The BLITZ Break

The Blitz Break
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Weekly takes on real estate, finance, business, trending topics, sports & life — unfiltered.

  1. 5D AGO

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 38 - (Guest) Aaron Ralls

    Episode 38 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Julie Shroyer, and Justin Ingolia sit down with Aaron Ralls, a top 25 real estate agent in the Greater Sacramento region, eXp Realty leader, and former corrections officer turned entrepreneur. Aaron’s story is anything but typical. From spending over a decade in California prisons to being fired, fighting back, and rebuilding his life, he went on to launch one of the busiest barbershops in Sacramento County before ultimately going all-in on real estate. His journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself. In this episode, we dive into: 🔥 Aaron’s transition from corrections to entrepreneurship to top-producing agent ✂️ Building Lucky’s Barbershop into a local powerhouse before pivoting to real estate 🤝 Why abundance beats competition, and how collaboration fuels growth 🏡 The strategies that helped him break into the top 25 (referrals, open houses, and zero paid leads) 📦 Creative tactics like sending branded moving boxes before listing appointments 💡 How to win deals through authenticity, flexibility, and client-first thinking 🚀 Advice for new agents: stop overthinking, take action, and sharpen your skills 📊 Industry insights on brokerage shifts and why top producers will continue to dominate 💨 A deep dive into cigar networking and Aaron’s growing business mixers at Cigar City Lounge 📱 Julie’s social media tip: short, solution-based videos that actually convert This episode is packed with real-world strategies and a powerful reminder that success isn’t about guarding opportunities, it’s about creating more of them. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to level up their business. 💬 Drop a comment: Are you operating from scarcity, or abundance? Chapters 00:00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome 00:02:27 Aaron’s Career in Corrections 00:03:54 Opening Lucky’s Barbershop 00:07:14 Transitioning to Real Estate 00:08:26 Abundance Mindset & Collaboration 00:19:46 Top 25 & Commitment to Constant Learning 00:33:25 Listing Appointment Strategies & Moving Boxes 00:37:57 Lessons Learned & Advice for New Agents 00:55:32 Industry Consolidations & the EXP Model 01:01:57 Qualifying Partners & Guarding Your Time 01:09:45 Cigars, Community & Networking 01:15:33 Social Media Tip & Wrap-Up

    1h 19m

  2. APR 24

    The Blitz Break-Episode 37

    Episode 37 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, it’s just Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard, no guests, just a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to win in today’s mortgage market. Building off recent episodes featuring powerful stories like Success Redefined, From Darkness to Redemption, and Break the Ceiling, Phil and Buzz reflect on the common thread of vulnerability, failure, and growth, and why those same principles apply directly to business. From there, the conversation turns to the reality of the 2026 market: too many loan officers are sitting back, waiting for rates to drop instead of building the habits, relationships, and systems that will separate them when the market shifts. In this episode, we cover: 📉 Why waiting on rates is the biggest mistake loan officers can make right now 🏁 The danger of competing on price, and why it’s a race to the bottom 📇 How to consistently deliver value to your database 365 days a year 🎉 Client appreciation events that actually drive connection (and results) 🤝 The impact of the Give Value Program in creating long-term client trust 📞 Overcoming call reluctance and breaking the “solo operator” mindset 🏡 Common homeownership misconceptions and how to educate your clients better 📊 Buzz’s weekly market update and what’s driving current rate volatility This episode is a clear reminder: the market doesn’t create top producers, their habits do. 👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who’s serious about leveling up. 💬 Drop a comment: Are you building relationships right now, or waiting on the market to change? Chapters 00:00:00 Intro & Welcome 00:07:16 Lessons from Guest Stories & Books 00:17:18 Why Social Media & Human Connection Matter 00:21:19 What Separates Top Loan Officers Today 00:26:13 Competing on Value, Not Price 00:32:15 Call Reluctance & Staying Connected to Clients 00:34:55 Client Events & Creating Real Value 00:43:00 The Give Value Program 00:49:55 Scale, Teamwork & Growing Market Share 01:01:25 Doubling Your Business in Any Market 01:05:02 Home Ownership Misconceptions 01:09:11 Fun Rapid Fire 01:12:23 Mortgage Market Update & Closing

