In this episode of the Loan Officer Team Training Podcast, I sit down with a guest whose blend of grit and innovation is changing how agents work and connect. Lauren Lucas, a high-achieving real estate agent and practical AI expert, joins the conversation to share a journey that moves from early adversity to being recognized as Rookie of the Year, and then on to leading with purpose and technology.

Lauren and I explore how lived experience fuels her passion for helping others, how mentorship and community have shaped her trajectory, and how a practical approach to AI can free up time and create better client outcomes. We talk about building a real estate team that scales with heart, using AI as a productivity multiplier rather than a buzzword, and embracing failure as a necessary step toward iteration and growth.

This episode is for loan officers, team leaders, and real estate professionals who want tactical thinking and mindset clarity. Expect actionable ideas on integrating AI into daily workflows, practical ways to create supportive communities, and honest reflections on the work it takes to reinvent yourself and lift others along the way.

In this episode of the Loan Officer Team Training Podcast, I sit down with someone whose presence and leadership continue to shape the direction of our industry. Julie Yarbrough, a respected force in mortgage lending and a driving voice within the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts, brings both depth and perspective to this conversation.

Julie and I revisit the moment we first connected at a conference and unpack how genuine networking can become the foundation for long-term, trust-based relationships. From there, we explore the core values that drive her business, the remarkable growth of Empire Home Loans, and the intentional leadership approach that has positioned her as a champion for independent mortgage professionals.

We also spotlight the energy and momentum coming out of the Fuse event, along with the transformative impact of the Women's Mortgage Network. Julie brings a refreshing take on collaboration, mentorship, and the power of bridging generational perspectives to elevate the entire industry.

In this episode of the Loan Officer Team Training Podcast, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with a respected voice in our industry. Geoff Zimpfer, founder of the Mortgage Marketing Institute, and a true leader in helping loan officers and real estate professionals grow through education, connection, and smart marketing.

Geoff brings a wealth of experience and heart to this conversation. We dive into how education builds trust and long-term relationships between Loan Officers and Realtors, the evolving role of AI in marketing, and how mindset truly shapes success, especially when challenges arise.

He also shares practical tips on creating engaging realtor classes, overcoming overthinking, and staying adaptable in a constantly changing industry. Whether you’re a Loan Officer, Team Leader, or just someone passionate about growth, you’ll walk away from this episode inspired and full of actionable ideas.

Geoff's insights remind us that continuous learning, genuine relationships, and a positive outlook are the keys to thriving in this business.

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Follow Geoff:

Instagram: @geoffzimpfer

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/geoffzimpfer

Connect with me:

My Instagram: @itsireneduford

My LinkedIn: Irene Duford

My Email: irene@loanteamtraining.com

Get Loan Team Training for YOUR team: go.loanteamtraining.com

In this episode of the Loan Officer Team Training Podcast, I had the chance to interview filmmaker and content creator Jake Isham.

We discuss Jake's journey from acting to filmmaking and marketing, emphasizing the importance of content creation for entrepreneurs, particularly loan officers. Jake shares insights on overcoming self-consciousness in front of the camera, the differences between content types like reels and stories, and the power of storytelling in engaging audiences.

He also highlights the compounding interest of consistent content creation and the value of working with a videographer to enhance video quality and delivery.

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Follow Jake:

Instagram: @jakecapturedthis

Website: https://www.jakeisham.com/

Listen to this Episode: https://loan-officer-team-train.captivate.fm/listen

Connect with me:

My Instagram: @itsireneduford

My LinkedIn: Irene Duford

My Email: ireneandkevin@loanteamtraining.com

Get Loan Team Training for YOUR team: go.loanteamtraining.com

In this episode of the Loan Officer Team Training Podcast, guest Ginger Bell and I discuss the upcoming NAMB National Association of Mortgage Brokers.

We explore the exciting events, key sessions, and speakers that attendees can look forward to, as well as the importance of in-person networking.

Ginger shares her role as the Growth Officer and the initiatives of the NAMB Hive, a platform for mortgage professionals to connect and access resources.

Ginger also shares some resources for the use of AI tools to enhance the conference experience and the value of implementing AI.

