Mom's Takeover

Ryan Gilliam

Ryan Gilliam is the Broker and Owner of Your Best Mortgage. A lifelong Arizona resident, Ryan has been happily married for 19 years and just wrapped up his 17th year originating loans. With over $760 million in funded volume, his commitment to clear communication, speed, and smooth closings has built a loyal database of raving fans.

Shayla Gifford

Top 1% Originator | Performance Coach | Mortgage RainmakerShayla Gifford is a powerhouse in the mortgage industry, known for transforming hustle into high-impact leadership while having fun and keeping it real. With over 20 years of experience, Shayla's built and runs a $1B+ business while raising a family, leading a nationwide team of 75+ mortgage professionals, and coaching countless loan officers into top producers.As the host of The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast and a nationally recognized performance coach, Shayla teaches driven mortgage pros how to ditch burnout, master strategic systems, and build a business that fuels both success and freedom. Her mission? To help you scale sustainably, lead with confidence, and become the rainmaker of your life and business.www.shaylagifford.com@shaygiff@10xwithcatalystcommunityThe Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

Mom's Takeover

Dawn Van Nieuwenhuyzen is a mortgage professional and mom who understands firsthand what it looks like to build a career while raising a family. In this Moms Takeover episode of Coaching with Chris, she joins Bella Barbee, Shelby Vinson, and Ashley Bedford for an honest conversation about navigating motherhood in the mortgage industry.Bella Barbee is a mortgage banker and devoted mom who brings a relationship-first approach to both her clients and her family. Shelby Vinson is building her career in mortgage while managing the day-to-day demands that come with being a working mom. Ashley Bedford is focused on growth in a fast-paced industry while staying present at home, offering her own perspective on what it takes to manage both worlds.Together, this group represents what many women in mortgage are living every day. Building a career, supporting their families, and figuring out how to do both without losing themselves in the process.This conversation dives into the real experience behind motherhood in mortgage. From navigating maternity leave and maintaining a pipeline, to redefining the idea of balance, managing mom guilt, and stepping into the role of a contributor or breadwinner.More than a discussion, this episode highlights a shared reality. There is no perfect balance. There is support, structure, and the decision to keep showing up.The goal is simple. Create space for honest conversations, remove unrealistic expectations, and redefine what success looks like for working moms in the mortgage industry. Member FDIC.

Adam Karcz

Adam Karcz is a husband to a passionate special education teacher and a father of two boys, ages 5 and 2—living the same life as many of the families he serves. He is the Founder and Owner of Mammoth Mortgage, where Team Mammoth is building a new standard for how families move into their next home. In 2025, the team ranked as the #1 broker loan officer in Wisconsin for households served. Team Mammoth was built for people in the heart of their careers, needing a process that actually fits real life. Instead of a slow, confusing mortgage experience, the team is known for delivering “speed to certainty” a clear, structured path from “we think we’re ready” to “we know exactly what to do next.” More than a mortgage team, Team Mammoth operates as a philosophy: eliminate guesswork, move with intention, and make confident decisions backed by strategy. The mission is simple.  Raise the standard for how families experience one of the biggest financial moves of their lives.

Cindy Ertman & Michele Town

Cindy Ertman is a nationally recognized mortgage industry leader, speaker, coach and CEO of The Defining Difference®, a top coaching and training company for mortgage professionals. Named one of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s “Top 100 Most Influential Mortgage Executives” five years in a row and a “Top 100 Mortgage Loan Originator” for over a decade, Cindy brings unmatched expertise and a proven track record of success. Her mission is to help high-performing mortgage professionals expand their income and impact—by breaking through barriers, leading with intention, and building extraordinary lives and businesses. With her proven training systems and a team of elite coaches, she provides the tools, strategies, and support to accelerate your next level of growth.Cindy’s reach extends beyond the mortgage world; she has shared the stage with influential leaders like Tony Robbins, Darren Hardy, Magic Johnson, Jack Canfield, Les Brown, and former President George Bush, inspiring thousands with her insights and passion for making an impact.Michele Town—also known as “The Girl Who Gets It Done.” It’s a nickname she earned over 25 years from clients and Realtors who’ve seen her deliver, even in the most complex situations.Her background as a top processor gave her a deep understanding of every layer of the loan process. Combined with her expertise in critical thinking, she is able to structure solutions and anticipate challenges before they become problems. What sets her apart is her transparency, creative problem-solving, and forward-thinking approach. The most important part of her process is tailoring every loan to meet her clients’ expectations—not hers. Every file is different, and their motto is “Think Yes.” They bring that mindset to every loan they structure. She doesn't take on anything unless she knows it will work—and she'll always tell you the truth along the way. You’ll stay informed every step, and once she's in, she doesn't give up. Her goal is simple: get you to the finish line with confidence.