74 | The Rainmaker Way: My Path to Freedom, Wealth, and a Life You Love

74 | The Rainmaker Way: My Path to Freedom, Wealth, and a Life You Love

Hey there, Rainmakers! Over the last 22 years, I've gone from being broke, scared, and trying to survive to building a business that has given me freedom, purpose, impact, and experiences I once couldn't even imagine. But none of it happened because I was special. It happened because I kept finding people who had what I wanted and then did everything I could to learn from them. In this episode, I'm sharing what I call The Rainmaker Way—the path that has guided every stage of my growth. From getting fired while working two jobs and struggling to pay rent, to building a thriving mortgage business, creating financial freedom, living abroad with my family, coaching loan officers across the country, and continuing to chase bigger visions. This episode is both a roadmap and a challenge: stop focusing on where you are and start focusing on where you're going. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, frustrated, or wondering what's next, I want you to know there's another level available to you. The key is learning how to expand your vision, develop new skills, and earn the freedoms that make this journey worth it. Key Insights: * Success starts when you find someone who has what you want and learn from them. * Desperation can either hold you back or become the fuel that drives your next breakthrough. * Financial freedom comes before relational freedom, purpose freedom, and time freedom. * Goal setting and tracking are the foundation of growth. * Sales mastery is one of the most valuable skills a Rainmaker can develop. If you're feeling stuck, burned out, or wondering what your next level looks like, this episode is for you. Remember - your next breakthrough starts with a bigger vision. Are you ready to make it rain? Let's do this! If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider. Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence. Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com [https://shaylagifford.com] and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be! Submit a question: https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK [https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK] Take my Sales Archetype Quiz: https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/ [https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/] Nominate someone to be on the podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ [https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/] Connect with Shayla: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: https://shaylagifford.com/ https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

73 | My System to Get More Realtors, Referrals, and Closings with Dino Rosetti

Hey there, Rainmakers! For years, I thought I was building a business when I was really just chasing transactions. Every time my pipeline got light, I would scramble. Every time it filled up, I'd stop prospecting and focus on closing loans. It felt exhausting, unpredictable, and completely dependent on what happened next. In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow Catalyst coach, Dino Rosetti. Together, we unpack The Realtor Lighthouse—a powerful system designed to help loan officers uncover their true value, create meaningful conversations with agents, and build relationships that lead to consistent referrals and long-term business growth. This isn't about buying leads, chasing agents, or hoping someone calls you back. It's about becoming the kind of partner agents want to work with. Key Insights: * Most loan officers are chasing transactions when they should be building referral partners. * If you're unclear on your value, you'll struggle to confidently attract referral partners. * The Realtor Lighthouse helps agents uncover their unique strengths, positioning, and opportunities for growth. * Loan officers often stay stuck in the friend zone because they stop selling their value. * A realtor acquisition plan creates consistency and eliminates the feast-or-famine cycle. You don't need another deal. You need another great referral partner. PLUS! Catalyst enrollment is now open But only June 10-19th! Signup today: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ [https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/] Catalyst isn’t just another coaching program. It’s where ambition meets action. Inside you’ll get: ✅ Live coaching ✅ Proven accountability systems ✅ Productivity + growth strategies ✅ A powerhouse community that won’t let you play small Guest Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinorosetti/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinorosetti/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinorosetti/ [https://www.instagram.com/dinorosetti/] The Realtor Lighthouse: https://app.reallighthouse.com [https://app.reallighthouse.com] Submit a question: https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK [https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK] Take my Sales Archetype Quiz: https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/ [https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/] Nominate someone to be on the podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ [https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/] Connect with Shayla: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: https://shaylagifford.com/ https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

72 | The Young Rainmaker Playbook with Kei Kullberg

What if the life you're chasing isn't built by working harder—but by getting crystal clear on what you're building and why? Hey there, Rainmakers! This week, I sit down with Kei Kullberg, a young mortgage leader who's already built an incredible foundation—personally, professionally, and financially. But what impressed me most wasn't his production. It was his vision. Kei shares how coaching changed everything, how he and his wife have built a portfolio of seven real estate units before age 30, and why he's obsessed with creating wealth that lasts beyond commissions. This conversation is a masterclass in intentional growth, disciplined action, and building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. If you've been feeling stuck, plateaued, or unsure about your next level, I hope this episode reminds you that the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop reacting to life and start leading it. Key Insights: * Vision creates discipline. * Coaching accelerates growth. * Action builds momentum. * Simple systems scale. Are you ready to make it rain? Let's do this! Guest links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kei-kullberg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kei_themortgageguy/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithemortgageguy/ PLUS! Catalyst enrollment is now open But only June 10-19th! Signup today: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ [https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/] Catalyst isn’t just another coaching program. It’s where ambition meets action. Inside you’ll get: ✅ Live coaching ✅ Proven accountability systems ✅ Productivity + growth strategies ✅ A powerhouse community that won’t let you play small Submit a question: https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK [https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK] Take my Sales Archetype Quiz: https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/ [https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/] Nominate someone to be on the podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ [https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/] Connect with Shayla: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: https://shaylagifford.com/ https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

