Shows
The SpotlightUnlocking the Mortgage Ecosystem - Feat. Mike Russell @ Total ExpertIn this inaugural episode of Dark Matters Spotlight Backstage, host Craig Rebman discusses the intricacies of the mortgage ecosystem with Mike Russell from Total Expert. They explore the importance of product and pricing in the mortgage industry, the transition to customer relationship management, and the integration with the Empower platform. The conversation delves into the role of AI in marketing and customer retention, highlighting the innovative features of Total Expert's platform and the positive reception of AI technology among consumers. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of partnerships in enhancing the mortgage experience.
2025-09-0330 min
The SpotlightUnlocking Marketing Success in the Mortgage Industry – feat. Jake VermillionIn this episode of The Spotlight, host Wes Horbatuck and Jake Vermillion discuss the evolving landscape of marketing within the mortgage industry, focusing on the role of More Champions in helping loan officers succeed. They explore Jake’s unique approach to marketing, emphasizing authenticity and partnership over traditional sales tactics.The discussion also delves into the impact of AI on the mortgage industry, highlighting the importance of human touchpoints in an increasingly digital world.
2025-08-2732 minThe SpotlightThe Power of the Cooperative – feat. Justin DemolaIn this episode of The Spotlight, Wes Horbatuck interviews Justin Demola, the president of Lenders One, discussing the cooperative’s 25-year journey, its evolution, and the value it provides to its members. They explore the changing member profile, innovations in services, and the importance of community in the mortgage industry. Justin emphasizes the need for streamlined processes to enhance borrower experiences and reduce costs, while also highlighting the cooperative’s commitment to education and member engagement.
2025-08-2724 minThe SpotlightFuture Proofing Mortgage Tech & Lender Success – feat. Sue WoodardIn this episode of The Spotlight, host Wes Horbatuck interviews Sue Woodard, discussing the evolving landscape of lender technology relationships, the challenges of technology adoption, and the importance of measuring ROI beyond just cost savings. They explore the balance between automation and personal touch in customer interactions and emphasize the critical role of data strategy in future-proofing businesses in the mortgage industry.
2025-08-2727 minThe SpotlightEmpowering Mortgage Professionals with AI & Operational Efficiencies – feat. Ruth LeeIn this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, host Wes Horbatuck speaks with Ruth Lee, president, and founder of Big Think, about the evolving landscape of mortgage banking and the impact of technology, particularly AI, on the industry. They discuss how AI can empower operational teams, enhance personalization in lending, and improve decision-making through predictive analytics. Ruth emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements to remain competitive and the need for a strategic approach to leveraging data for profitability.
2025-08-2728 minThe SpotlightBuilding a Media Empire and the Future of the Housing Market – feat. Clayton CollinsIn this episode of The Spotlight, host Wes Horbatuck sits down with Clayton Collins, founder and CEO of HousingWire Media. They delve into Clayton’s fascinating journey from banking to acquiring HousingWire, highlighting the critical role of efficiency and technology in transforming the mortgage industry. The conversation also explores the importance of understanding your target audience and leveraging your strengths in marketing. Additionally, they discuss the transformative potential of AI and its implications for the future of the mortgage sector. Tune in for insights that could reshape your approach to the industry!
2025-08-2733 minThe SpotlightExploring the Economic Landscape and Future Outlook – feat. Mike FratantoniIn this episode of The Spotlight, host Wes Horbatuck speaks with Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), about the current economic landscape affecting the mortgage industry. They discuss the recent trends in mortgage rates, the dynamics of mortgage origination volume, the challenges lenders face in maintaining profitability, and the critical role of technology in navigating these challenges. The conversation also touches on the industry’s morale and the outlook for the future, especially as the MBA annual conference approaches.
2025-08-2727 minThe SpotlightHow Credit Unions are Embracing Technology and Staying True to Core Values – feat. Peter BenjaminIn this episode of the Spotlight Podcast, Wes Horbatuck interviews Peter Benjamin, the president of ACUMA, about the future of credit unions and the upcoming ACUMA conference. They discuss the history of ACUMA and its focus on education for credit union mortgage professionals. They also talk about the importance of community and collaboration within the credit union space. Peter emphasizes the need for credit unions to embrace technology while staying true to their core values.
2025-08-2728 minThe SpotlightA Recipe to Reduce Origination Costs – feat. Vikas RaoIn this must-watch episode of “The Spotlight,” Vikas Rao, the new Deputy Chief Product Officer at Dark Matter Technologies, dives deep into the future of mortgage tech. Discover how automation, task-based workflows, exception-based processing, and advanced APIs can drastically reduce your loan origination costs while boosting client engagement. Don’t miss these game-changing insights!
2025-08-2726 minThe SpotlightThe Impact of Data and Consumer Sentiment on Housing – feat. Kyla ScanlonIn this episode of the Spotlight, Wes Horbatuck interviews Kyla Scanlon who is best known for conducting human-centric economic analysis and conversations about various topics including the housing market, AI, consumer sentiment, and the economy. They discuss the impact of consumer sentiment on economic outcomes, the need for more affordable housing and the challenges in the housing market, the potential role of AI in the real estate industry, and the importance of transparency and media literacy in shaping consumer sentiment. Kyla shares her process of generating ideas through movement and visualizing concepts through drawing. She also shares anecdotes and...
2025-08-2735 minThe SpotlightUnpacking AI’s Impact – feat. Brian SwansonDo you have AI F.O.M.O and not know where to start? The future of AI is bright, but it can be difficult to know where and how to begin. In our latest Spotlight podcast episode, Wes Horbatuck talks with Dark Matter’s Brian Swanson about the limitations of current AI and the exciting new direction the field is headed. This episode explores the crucial role social sciences like psychology and sociology will play in unlocking AI’s true potential. Discover how AI can move beyond technical solutions and begin to understand human behavior, ushering in a new...
