On this week’s The Big Picture, Ron Leonhardt, Founder and CEO of CrossCountry Mortgage, joins the show for a candid conversation on building scale, navigating cycles, and leading through uncertainty. From launching CCM in Cleveland more than two decades ago to growing it into one of the nation’s top retail lenders, Ron shares the principles and decisions that have fueled long-term success in a notoriously volatile industry.
We dig into how lenders can compete in down markets, why diversification and servicing matter more than ever, and how shifting policy and regulatory proposals could reshape the housing landscape. With a people-first leadership philosophy and a clear-eyed view of today’s market realities, Ron offers practical insight on culture, strategy, and what it takes to thrive when conditions get tough.
