Shows
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastBuilding Endurance: Strategic Leadership, Resilience, and Scaling a Mortgage Brokerage with Brian MargolitLaunching and scaling a mortgage brokerage takes more than ambition — it takes strategy, resilience, and leadership clarity.
In this episode of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina sits down with Brian Margolit, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Endurance Lending Group, to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable mortgage business in an unpredictable market.
Brian shares how his background in Management, Strategy, and Leadership shaped the way he built Endurance Lending Group, why consistency beats perfection, and how strong leadership foundations help businesses survive volatility and grow long-term. From delegation and recruiting to resilience and company culture, this...
2026-01-0932 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastData Integrity Secrets: How to Stay Exam-Ready Year-Round with Cathi DavidsonIn this episode of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina sits down with Cathi Davidson, Director of Regulatory Compliance & QC at LicensingStore.com, to unpack one of the most overlooked yet business-critical components of mortgage operations: data integrity.
Cathi explains why "your data is your gold," how inaccurate or incomplete loan information creates downstream issues in MCRs, exams, and QC reviews, and what simple changes help companies stay exam-ready year-round. From business rules and loan operating systems, to trailing docs and internal audits, this episode breaks down the real-world practices high-performing mortgage companies rely on.
Whether you're expanding, preparing fo...
2025-12-1935 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastLeveling Up With Intention: Building a Scalable Mortgage Company With Hussein Nasser of Grand Line LendingIn episode 29 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina Stepanov sits down with Hussein Nasser, CEO of Grand Line Lending, to unpack what intentional growth really looks like in today’s mortgage market. From managing multi-state licensing timelines to building a high-producing LO team, Hussein shares how he went from a one-man plan to leading an expanding brokerage across seven states.
You’ll learn:
• Why patience is a leadership skill in licensing and expansion
• The biggest early-stage mistakes brokers make in compliance
• How Hussein uses structure, expectations, and delegation to scale
• What systems actually matter when you’re growing
• The mindset shift...
2025-12-1237 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastBuilding Endurance: From Ironman to Independent Mortgage CEOIn this episode of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina Stepanov sits down with John Wright, Partner at Advisors Capital, who brings nearly 30 years of mortgage industry experience and a powerful Ironman mindset to the table.
John shares what it was like growing a lender from 30 employees to 400 across 42 states, the unseen realities of launching Advisors Capital, and why outsourcing licensing was one of the most strategic decisions they made early on. He also draws inspiring parallels between endurance racing and entrepreneurship — discipline, time management, patience, delegation, and building the right team.
Whether you’re starting a brokerage, leveling up as...
2025-12-0531 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastBuilding Bulletproof Compliance: Practical Systems for New and Growing Mortgage Companies with CEO Ryan KinchIn this episode 27 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina sits down with Ryan Kinch, CEO of LicensingStore.com and former General Counsel with more than 350+ state and federal regulatory exams under his belt.
Together, they break down what every new and growing mortgage company needs to know about building a simple, healthy, and scalable compliance system — without drowning in policies, audits, or data cleanup.
You’ll learn:
The biggest compliance mistakes first-time mortgage CEOs make
Why statusing loan files correctly is the foundation of clean NMLS reporting
How to build policies you can actually follow (and not just copy-p...
2025-11-2138 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastBeyond the MCR: What Mortgage Companies Miss About State Supplemental ReportingSupplemental reporting is one of the most misunderstood (and costly) parts of mortgage compliance. Most companies believe the Mortgage Call Report covers everything. It doesn’t. In this episode, Catalina sits down with Erika Reinhofer, head of the Reporting Department at LicensingStore.com, to break down the hidden state-specific reporting requirements that can trigger fines, license items, delayed renewals, and full-on revocations.
Erika explains which states are the most data-heavy, how deadlines really work, why clean LOS data is everything, and the biggest mistakes companies make when expanding into multiple states. If you're licensed in more than one state, growing yo...
2025-11-1431 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastBoundaries, Beliefs, and the Confidence to Lead – with Jen AndersonIn episode 25 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina Stepanov sits down with Jen Anderson, a certified transformational and accountability coach and the Amazon bestselling author of Give Your Yes a Bestie Named No.
They dive into what every high-performing mortgage professional needs to hear: how shifting your beliefs, setting boundaries, and building self-trust can change not only your business but your entire life.
Jen shares how over-giving, imposter syndrome, and “yes-girl” habits hold back even the most driven leaders and how you can break that cycle to lead with clarity and confidence.
If you’re a loan officer, broker...
2025-11-0740 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastPivot, Persevere, and Play Bigger: How Matt Rosen Built the American Lending ConferenIn episode 24 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina sits down with Matt Rosen, CEO of American Lending Conference and host of The Lender’s Playbook Podcast, to talk about building a brand, leading through change, and keeping your business compliant while scaling fast.
