We are a group of people who have created a safe space for people from diverse backgrounds to open up by way of healthy dialogue amongst peers discussing life, love and business. Opening up sharing our views, lifestyle choices and experiences for the world to see that our blended views may make us different but when communicated effectively to gain understanding it also shows us that we're alike in many ways and our differences are what keeps us all evolving.
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The Puzzle Factory - Powered by NZ Trade Group Welcome to The Puzzle Factory, the podcast where we piece together the secrets to running a successful electrical business. Hosted by Alex, an electrician by trade, and Tait, a business leadership and management expert, this show offers a unique blend of industry expertise and entrepreneurial insight. Each episode, Alex and Tait dive into the ins and outs of the electrical trade, sharing practical tips, valuable knowledge, and real-world experie ...
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Welcome to Lending Leadership: the podcast designed for mortgage loan originators who are looking to elevate their careers and gain a competitive edge in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring loan officer, this podcast will have you clear to close with valuable insights, expert advice, and jaw-dropping stories from the cutting edge of the mortgage business. Lending Leadership is two powerful shows in one, alternating every week between The Mortgage Pros and The ...
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Welcome to the Lieb Cast Podcast—where we break down complex laws, scrutinize politics, and shatter biases with a dash of snark. Education, not indoctrination, is our game. Attorney Andrew Lieb, our seasoned host, embarks on a compelling journey to illuminate the often opaque aspects of these topics. Committed to maintaining neutrality amidst political polarization, the Lieb Cast team ensures a dialogue rooted in fact over bias. Our crew examines new laws, probes the effect of political envi ...
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From Loan Officer to Leader: What No One Tells You About Making the Leap to Management
29:42
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29:42Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros—your go-to podcast for honest, unfiltered conversations about growing your mortgage career and leading at the highest level. On today’s episode, we opened up about one of the most pivotal (and misunderstood) transitions in the industry: moving from being a successful loan officer to stepping int…
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Fundamentals of Marketing: Crafting Consistent, Strategic Marketing Plans for Mortgage Lenders
17:34
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17:34Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—the podcast where we break down the art and science of mortgage marketing and leadership. Today, we dove straight into one of the fundamental questions every loan officer and marketing professional faces: what really is marketing, and what is it not? With both of us—Rachael Tresch and Corrine B…
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Refi Booms: How Mortgage Leaders Stay Ahead and Capture Opportunity
31:46
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31:46Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. In this episode, we’re diving deep into a timely and critical topic: the elusive “Refi Boom.” While it seemed like we were on the brink of a refinance surge not too long ago, rising rates have complicated things. Still, with expectations for a potential boom in the next 6–12 months, we’re unpac…
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Collaboration at Its Best: Behind the Scenes of Our Sales Rally
19:49
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19:49Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. In today's episode, we're talking about our sales rally--a tool we use here at HMA Mortgage for fostering collaboration and innovation within our team. While we're likely bustling around at our own sales rally as you listen to this, we're excited to share insights on why showing up, leaning in…
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Overcoming Objections: Turning Nos into Business Opportunities
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32:36Welcome to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to podcast for mastering the mortgage industry and developing leadership skills. In this episode, we're talking about the art of overcoming objections in the mortgage business. We're excited to have a detailed discussion about how to handle objections like a pro—whether they come from buyers…
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How to Turn Marketing into Your Secret Weapon
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26:44Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. In today's episode, we explore the critical role of marketing in the success of loan officers. Joining us are two marketing powerhouses, Caitlin and Laura, who share their expertise and insights on how to effectively leverage marketing to build a successful mortgage business. We take a deep di…
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Episode 10 - Wrapping Up Season 1 – 8K Listens, Lessons & a Giveaway!
