Different Is Better Than Better: Standing Out as a Loan Officer With Trevor York

Lending Leadership

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief—your trusted resource for building bold brands and thriving careers in the lending world.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into what it truly means to stand out as a loan officer in today's crowded marketplace. We’re joined by the dynamic Trevor York from Linkspot, whose fresh perspective and storytelling skills left a lasting impression at our recent sales rally. His now-famous mantra, “different is better than better,” has inspired many in our network to break away from the pack and redefine what connection really means in client relationships and personal branding.

Together with Trevor, we explore why authenticity and creativity should take priority over the old standard of competence marketing in lending. Trevor shares the journey that led him from feeling like an outlier in a traditionally conservative industry to becoming a creative force, guiding others to find their voice, communicate with confidence, and forge more meaningful links with their communities. He also sheds light on the psychology of trying “something different,” and how overcoming fear can lead to memorable, resonant branding.

We also get personal—discussing everything from unique gift-giving to the roles that alter egos, personal quirks, and hobbies can play in building a brand that’s both memorable and true to you.

If you’re looking for actionable tips, permission to take creative risks, and an inside look at why standing out is the new standard for success in lending, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

Key takeaways:

1. “Different is Better Than Better”: Trevor unpacks why differentiation beats perfection in today’s lending landscape. Being the best doesn’t matter if you’re invisible—standing out by being truly yourself is what captures attention and builds relationships.
2. Lead with Connection, Not Just Competence: Too often, loan officers default to showcasing their expertise and products. Trevor (and our own experiences) highlight that personal stories, thoughtful touches, and unexpected gifts create lasting bonds and help you move from “just another loan officer” to a memorable partner in your clients’ journeys.
3. Creativity Requires Courage: Embracing originality can feel risky, especially in industries built on proven templates. Trevor’s advice: the first step is always the hardest, and often all you need is permission to do the thing you’ve wanted to try. The payoff is well worth pushing through the discomfort of “different.”
4. Let Your Brand Reveal Itself: You don’t need to invent a “shtick” or rigid persona. Instead, let your interests, quirks, and day-to-day life naturally inform your branding. Whether it’s a love of dogs, hiking, or pickles, small authentic details make you relatable—and your marketing all the more engaging.
5. Reverse Brainstorming for Better Content: Trevor’s favorite exercise for improving marketing is to flip the script: identify what makes bad content, then do the opposite. This simple, honest reflection uncovers exactly where you can stand out and breaks through creative blocks, whether you’re posting on social media or interacting with clients.

Tune in, take notes, and get ready to start doing things differently—because better is good, but different makes you unforgettable.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Trevor for more inspiration, or reach out if you’re ready to have him energize your next event. As always, thanks for joining us on Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.

Rach & Rinn