From the early days of running sales for his father’s Pitbull Conference to launching his own nationwide lending event, Matt shares how grit, leadership, and adaptability built a powerhouse community in private lending.
You’ll hear how the American Lending Conference is redefining industry education, how to pivot with purpose in changing markets, and why lice...
2025-10-3157 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastTurning Messy Numbers into Strategy: Financial Clarity for Mortgage Brokers with Randi FechterIn episode 23 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, host Catalina Stepanov sits down with Randi Fechter, founder of Fechter Business Strategy Services and a bookkeeping expert with over 20 years of experience helping small business owners find financial clarity.
Randi breaks down the top bookkeeping mistakes mortgage brokers make, why your numbers tell the story of your business, and how clean books can actually help you grow—not just stay compliant.
Learn the three key KPIs every mortgage company should track, how to plan ahead for license renewals and expansion, and why outsourcing your bookkeeping can save you time, money, and...
2025-10-2421 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastFrom Content Chaos to Clients: Social Media Strategies That Actually Work for Mortgage ProsIn episode 22 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina Stepanov sits down with Chelsea Gardner, founder of Fully Aligned Marketing, to talk about how mortgage professionals can finally stop posting blindly and start turning content into closings.
Chelsea breaks down what really works on social media right now — from how to find your target audience to why “likes and follows” don’t pay the bills (but engagement does). You’ll learn how to humanize your brand, create compliant yet compelling content, and how even platforms like Pinterest can become your secret lead magnet.
If you’re ready to make social media f...
2025-10-1726 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastSocial Selling & Mortgage Tech: How Loan Officers Can Thrive, Not Just SurviveIn episode 21 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina Stepanov chats with Jaelynne Vik, Mortgage Enthusiast and industry pro from Arrive, about how technology and social strategy can simplify your mortgage business and amplify your relationships.
We’re breaking down how to use tools smarter (not harder), the power of storytelling on social media, and why showing up consistently online can turn connections into closed deals.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by mortgage tech or stuck on what to post — this episode will help you start thriving, not just surviving.
Helpful Links:
🌟 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...
2025-10-1024 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastSurety Bonds Demystified: What Mortgage Brokers Really Need to KnowSurety bonds may not protect you—but they can make or break your mortgage business. In episode 20 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina Stepanov sits down with Chris Sturdivant, VP of Business Development at the National Notary Association, to unpack everything brokers, lenders, and new company owners need to know about surety bonds.
From the difference between bonds and insurance, to common mistakes that can suspend your license, Chris breaks it all down in plain English. You’ll also hear pro tips on bond renewals, budgeting for premiums, and how new technology makes securing a bond in 30 seconds possib...
2025-10-0326 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastFinancials That Make or Break Your Mortgage LicenseFinancial statements aren’t just numbers on a page—they’re the foundation of your mortgage company’s licensing and compliance. In this episode of Approved AF – The Licensing Podcast, Erika breaks down why audited vs. unaudited financials matter, how net worth impacts your applications, and the costly risks of missing or inaccurate statements. Whether you’re a broker starting out or expanding nationwide, this episode reveals the financial must-knows to stay licensed, compliant, and growth-ready.
Helpful Links:
🌟 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/approvedaf_licensing/
🌟 Visit Our Website: https://www.LicensingStore.com
🌟 Email Erika: Erika@LicensingStore.com
Subscribe for More:
I...
2025-09-2635 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastFrom Vision to Brokerage: Laiken Charles on Building Luma LendingStarting a mortgage brokerage takes more than industry knowledge—it takes courage, strategy, and support.
In episode 18, we sit down with Laiken Charles, Founder of Hobbs Mortgage Loans, LLC DBA Luma Lending, to hear how she left retail lending, bet on herself, and launched her own brokerage. Laiken shares her journey, from the first conversation with her husband about taking the leap, to partnering with the right support systems, and learning what it means to lead as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
You’ll learn:
How to navigate the fear and reward of launching a mortgage company
Why communication and...
2025-09-1943 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastQC Isn’t Optional: How Brokers Stay Audit-Ready and Ahead of the CurveRunning a mortgage company without Quality Control (QC) is like driving without a seatbelt, you might make it a while, but eventually the risks catch up. In episode 17 of Approved AF – The Mortgage Licensing Podcast, Catalina sits down with Cathi Davidson, a 28-year industry veteran, to uncover the most common QC mistakes brokers make and how to fix them before the auditors show up.
You’ll learn:
Why QC is every broker’s responsibility—not just the lender’s
The biggest compliance pitfalls that sink small shops
How to build QC into your company culture (without slowing sales down)
Real-world strategies...
