Episode Overview: In this Thanksgiving episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat With Madness, co-hosts Fobby Naghmi and Madison Keenan reflect on the past year, discussing personal and professional lessons learned, moments of gratitude, and their hopes for the future. With humor and heartfelt insights, they delve into navigating challenges in the mortgage industry, setting boundaries in business relationships, and the importance of adaptability and intention in tough markets. Key Themes: Gratitude Amidst Challenges: Madison reflects on the importance of cherishing health, family, and close relation ..read more

Episode Overview: In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we welcome Melissa Correa, Branch Manager, and Samantha Barbier, Loan Partner, both from Homecomings Mortgage. Melissa and Samantha share their experiences in the mortgage industry, focusing on empowering clients through education, overcoming cultural barriers, and leveraging social media to connect with broader audiences. The conversation highlights their efforts to bridge communication gaps for minority communities and make homeownership more accessible. Key Themes: Education as a Tool for Empowerment: Melissa and Samantha d ..read more

In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, we’re live from NAMMBA Connect '24 in Orlando, and we have an inspiring conversation with Harold Delcham, CEO and founder of Opportunity Mortgage Group. Harold shares the challenges and triumphs of starting his own mortgage brokerage just four months ago, and how NAMMBA played a crucial role in inspiring him to take the leap. With over 18 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Harold's story is one of ambition, community, and the courage to chase your dreams. Key Themes: Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship: Harold reflects on the journey of f ..read more

In this episode, recorded live from NAMMBA Connect 2024 in Orlando, FL, we explore effective recruiting strategies for mortgage company managers focused on hiring loan officers. Moderated by Heidi Iverson from MMI—a company specializing in providing data on loan officers and mortgage companies—the panel features Fobby Naghmi, Gene Frazier, and Carolina Vergara. The discussion emphasizes balancing relationship-building with data-driven decisions, the importance of onboarding, and the strategic use of compensation. Key Takeaways: Targeted Outreach: Merging personal connections with data helps i ..read more

Learn how minor adjustments in daily routines can significantly improve various aspects of life, such as health, productivity, and relationships. Fobby Naghmi welcomes Farhad Chowdhury, the founder of ViaNova. They dive into the intricacies of habit formation and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. Farhad shares insights from his work on behavior change and habit development. ViaNova is a pioneering AI company developing technologies to foster positive health habits in healthcare, education, and philanthropy. Key Takeaways: The Power of Small Changes: Farhad emphasizes t ..read more

Episode Overview: In this insightful episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, host Fobby Naghmi welcomes Jimmy Boone, Senior Account Executive at RETR, to discuss the transformative role of data in the mortgage and real estate industries. Jimmy explains how RETR, a data-driven intelligence platform, empowers loan officers and real estate professionals to enhance productivity, foster stronger partnerships, and make informed decisions. He also dives into how technology like RETR provides solutions for nurturing relationships and uncovering untapped opportunities, offering a competitive edge in a ..read more

In this episode of Laugh, Lend, and Eat, host Fobby Naghmi is joined by Jeff Kane and Jason Smathers to debunk some mortgage industry myths about brokers are better. Dive deep with us as we uncover the truths behind these common misconceptions and provide valuable insights for borrowers, loan officers, and anyone curious about the two different worlds of mortgages. Key Topics Discussed: Myth: Brokers Always Get the Best Rates Reality: Brokers don't always secure the best rates. We discussed the actual rates that some brokers offer and explained why the "broker advantage" might not be as sig ..read more

Episode Overview: In this engaging episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat With Madness, co-hosts Fobby Naghmi and Madison Keenan sit down with Nathan Knottingham, COO of MLO Force, Co-Founder of WestPort Creative, and CSO of Be My Neighbor Mortgage. Nathan shares his journey into the mortgage industry, his passion for education, and the innovative approach MLO Force brings to continuing education (CE) for loan officers. He discusses the importance of keeping training relevant, engaging, and accessible in an industry where learning can often feel tedious. Key Themes: Making CE Engaging: Nathan expl ..read more

Episode Overview: In this episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, host Fobby Naghmi sits down with Morgan DeNicola, Vice Chair of The Humpty Dumpty Institute. Morgan shares her experiences in humanitarian work, from her interactions with world leaders to her hands-on projects across the globe. She discusses the importance of cultural diplomacy, the challenges of humanitarian work, and how service has given her life purpose and perspective. Key Themes: The Power of Cultural Diplomacy: Morgan emphasizes how leaving personal biases behind and engaging openly allows for genuine connections and deeper ..read more

Episode Overview: In this Leadership Matters episode of Laugh, Lend, & Eat, host Fobby Naghmi is joined by two dynamic leaders: Scott Griffin, Founder and CEO of Scott Griffin Financial, and Eleni Theodorakos, Owner of NOVA Kids in Motion. The conversation dives deep into the personal journey of leadership, focusing on the importance of authenticity, energy, and inner growth. Both guests discuss how their unique leadership styles have been shaped by personal experiences, emphasizing how a leader’s inner state influences team performance and organizational culture. Key Themes: Authenticit ..read more