We encourage Loan Officers and Mortgage Professionals to attend NAMB National, October 17-October 19, 2025, at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

Free Registration: https://namb.org/national/

Follow Ginger:

Instagram: @GingerBell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ginger.bell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gingerbell/

Website: Go2Training.com

Listen to this Episode: https://loan-officer-team-train.captivate.fm/listen

Connect with me:

My Instagram: @itsireneduford

My LinkedIn: Irene Duford

My Email: ireneandkevin@loanteamtraining.com

Get Loan Team Training for YOUR team: go.loanteamtraining.com

In this episode of the Loan Officer Team Training Podcast, I interview Jeremy Forcier, a top producer in the mortgage business. We discuss Jeremy's journey, key habits that contribute to his success, and the importance of self-awareness, belief, and humility. Jeremy shares insights on facing fear and rejection, the significance of tracking performance, and his plans to launch a coaching program focused on building a supportive community. The conversation emphasizes the need for balance in life and the impact of serving others in the business.

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Follow Jeremy Forcier:

Instagram: @jeremyforcier

Website: https://meetjeremy.info/

Connect with me:

Listen to this Episode: https://loan-officer-team-train.captivate.fm/listen

My Instagram: @itsireneduford

My LinkedIn: Irene Duford

My Email: ireneandkevin@loanteamtraining.com

Get Loan Team Training for YOUR team: loanteamtraining.com

In this episode of Loan Officer Team Training, I chat with Liz Reese, a talented loan officer and content creator, about her inspiring journey with personal branding and social media. Liz opens up about the strategies she uses to engage with clients, build strong relationships, and why being vulnerable can be such a powerful part of your brand.

We talk about the mindset it takes to succeed in this business and how sharing your personal stories can help you truly connect with your audience. Liz reminds us that success is a marathon, not a sprint, and encourages everyone to show up authentically and be genuinely social online. It’s an uplifting, practical conversation that will make you excited to put yourself out there in a real and meaningful way.

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Follow Liz Reese:

Instagram: @loanladyliz

Website: https://linktr.ee/lizreese

Connect with me:

Listen to this Episode: https://loan-officer-team-train.captivate.fm/listen

My Instagram: @itsireneduford

My LinkedIn: Irene Duford

My Email: ireneandkevin@loanteamtraining.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personal Branding

06:29 Maximizing Efficiency in Content Creation

11:57 Teaching and Empowering Others

17:55 Standing Out in a Saturated Market

23:53 Engaging with Your Audience

34:37 Content Creation Strategies

40:27 Mindset and Self-Talk

46:11 Vulnerability in Branding

47:32 Building Connections and Community in the Loan Industry

48:28 Introduction and Appreciation

In this episode, I sit down with Christy Pessemier to talk all things copywriting, marketing, and how the landscape is changing—especially with the rise of AI. Christy brings so much wisdom to the table as we dive into why authenticity in your messaging matters now more than ever. We also chat about the StoryBrand framework and how it helps you clearly identify and speak to the problems your clients are really facing.

Christy shares her journey into the world of copywriting and why creating a great client experience is at the heart of everything she does. She offers some fantastic advice for Loan Officers who want to grow their business without losing that human connection. We also touch on the power of gratitude, the role of positive self-talk, and how both can shape your mindset and success. It’s a thoughtful, practical, and encouraging conversation—I think you’ll really enjoy it!

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Follow Christy Pessemier:

Instagram: @christypessemier

Website: ChristyPessemier.com

Connect with me:

Listen to this Episode: https://loan-officer-team-train.captivate.fm/listen

My Instagram: @itsireneduford

My LinkedIn: Irene Duford

My Email: ireneandkevin@loanteamtraining.com

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:57 The Role of Copywriting in Marketing

04:40 The Importance of Authenticity in Messaging

09:56 Utilizing AI in Copywriting

12:29 Understanding the StoryBrand Framework

17:36 Identifying Client Problems

24:02 The Value of One-on-One Coaching

28:36 The Importance of Sharing Your Expertise

31:15 Christy's Journey into Copywriting

33:41 Unreasonable Hospitality and Client Retention

38:07 Building Healthy Routines for Success

43:09 Mindset and the Power of Gratitude

48:57 Encouragement for Loan Officers