In this episode of The DO Show, Dustin Owen shares hard-earned insights on intentionally scaling a loan origination business. Drawing from over 20 years of hands-on experience in the mortgage industry, he explains why crucial mindset shifts, operational thinking, clear processes, thorough documentation, and disciplined use of time are essential for achieving sustainable, long-term growth. Owen challenges common misconceptions about what it takes to expand a business, warning against the pitfalls of relying solely on personal effort or charisma to drive results. Instead, he emphasizes the necessity of building robust systems and repeatable frameworks that enable true scalability, allowing a business to thrive even as it grows beyond the capacity of any single individual.

Throughout the episode, Owen stresses the importance of gaining clarity on goals and objectives, tracking key metrics to measure progress, and exercising patience as new strategies and systems take root. He offers practical, actionable strategies for loan originators who are ready to move from being reactive producers—constantly putting out fires and chasing deals—to proactive business owners who lead with intention and purpose. By sharing real-world examples and lessons learned from his own journey, Owen provides listeners with a roadmap for transforming their approach to business, empowering them to build organizations that are not only more efficient and profitable, but also more resilient and adaptable in a changing market.

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In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Mike Smalley, a top-producing mortgage originator and former college baseball pitcher, for an in-depth and engaging conversation. Together, they reflect on Mike’s athletic background and how the discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit he developed on the baseball field have contributed to his impressive career in the mortgage industry.

Mike shares the story of his journey to surpassing $1 billion in career mortgage volume, highlighting the dedication, perseverance, and strategic thinking required to achieve such a milestone. The discussion delves into the 17-year business partnership between Mike, Dustin, and their colleague David Holbrook, examining the evolution and challenges of maintaining a successful long-term collaboration. They explore the critical importance of open communication, trust, and effective delegation in building and sustaining high-performing teams within the mortgage business.

Throughout the episode, Mike and Dustin candidly share lessons learned from their experiences, including overcoming obstacles, adapting to industry changes, and fostering a positive team culture. Producer Karina Mojica joins the conversation, bringing her unique perspective and injecting humor into the discussion, which adds depth and relatability to the episode. The trio’s dynamic interaction provides listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of working in the mortgage industry and the personal growth that comes from navigating both triumphs and setbacks. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for mortgage professionals at any stage of their careers, as well as for anyone interested in business growth, leadership, and the power of strong partnerships. Whether you’re looking to build your own team, strengthen your business relationships, or simply be inspired by stories of resilience and achievement, this episode delivers a wealth of knowledge and motivation.

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In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, hosts Dustin Owen and Laura Zuluaga, joined by producer Karina, kick things off with a lively recap of Laura’s recent trip to a New England Patriots playoff game. Laura shares her firsthand experience of the electrifying atmosphere at the stadium, from the pre-game tailgating festivities to the nail-biting moments on the field, while Dustin and Karina chime in with playful banter and questions about her favorite highlights and the fan culture she witnessed. After some lighthearted conversation, the hosts transition to the main focus of the episode: answering a series of insightful listener questions related to real estate and mortgages.

They dive into the feasibility and potential implications of 50-year mortgages, discussing how such long-term loans could affect monthly payments, total interest paid, and overall home affordability. The conversation then shifts to creative ways buyers might fund a home purchase, including the pros, cons, and legal considerations of tapping into retirement accounts like 401(k)s or education savings plans such as 529s. Dustin and Laura break down the tax implications, penalties, and strategic scenarios where these options might make sense. The hosts also tackle the growing influence of institutional investors in the housing market, examining how large-scale property purchases by investment firms can drive up prices, reduce inventory for individual buyers, and impact neighborhood dynamics.

They provide context on recent trends and share their perspectives on what this means for first-time homebuyers and the broader market. In response to ongoing debates about housing affordability, Dustin and Laura analyze recent proposals aimed at lowering mortgage rates, such as government interventions or special loan programs. However, they emphasize that these measures are only part of the solution, arguing that the real key to making homes more affordable lies in increasing the overall housing supply. They discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in building more homes, including zoning laws, construction costs, and policy changes that could encourage development.

As the episode draws to a close, the team shares exciting announcements about upcoming industry events, educational workshops, and networking opportunities for listeners. They also tease details about an exclusive listener cruise, inviting fans of the show to join them for a unique chance to connect, learn, and have fun together on the open seas.

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In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Abdel Khawatmi, a top-producing mortgage loan officer based in New Jersey, for an in-depth conversation about success in the modern mortgage industry. Abdel shares his inspiring journey, detailing how he made the transition from a career in law to becoming a leading figure in the mortgage business. He explains the pivotal role that leveraging advanced systems, automation, and artificial intelligence played in rapidly scaling his business, resulting in a remarkable 30% increase in loan volume and an impressive 175% surge in overall profitability.

