I Love Mortgage Brokering

What’s the fastest way to fail as a new broker—and what’s the one move that could save you? In this no-punches-pulled episode, Ron Butler lays out what’s really happening in the mortgage industry right now—and what new brokers must do to survive it. We cover everything from tech disruption and lender consolidation to why generalist brokers are getting crushed. If you’re building a mortgage business in 2025, this is required listening. We’ll cover: Why Volume Isn’t Enough – What it means when the market grows 56%—and you don’t. The Tech Arms Race – How platforms like Nesto and Edison are quietly reshaping broker competition. The Myth of Blockchain – Ron’s take on crypto, NFTs, and whether any of it matters in our space. Specialize or Get Smoked – Why new brokers need to niche down yesterday. The Harsh Truth About Lender Trust – What lenders are watching—and what they won’t tolerate. This industry isn’t slowing down. Brokers who win the next five years will do it by specializing, focusing, and executing. Ever

What if your struggle to focus isn’t a flaw—but a signal that you need better scaffolding to succeed? If you’ve got ADD (or think you do), you’re not alone—especially in the mortgage space. In fact, entrepreneurs are 5–7x more likely to have ADHD than the general population. In this solo episode, I walk through 5 tools that have helped me manage my focus and show up with energy and clarity. This isn’t a prescription—it’s what works for me. But if you’re constantly feeling distracted, overwhelmed, or underperforming, it might help you too. We’ll Cover: Morning Routine as Compass – Why I start each day with gratitude, goals, and reorientation—not just work. Scaffolding Through Team – How an EA, a COO, and role clarity help keep me operating in my zone of genius. Daily Exercise for Mental Reset – Why I work out after work to clear my head and show up better at home. Sleep as a Performance Tool – Why good sleep beats any hack or productivity system, hands down. Medication (and No Shame About It) – How going on a

What happens when you scale fast—but realize the business you’ve built no longer fits your life? Joline Cloutier went from helping her husband with files part-time to funding 260 deals a year—just the two of them. But after burnout, a move to the cottage, and taking over the business solo, she knew something had to change. In this episode, Joline shares how she’s rebuilding her business with better systems, a podcast, and more intention. If you're feeling the weight of growth without clarity, this episode will help you reset. We’ll cover: Scaling Without Staff – How she and her husband handled 260 files a year—just the two of them. Burnout and Breaking Points – The cottage move that made her rethink how she wanted to work. Podcast as a Platform – Why she launched a podcast and how it helped her connect and convert. System Rebuild – Tools like Finmo, Gmail tags, and MyBrokerPro that support her new workflow. Content Without Pressure – Why she rarely posts about mortgages—and still gets referrals. You can gro

What if the fastest way to grow your mortgage business isn’t learning more—but finally fixing what’s holding you back? Most mortgage events are packed with speakers who don’t broker and ideas you’ll never use. That’s why we created Broker Talks—a different kind of event built by brokers, for brokers. In this episode, I walk through the real reason we launched Broker Talks, the framework that guides it, and how this format is helping brokers solve their #1 constraint—whether it’s leads, people, or process. If you’re stuck between $10M and $15M—or just want better ideas from people in the trenches—this is the event (and the episode) for you. We’ll cover: Why Traditional Conferences Fail – The problem with speaker-led events (and why we flipped the script). The Triangle Framework – The simple tool we use to diagnose any broker bottleneck fast. Real Talk from Real Brokers – Why Broker Talks is built on peer sharing, not stage presentations. Idea Babies and Table Wins – How collaboration creates breakthroughs you

What if the pressure to be the expert for everyone is what’s holding you back the most? Alisha Manning spent years behind the scenes underwriting over a billion dollars in mortgages for top producers—until burnout and addiction forced her to hit pause and rebuild everything. In this honest, powerful episode, she shares how working 12+ hour days led to personal collapse—and how recovery, clarity, and better systems helped her come back stronger as a broker running her own business. If you’ve been pushing too hard for too long, this is your permission to reset. What We Cover: Templates That Scale – How email templates and simple systems protect your time and energy. Docs Up Front, No Apologies – Why setting expectations early builds trust and filters in better clients. The Real Cost of Hustle – Alisha’s story of overwork, burnout, and a hidden gambling addiction. Recovery Habits That Work – How daily routines and gratitude helped her rebuild her life and business. Leading with Honesty – Why she now builds her

