Lend and Lead

Sam Abazari
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to the Lend and Lead podcast hosted by Sam Abazari!

  1. 3D AGO

    SE01 E34 Quality Over Quantity The Sales Shift That Changes Everything | Bobby Thames

    The mortgage industry is built on a broken system of chasing volume, outdated sales tactics, and burnout disguised as success. But what if the hidden truth is this: working less, earning more, and eliminating stress is actually possible? In this episode, Bobby Thames exposes the uncomfortable reality behind big mortgage companies, industry myths about scaling, and why most loan officers are playing the wrong game.If you’re serious about mortgage business, loan officer success, real estate sales, financial freedom, passive income, wealth building, and entrepreneurship, this conversation will completely shift your mindset. Bobby Thames, a seasoned mortgage broker and business owner, shares how he built a $42M mortgage business working just 25 hours a week, without ads, without chasing leads, and without sacrificing life. This is not theory. This is a proven blueprint.🎯 What you will explore:🔹 The “Quality Over Quantity” Philosophy That Destroys Competition🔹 Why Big Mortgage Companies Are Built Like Sweatshops🔹 The Exact Strategy To Close 100 Percent Of Your Deals🔹 How To Work 25 Hours Weekly And Travel Every Month From low interest rate strategy, mortgage broker business model, client conversion psychology, sales strategy, real estate networking, passive income streams, rental property investing to money management habits that actually build wealth, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Connect with Bobby Thames:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-thames-bb712712/ The future of this industry belongs to those who think differently.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    38 min

  2. APR 6

    SE01 E33 Deal Flow Drying Up This Real Estate Comeback Strategy Fixes It | William Manly

    The mortgage industry is broken… and the uncomfortable reality is most loan officers are chasing outdated strategies, burning out, and wondering why success keeps slipping away. This episode exposes the hidden truth about what actually builds sustainable income, real relationships, and a life you don’t secretly hate. In this powerful conversation, William Manly of Princeton Mortgage shares what nobody tells you about rebuilding from rock bottom, losing everything, and redefining success beyond money. After hitting peak income and then starting over from zero, William reveals how shifting from transactional selling to genuine relationships completely transformed his business, mental health, and lifestyle. This is not theory. This is lived experience from the front lines of the mortgage industry. If you're a loan officer, entrepreneur, or sales professional tired of the grind, this episode will change how you think about growth forever. 🎯 What you’ll explore:🔹 The fall that forces real growth🔹 Why money driven success quietly destroys you🔹 The relationship strategy that prints consistent leads🔹 Rebuilding life, business, and identity from zero 🔗 Connect with William Manly:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-manly/Website: http://www.princetonmortgage.com/ If you're a loan officer, real estate agent, or entrepreneur looking for real growth, better clients, and a healthier life, this is for you.I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    30 min

  3. MAR 30

    SE01 E32 The simple daily habit that drives consistent deal flow | Jon Overfelt

    The uncomfortable reality about the mortgage industry is this: most loan officers are stuck in a broken system built on outdated strategies, chasing social media hacks instead of mastering what actually drives consistent deal flow. While everyone obsesses over leads, the hidden truth is simple, brutal, and often ignored sales skill, daily discipline, and real relationships still win. In this episode, Jon Overfelt from American Security Mortgage exposes what nobody tells you about scaling in today’s market—and why most originators are playing the wrong game. In this high-impact conversation, Jon Overfelt - Owner and Director of Sales at American Security Mortgage—breaks down the real mechanics behind building a $1.3B mortgage business with just 65 loan officers. With 27 years of experience, he shares raw, unfiltered insights on leadership, sales psychology, and the future of lending. This is not theory. This is what actually works. 🔥 What you’ll learn:• Why sales skills beat lead generation every time• The difference between marketing vs sales (and why most get it wrong)• How top loan officers create consistent deal flow without relying on social media• The truth about ownership, leadership, and income ceilings in mortgage careers• How to build a high-performance loan officer business with better work-life balance• Why AI and lean structures are reshaping the mortgage industry• The exact mindset shift needed to scale from LO to business owner Jon also reveals how transparency, autonomy, and entrepreneurial thinking are helping loan officers 3x–4x their production—and why the future belongs to those who adapt early. 💬 If you're a loan officer, mortgage professional, or sales-driven entrepreneur looking to grow in 2025 and beyond, this episode is your blueprint. 👉 Subscribe for more high-performance conversations👉 Comment your biggest takeaway👉 Share with someone stuck in outdated strategies The industry is changing fast. The question is—are you evolving with it?I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    36 min