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14:14We made it! In this season finale of The Puzzle Factory, Tait and I look back on an incredible first season—nearly 8,000 listens and views across platforms! We dive into the steep learning curve of launching a podcast, share what we’ve learned along the way, and, most importantly, thank all of you—our listeners and amazing guests.As a special thank…
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Signs You're At the Right Mortgage Company: Deciding to Stay or Leave
38:59
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38:59Welcome back to another episode of Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. Changing companies as a mortgage loan originator is very common, but how do you know whether it's the right move for you? In this episode, we're helping you identify whether you're in the right place within your company or if you should be looking for somewhere new. As co-hos…
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Episode 9 – How Mugsy Built a Thriving Electrical Business (and Went Viral with a Dolphin)
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39:04Guest: Mike “Mugsy” Mugglestone – Director, Full Power Electrical (Warkworth) This week on The Puzzle Factory, we’re joined by Mike “Mugsy” Mugglestone, the man behind Full Power Electrical in Warkworth. After relocating and starting his business in the area 8 years ago, Mugsy has steadily grown it into a well-known name in the trade. We dig into w…
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Maximize Engagement and Build Relationships: Social Media Strategies for Loan Officers
26:12
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26:12Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief! In this episode, we tackle a topic that can be a little daunting yet incredibly powerful for loan officers: leveraging social media to boost business. Social media can sometimes feel like an overwhelming space, especially with perceptions of generational divides, but we're here to demystify it…
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Episode 8: How to Quote an Electrical Job
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26:56Episode 8: How to Quote an Electrical Job with Alex Hulme Pricing electrical work isn’t just about throwing out a number—it’s about accuracy, profitability, and making sure you’re not selling yourself short. In this episode, host Alex Hulme gives a candid, no-nonsense take on how he approaches quoting, packed with practical advice you can put into …
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Finding Balance: Setting Up Your Mortgage Business to Run Without You
28:46
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28:46Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! In this episode, we covered a topic that resonates with many professionals, especially those in the mortgage industry: taking a vacation without your business falling apart. Having just returned from a President's Club trip in Punta Cana, we were inspired to discuss the systems and strategies t…
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Episode 7 - Paul Sievers Unfiltered: Apprenticeships, Protecting your Turf & Good Work Stories
42:08
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42:08The Puzzle Factory - Episode 7 🎙 Guest: Paul Sievers – Devonport Electrical Episode Summary: Ever been burned by a “guaranteed leads” digital marketing promise? Or wondered why NZ’s electrical apprenticeship system feels a bit… outdated? This week, Paul Sievers from Devonport Electrical joins Alex to expose the biggest traps tradies fall into, why …
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Embracing Female Empowerment and Connectivity in the Mortgage Industry with Laurie Nelson
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40:06Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief! In this episode, we sit down with one of the top loan officers from the Pittsburgh area, Laurie Nelson, to dive into her incredible journey in the mortgage industry and uncover her unique marketing approach. Laurie, Rachael, and Corrine explore the evolution of Laurie's career, from her unexpe…
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Episode 6 - Business Credit, Risk & Deep Sea Cod? Ronnie Tan on Financial Transparency & NZ’s Economy
58:51
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58:51The Puzzle Factory - Episode 6 Guest: Ronnie Tan – Creditworks Episode Summary: In business, trust is everything—but how do you know if a customer is actually good for it? This week, Alex sits down with Ronnie Tan from Creditworks, a commercial credit expert who helps businesses navigate financial transparency, avoid bad debts, and stay ahead of fi…
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Building a Championship Team in the Mortgage Industry
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34:44Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. In this episode, we're diving into the art of building a championship team within the mortgage industry. Inspired by the Philadelphia Eagles' recent Super Bowl victory, we're drawing parallels between creating winning sports teams and leading successful mortgage teams. Join us, your co-hosts To…
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Episode 5 - Seb Weaver - Blackout Electric - How to become 'The Local Sparky' in your Area!
