Kuuntele Laugh, Lend and Eat

What if retirement wasn’t the end of your impact—but the beginning of a new kind of leadership? In this heartfelt episode, Fobby reconnects with longtime friend and mortgage veteran Dave Baer, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-baer-b8141810/] who started in the business in 1977 and made the decision to retire after a profound personal shift. Dave opens up about his sister’s battle with brain cancer—and how that moment changed his definition of success and purpose. Now, in retirement, he’s far from done. Dave dedicates his time to Women Giving Back [https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-giving-back-inc./], a nonprofit supporting women and children in crisis. It’s proof that legacy lives on, even after the titles fade. In this episode, Dave shares: * The moment he knew it was time to walk away from the industry * Why retirement didn’t mean slowing down — it meant shifting direction * How he's continued making a difference without needing a business card Notable Quotes: “It wasn’t about the title anymore. It was about where I could make a real difference.” “I may have stepped away from the office, but I haven’t stepped away from helping people.” “The biggest part of the business that I miss are the people.” If you’re wondering what’s on the other side of the hustle… this episode might be your answer.

This isn’t your average mortgage industry chat. In this high-impact episode, Diego Sanchez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegoesanchez/], President of HousingWire [https://www.housingwire.com/], joins Fobby for a raw, unfiltered conversation on the real forces shaping the mortgage business in 2025. From AI and servicing dominance to the truth about signing bonuses, nothing is off-limits. Whether you’re a loan officer looking for your edge or a leader planning next year’s strategy—this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed. * Why servicers are positioned to dominate refis —and what that means for retail * How to actually use AI to free up time and drive better borrower engagement * What top executives are privately saying (and doing) that’s shaping the industry * Why signing bonuses are alive and well—even when leaders publicly denounce them * How to leverage local market knowledge as your competitive advantage "One guy told me he’s got an ice cube (servicing pool)—and he’s going to do everything he can to not let it melt. That’s the mindset servicers have now with their portfolios." – Fobby Naghmi “Know your local market better than anyone else. Don’t just repeat national headlines—be the expert your clients and agents trust.” – Diego Sanchez 📍 The Gathering by HousingWire 🗓️ June 8, 2025 📍 The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs A premier event for mortgage + real estate executives. Details → [https://www.housingwire.com]

In this deeply personal and power-packed episode, Fobby sits down with his longtime friend and mortgage industry veteran, Kevin DeLory [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-delory-555390a/], Chief Lending Officer at EPM. What unfolds isn’t just a leadership lesson — it’s a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, and real connection. Kevin and Fobby reflect on their 12-year friendship, which started at Carrington Mortgage in 2012 when both were rebuilding after the 2008 meltdown. Despite time and distance, their bond has remained strong, grounded in trust, loyalty, and shared experience. The heart of the conversation centers on Kevin’s unique leadership philosophy: the Three Ps — People, Problems, and Profit. He challenges the traditional obsession with title, power, and pay, and instead champions a leadership style rooted in listening, caring, and doing the right thing when no one’s watching. Notable Quotes: “I never wanted to be a leader. But when six people looked at me and asked, ‘What do we do next?’ — I realized I didn’t have a choice. They chose me.” – Kevin DeLory “If you want the gold, talk to your people. Get to know them. Listen. Care. That’s where real leadership lives.” – Kevin DeLory "There’s always going to be another mountain to climb… I was looking for an outside solution to fix an inside problem." – Fobby What You'll Learn: * Why the Three Ps (People, Problems, Profit) matter more than Position, Pay, and Power * How authentic friendships fuel long-term leadership growth * The power of leading by example — and never asking your team to do what you wouldn’t * What real influence looks like in today’s mortgage industry

In this episode, Joe Arroyo dives into the power of mindset in mortgage and real estate, emphasizing how professionals must evolve to succeed in 2025. He and Fobby discuss recruitment, leadership, and the challenges loan officers face in an ever-changing market. Joe shares his insights from years of experience in strategic hiring and talent development, offering golden nuggets for mortgage professionals looking to raise their game and build sustainable businesses. Timestamps & Key Takeaways:00:00 – 05:00 | Opening & Mindset for 2025 * Fobby sets the stage with high energy, introducing Joe Arroyo. * Joe’s key message: If you're originating in 2025, you must adapt—the days of deals falling into your lap are over. * The importance of raising your game and evolving with the market. * Recruiting isn't about filling seats; it's about attracting top talent. * Loan officers and real estate professionals often make hiring mistakes—Joe breaks down what works. * "People don’t leave jobs; they leave cultures." The key to retention is creating a strong, growth-oriented environment. * Leadership is about vision, consistency, and adaptability. * Joe discusses how Vision Architect helps leaders attract talent and build high-performing teams. * The biggest myth: Hiring fast leads to success. Wrong! Joe explains why slow, intentional recruiting is more effective. * The mortgage landscape is shifting—loan officers must market themselves differently. * Social media & branding: How to position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just a salesperson. * "If you're waiting for rates to drop, you're already behind." * The rise of specialization in loan origination—being a generalist is no longer enough. * Joe’s prediction for where the industry is headed and what LOs need to do NOW. * Closing thoughts on building long-term resilience in a competitive market. 💡 "The biggest scam you're being told as a mortgage professional is that every P&L model will go negative." 💡 "Recruiting isn’t about hiring—it’s about attracting the right people who will thrive in your culture." 💡 "If you're waiting for rates to drop, you're already behind. The game is won by those who prepare in the tough times." 💡 "You don’t need more leads—you need to convert better. Focus on relationships over transactions." 05:01 – 15:00 | Recruitment & Retention: The Game-Changer15:01 – 25:00 | Leadership & Success Principles25:01 – 35:00 | The Reality of Mortgage in 202535:01 – 45:00 | The Future of Mortgage Professionals🔥 Notable Quotes from Joe Arroyo:

The industry is shifting—with rising rates, unpredictable inventory, and evolving borrower expectations—so how do mortgage professionals stay ahead? In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, host Fobby Naghmi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fobby/] sits down with Liz Short [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelizshort/], owner of Short Solutions [https://www.theshortsolution.com/], to discuss how mortgage pros can embrace change, refine their strategies, and turn challenges into opportunities. Liz shares her perspective on why pivoting is essential for long-term success: 💡 "Are you pivoting? Have you pivoted more than once? Because small pivots are necessary to keep growing." With market conditions fluctuating, those who adapt will thrive—those who resist will struggle. In this episode, Liz unpacks: ✔️ How to identify when it’s time to pivot in your mortgage business ✔️ Why small, strategic shifts can make a big impact on your success ✔️ The mindset needed to navigate industry challenges with confidence ✔️ How to spot hidden opportunities in a changing market 💡 "To look at the market and adapt—that’s the difference between success and struggle in this business." If you’re a loan officer, branch manager, or mortgage executive trying to navigate today’s market shifts, this episode will give you the insights and motivation needed to pivot effectively. 🚀 Listen now and learn how to pivot your way to success! 📢 Follow & subscribe for more episodes on leadership, growth, and mortgage industry insights! Keywords for SEO: Mortgage industry trends, real estate market shifts, mortgage professionals, loan officer success, adapting to change in mortgage lending, pivoting in business, mortgage strategies 2025, market adaptation tips, mortgage coaching, leadership in mortgage lending.