  4. MAR 23

    SE01 E31 The Trust Based Strategy Behind High Volume Loan Officers | Jonathan Kulak

    The uncomfortable reality about mortgage success, lead generation, and scaling to $100M+ production is this: most loan officers are stuck in a broken system built on outdated strategies, chasing realtors, spamming social media, and relying on tactics that simply don’t work anymore. What nobody tells you is that real growth doesn’t come from more marketing it comes from mastery, trust, and community dominance.  In this episode, Jonathan K reveals the hidden truth behind building a referral engine so powerful, you never have to chase business again.A retired Lieutenant Colonel, AC-130 pilot, and top VA lender, Jonathan K has funded over $169M in a single year without social media, ads, or aggressive sales tactics. His approach flips the entire mortgage industry playbook.In this conversation, you’ll discover:• How to build a $100M mortgage business without paid ads or cold outreach • The referral strategy that replaces traditional lead generation • Why most loan officers fail at scaling and what to do instead • The competency + care framework that drives massive trust and repeat clients • How to dominate a niche community and become the go-to expert • The truth about realtor relationships and why most strategies are outdated • How to create consistent deal flow through reputation, not marketingThis episode is a must-watch for loan officers, mortgage brokers, real estate professionals, and anyone serious about building a high-income, referral-driven business.If you're tired of chasing leads and want a scalable, sustainable growth model, this is your blueprint.👉 Subscribe for more high-performance business conversations 👉 Comment your biggest takeaway 👉 Share this with someone stuck in the old playbookThe future of business isn’t louder marketing. It’s deeper trust. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    35 min

  5. MAR 17

    SE01 E30 Instagram DMs Are Closing More Deals Than Cold Calls | Katie Skaggs

    The mortgage industry loves to sell a polished success story. Easy commissions. Endless referrals. A predictable pipeline. The uncomfortable reality is very different. In this episode, Katie Skaggs exposes the hidden truth behind modern mortgage sales, the broken assumptions about lead generation, and why outdated strategies are failing loan officers in today’s housing market. From closing millions in loan volume while pregnant to rebuilding a pipeline from scratch, Katie reveals what nobody tells you about surviving and thriving in the mortgage industry. In this powerful conversation, Katie Skaggs shares her unconventional journey from entering the mortgage world straight out of college to becoming a high performing sales professional producing $18 million in loan volume in a single year while raising three children. Her career spans retail lending, wholesale mortgage sales as an account executive, and returning to the broker channel where she rebuilt her business through relentless prospecting and modern relationship building. This episode explores mortgage sales strategy, real estate partnerships, social media lead generation, and referral marketing. Katie breaks down how she blends cold calling, Instagram outreach, and consistent relationship nurturing to connect with real estate agents and create a steady stream of referral partners. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    42 min

  6. MAR 13

    SE01 E29 The Mortgage Sales Shift That Turns Activity Into Real Loan Growth | Chris Vinson

    The mortgage industry runs on a broken system of outdated strategies, vanity metrics, and hustle myths that keep loan officers stuck. In this powerful episode, Chris Vinson exposes the hidden truth behind sustainable mortgage success. Instead of chasing flashy tactics or social media hype, he reveals the uncomfortable reality that the biggest wins in lending come from mastering the boring fundamentals that most originators avoid. If you want predictable growth, consistent referrals, and real authority in the mortgage business, this conversation breaks down what nobody tells you about winning in today’s market. In this episode, Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage, a Division of Plains Commerce Bank, shares the leadership frameworks and production strategies that helped build one of the most dominant mortgage operations in the United States. With over two decades in the mortgage industry and billions in loan production, Chris is widely respected for coaching originators, broker owners, and leaders to scale consistently. You will learn how top loan officers actually grow their pipeline, why daily accountability changes performance instantly, and the mindset shift that transforms producers from chasing numbers to building long term influence. Chris also reveals the systems his teams use to create high performing loan officers, maintain strong referral relationships, and build a mortgage business that thrives even in volatile markets. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    37 min