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44:32Blackout Electric - Episode 5 Guest: Seb Weaver – Blackout Electric Episode Summary: In this episode, Alex sits down with long-time friend andBlackout Electric owner, Seb Weaver, for a conversation packed with laughs, business insights, and a deep dive into what it takes to build a standout family business. From carving out a unique space in the ma…
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Secrets to Success: Building a Strong Mortgage Team with Dan Andersen
24:41
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24:41Welcome to another episode of Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief! In this episode, we're excited to dive into the world of mortgage marketing and leadership with our special guest, Dan Andersen, a member of the HMA team from the Chicagoland area. Dan, an exemplary loan officer, has not only achieved remarkable success with his team but also exh…
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Episode 4 - How Matty went from an Electrician to the King of NZ BBQ
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38:08The Puzzle Factory - Episode 4 Guest: Matt Melville - Rum and Que Episode Summary: In this episode, we catch up with Matt Melville, the founder ofRum and Que.Matt and Alex talk about his journey emigrating from Australia, working as a sparky, to starting a BBQ comp team, and finally turning his passion into a full-time business. Now,Rum and Que is …
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Achieving Time Freedom: Strategies for Mortgage Professionals to Balance Work and Life
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31:36Are you able to take 24 hours off work and still have everything run smoothly? What about two weeks to spend in Hawaii like Dave Holland is doing right now? Today, we immersed ourselves in the concept of Time Freedom in the mortgage industry, a subject that's as essential for maintaining personal well-being as it is for professional success. With D…
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Episode 3 - 5 Steps to Thrive in Business this Year
32:11
32:11
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32:11Hosts: Alex & Tait – Business Growth Expert Episode Summary: In this episode ofThe Puzzle Factory, Tait shares 5 actionable steps to prepare your business for 2025. From conducting a SWOT analysis to segmenting your customers, Alex offers practical strategies for strengthening relationships, improving your credit checks, and optimizing your time ma…
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Creativity in Mortgage Marketing with the Malamut Brothers
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32:46Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. In today's episode, we’re excited to dive into the creative marketing strategies of the Malamut brothers, Jim and Greg, from New Jersey's top-performing team at HMA Mortgage. We start by uncovering what big hats, funny videos, and mortgages have in common with our guests Jim and Greg Malamut. …
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Episode 2 - Craig Heaton - Coffee, Yarns and Lots of Laughs with 2 Sparkys
18:35
18:35
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18:35The Puzzle Factory - Episode [2]Guest: Craig Heaton - The 1st member to join NZ Trade Group Episode Summary:In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, Alex sits down with Craig Heaton of Heaton Electrical, the 1st official member of NZ Trade Group. We talk about the up's and downs of running an electrical business over the years, the mental health chal…
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Building Trust: Effective Communication Strategies for Mortgage Loan Officers
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29:03Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. In this episode, we’re looking at the fundamentals of effective communication with clients and referral partners, and its pivotal role in triumphing over the challenges of mortgage origination. Effective communication is more than just an exchange of information; it’s about building trust, fost…
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Episode 1 - Leigh Olsen - Tradie HR Handling Staff, Restructures and Tough Conversations
25:47
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25:47The Puzzle Factory - Episode [1]Guest: Leigh from Tradie HR - The Queen of All Things HR in the Trade IndustryEpisode Summary:In this episode of The Puzzle Factory, Alex sits down with the one and only Leigh from Tradie HR – a powerhouse in the world of human resources for the trade industry. Known as the "Queen of HR" within the trades, Leigh brin…
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Welcome to The Puzzle Factory, the podcast where the electrical business gets broken down, one piece at a time. Hosted by Tait and Alex from NZ Trade Group, we mix expert insights with plenty of laughs to tackle the tough topics, solve industry puzzles, and keep your business buzzing. Tune in for a dose of humor, practical advice, and a fresh take …
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Sparkle and Shine: Rachael Tresch’s Secrets to Stand Out in Mortgage Marketing
18:53
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18:53Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of marketing and brand strategies for loan officers. Today, we have a special treat for our listeners as we flip the script and Corrine Bibb interviews her very own co-host, Rachael Tresch, who has been the interviewer over the past few episodes. I…
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Leadership vs. Management: Mortgage Leadership Tips and Insights from Robert Fillyaw