2025-09-1226 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 16 - Audit-Ready: How Mortgage Companies Survive & Thrive with Ryan KinchIn this episode of Approved AF – The MortgageLicensing Podcast, Ryan Kinch, CEO of LicensingStore, breaks down what really happens when regulators come calling—and how to keep your mortgage company audit-ready year-round.
We cover the biggest audit triggers, what examiners actually ask for, and the documentation gaps that put lenders and brokers on the naughty list. You’ll learn how to turn licensing into your growth engine and audit prep into your insurance policy, plus the practical steps to clean up processes, remediate findings, and build a repeatable compliance rhythm. If you operate in multiple states, handle surety bonds and renewa...
2025-09-051h 06
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 15 - Legacy, Loans & Local Impact with Abdul of Loan SpotIn Episode 15 discover how Abdul Erinfolami, the CEO of Loan Spot Inc out of Chicago, turned his immigrant story into a thriving mortgage brokerage built on legacy, relationships, and community impact. In this episode, Abdul shares why serving first beats selling, how “quick, clean, and easy” became his brand promise, and the unconventional ways he partners with local businesses to grow his reach. Whether you’re a mortgage broker, real estate professional, or small business owner, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas to build trust, scale your business, and create lasting impact. Perfect for anyone ready to move beyond transact...
2025-08-2932 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 14: The Story Behind LicensingStore – with Ryan KinchIn episode 14, Ryan Kinch shares how LicensingStore.com went from a simple idea to a trusted partner for mortgage brokers, lenders, and compliance teams nationwide. You’ll hear the real story behind identifying a massive gap in the mortgage licensing market and how solving it transformed the way businesses handle NMLS filings, renewals, and multi-state expansion.
Whether you’re launching a mortgage company, scaling into new states, or just tired of licensing headaches, this episode delivers valuable insights on compliance strategy, growth without chaos, and building a business rooted in trust.
We cover:
- How Ryan turned a compliance gap into...
2025-08-2239 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 13 - How George Launched Modern Mortgage With a Lean Team and Big VisionThinking about launching your own mortgage company? In this episode of Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast, we sit down with George W., founder of Modern Mortgage, to explore the unfiltered journey of going from a 17-year veteran at a correspondent lender to building his own brokerage from the ground up.
We talk about:
The real mindset shift from banker to broker
Why staying lean and nimble is a superpower
How to build trust without a big team
Marketing on a budget that actually works
And the capital it really takes to grow sustainably
If you’re in the mortgage in...
2025-08-1537 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 12 - Leading from the Front with Matt RichardsonIn this episode of Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast, Matt Richardson of Motivation Financial LLC DBA Motivation Mortgage shares what it really means to lead by example in today’s mortgage landscape. From dad life to deal flow, Matt unpacks the mindset shifts that keep him grounded, the systems that keep him growing, and how he balances discipline with motivation. Whether you’re managing a team or trying to manage yourself, this episode is packed with real talk on leadership, culture, and carving out success—without burning out.
Helpful Links:
🌟 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/approvedaf_licensing...
2025-08-0828 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 11 - SOS: Secretary of State Mistakes That Cost You BigIn this episode of Approved AF – The Licensing Podcast, Catalina sits down with Erika Reinhofer, SVP of Business Intelligence & Analytics at LicensingStore, to break down the overlooked but critical world of Secretary of State (SOS) compliance. From late fees and lapsed registrations to rogue registered agents, Erika shares real-world examples, smart strategies, and cautionary tales that every growing mortgage company needs to hear. Whether you're operating in one state or 25+, this episode will help you stay compliant and avoid costly surprises.
Helpful Links:
🌟 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/approvedaf_licensing/
🌟 Visit Our Website: https://www.LicensingStore.com
🌟 Erika's Lin...
2025-08-0129 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 10 - Renewal Season Isn’t Optional – It's StrategicIn this episode of Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast, Catalina sits down with Kara, Senior VP of Licensing at LicensingStore, to break down everything mortgage companies need to know heading into renewal season. Whether you're a one-person shop or a multi-state operator, this episode is your crash course in avoiding the chaos. Kara shares expert insights on state-specific deadlines, compliance traps, education requirements, and how to use renewal season as an opportunity to level up your licensing footprint.
Listen in if you’ve ever asked:
Do I really need to renew if I just got licensed?
What deadlines matter mo...
2025-07-2525 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 9 - How to Build Momentum When You’re Just Getting StartedIn this episode of Approved AF, Catalina sits down with Greg Bell, co-founder of The Broker LLC, to unpack what it really takes to gain traction as a new mortgage brokerage without burning through your bank account. From zero-cost strategies that actually convert, to the mindset shifts needed to grow without the grind, Greg shares tactical advice, mistakes to avoid, and how his team stays grounded, authentic, and community-driven. Whether you’re launching lean or looking to build smarter, this conversation is packed with insight.
