Power House

4.7 (63)
Entrepreneurship
Updated Weekly

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire's Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

3h ago

Chaos is not a strategy: Larry Bailey on workflow governance

On this episode of Power House, Zeb sits down with Larry Bailey from Mortgage Workflow Partners, who began his career as a loan processor in 1993 and now champions a simple but disruptive idea: “workflow before technology.” Bailey argues that most mortgage and real estate organizations have invested heavily in software and AI without first understanding how work actually gets done. Rather than improving efficiency, new technology is often layered onto disorganized processes because workflows were never clearly documented or owned. The conversation digs into how sales-led leadership shapes this reality. In lending, top leaders rise through sales, where adaptability is rewarded, but workflow is often overlooked. As a result, that critical knowledge resides with individuals rather than in documented processes. Bailey explains that workflow interviews quickly reveal the difference between employees eager to improve operations and those who rely on tribal knowledge to protect their value. Bailey defines workflow governance as documenting processes, assigning clear business ownership and continuously maintaining them as the organization evolves. He shares examples of large lenders where every branch operated differently, creating inefficiencies and making leadership nearly impossible. His approach establishes a standardized best-practice workflow while allowing teams flexibility beyond the core process if they choose. Looking ahead, Bailey believes technology alone will not reduce production costs or burnout. Despite years of investment, the cost per loan remains stubbornly high because organizations continue automating broken processes. Sustainable improvement comes from understanding the work first, then using that visibility to determine where technology belongs, what should be automated and how employees can focus on higher-value activities instead of repetitive tasks. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Larry Bailey's LinkedIn Mortgage Workflow Partners Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Jul 9

AI won’t replace LOs, but it will redefine them

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Baron Silverstein, President of Newrez, to discuss how one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies is reinventing itself for the AI era. Silverstein shares how Newrez is using artificial intelligence to improve underwriting, servicing and the overall homeowner experience—while keeping human expertise at the center of every decision. The conversation also explores technology adoption, AI governance, crypto in mortgage lending and why the companies that learn to use AI effectively—not just adopt it—will define the next generation of housing. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Baron Silverstein's LinkedIn Newrez Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Jul 2

The unlikely solution to help solve the housing crisis

What if solving America’s housing shortage means moving beyond the way homes have traditionally been built? In Part 2 of their conversation, Zeb Lowe and Brian Hurd explore the housing models, construction methods and financing approaches that could reshape the next generation of homeownership. Brian explains why manufactured and modular housing deserve a more serious look, how factory-built homes have changed far beyond their outdated reputation, and why better financing options could bring attainable homeownership within reach for millions more Americans. The discussion covers land-lease communities, modular construction, off-site manufacturing and the role technology can play in reducing construction timelines and expanding housing supply. Brian also shares practical guidance for loan officers who want to earn lasting builder relationships, making the case that curiosity, consistency and partnership matter more than any sales pitch. The episode closes with Brian’s view of what the next decade could hold for American housing — and why meaningful progress will depend on builders, lenders, Realtors, local governments and communities working toward the same goal. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Brian Hurd’s LinkedIn Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Jun 30

Brian Hurd: Why the housing crisis is bigger than interest rates

The housing affordability crisis is not just an interest-rate problem. It is the result of decades of choices that have made it harder, slower and more expensive to build the homes America needs. In Part 1 of this conversation, Zeb Lowe sits down with Brian Hurd, senior vice president of national builder strategy at Cardinal Financial, to examine the forces reshaping American housing. Brian shares how his path from construction sites to mortgage leadership gave him a ground-level understanding of the builder business — and why that perspective still shapes the way he works with lenders, developers and housing professionals today. The conversation moves beyond rates and loan products to the structural pressures facing the market: rising material costs, labor shortages, zoning constraints, shrinking affordability and the widening gap between what buyers can afford and what builders can profitably deliver. Brian also explains the critical distinction between affordable housing and attainable housing. Solving the missing-middle problem, he argues, will require more than new programs or lower rates. It will require builders, lenders and policymakers to reconsider how homes are designed, financed and brought to market. For anyone in mortgage, real estate, construction or housing policy, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at why homeownership has become harder to reach — and what needs to change. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Brian Hurd's LinkedIn Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Jun 25