What if the biggest threat to your long-term success is the way you’re prioritizing today? In this episode, I break down a powerful mental trap called hyperbolic discounting— a hidden habit where we consistently choose short-term rewards over long-term gains. From skipping important business projects to clients picking bad mortgage terms for a lower rate today, this bias shows up everywhere. I’ll share what it is, how to spot it, and what I personally do to protect future Scott from present Scott’s worst instincts. What We Cover: Why We Set Big Goals and Still Procrastinate – How your brain tricks you into short-term decisions that hurt your future. Mortgage Clients Do This Too – The psychology behind picking a bad mortgage to save a few bucks now. The Homer Simpson Problem – Why "future you" keeps getting stuck cleaning up "current you’s" mess. My 23-Year Vision Trick – How visualizing my 70-year-old self helps me stay focused today. How to Override the Bias – A simple morning routine that changed how I wor

How do inflation trends south of the border shape the mortgage rates your clients get here in Canada? In this episode, I sit down with mortgage expert Dave Larock to unpack how U.S. inflation is impacting Canadian fixed rates—and what brokers should be watching as we head into a volatile rate environment. Dave’s insight helps you make sense of the data, explain it clearly to clients, and offer advice that stands out in a sea of speculation. What We Cover: Why Fixed Rates Are Rising – Even as central banks talk about cutting. US Inflation Spillover – How the American economy quietly influences Canadian borrowing costs. BoC Rate Cut Outlook – Why Dave still thinks we’ll see more cuts in 2024. Fixed vs. Variable Strategy – What he recommends in today’s market and why. Two Bold Housing Solutions – Dave’s ideas to make Canadian housing more affordable. Rates move fast—but your advice doesn’t have to. When you understand what’s driving the changes, you can lead with clarity and confidence. To connect with Dave,

Are you building your mortgage business on solid systems—or flying blind? In this episode, I share a simple 4-question test that reveals exactly how organized (or disorganized) you are—and what that means for your business. Inspired by a private lender’s “French Fry Test,” I break down the broker equivalent. If you can’t answer these questions in under 60 seconds, you’re leaving money on the table and working way harder than you should. What We Cover: The French Fry Test – How one lender predicted financial struggles by counting fries—and why that matters for your files. The 4 Broker Questions – The simple questions that expose gaps in your business organization. Why Organization = Scale – Why you’ll never scale a leaky bucket—and how to fix it fast. Past Client Blind Spot – Why most brokers don’t know how many clients they’ve served—or when they last reached out. Real Talk – How a failed business venture taught me just how widespread this problem really is. You can’t fix what you’re not tracking. Get organ

What if you could eliminate discovery calls, attract ideal clients, and build trust—before you ever pick up the phone? In this episode, I sit down with Taylor Atkinson, a former helicopter mechanic turned mortgage broker, who’s built a $5M pipeline by doing things differently. Taylor shares how launching a local podcast helped him skip the discovery call phase, attract high-quality clients, and filter out rate shoppers. He also explains why saying no to renewals and yes to early hiring gave him more time, more margin, and more referrals. What We Cover: Ditching Discovery Calls – How a podcast helps Taylor pre-qualify and build trust before a single conversation. Return on Energy – The simple framework Taylor uses to decide what gets his time and what doesn’t. Saying No to Say Yes – Why he turns down renewals—and how it actually grows referrals. Hire Before You’re Ready – How getting help early helped him scale with less stress. Health + Business Alignment – Why Taylor tracks metrics like HRV and sleep to mak

What if your biggest growth strategy is actually the thing that’s holding your business back? In this episode, I break down the most common mistake new (and even seasoned) brokers make: saying yes to every deal, every partner, and every opportunity. It’s a fast track to burnout—and a slow road to profitability. I’ll show you what top producers do differently: how they get clear on who they serve, what they say no to, and how that focus leads to more volume, more referrals, and less stress. What We Cover: Why Being for Everyone is a Trap – How generalist brokers hit a ceiling fast. The Power of Positioning – Why top producers pick a niche—and get paid more for it. Profit Killers to Avoid – Files, partners, and platforms that drain your time and energy. No-Go List Strategy – How writing down what you won’t do can unlock better deals. Say No, Grow Fast – The mindset shift that turns “less” into “more.” Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottpeckford/ I Love Mortgage Brokering: www.ilovemortgagebrokerin