Helpful Links:
🌟Visit The Broker LLC: https://www.thebrokerva.com/
🌟 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.inst...
2025-07-1838 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 8 - Top 5 Licensing Mistakes – And How to Avoid ThemIn this solo episode, Catalina Stepanov breaks down the five most common—and costly—mistakes mortgage brokers make when it comes to licensing. From formation issues and mismatched EINs to expansion missteps and compliance chaos, she walks through real-world examples, actionable fixes, and preventative tips. Whether you're launching your mortgage business or scaling into multiple states, this episode is your cheat sheet to avoid delays, fines, and legal headaches. Tune in to learn how to protect your business, stay compliant, and grow with confidence.
Helpful Links:
🌟 Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/approvedaf_licensing/
🌟 Visit Our Website: https://www.Licens...
2025-07-1119 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 7 - Education, Compliance & the Truth About CEIn this episode, Catalina Stepanov sits down with Angie Crippen of OnCourse Learning to break down the myths, mistakes, and must-do’s of continuing education in the mortgage industry. Angie shares her insider tips on how to stay compliant, avoid CE chaos, and build a culture of continuous learning in your company. Whether you’re an MLO or managing a multi-state team, this episode will help you rethink how you approach education, deadlines, and compliance like a true pro.
Visit OnCourse: https://partners.oncourselearning.com/mortgage/licensingstore
Connect with Angie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecrippen/
Follow us on Instagram: http...
2025-07-0430 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 6 - Stop Playing Small CEO Mindset with Ryan McCallisterIn this episode of Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast, Ryan McCallister, CEO of F5 Mortgage, shares his journey from retail to entrepreneurship, including the critical mindset shifts that allowed him to build a thriving business. With a unique blend of leadership, strategy, and an unwavering focus on his team and clients, Ryan’s story is full of lessons on scaling operations, making fast decisions, and staying nimble in a volatile market. He also dives into his approach to leadership, why playing small is actually the most expensive choice, and how embracing new technologies like AI can unlock new opportunities fo...
2025-06-2738 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 5 - Spotlight on Reporting – Avoiding Mistakes, Missed Deadlines & MeltdownsReporting might not be glamorous, but it’s where a lot of mortgage companies slip up—hard. In this episode, Erika Reinhofer shines a spotlight on the reports that matter most, the deadlines that can’t be missed, and the common mistakes that lead to fines (or worse).
We’re talking MCRs, call reports, state-specific filings, and how to stay on top of it all without losing your mind.
If you’ve ever said “I didn’t know that was due,” this one’s for you.
The information provided on Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast is intended for general informational purp...
2025-06-2036 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 4 - Managing Your NMLS Record Like a ProYour NMLS record isn’t just a formality—it’s your professional fingerprint. In this episode, we hear from Karah Feeley as she breaks down what you must know to keep your NMLS record clean, current, and in good standing.
From common mistakes that trigger audits to smart updates that protect your business, we’re sharing pro tips to help you manage your record like a seasoned vet.
Whether you're new to the game or growing fast, this one’s a must-listen.
The information provided on Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. Each mortgage l...
2025-06-1340 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 3 - Using Your Licensing Like a WeaponYour license isn’t just paperwork—it’s a power move. In this episode, we explore how to use your licensing strategically to grow your business, expand into new markets, and outpace your competition. From state expansion tips to building referral networks and leveraging credibility, we’ll show you how to turn your license into a business weapon. If you're ready to play offense instead of defense, this one’s for you.
The information provided on Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. Each mortgage licensing application and business situation is unique, and the strategies...
2025-06-0630 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 2 - Licensed! Now What?You got your license—now what? In this episode, we break down what happens after you get approved. From setting up your operations the right way to staying compliant and avoiding rookie mistakes, we’re walking you through the essential next steps.
Whether you're a brand-new broker or launching a company, this episode helps you move from licensed to fully operational—with fewer headaches and more confidence. Let’s build it right from day one.
The information provided on Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. Each mortgage licensing application and business situation is unique...
2025-06-0609 min
Approved AF - The Mortgage Licensing PodcastEpisode 1 - The TrailerWelcome to Approved AF — The licensing podcast!
The podcast for mortgage pros who are building, scaling, or just trying to survive in the world of licensing and compliance. In this quick trailer, we’ll break down what this show is all about, who it’s for, and why it’s worth your time.
The information provided on Approved AF - The Licensing Podcast is intended for general informational purposes only. Each mortgage licensing application and business situation is unique, and the strategies or recommendations discussed on the show may not apply to every individual or scenario. This podcast is not a substi...
2025-06-0603 min