Closing Time

Women Leading the Way at NFM Lending | Stories of Growth, Leadership, and Impact

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2320526/fan_mail/new] What does it really take to rise into leadership as a woman in today’s workplace? In this episode, women at NFM Lending share their real stories, challenges, and what helped them grow. We sit down with two incredible women from our NFM Lending branch alongside LaTasha M. Waddy, President of NFM Lending, to have an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, growth, and the impact women are making across the company. This episode highlights the stories behind the success. From where they started to how they rose through the ranks, each guest shares the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and what it takes to build a meaningful career in the mortgage industry. We also dive into the roles women play at NFM Lending today, how the company supports growth and opportunity, and why culture and collaboration are key to long term success. Whether you are early in your career, looking to grow, or simply want to hear real stories from strong women in leadership, this episode is packed with insight and perspective. This is more than a conversation about careers. It is about confidence, resilience, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Building More Than Homes with Thrive | The Closing Time Podcast

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2320526/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with Rudy from Thrive, a Columbus based homebuilder that is taking a different approach to building homes and communities. We talk about what makes Thrive unique compared to traditional builders and how their philosophy goes beyond just building houses. Thrive focuses on designing communities where people can truly live well, with thoughtful neighborhoods, intentional design, and a customer experience that puts the homeowner first. Rudy shares the story behind Thrive, why they are passionate about what they do, and how their vision for the future continues to shape the way they build in Central Ohio. We also dive into the homebuilding process, what buyers should expect when building a new home, and how partnerships with lenders like NFM Lending help make the journey smoother for their clients. If you are thinking about building a home, curious about the Columbus housing market, or just want to learn what goes into creating great communities, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Listen in to learn more about Thrive’s mission, the future of homebuilding in Columbus, and how the right builder and lender partnership can make all the difference.

Resilient: Nicole Ward’s Journey from Service to Building Real of Ohio

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2320526/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ The Closing Time Podcast | Featuring Nicole Ward In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Ward, Broker of Real of Ohio, a military veteran, wife, and mother, for a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, growth, and building a career with purpose. Nicole opens up about her childhood, including being sent to boarding school at a young age, and how those early experiences — followed by her time serving in the military — helped shape the discipline, grit, and mindset she carries today. When asked to describe herself in one word, Nicole doesn’t hesitate: resilient. Her story is one of overcoming challenges, adapting through adversity, and coming out stronger on the other side. She also speaks candidly about the role her husband has played as her rock — the person who believed in her and encouraged her to take a leap of faith in her career. That leap led her to where she is today, leading Real of Ohio, a brokerage that is growing rapidly and making a strong impact across the state. From there, Nicole shares real-world real estate advice, including why success in this industry goes far beyond transactions. For her, real estate is about selling yourself — building trust, creating comfort, and forming genuine relationships. People work with people they like, trust, and believe in, and Nicole explains how she brings that mindset into everything she does. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in real estate, lending, or entrepreneurship — especially those navigating growth, leadership, and life’s challenges while building something meaningful.

Bank to Retail LO: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2320526/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with a Loan Originator who made the leap from the traditional banking world to the fast-moving retail lending side — and found a completely new level of freedom, ownership, and opportunity. We break down what really changes when you move from a bank environment to a retail platform:  • The mindset shift required • The learning curve of building a business instead of taking whatever walks into a branch • The surprises—both good and bad—when you lose a steady pipeline and have to create your own • The wins that come from having real tools, real support, and real control • How communication, culture, and speed make or break a retail LO’s success You’ll hear about the challenges of starting over, what it takes to build confidence as a self-generated Loan Officer, and why the retail side isn’t just different—it’s a completely new career if you’re willing to work. Whether you're a loan officer thinking about making the jump, a leader trying to recruit, or someone who just wants to understand how the business really works behind the scenes, this episode is full of value, perspective, and honest conversation.

Mortgage Myth Busters

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2320526/fan_mail/new] On this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, host Kyle McCort sits down with two experienced loan officers from NFM Lending to tackle one of the most confusing parts of the homebuying process—mortgage myths. From “you need 20% down” to “you can’t get approved if you have student loans,” there’s no shortage of misinformation out there. Our guests pull back the curtain on the most common myths and FAQs they hear every day, giving you real answers straight from the experts who live it. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a realtor trying to guide your clients, or just curious about how mortgages really work, this episode will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to separate fact from fiction. Because when it comes to buying a home, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s the key to unlocking the door to your future.