How They Crushed It

Direct Mortgage Loans

Ever wondered how the top loan officers, entrepreneurs, salespeople, and marketing experts built their empires? Dive into the raw, unscripted stories of the crushers: Mortgage titans who've shattered loan quotas, visionary CEOs who took their businesses to stratospheric heights, and sales legends who close deals blindfolded. In the "How They Crushed It" podcast, you'll get: Learn from the best in the biz as they reveal their hard-won secrets, epic comebacks, and unexpected turning points. ️Actionable tips you can implement TODAY: Whether you're a mortgage newbie, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a side-hustler with big dreams, these actionable insights will propel you forward.Inspiration to crush YOUR goals: Get ready to be fired up by the raw energy and unstoppable ambition of our guests. This isn't just about mortgages. It's about building YOUR future: Sales strategiesMarketing hacksMindset shifts Join us on this epic journey to success and become the next crusher! Subscribe now and get ready to: Level up your game in ANY business.Unleash your inner hustler and crush your goals.Become the next success story on "How They Crushed It!"

  1. 3D AGO

    Garrett Finkelstein | Building Real Relationships in the Age of AI: Marketing Stories That Matter

    Join Dean Johnson as he sits down with Garrett Finkelstein, Marketing Director at Direct Mortgage Loans, for an insightful conversation about authentic marketing, storytelling, and relationship-building in an increasingly digital world. In this first episode of 2026, Garrett shares his 14-year journey in mortgage marketing—from video editor to marketing executive—and reveals why customers must always be the main characters in every story you tell. Discover why consistency beats virality, how to merge your personal interests with business content, and why AI tools, while valuable, can never replace genuine human connection. Garrett's practical wisdom applies across all industries: be yourself, have fun, and remember that real relationships are the foundation of lasting success. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this conversation delivers actionable insights on creating value-driven content, building deeper connections with fewer relationships, and staying authentic in a world where it's getting harder to tell what's real. Key Takeaways: Why your customers are the main characters (not you)The evolution of social media marketing from 2012 to todayHow to create content that works for you while you sleepThe difference between relationships and real relationshipsWhat matters most as AI becomes more prevalent in businessPerfect for: Marketers, business owners, sales professionals, and anyone looking to build meaningful connections that drive results.

    22 min
  2. Michelle Jacinto | Service with a Smile, Treating Others Like Family, & Back to Basics in Business

    10/01/2024

    Michelle Jacinto | Service with a Smile, Treating Others Like Family, & Back to Basics in Business

    In this episode of the How They Crushed It podcast, host Dean Johnson of Direct Mortgage Loans interviews Michelle Jacinto, a top producer at Direct Mortgage Loans. They discuss Michelle's journey from her formative years in a family business to her successful career in the mortgage industry. The conversation highlights the importance of customer service, mentorship, and building relationships in business. Michelle shares her insights on adapting to changes in the industry, the significance of networking, and the return to basics in a chaotic market.

    29 min
  3. Terrance Diggs | Leveraging Your Network, Brand Growth, & Taking Action to Go After Your Dreams

    08/07/2024

    Terrance Diggs | Leveraging Your Network, Brand Growth, & Taking Action to Go After Your Dreams

    Terrance Diggs, founder of D17, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of his apparel brand. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and going after what you want. Terrance discusses the power of networking and community involvement in building his brand. He also highlights the role of marketing and analytics in growing his business. Terrance's approach to marketing includes event activations, sponsorships, and user-generated content. He shares his experiences in collaborating with other businesses and leveraging his network to expand his brand's reach. Terrance's determination and willingness to take risks have been key factors in his success.

    36 min
  4. Bonny Gothier | The Power of Reinventing Oneself, Filling Voids in the City, & Authentic Connections

    07/24/2024

    Bonny Gothier | The Power of Reinventing Oneself, Filling Voids in the City, & Authentic Connections

    Bonny Gothier shares her journey of reinventing herself from a dental hygienist to a successful businesswoman in the pickleball industry. She emphasizes the importance of passion, hustle, and never stopping learning. Bonny also highlights the significance of connection and authenticity in business, as well as the need for human connection in today's society. She shares her experience of opening Baltimore Pickleball Club and the strategies she used to grow the business, including word of mouth and corporate events. Bonny's story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to reinvent themselves and find success in their chosen field.

