How They Crushed It

Michelle Jacinto | Service with a Smile, Treating Others Like Family, & Back to Basics in Business

In this episode of the How They Crushed It podcast, host Dean Johnson of Direct Mortgage Loans interviews Michelle Jacinto, a top producer at Direct Mortgage Loans. They discuss Michelle's journey from her formative years in a family business to her successful career in the mortgage industry. The conversation highlights the importance of customer service, mentorship, and building relationships in business. Michelle shares her insights on adapting to changes in the industry, the significance of networking, and the return to basics in a chaotic market.

Terrance Diggs | Leveraging Your Network, Brand Growth, & Taking Action to Go After Your Dreams

Terrance Diggs, founder of D17, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of his apparel brand. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and going after what you want. Terrance discusses the power of networking and community involvement in building his brand. He also highlights the role of marketing and analytics in growing his business. Terrance's approach to marketing includes event activations, sponsorships, and user-generated content. He shares his experiences in collaborating with other businesses and leveraging his network to expand his brand's reach. Terrance's determination and willingness to take risks have been key factors in his success.

Bonny Gothier | The Power of Reinventing Oneself, Filling Voids in the City, & Authentic Connections

Bonny Gothier shares her journey of reinventing herself from a dental hygienist to a successful businesswoman in the pickleball industry. She emphasizes the importance of passion, hustle, and never stopping learning. Bonny also highlights the significance of connection and authenticity in business, as well as the need for human connection in today's society. She shares her experience of opening Baltimore Pickleball Club and the strategies she used to grow the business, including word of mouth and corporate events. Bonny's story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to reinvent themselves and find success in their chosen field.

Jan Ozga | Serving Others, Taking Calculated Risks, & Being Unapologetically Yourself

Jan Ozga, the Chief Strategy Officer at Direct Mortgage Loans and a guest on the How They Crushed It podcast, shares his journey from being a chef to a successful mortgage professional. He emphasizes the importance of making an impact on others and having faith in one's efforts. Jan believes in being transparent, honest, and unapologetically himself in all interactions. He encourages consistency, planning, and taking risks to achieve success. Jan also highlights the significance of caring for people and serving others. He concludes by urging listeners to do their best every day and focus on making a positive impact.

Japneet Suri | Learning Business at Age 3, Living by the Golden Rule, & Creating Brand Equity

Japneet Suri and Sam Ajaz, owners of Executive CLS, share their journey and success in the concierge and limo services industry. They emphasize the importance of building relationships, treating others well, and providing exceptional experiences. Their business philosophy is centered around exceeding expectations and being proactive rather than reactive. They believe in collaboration and seeing competitors as family, working together to achieve exponential growth. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and personalized service sets them apart in the industry. They prioritize adaptability and learning in order to provide the best experience for their clients. They focus on word-of-mouth marketing and building strong relationships with their customers. They have a goal-oriented mindset and are always looking to improve and exceed expectations. They emphasize the importance of brand equity and brand awareness. The company has successfully adapted to challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by diversifying their services and finding new ways to meet their clients' needs.