Throughout the episode, Abdel provides valuable insights into his strategic approach to team management, emphasizing the importance of building a cohesive and motivated team to support growth. He discusses his methods for coaching and empowering real estate partners, fostering strong relationships that drive mutual success. The conversation delves into the practical aspects of integrating cutting-edge technology into daily operations, highlighting the efficiencies and competitive advantages gained through thoughtful implementation. Abdel also opens up about his personal life, sharing how he strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance while raising a family. He talks about the significance of providing financial education to his children, instilling in them the values of responsibility and long-term planning. Additionally, Abdel and Dustin explore the critical role that consistency, discipline, and accountability play in achieving sustained success in the mortgage industry. Listeners will gain actionable tips and inspiration for building a thriving, future-ready mortgage business while maintaining personal fulfillment and strong family connections.

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In this episode of "The Loan Officer Podcast," host Dustin Owen interviews Juan Carlos Barreneche, a former top-producing realtor who now runs a successful staffing agency. Juan Carlos shares his inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to real estate standout, and now to helping mortgage and real estate professionals scale their businesses with virtual assistants.

Dustin and Juan Carlos discuss the importance of time management and how delegating tasks to virtual assistants can free up time for business owners to focus on what matters most. They talk about building strong teams and overcoming growth challenges in the mortgage and real estate industries. Juan Carlos explains how his company, Gold Bar Staffing, provides highly trained virtual assistants and support systems tailored for mortgage brokers, loan officers, and real estate agents. He offers real-world examples showing how virtual assistants can boost productivity, streamline operations, and cut costs without sacrificing client service. Listeners will gain practical tips for integrating virtual assistants into their businesses, whether for administrative support, customer service, or scaling operations.

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In this episode of "The DO Show," mortgage expert Dustin Owen takes a deep dive into the popular advice often given to homebuyers: to "just wait" for the perfect time to purchase a home. Dustin challenges this conventional wisdom by highlighting the pitfalls of waiting on the sidelines, such as missing out on valuable opportunities, losing precious time, and potentially delaying important life milestones like starting a family, building equity, or settling into a community.

He explains that while it’s natural to want to time the market perfectly, the reality is that predicting market highs and lows is nearly impossible—even for seasoned professionals. Dustin emphasizes that the decision to buy a home should be based less on trying to forecast short-term market trends and more on what will benefit your life over the next five to seven years. He points out that, historically, those who focus on their long-term goals and personal circumstances tend to fare better than those who wait endlessly for the "perfect" moment. Addressing concerns about today’s higher interest rates and the challenges of affordability, Dustin encourages buyers to look beyond current headlines and instead assess their own financial readiness, stability, and long-term plans.

Throughout the episode, Dustin urges listeners to prioritize responsible planning and personal preparedness over chasing ideal market conditions that may never materialize. He reassures buyers that while the market will always fluctuate, making a well-informed decision based on your unique situation is far more important than waiting for the stars to align. By focusing on what you can control—such as your budget, needs, and future goals—Dustin believes you can make a smart investment in your future, regardless of the current market climate.

D.O. sits down with Legendary Mortgage President Mike Fitzpatrick for an in-depth conversation about technology and AI in the mortgage industry. Fitzpatrick shares his personal career journey from humble beginnings to leading a thriving mortgage division, including the pivotal role of operational mentors, leveraging social media, and how positivity drives success.

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D.O. and Mike dive into the future of lending, highlighting the rise of agentic agents and automation, crucial advice for loan officers, and specific AI tools already transforming their business. The second half of the episode is packed with actionable insights for integrating AI, prompt engineering, creative curiosity, and embracing tech-forward practices for industry growth up to 2030.

In this engaging episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Laura Zuluaga, a dynamic Central Florida-based endurance athlete and accomplished real estate investor originally from Medellin, Colombia. Laura shares her inspiring journey from immigrant to Ironman competitor, her high-level water polo experience, and how she and her husband built a mortgage-free real estate portfolio - offering valuable lessons on financial independence and property investment. Laura also provides practical tips for making the most of corporate travel and business conferences, drawing from her expertise as a successful travel agency owner. The conversation includes actionable strategies for maximizing networking and streamlining travel, plus an exciting announcement: a mortgage industry cruise set for 2026, inviting listeners to join this unique networking event at sea.

The episode highlights Laura’s remarkable background and delivers practical advice for mortgage and real estate professionals. Dustin and Laura wrap up by discussing future podcast collaborations, promising more expert guests and insightful content. Whether you’re interested in endurance sports, real estate investing, or professional growth, this episode offers inspiration and actionable takeaways for all.

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