How does an introverted ex-underwriter become a top-producing broker doing 300 deals a year—without spending a dime on advertising? Farhan Mahmood went from sleeping in coffee shops to building a thriving mortgage business purely by referral. In this episode, he opens up about the hard-won lessons behind his quiet rise, including how he built trust, set boundaries, and learned to say no—without sacrificing growth. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by client demands or discouraged by slow early results, this conversation will reset your perspective. We’ll cover: Introvert Advantage – Why Farhan’s quiet nature helped him build deep trust and long-term referrals. Saying No to Say Yes – How learning to decline unprofitable files gave him back his time—and sanity. Boundary Breakthroughs – The 3 rules he put in place to finally take weekends, evenings, and even a vacation off. Surviving the Banks – How he competes with major banks offering lower rates by leading with service and relationships. From the Streets to Su

If you moved to a new city with no clients, no contacts, and no brand—how fast could you build a six-figure mortgage business? In this episode, I walk you through exactly what I’d do to build a six-figure mortgage business from scratch—starting today. No leads, no partners, no past clients—just a clear plan, a laptop, and a willingness to work. Whether you’re new, switching markets, or stuck and need a reset, this is a simple, tactical blueprint to grow fast without burning out. We’ll cover: Hire Before You Hustle – Why the first move is getting an assistant to protect your focus from day one. Podcast as a Power Tool – How launching a local podcast builds instant credibility and opens doors. No Cold Calling Needed – How content creates inbound interest and positions you as the go-to expert. Partner Webinars That Work – A proven strategy to grow your list and attract qualified leads without ads. The Authority Shortcut – How to become known fast—even in a city where nobody knows your name. You don’t need 10 y

What if the most scalable way to grow your mortgage business isn’t more partners—but more ownership? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Williamson—a broker, entrepreneur, and former tech exec—who’s building a mortgage business from scratch after selling multiple companies. Greg is making a $150K bet on a new model that’s less reliant on realtors and more focused on long-term client relationships and inbound lead generation.  If you want more control, more leverage, and fewer bottlenecks in your business, this one’s for you. We’ll cover: Leaving Tech to Start Fresh – Why Greg walked away from Finmo and Lendesk to return to full-time brokering. The Ownwell Math – How he plans to turn a $150K ad spend into a scalable mortgage business. The “No Bank Penalties” Hook – The message that’s winning client trust before they ever talk to their bank. Database-Driven Deals – Why Greg is building a 25,000-person database—and how he’s nurturing it with content. Realtor Value Without Begging – A strategy to get agents re

What if the best way to grow your mortgage business was sitting in your Facebook friends list? Jim Pearson didn’t need ads or fancy automation to generate leads—just a spreadsheet, some well-written DMs, and a little courage. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how he turned 500 direct messages into 20 legit mortgage leads, and how he’s using tools like TextExpander to scale his communication without burning out. If you’re hesitant to reach out to your network, this episode is your playbook for doing it right—and doing it consistently. We’ll cover: No List? No Problem. – How copying his Facebook friends into a spreadsheet became a 20-lead strategy. DM with Intention – Why personalized messaging beats mass outreach—and what to say to get replies. The Birthday Bump – A simple follow-up trick that reactivates cold DMs without feeling pushy. TextExpander Tactics – How Jim uses this tool to send polished, high-impact emails in seconds. Micro-Branding Moves – From gym swag to Wi-Fi names, the small touches tha

What if the secret to unforgettable client and partner relationships is how (and when) you give—not what you spend? In this episode, I break down how to give referral and client gifts that actually land. Not the generic gift basket or logo mug—but thoughtful, timely gestures that create real emotional impact. Inspired by a story of one realtor’s donut drop that led to a $1M+ client, we dive into how to make your gifts hit different—plus what to avoid if you want your gesture to be remembered, not ignored. What We Will Cover: Specific, Unexpected, and Timely – The 3 rules that turn a generic gift into a powerful impression. The Donut Story – How one agent used a podcast, a donut shop, and perfect timing to win a dream client. Giftology Principles – What the best givers do differently—and why it’s not about spending more. What Not to Do – The 3 most common gift mistakes brokers make (and how to avoid them). Real Broker Examples – A $20 Hawaii book and a pair of fuzzy handcuffs—why they worked, and what they te