    34 min
  5. Jan Ozga | Serving Others, Taking Calculated Risks, & Being Unapologetically Yourself

    07/10/2024

    Jan Ozga | Serving Others, Taking Calculated Risks, & Being Unapologetically Yourself

    Jan Ozga, the Chief Strategy Officer at Direct Mortgage Loans and a guest on the How They Crushed It podcast, shares his journey from being a chef to a successful mortgage professional. He emphasizes the importance of making an impact on others and having faith in one's efforts. Jan believes in being transparent, honest, and unapologetically himself in all interactions. He encourages consistency, planning, and taking risks to achieve success. Jan also highlights the significance of caring for people and serving others. He concludes by urging listeners to do their best every day and focus on making a positive impact.

    32 min
  6. Japneet Suri | Learning Business at Age 3, Living by the Golden Rule, & Creating Brand Equity

    06/26/2024

    Japneet Suri | Learning Business at Age 3, Living by the Golden Rule, & Creating Brand Equity

    Japneet Suri and Sam Ajaz, owners of Executive CLS, share their journey and success in the concierge and limo services industry. They emphasize the importance of building relationships, treating others well, and providing exceptional experiences. Their business philosophy is centered around exceeding expectations and being proactive rather than reactive. They believe in collaboration and seeing competitors as family, working together to achieve exponential growth. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and personalized service sets them apart in the industry. They prioritize adaptability and learning in order to provide the best experience for their clients. They focus on word-of-mouth marketing and building strong relationships with their customers. They have a goal-oriented mindset and are always looking to improve and exceed expectations. They emphasize the importance of brand equity and brand awareness. The company has successfully adapted to challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, by diversifying their services and finding new ways to meet their clients' needs.

    44 min
  7. Colleen Rippey | Entrepreneurial Experiences, Valuing Recognition, & The Power of Active Connecting

    06/12/2024

    Colleen Rippey | Entrepreneurial Experiences, Valuing Recognition, & The Power of Active Connecting

    Colleen Rippey, the guest on the How They Crushed It podcast, shares her journey from selling Cutco knives to starting Real Producers. She talks about her early entrepreneurial experiences, the importance of mentors and recognition, and her shift from selling to homeowners to selling to realtors. This led her to create Real Producers, a platform to connect with top real estate agents. Colleen's story highlights the value of building relationships, finding a niche market, and continuously striving for growth. Colleen discusses the concept of Real Producers, a community of top-producing realtors, and how it provides vendors with access to these agents. She talks about her own journey in sales and the importance of being willing to put yourself out there. Colleen emphasizes the value of active connecting and how it has helped her build a successful community. She also shares the importance of calendar prioritization and planning for success.

    44 min
  8. Steven Sless | Falling in Love with Sales, Not Being Afraid to Fail, & Giving Maximum Effort

    05/22/2024

    Steven Sless | Falling in Love with Sales, Not Being Afraid to Fail, & Giving Maximum Effort

    In this episode of the How They Crushed It podcast, Dean Johnson interviews Steven Sless, the COO of Trius Lending Partners. They discuss Steve's journey from selling cars to entering the mortgage business and eventually joining Trius Lending. Steve emphasizes the importance of finding mentors, not being afraid to fail, and giving maximum effort. He also highlights the significance of consistency and the ability to adapt to changes in the industry. Trius Lending Partners is a private lender that provides loans for real estate investors, and their goal is to manage, lend, and invest $2 billion in real estate over the next 10 years.

    39 min
See All (17)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Ever wondered how the top loan officers, entrepreneurs, salespeople, and marketing experts built their empires? Dive into the raw, unscripted stories of the crushers: Mortgage titans who've shattered loan quotas, visionary CEOs who took their businesses to stratospheric heights, and sales legends who close deals blindfolded. In the "How They Crushed It" podcast, you'll get: Learn from the best in the biz as they reveal their hard-won secrets, epic comebacks, and unexpected turning points. ️Actionable tips you can implement TODAY: Whether you're a mortgage newbie, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a side-hustler with big dreams, these actionable insights will propel you forward.Inspiration to crush YOUR goals: Get ready to be fired up by the raw energy and unstoppable ambition of our guests. This isn't just about mortgages. It's about building YOUR future: Sales strategiesMarketing hacksMindset shifts Join us on this epic journey to success and become the next crusher! Subscribe now and get ready to: Level up your game in ANY business.Unleash your inner hustler and crush your goals.Become the next success story on "How They Crushed It!"

Information

  • Creator
    Direct Mortgage Loans
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Direct Mortgage Loans
  • Show Website
    How They Crushed It