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32:00Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! In today’s episode, we’re talking to the last (but not least) of our co-hosts, Robert Fillyaw, managing partner at HMA Mortgage. Stepping in as host is Rachael Tresch of the Creative Brief, and I’m talking to Robert about leadership within mortgage lending, though the principles we discuss toda…
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Corrine Bibb on the Role of Delegation, Humor, and AI in Marketing
29:57
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29:57Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. Continuing on the trend we set on the Mortgage Pros, Rachael Tresch is taking over as host to interview co-host, Corinne Bibb. Together, we dive into the nuances of effective leadership and team management. Plus, we uncover the importance of understanding tasks that team members might excel at…
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Challenges and Opportunities: Lessons from the Mortgage Business with Tom Mills
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40:03Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. In today’s episode, we’re highlighting another of our co-hosts, Tom Mills, managing partner at HMA Mortgage. Stepping in as host is Rachael Tresch of the Creative Brief, and I’m talking to Tom about his career and the lessons he has learned within the mortgage industry. He’s sharing his insight…
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Ultimate Social Media Tool for Loan Officers
19:21
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19:21Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief! In this episode, we tackle a common pain point for many professionals: content creation burnout. In an era where maintaining a consistent online presence is crucial, we understand that finding time to generate engaging content can be overwhelming. This is why we've dedicated this episode to pr…
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Lessons in Leadership: Dave Holland’s Journey to Success
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24:55Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros, your go-to podcast for everything leadership in the mortgage industry. In today's episode, we're turning the spotlight onto our very own co-host, Dave Holland. Rachel had a unique opportunity to sit down with Dave for an intimate, one-on-one conversation about his journey in the mortgage indust…
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AI in Real Estate Tech: Navigating Ethical Compliance
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42:31Attorneys Andrew Lieb and Claudia Cannam discuss AI, discrimination, and compliance in real estate tech. Claudia shares insights from her recent CLE on training unbiased AI for tenant screening and property listings, addressing regulatory guidance, bias correction, and compliance strategies. They explore the balance between innovation and ethics, o…
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Mastering Social Media: Hooks, Content Strategy, and Effective Calls to Action for Mortgage Loan Officers
15:22
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15:22Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. In this episode, we dive into the world of social media strategies, sharing ways to effectively communicate with your audience and what we consider the essentials of intentional social media engagement. We start by emphasizing the importance of intentionality in social media. It’s not just abo…
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Mastering Time Management: Boundaries, Balancing, and Routines for Mortgage Pros
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31:44Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros. Today, we’re diving into a topic that might seem mundane at first, but is absolutely crucial for both your professional success and personal well-being—time management. Coordinating schedules for our podcast isn't always a breeze, and managing time effectively is something we constantly grapple…
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Holiday Gifting for Mortgage Officers: Creative Ideas to Show Your Contacts You’re Thinking of Them
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15:39Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. Today, we're diving into the festive season with a special focus on holiday gifting. As the holidays approach, it's crucial for businesses to think ahead and plan thoughtful gifts for their team, clients, and business partners. It's not just about the act of giving, but how you can leverage ho…
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$6 million dollar banana duct-taped to a wall
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31:14We take a deeper look at the recent sale of a banana duct-taped to a wall for $6 million at Sotheby’s. Beyond the shocking price tag, this artwork raises questions about the nature of value, the purpose of art, and the role of absurdity in challenging cultural norms. We analyze the symbolism of the piece, its commentary on consumerism, and how it f…
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Netflix's Live Sports Gamble: Lawsuit Threatens Streaming Giant's Ambitions
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35:30The Lieb Cast analyzes the legal fallout from the highly publicized and controversial Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight. Allegations of fraud, misrepresentation, and scripted manipulation have spurred multiple lawsuits, with plaintiffs claiming they were misled into buying pay-per-view access for an event that wasn’t as legitimate as it seemed. We exp…
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Smart Business Planning Strategies for Mortgage Loan Originators