James Wong: The branding mistakes holding you back

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with James Wong, CEO of MAXA Designs, to explore a deceptively simple question: What actually makes a brand matter? For an industry obsessed with logos, colors and marketing campaigns, Wong argues that branding has very little to do with design alone. The strongest brands aren’t built on aesthetics—they’re built on trust. They make a clear promise, deliver on it consistently and create a story people remember. Wong shares how an early project helping real estate agents unexpectedly launched his career and revealed a pattern among top producers: long before personal branding became fashionable, the best agents understood that visibility and trust compound over time. The conversation breaks down why so many mortgage and real estate professionals misunderstand branding, how companies can define a brand beyond visuals, and why storytelling and consistency remain the most powerful competitive advantages in a crowded market. Wong also shares lessons from the Exhibit Awards, the national branding competition he created, and what separates award-winning organizations from the ones that struggle to stand out. The discussion concludes with AI’s growing role in marketing and why technology won’t replace great brands—it will amplify them. The companies that win the next decade won’t be the loudest. They’ll be the clearest, most consistent and most trusted. Related to this episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ James Wong's LinkedIn MAXA Designs Exhibit Awards Book a demo with MAXA Designs Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Jun 25

Why Fifth Third Bank expanded when others pulled back

What happens when a bank decides to invest in mortgage while much of the industry is pulling back? On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with James Sias, Head of Mortgage Lending and Indirect Dealer Services at Fifth Third Bank, to discuss leadership, growth and the long-term future of mortgage lending. The discussion also tackles the broader forces shaping mortgage today—from Basel III capital requirements and regulatory policy to the role customer relationships play in a large banking environment. Throughout the conversation, Sias argues that sustainable growth comes from staying focused on the customer, investing through market cycles and creating an environment where loan officers can succeed. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ James Sias' LinkedIn Fifth Third Bank Want more from Zeb? Don’t forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Jun 18

Why this housing market feels different

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage veteran Joey Hansen to discuss what it takes to build a lasting career through multiple housing cycles. Drawing on more than two decades in the business, Hansen shares lessons from navigating changing markets, evolving borrower behavior and shifting industry dynamics. The conversation explores affordability challenges, the lock-in effect and why many consumers remain overly focused on interest rates while missing the bigger financial picture. Hansen also reflects on a major career move after 12 years with the same company, discussing the realities of rebuilding relationships, evaluating support systems and stepping into a new leadership role. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes a simple but powerful theme: markets change, but trust, education and consistent client guidance never go out of style. For loan officers and housing professionals trying to navigate today’s market, Hansen offers a practical perspective shaped by experience, adaptability and a long-term view of success. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Joey Hansen's LinkedIn Huntington National Bank Want more from Zeb? Don't forget to subscribe to LendingLife. The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.
Jun 11

The independence problem: Rethinking senior housing transitions

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Simone Kelly, founder of Seniornicity, to discuss one of housing’s most overlooked challenges: helping seniors navigate the later stages of homeownership. Drawing on experience across mortgage, real estate and senior services, Kelly explains why many older homeowners aren’t staying put because they refuse to move—they’re staying because the alternatives are complex, emotional and overwhelming. The conversation explores aging in place, reverse mortgages, caregiving and the growing opportunity for housing professionals willing to serve an aging population. Kelly argues that success in this space isn’t about generating leads. It’s about building trust, relationships and support systems that help families navigate major life transitions. In an industry increasingly focused on speed and automation, she makes the case for a more human approach. Related to the episode: ⁠Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn⁠ Simone Kelly's LinkedIn Seniornicity The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

See All (412)

4.7

out of 5

63 Ratings

Insightful, Informative

03/25/2024

Nasdaqx

If you’re operating in the real estate or mortgage industries, PowerHouse is a must listen on the important trends impacting the business. Clayton asks great questions of his interviewees and I regularly learn something new. Highly recommend!
Great Content & Insights

07/13/2023

jamesd44

The team and HousingWire always manages to put together great interviews with industry professionals who provide very valuable insights into the trends, changes, and important developments impacting the real estate industry. This is a great series and hugely important information for any real estate professional.
Very informative!

07/12/2023

dcgirlkayla

This is a great housing podcast that provides a great variety of information and insights on all things housing. 10/10 recommend.
Great interview

12/06/2022

DoPa!

As always, excellent questions by Clayton. Today he spoke with the CEO/Founder of Milo Mortgage and they demystified the crypto mortgage business model. Now I get it.