Closing Time

NFM Lending - Great Lakes Division
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to Closing Time, the podcast where we delve into the world of mortgages, real estate and so much more! Join us as we chat monthly with industry professionals, each offering unique and valuable perspectives, knowledge and insight. Closing Time is a production of the Great Lakes Division of NFM Lending.

  1. 2d ago

    Stop Knowing. Start Doing. | Real Estate, Leads, AI & Growth

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to grow, adapt, and succeed in today’s real estate industry? On this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with three industry leaders — Jon Harp, Dylan Knecht, and Justin Phillips — for a wide-ranging conversation about building a business, generating opportunities, embracing new technology, and creating systems that produce results. Jon Harp shares his perspective as a successful Columbus-area Realtor and coach, including what he’s learned from helping other agents grow their businesses. Dylan Knecht talks about getting his real estate license at just 18 years old and his journey from a brand-new agent to owning The Apex Group. Then, Justin Phillips brings his perspective on one of the biggest challenges facing the industry: it’s not always a knowledge problem — it’s an action and accountability problem. With experience spanning new-construction sales, AI-powered lead generation, marketing, consulting, and industry events, Justin breaks down what agents need to think differently about as technology continues to change the business. From finding your next lead and building better systems to coaching, AI, automation, financing, and the future of real estate, there’s a lot packed into this conversation. If you work in real estate, lending, or simply want to hear how successful people in the industry are approaching growth, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎙️ Featuring: Jon Harp, Dylan Knecht & Justin Phillips 🏠 Hosted by: Ryan Cvammen | The Cvammen Team at NFM Lending ▶️ The Closing Time Podcast Topics include: Real Estate Growth • Lead Generation • AI & Automation • Marketing • Coaching & Leadership • Accountability • Business Systems • Financing • The Future of Real Estate

  2. Apr 9

    Women Leading the Way at NFM Lending | Stories of Growth, Leadership, and Impact

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to rise into leadership as a woman in today’s workplace? In this episode, women at NFM Lending share their real stories, challenges, and what helped them grow. We sit down with two incredible women from our NFM Lending branch alongside LaTasha M. Waddy, President of NFM Lending, to have an honest and inspiring conversation about leadership, growth, and the impact women are making across the company. This episode highlights the stories behind the success. From where they started to how they rose through the ranks, each guest shares the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and what it takes to build a meaningful career in the mortgage industry. We also dive into the roles women play at NFM Lending today, how the company supports growth and opportunity, and why culture and collaboration are key to long term success. Whether you are early in your career, looking to grow, or simply want to hear real stories from strong women in leadership, this episode is packed with insight and perspective. This is more than a conversation about careers. It is about confidence, resilience, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

  3. Mar 13

    Building More Than Homes with Thrive | The Closing Time Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with Rudy from Thrive, a Columbus based homebuilder that is taking a different approach to building homes and communities. We talk about what makes Thrive unique compared to traditional builders and how their philosophy goes beyond just building houses. Thrive focuses on designing communities where people can truly live well, with thoughtful neighborhoods, intentional design, and a customer experience that puts the homeowner first. Rudy shares the story behind Thrive, why they are passionate about what they do, and how their vision for the future continues to shape the way they build in Central Ohio. We also dive into the homebuilding process, what buyers should expect when building a new home, and how partnerships with lenders like NFM Lending help make the journey smoother for their clients. If you are thinking about building a home, curious about the Columbus housing market, or just want to learn what goes into creating great communities, this episode is packed with valuable insight. Listen in to learn more about Thrive’s mission, the future of homebuilding in Columbus, and how the right builder and lender partnership can make all the difference.

  4. Jan 9

    Resilient: Nicole Ward’s Journey from Service to Building Real of Ohio

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ The Closing Time Podcast | Featuring Nicole Ward In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Ward, Broker of Real of Ohio, a military veteran, wife, and mother, for a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, growth, and building a career with purpose. Nicole opens up about her childhood, including being sent to boarding school at a young age, and how those early experiences — followed by her time serving in the military — helped shape the discipline, grit, and mindset she carries today. When asked to describe herself in one word, Nicole doesn’t hesitate: resilient. Her story is one of overcoming challenges, adapting through adversity, and coming out stronger on the other side. She also speaks candidly about the role her husband has played as her rock — the person who believed in her and encouraged her to take a leap of faith in her career. That leap led her to where she is today, leading Real of Ohio, a brokerage that is growing rapidly and making a strong impact across the state. From there, Nicole shares real-world real estate advice, including why success in this industry goes far beyond transactions. For her, real estate is about selling yourself — building trust, creating comfort, and forming genuine relationships. People work with people they like, trust, and believe in, and Nicole explains how she brings that mindset into everything she does. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in real estate, lending, or entrepreneurship — especially those navigating growth, leadership, and life’s challenges while building something meaningful.