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32:37Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! In today's episode, we're talking about a topic that loan originators don’t want to talk about: business planning. We're discussing why having a business plan and a roadmap for success, guided by thoughtful critique from mentors and leaders, is indispensable. We explore the concept of focusing …
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How NYC’s New Law Will Backfire on Renters
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31:03On this week’s episode of The Lieb Cast, we unpack the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (F.A.R.E.) Act, the controversial new law passed by NYC’s City Council that shifts broker fees from tenants to landlords. The law promises to ease financial pressure on renters - but will it actually work? We analyze the nuances of this legislation, discuss…
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Getting the Most from Your Marketing Team: Key Deliverables for Mortgage Success
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12:52Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief. Today, we're diving into a crucial topic for loan officers: the role of your marketing department in supporting your business. We often hear varying feedback on the level of marketing support provided across different companies. This episode aims to clarify what you should be expecting from yo…
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Stay or Go? A Mortgage Originator’s Guide to Changing Companies
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38:59Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! One of the major themes of this episode is the job market dynamics within the mortgage industry. We dissect the statistical trend showing a significant percentage of loan originators contemplating job changes, particularly during the quieter Q4 period. The discussion covers the average tenure o…
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Understanding the Equal Rights Amendment: What’s at Stake on the NY Ballot
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37:29The Lieb Cast unpacks the Equal Rights Amendment appearing on the New York State ballot, offering a clear breakdown of proposed civil rights expansions. Learn about the key changes this amendment would bring.By Andrew Lieb / Alex Licitra
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Navigating the Mortgage Industry: Creative Marketing Tips for Loan Officers
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11:05Welcome to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief, your go-to podcast for marketing tips tailored for loan officers. In our inaugural episode, we dove right into the unique journeys that led us to the mortgage marketing space. While nobody grows up dreaming of working in mortgages, life's twists and turns bring us to unexpected and fulfilling caree…
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Building the Best Mortgage Company: Lessons from Industry Veterans at HMA Mortgage
27:02
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27:02Welcome to Lending Leadership: The Mortgage Pros! Consider this your ultimate resource for navigating the mortgage industry with seasoned experts. We’re thrilled to kick off our very first episode, and we’re excited to bring you insights and discussions from the heart of mortgage leadership. Today, it's all about introductions and setting the stage…
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FTC Mandates Easy Subscription Cancellations
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31:22How much money do you waste each year on subscriptions with impossible-to-navigate cancellation processes? The Lieb Cast breaks down the FTC's new "Click-to-Cancel" rule, set to take effect in 2025, which will impose significant penalties on companies that fail to make subscription cancellations straightforward.…
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Abuse of Power at Abercrombie and Beyond + Journey for Systematic Change
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33:05In this episode of the Lieb Cast, Andrew Lieb and Alex, a former dancer turned aspiring lawyer, delve into the critical role lawyers can play in empowering vulnerable individuals and driving systemic change. They explore Alex's personal journey, from witnessing harassment and discrimination in the dance industry to her decision to pursue a legal ca…
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Stripping Away Misclassifications: FLSA, Exotic Dancers, and the Legal Fallout
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36:05In this episode of The Lieb Cast, we dive deep into the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its role in classifying workers as either employees or independent contractors. Using landmark cases like Clincy v. Galardi South Enterprises, Inc., where Atlanta exotic dancers reached a $1.55 million settlement, and a nearly $4.6 million ruling involving P…
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Welcome to Lending Leadership: the podcast designed for mortgage loan originators who are looking to elevate their careers and gain a competitive edge in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring loan officer, this podcast will have you clear to close with valuable insights, expert advice, and jaw-dropping stories from the…
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Musk's Cyber Cabs, Google's Antitrust Woes, and Legal Battles of Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Garth Brooks
37:53
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37:53In this episode, we dive into Elon Musk's "cyber cabs" and how automation could reshape the workforce. Next, we explore Starbucks workers' unionization efforts and the legal consequences of telling employees to "go work somewhere else." We also cover the antitrust case against Google and how AI-driven competitors are disrupting the search engine ma…
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