MortgageStrong Insights by FirstTrust Home Loans

Season 4 Episode 4 : Advocacy in Action

The May edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about advocacy, why it matters, and how the work happening behind the scenes can make a real difference for homebuyers, homeowners, and the communities FirstTrust serves. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with CFO Erika Martens for a practical conversation coming off Mortgage Action Alliance Action Week. Glenn and Erika talk through what mortgage advocacy really means in everyday terms, from helping lawmakers understand the ground-level impact of new rules to protecting consumers from confusion, cost, and unnecessary friction. They also break down recent advocacy wins like trigger leads, along with bigger topics still shaping the market, including credit scoring, affordability, insurance costs, housing supply, and access to credit. They also discuss why advocacy is not about cutting corners or avoiding oversight, but about doing things the right way, sharing real stories, and making sure the mortgage industry continues to serve customers and communities well.

Season 4 Episode 3: Leading Through Change

The April edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about community, leadership, and the growth happening right here at home. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Cain Nattin, Mayor of Sheridan, Arkansas, for a conversation about what it takes to lead a small town through change while keeping the heart of the community intact. Coming off a busy election season and a major move into FirstTrust’s new building, Glenn and Mayor Nattin talk through how business, schools, infrastructure, and relationships all tie together in a growing community. From street improvements and water challenges to grant funding, parks and recreation, and responsible growth, this episode gives a real look at the decisions shaping Sheridan’s future. They also discuss the importance of staying unified as a community, supporting public servants, and making sure growth happens the right way without losing what makes Sheridan special.

Season 4 Episode 2: Finish Line Confidence with the FirstTrust Closing Team

The February edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about the finish line and the team that makes it happen. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with the heart of the operation, our Closing Department. You’ll hear from Charity Carroll, Lindsey “Terry”, and Josclynn Allen as they walk through what a real day in closing looks like. From getting wires out the door early, to staying ahead with seven day CDs, to keeping loans moving when timelines shift fast, this episode gives a real look at the work that protects the borrower experience and keeps transactions on track. They also break down why our hybrid e sign process is such a better experience for borrowers and title partners, how trust and consistency with loan officers and title companies keeps everything smooth, and why teamwork in closing matters even more in 2026. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #Closings #HybridClosing #ESign #CustomerExperience #MortgageProcess #TitlePartners #TeamFirstTrust

Season 4 Episode 1: From Wins to What’s Next: 2025 Recap + 2026 Focus

January is here and so is the Mortgage Strong Podcast. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by his ride-or-die executive team — President Ben Paul, CFO Erika Martens, and COO Michelle Rocha — to recap a record-setting 2025 and talk about what’s ahead. The team shares big wins across the company, including FirstTrust Home Loans ranking #2 overall in Arkansas mortgage production, year-over-year company growth, and what it takes to keep building as an independent lender. Ben brings the numbers — including more than 3,200 homes closed. Erika dives into the behind-the-scenes work that makes Construction-to-Perm possible and the advocacy work that protects borrowers. And Michelle highlights the operational shifts and teamwork that helped keep turn times strong, averaging just over 21.8 days. They close with a forward-looking take on 2026: building momentum the right way, using AI to smooth workflows without losing the human touch, and a practical rate outlook heading into spring.

Season 3 Episode 10 Processing, Underwriting, and the heart behind every loan.

Fall keeps moving and so does the Mortgage Strong Podcast. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Processing Manager Heather Griffin and Underwriting Manager Sam Deen for a behind the scenes conversation about how processing and underwriting work together to get loans to the finish line. Nearing the end of another record year in a less than perfect market, Glenn, Heather and Sam walk through what a “normal” day really looks like in processing and underwriting (spoiler alert, there is no such thing). They talk about why FirstTrust sticks with consistent teams and how open door communication with sales keeps things moving when the calendar and the pipeline are both packed. They also share how trust, flexibility and a strong culture have shaped their careers and the way their teams work together today. As this episode drops just after Thanksgiving, Glenn, Heather and Sam wrap up by sharing what they are most grateful for this year at home, inside the FirstTrust family and in the work they get to do helping borrowers into better financial situations and homes of their own. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MortgageOps #Processing #Underwriting #Thankful