71 | Sales and Leadership Habits That Make Winning Inevitable with Chris Vinson

What does effective leadership actually look like in a high-pressure, relationship-driven industry? Hey there, Rainmakers! In this episode of The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast, I sit down with mortgage industry veteran, coach, speaker, and entrepreneur Chris Vinson for a practical conversation on leadership, growth, customer experience, and what actually separates great professionals in this business. Chris has worked nearly every angle of the mortgage industry — underwriting, operations, originating, brokerage ownership, banking leadership, coaching, and speaking — and one thing became crystal clear in this conversation: the people who win long term are the ones who stay intentional about the details. We also unpack the “purple cow” concept, what it really takes to become memorable in today’s market, and the powerful “casino report” exercise leaders can use to evaluate customer experience, identify blind spots, and create the kind of service people never forget. Key Insights * Consistency creates trust faster than talent. * The little details can be the biggest differentiators. * The two things you can track to boost your team's performance. * The “casino report” is a powerful tool you can start using today. * Why it's baskets not hoops that matter. If you want practical leadership strategies you can immediately apply to your business, team, and client relationships — this episode delivers. Guest Links: Coaching with Chris: https://coachingwithchrisvinson.com/ [https://coachingwithchrisvinson.com/] Chris Vinson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-vinson-b7195248/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-vinson-b7195248/] Chris Vinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisvinson72/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisvinson72/] Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! PLUS! Are you ready to stop just doing the work — and start becoming the loan officer you know you’re capable of being? Join Shayla’s free Sales Mastery training on June 10th and learn how to sell yourself, organize your business, and show up like a top producer. Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LhmbR3JDSRGgrgQv7suE5w#/registration [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LhmbR3JDSRGgrgQv7suE5w#/registration] Submit a question: https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK [https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK] Take my Sales Archetype Quiz: https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/ [https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/] Nominate someone to be on the podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ [https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/] Connect with Shayla: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: https://shaylagifford.com/ https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

70 | Why Relationship-Driven Loan Officers Are Winning Right Now with Katie Skaggs

Hey there, Rainmakers! In this episode of The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast, I sit down with Katie Skaggs — a relationship-driven loan officer who’s on track to nearly double her business this year while raising three kids and building almost everything through authentic connection. Katie shares how she’s creating referral relationships in today’s market without feeling pushy, fake, or transactional. We talk about what modern prospecting really looks like now: social media DMs, coffee meetings, meaningful conversations, and building trust long before the first deal ever closes. This conversation is full of truth for loan officers who know they need to prospect more… but don’t want to become someone they’re not to do it. Katie breaks down how she tracks conversations, builds credibility, creates a phenomenal client experience, and stays consistent even on the days she doesn’t feel like “putting on the sales hat.” Key Insights: * Consistency matters more than motivation in sales. * The best referral relationships feel personal, not transactional. * Modern prospecting happens across multiple channels. * The client experience is the real long-term sales strategy. * Being meticulous upfront means less stress later. Guest Links: Website: https://practicalmtg.com/ [https://practicalmtg.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cltmortgagematchmaker/ [https://www.instagram.com/cltmortgagematchmaker/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/katie.medlin.3 [https://facebook.com/katie.medlin.3] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemedlin/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemedlin/] PLUS! Are you ready to stop just doing the work — and start becoming the loan officer you know you’re capable of being? Join Shayla’s free Sales Mastery training on June 10th and learn how to sell yourself, organize your business, and show up like a top producer. Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LhmbR3JDSRGgrgQv7suE5w#/registration [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LhmbR3JDSRGgrgQv7suE5w#/registration] Submit a question: https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK [https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIK] Take my Sales Archetype Quiz: https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/ [https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/] Nominate someone to be on the podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ [https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/] Connect with Shayla: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: https://shaylagifford.com/ https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/