  7. MAR 9

    SE01 E28 Mortgage Industry Mistakes Costing Loan Officers Deals In 2026 | Laura J. Brandao

    In this episode, Laura Brandao, President and Owner at MLB Wholesale, reveals the frameworks and strategies that helped her rise from a call center lead generator to leading companies generating billions in mortgage production. She breaks down the leadership mindset, operational strategy, and relationship driven approach that modern mortgage professionals must adopt to survive a changing housing market. From building scalable mortgage operations to creating innovative loan programs and leveraging technology like AI and CRM automation, Laura explains how loan officers and brokers can differentiate themselves and dominate their markets. Whether you are a loan officer, mortgage broker, real estate professional, or fintech leader, this episode dives deep into the future of the mortgage industry and the mindset required to build lasting success. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    42 min

  8. MAR 2

    SE01 E26 THE CAPITAL MARKETS ADVANTAGE MOST BROKERS NEVER SEE | Robert Pieklo

    The mortgage industry is stuck in outdated strategies, broken tech stacks, and ego driven leadership. Meanwhile, the broker channel is quietly taking market share. In this explosive episode, Rob Pieklo, President and CEO of E Mortgage Capital also known as EPM, reveals the hidden truth about wholesale lending, capital markets, and why most originators are distracted by the wrong things. After personally raising capital to acquire a lender and driving 900 percent wholesale growth in two years, Rob breaks down what actually creates dominance in today’s mortgage market. From funding 1.3 billion in Q4 2025 to building AI driven mortgage technology, this conversation pulls back the curtain on broker growth, mortgage rates, capital markets strategy, and the uncomfortable reality loan officers need to hear. Rob has held nearly every role in the mortgage industry including loan officer, branch manager, capital markets leader, and CEO. His edge? Deep capital markets expertise combined with real broker experience. He explains why most wholesale lenders operate as side businesses and how investing in technology, pricing strategy, and true partnership creates exponential broker growth. This episode covers mortgage leadership, broker channel expansion, revenue generating activities for loan officers, wholesale lending strategy, AI in mortgage tech, and how to scale a mortgage business globally. I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. – Sam and the Lend & Lead podcast team Connect with Sam Abazari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samabazari/ Visit the Level Up LO community: https://www.skool.com/level-up-lo/about?ref=2cb859523a28420d8762609bd56c7694 Listen to Lend & Lead on these podcast platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1RQyoXtGzt5yOC9TZjYvBk Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lend-and-lead/id1832440770 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9605275b-9baf-4ea7-a6a5-14740bfc92ff/lend-and-lead #loanofficer #mortgagebroker #realestateprofessionals #leadgeneration #salescoaching #mortgageloans #mortgagetips #realtorrelationships #loansales #lendingindustry #closemoredeals #usrealestate #mortgagecareer #referralstrategies #loanofficercommunity #lendandleadLend & Lead is a podcast for loan officers who want to grow, win more business, and stay ahead in today’s mortgage market. Hosted by Sam Abazari, each episode features honest conversations, practical sales tips, and real stories from the front lines of lending. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you’ll find ideas you can actually use - from building stronger realtor partnerships to generating more consistent leads and getting to the closing table faster. Sam also runs the Level Up LO community, where he shares free content and tools to help loan officers take action and level up their results. Tune in weekly, and get the support, strategy, and mindset you need to lead in your market; no fluff, just what works.

    34 min
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About

Welcome to the Lend and Lead podcast hosted by Sam Abazari!

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Abazari
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sam Abazari

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