Shows
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