2025-08-2731 minThe SpotlightTransforming the mortgage landscape – feat. Melissa LangdaleIn this episode of The Spotlight, we delve into the heart of innovation within the mortgage industry with Melissa Langdale, the President and COO of The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC). Fresh off of their TMC Mane Event, Melissa shares invaluable insights on leveraging AI and technology to revolutionize the mortgage process, enhance operational efficiency, and significantly lower costs of origination. From the profound impact of AI in document processing to the strategic use of technology for competitive advantage, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the future of mortgage lending. Join us as we explore the transformative solutions shaping the...
2025-08-2723 minThe SpotlightThe Role of APIs in modern financial technology – feat. Erin WesterIntegrations in mortgage tech are rarely simple—but the right partners make them easier. In this episode of The Spotlight, we sit down with Erin Wester, VP of Product Management at Optimal Blue, to explore how collaboration drives better solutions for lenders. Erin shares how Optimal Blue’s API-first strategy has connected hundreds of clients and 70+ tech vendors, bringing pricing transparency and efficiency to loan origination systems like Empower®. She also gives us an insider’s perspective on the evolution of the PPE platform—including new features like location-based pricing incentives—and where artificial intelligence fits into the future of secondar...
2025-08-2717 minThe SpotlightHow to build purpose-driven technology vs hopping on tech trends – feat. Stephanie DurflingerBuilding tech just for the sake of it doesn’t cut it. In this episode of The Spotlight, Dark Matter’s Chief Product Officer Stephanie Durflinger shares how our team evaluates when to build, when to integrate, and how to separate true innovation from industry noise. With 15 years of experience at ICE Mortgage Technology and Ellie Mae, Stephanie explains why focusing on real value for lenders and borrowers is the key to guiding Dark Matter’s product direction—and how partnerships and open ecosystems play a role in shaping the future of mortgage technology.
2025-08-2720 minThe SpotlightThe right way to adopt AI with mortgage technology – feat. Blake GibsonIn our debut episode, we unpack the maxim: “AI won’t replace your job, but someone with AI will.” Dark Matter Technologies has been working with AI and machine learning for over a decade, with a clear focus on enhancing—not replacing—human capabilities. Host Wes Horbatuck sits down with Blake Gibson, EVP & General Counsel, to discuss how Dark Matter takes a unique approach by blending technology, science, and legal expertise to create safe, efficient, and compliant solutions. From Empower LOS to AIVA virtual assistants, Blake explains how we’re building “guardrails” into AI to automate repetitive tasks, free up human decisio...
2025-08-2725 min
Honest Ecommerce312 | Maximizing ROI on Your Best Product | with Wes Horbatuck & Greg OrfeWes Horbatuck and Greg Orfe bring entrepreneurial passion and innovation to the world of watersport apparel and ecommerce. As founders, Wes and Greg have navigated the high barriers of entry in the apparel industry, scaling Driftline from concept to a Shark Tank-featured brand recognized in Forbes, Outside, and The Inertia. Wes brings expertise in guerrilla marketing and brand growth, while Greg specializes in operations and supply chain optimization, making them a dynamic duo in ecommerce innovation.With a commitment to helping athletes "meet their moment," they’ve crafted efficient ecommerce strategies, streamlined their Shopify-powered website, and...
2025-01-1336 min
Full DisclosureMarketing for the FutureThis week, Alayna sits down to talk with Wes Horbatuck, VP of Marketing at Dark Matter Technologies, to talk all things marketing for the mortgage industry.
2024-09-2614 min
Startup to StorefrontWes Horbatuck - Driftline (as seen on Shark 🦈 Tank)According to the late founder of the O’Neill surfing company, the three most important things in life are surf, surf, surf. Though we admit he may have been a little biased. For most surfers worldwide, wearing a wet suit is a seasonal requirement. There are months where you need it, months where you don’t, and some months where the decision gets tough. For example, In San Diego, the average temperature of the ocean in the summer only gets as high as the upper 60s. Meaning, it’s too hot to wear a wetsuit, but it’s too cold to...
2023-07-0428 min
Tacos and Tech PodcastCreating Innovative Activewear Built for Maximum Performance With Wesley Horbatuck & Greg Orfe of DriftlineListen on Apple, Google, Spotify, and other platforms. Wes gives an overview of what Driftline is [02:20] Greg shares his background and how he met Wes [03:27] Wes shares his background and how he ended up in San Diego [05:38] When did the actual idea for Driftline come up? [09:01] Wes talks about how they started connecting with people that could help them with their business [12:06] How did Wes and Greg go from designing to manufacturing their product? [13:29] Greg shares what it was like having their first product sample to having their first sale [16:12] Wes and Greg talk about Driftline today and...
2022-10-1933 min
Weekend WarriorHr 2: The EnsembleDoc retells his stories about combos in sports, art and medicine. Doc welcomes innovator Wes Horbatuck who created Driftline sportswear. Where can you get Dominique Ansel's Cronut creation in Los Angeles, Doc tells you. The Weekend Warrior Clinic re-opens for listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2021-09-2559 min
Grow With GregDiving in head first with Wes of Driftline #9Wes Horbatuck is the co-creator of Driftline. Driftline started as a passion project to solve one surfers problem and it grew into a business. Listen in to hear about how Wes started his company and a quick look behind the apparel industry.@Driftline.co www.Driftline.co
2020-01-281h 06