How do you go from zero to $10 million in funded mortgages in your first year—without a database, brand, or past clients? Thom Brow left a successful career in craft beer sales and started fresh as a mortgage broker. One year later, he’s built a $10M business from scratch— powered by focused prospecting, referral presentations, and his own custom-built AI tools. If you're early in your career or need to get traction fast, Thom’s approach will give you a clear roadmap (and a reality check). We’ll cover: Turning Cold into Closed – How 50 referral presentations led to 25 active partners and $10M in volume. Winning with Focus – Why Thom breaks his day into quarters—and always protects a dedicated prospecting block. Practicing Like a Pro – The AI “driving range” that helped him conquer cold calling. Scaling Smart – Why action beats perfection, and busy work always comes last. Building Better Tools – How Thom created his own GPTs to write emails, sharpen messaging, and train for live calls. To connect with Thom,

What would happen if you stopped building someone else’s brand—and started building your own? Justin Chausse went from running a landscaping business, to funding 185 files a year at a bank, to building a thriving mortgage business as a broker. In this episode, he shares why he left the bank (despite a six-figure signing bonus offer), how he overcame the fear of going independent, and what he learned about earning more by doing less. If you're a bank specialist or self-sourcing mortgage pro thinking about the broker world, this one’s a must-listen. What We Cover: Self-Sourcing Success – Why Justin's 70% self-sourced business made him realize he didn’t need the bank. Doing Less, Earning More – How he replaced 185 bank files with 60 broker files—and made more money. Profit for Clients, Not Shareholders – The freedom to put clients first without red tape or handcuffs. Choosing Your Own Tools – How being a broker gave him control over the client experience and back-end tech. Keep It Simple – Why most new brokers

What if your 15-page business plan is doing more harm than good? In this episode, I break down why traditional business plans fail—and what to do instead. I share the “Plan Like Bezos” approach we teach in our workshops, including how to build a flexible, focused 12-month strategy that fits on a single sticky note. If you’ve ever written a business plan and never looked at it again, this episode will show you a smarter way to plan, act, and grow. In this episode, we’ll cover: Why Most Business Plans Fail – The flaw in trying to plan 12 months out with incomplete info. The Flywheel Model – How high-performing companies (like Amazon) use this approach to create real momentum. My Personal Flywheel – A behind-the-scenes look at how we use content, coaching, and client stories to drive growth. Sticky Note Simplicity – Why a clear, focused plan beats a bloated one every time. The Debt Monkey Mistake – A story about building a business on spreadsheets instead of systems—and what I learned from it. The world change

What if there’s a better way to grow your mortgage career—one that fits your strengths, not just what others are doing?   In this episode, I break down the five distinct paths I’ve seen brokers use to build successful mortgage businesses. Each path comes with its own pros, cons, and hidden traps, and choosing the right one can save you years of wasted effort. We’ll cover: Banker to Broker – Why learning at the bank can be a great start, and what challenges arise when you finally have a full “golf bag” of lenders. Sales-Only Lead Gen Shops – How high-volume sales roles sharpen your closing skills, but why you’ll need to learn marketing to succeed solo. Assistant to Broker – The pros of deep underwriting knowledge, and the big hurdle: building sales skills to generate your own business. Ad-Based Entry – The rarest (and toughest) path, requiring mastery of paid ads and conversion systems to create a scalable lead flow. Referral-Based Business – The most sustainable and scalable path, leveraging your net

What if the smartest way to grow your mortgage business isn’t hiring more people—but building better tools and better habits? In this episode, I talk with Richard De Chevigny—a mortgage broker who built his own AI-powered systems to automate follow-ups, generate content, and show clients smarter mortgage comparisons. But this isn’t just a tech story. Richard also shares his personal transformation—from burnout, divorce, and job-hopping to building a life and business with clarity, resilience, and impact. Whether you’re struggling with time, tech, or mental bandwidth, this conversation shows what’s possible when you take ownership and build intentionally. We’ll cover: Custom Mortgage Tools That Sell – How Richard built his own calculator to help clients compare total cost, not just rate. Automated Follow-Up Systems – How AI agents help him trigger timely check-ins and uncover new savings opportunities. AI-Driven Content That Converts – His workflow using ChatGPT and Trello to batch, repurpose, and schedule co