  5. 12/12/2025

    Bank to Retail LO: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with a Loan Originator who made the leap from the traditional banking world to the fast-moving retail lending side — and found a completely new level of freedom, ownership, and opportunity. We break down what really changes when you move from a bank environment to a retail platform:  • The mindset shift required • The learning curve of building a business instead of taking whatever walks into a branch • The surprises—both good and bad—when you lose a steady pipeline and have to create your own • The wins that come from having real tools, real support, and real control • How communication, culture, and speed make or break a retail LO’s success You’ll hear about the challenges of starting over, what it takes to build confidence as a self-generated Loan Officer, and why the retail side isn’t just different—it’s a completely new career if you’re willing to work. Whether you're a loan officer thinking about making the jump, a leader trying to recruit, or someone who just wants to understand how the business really works behind the scenes, this episode is full of value, perspective, and honest conversation.

  6. 10/30/2025

    Mortgage Myth Busters

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, host Kyle McCort sits down with two experienced loan officers from NFM Lending to tackle one of the most confusing parts of the homebuying process—mortgage myths. From “you need 20% down” to “you can’t get approved if you have student loans,” there’s no shortage of misinformation out there. Our guests pull back the curtain on the most common myths and FAQs they hear every day, giving you real answers straight from the experts who live it. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a realtor trying to guide your clients, or just curious about how mortgages really work, this episode will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to separate fact from fiction. Because when it comes to buying a home, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s the key to unlocking the door to your future.

  7. 07/17/2025

    Mindset is the Investment: Winning in Life & Real Estate

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, host Kyle McCort sits down with two of the most respected names in real estate investing—RJ Pepino and Dave Payerchin. As the powerhouse duo behind The CREAM (Columbus Real Estate And Money), they’ve built more than just a massive Facebook group—they’ve built a thriving community where local real estate pros collaborate, educate, and close deals together. But RJ and Dave aren’t just about business—they’re deeply passionate about the mindset behind success. In this episode, they break down how to stay grounded when things go wrong, what it truly takes to win big, and why mental and physical well-being are non-negotiables if you want long-term success. From bouncing back after losses to daily habits that keep them sharp, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, real talk, and a heavy dose of inspiration. Whether you’re an investor, agent, or entrepreneur, this episode is your reminder that the inner game is the real game.

  8. 05/28/2025

    Different Paths, Same Goal: Success in the Mortgage Industry

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we spotlight four mortgage professionals with radically different journeys—but one shared goal: making a lasting impact in the industry. Hosted by the Cleveland Branch Lead at NFM Lending, this dynamic panel discussion covers everything from building a national powerhouse and launching new branches in untapped markets to breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Whether you're a seasoned Loan Officer, a new recruit, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in mortgage lending, this episode is packed with raw insights, real stories, and actionable advice. Here’s what you’ll hear: A Top 1% Branch Manager shares his rise, leadership mindset, and coaching strategiesThe host’s own journey of bringing NFM Lending to Cleveland and building culture from the ground upHow a new Cincinnati branch is thriving early—and why its leader made the jump to NFMA standout female LO reveals how she builds authentic, lasting realtor relationshipsA fun, fast-paced group round table with myths, tools, and hilarious loan storiesQuick-fire advice every Loan Officer needs to hearWhether you’re charting your path or leveling up, this episode reminds us that the road to success doesn’t have to look the same—it just has to move you forward. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Closing Time, the podcast where we delve into the world of mortgages, real estate and so much more! Join us as we chat monthly with industry professionals, each offering unique and valuable perspectives, knowledge and insight. Closing Time is a production of the Great Lakes Division of NFM Lending.

Information

  • Creator
    NFM Lending - Great Lakes Division
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Closing Time
  • Show Website
    Closing Time