducation #MortgageGrowth

The Future of Mortgage Processing: Hancock Processing’s Game-Changing Playbook | with Tyler Hancock

In the mortgage world, there’s one thing I know for sure: success isn’t a solo act. Whether you’re a broker, loan officer, or processor, efficiency and expertise can make or break your business. That’s why I’m a huge advocate for working smarter, not harder.
 
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Tyler Hancock, the founder and CEO of Hancock Processing—one of the fastest-growing third-party processing companies in the country. Tyler’s journey, insights, and approach to third-party processing shed light on how mortgage professionals can save time, increase profits, and scale without losing control.
 
Let’s get into it.
 
Who is Tyler Hancock? A Quick Backstory
Tyler’s mortgage story begins like many: a loan officer at Quicken Loans. From there, he hustled through roles at Loan Depot, LoanPal, and eventually Handshake Home Loans. But Tyler didn’t just settle for being a loan officer—he saw a massive gap in the industry when it came to efficient processing.
“I started processing my own loans because, quite honestly, nobody else had time to do it,” Tyler told me. He taught himself everything—from ordering title and appraisals to working with underwriters and account executives. The payoff? Tyler went from closing 6 loans a month to 117 as a single processor.
Fast forward to today, Hancock Processing operates in 28 states, has over 82 processors, and processes loans for 800+ loan officers and 240+ mortgage brokers. Last month alone, they closed 495 loans, and they’re on pace to hit 500 this month.
This isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of grit, systems, and a relentless drive to “do better” (a motto that Tyler and his team literally wear on their sleeves).
 
What is Third-Party Processing? Why Should You Care?
If you’re unfamiliar, third-party processing is essentially outsourcing your loan processing to experts. Instead of paying in-house processors or managing inconsistent files, you partner with a team like Hancock Processing that handles everything for you—from disclosures to closing.
And here’s the kicker: you don’t pay out of pocket. Processing fees get paid through closing, much like appraisal fees, so there’s no upfront cost for brokers or loan officers.
Tyler puts it simply: “Loan officers can focus on selling more loans, and processors get paid more for doing what they already do.”
 
Top 3 Misconceptions About Third-Party Processing
Tyler sees it all—hesitations, fears, and misconceptions. Here are the top three myths he busted during our conversation:
“It costs me money.”Wrong. Processing fees are added to the closing disclosure (CD) and paid by the client. No upfront costs. No extra expenses for the broker.
“You’re replacing my processors.”Nope. Hancock Processing takes your existing processors, pays them more, and handles payroll, systems, and training. Brokers eliminate payroll headaches, and processors get a raise—everybody wins.
“You don’t talk to my clients.”False. Hancock processors communicate directly with clients via phone, email, or text. “We’ll even send a pigeon with a note if we have to,” Tyler joked.
 
The Freedom of Choice: Empowering Processors and Brokers
Here’s what I love about Hancock Processing: it’s not just for brokers—it’s a game-changer for processors, too.
Historically, processors have been captive to their loan officers, relying entirely on the business that comes their way. Tyler flips that dynamic on its head. Processors working for Hancock can:
Partner with any loan officer or broker they choose.
Bring in their own business and earn more money.
Access training, mentorship, and residual income opportunities.
Processors can make up to $895 per file and earn residual income for bringing in new brokers. “If you bring in a brokerage that’s closing 20 loans a month, you’re making $1,000 a month in passive income—just for that referral,” Tyler explained.
This model transforms processors from employees into intrapreneurs—business owners within a business.
 
Why Third-Party Processing Makes Sense (Even for Small Shops)
Many small brokerages hesitate to outsource processing because they fear losing control. Tyler addressed this concern head-on:
No loss of control. Your processors stay in your office (if you want) and continue doing exactly what they’ve been doing. The only difference? Hancock pays them, trains them, and provides management support.
Scalability. If your processor takes a two-week vacation, Hancock’s team leads step in to keep files moving seamlessly. You’re no longer reliant on one person to keep your pipeline alive.
Consistency and expertise. Hancock processors have closed loans with every lender you can name. For brokers processing a loan with a new lender for the first time, this experience is invaluable.
“You get the lessons without the scars,” I told Tyler, and it’s true. Instead of fumbling through a loan with a new lender, you tap into a team that’s already mastered it.
 
Processing Best Practices: Tyler’s Pro Tips
For all the processors out there, Tyler dropped some golden advice for speeding up files and reducing headaches:
Order everything up front. Title, appraisal, homeowners insurance—get it all ordered before submitting the file.
Respond immediately. “If you take 3 hours to answer an email, that file is already gone to another processor.”
Be proactive. Review files, spot conditions early, and address issues before underwriting.
It’s not rocket science—it’s just about taking action quickly and efficiently.
 
The Bottom Line
Tyler Hancock and his team aren’t just “processing loans”—they’re building a new way for the mortgage industry to operate. Third-party processing is no longer about cutting corners or saving a buck—it’s about providing expertise, consistency, and scalability to help brokers and processors thrive.
If you’re curious about whether third-party processing can help your business, I’d encourage you to reach out to me or check out Hancock Processing directly.
Tyler and his team are doing something special, and trust me—it’s worth a conversation.
Let’s work smarter and close more loans.
Want to chat more? Drop me a message, and I’ll happily talk you through it. Whether you’re scaling your brokerage or leveling up as a processor, there’s a better way to do business.
Check out Hancock Processing today! https://hancockprocessing.com/
Talk to you on the next episode.