    1h 20m

  3. APR 17

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 36 - (Guest) Mike Miklaus

    Episode 36 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Mike Miklaus, owner of Integrity Mortgage and a 50-year industry veteran, for a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and what it truly means to be a mortgage advisor in today’s market. From humble beginnings to building a decades-long career, and now stepping into a new chapter, Mike shares the lessons, philosophies, and standards that have defined his success. In this episode, we cover: 🚀 Mike’s Journey & Big Announcement From nearly flunking out of UCLA to becoming a branch manager at 24 and building Integrity Mortgage, plus his transition to Success Mortgage Partners to expand into Northern California. ⚖️ Broker vs. Banker Debate (Settled?) Why the real competition isn’t between brokers and bankers, it’s between relationship-driven professionals and faceless online lenders. 🤝 The Advisor Mindset Why fewer than 20% of loan officers truly operate as advisors and how shifting from “rates and products” to life-based consultation changes everything. 📉 Trigger Leads & Relationship Business What the elimination of trigger leads means, and why those without strong client relationships are now exposed. 🤖 Technology & AI in Mortgage Using digital tools to enhance, not replace, real conversations and connection. 🏡 Realtor Partnerships Done Right The importance of the warm handoff and positioning loan officers as trusted advisors, not commodities. 🎁 Give Value & Holistic Client Care Why serving clients goes far beyond the loan, and how connecting them with trusted professionals builds lifelong relationships. 🧠 Mindset, Discipline & Legacy Mike’s philosophy: “I do it anyway.” Plus lessons on consistency, standards, and building something that lasts. 📊 Market Update Buzz breaks down recent rate improvements tied to oil price shifts and global market movement. ⚾ Bonus: Baseball Talk A fun close with favorite baseball movies and stories from Mike’s time as an umpire. This episode is packed with decades of wisdom, practical strategy, and a clear message: the future belongs to those who build trust, not transactions. 👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone ready to level up their business. 💬 Drop a comment: Are you operating as a salesperson, or a true advisor? Chapters 00:00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome 00:02:45 Meet Mike Nicholas: 50 Years in Mortgage 00:03:36 Baseball, Umpiring & Life Philosophy 00:11:11 Closing Integrity Mortgage & Joining Success Mortgage Partners 00:12:00 Broker vs. Banker: Ending the False Battle 00:16:35 Trigger Leads, Relationships & the Relational Database 00:22:04 The Mortgage Advisor vs. Loan Officer Mindset 00:26:23 Technology, AI & the Consultive Conversation 00:29:22 Realtor Partnerships & the Warm Handoff 00:36:10 Helping Clients Beyond the Loan: A Holistic Approach 00:36:19 Abundance Mindset, Social Media & Learning from the Best 00:42:39 Jack Canfield, the Book & Mike’s Personal Story 00:44:04 Standards Over Motivation: Living with Intention 00:47:13 Mike’s Upcoming Book & the Mindset of Success 00:56:14 Building & Transitioning a Client Base 01:01:29 Team Integrity: Mentoring Michelle & Sean 01:06:49 What Separates the Top 1%: "I Do It Anyway" 01:10:02 Mortgage Market Update 01:13:00 Baseball Movies & Closing Thoughts 01:17:24 Outro

    1h 20m

  4. APR 10

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 35 - (Guest) Albert Chavez

    Episode 35 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Albert Chavez, mortgage professional, coach, and author of From Darkness to Redemption: Unfinished Work 2.0, for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had on the show. Albert opens up about the emotional journey of writing his book and the moment that changed everything, a 9am wake-up call in 2019 that forced him to confront his reality and begin the process of rebuilding his life from the inside out. From there, the conversation goes deep into trauma, accountability, faith, and what it truly takes to create lasting change. In this episode, we cover: 🔥 Albert’s rock bottom moment and the decision that changed his life 🧠 Generational trauma, how it’s formed, and how it gets passed down ⚖️ Accountability vs. victimhood and why radical ownership is the only path forward 👨‍👧 The shift from self-respect to self-esteem in modern parenting 💪 Building discipline through small daily habits and identity shifts 🙏 Albert’s sobriety journey and the challenges of facing life without numbing 🧊 “The devil don’t take checks”: the philosophy behind true commitment 📖 Faith, suffering, and how pain builds character 🤝 How these lessons translate into business, leadership, and relationships Julie also shares a powerful social media tip of the week, highlighting the rapid growth of AI-driven search and why platforms like YouTube and Instagram matter more than ever for professionals. Buzz wraps with a market update, breaking down recent rate movement tied to global oil uncertainty. This episode is a deep reminder that growth isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it. 👉 Join Albert at his upcoming book signing on April 23rd (6–8pm) at Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar in El Dorado Hills. 👉 If this episode impacted you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s one hard truth that changed your life? 00:00:00 Intro & Welcoming the Guest 00:03:08 Meet Albert Chavez: From Darkness to Redemption 00:06:49 The Moment Everything Changed 00:09:26 Generational Trauma: What’s in Our DNA 00:17:28 Breaking the Cycle: Radical Accountability 00:22:28 Society, Parenting & Self-Respect 00:32:37 The Road to Sobriety: Awareness & Decision 00:46:07 Building New Habits: Laying the Foundation 00:52:35 The Devil Don’t Take Checks 01:02:13 Applying Lessons: Business, Relationships & Vulnerability 01:04:38 Social Media Tip & Mortgage Market Update

    1h 12m

  5. APR 3

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 34 - (Guest) Michele Zaragoza

    Episode 34 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Justin Ingolia, and Julie Shroyer welcome Michele Zaragoza, author of Break the Ceiling, for an inspiring conversation on mindset, faith, and what it really takes to grow — both personally and professionally. Michele shares the powerful story behind her book, how years of journaling turned into a published work, and the lessons she’s learned about letting go of control, embracing authenticity, and stepping fully into your purpose. In this episode, we cover: 📖 The story behind Break the Ceiling and Michele’s journey to becoming an author 🧠 Why “control less, achieve more” can be a game-changing mindset shift ✍️ Turning personal journals into a message that impacts others ❤️ Real stories from readers and the ripple effect of sharing your truth 🙏 The role of affirmations, faith, and mindset in personal growth 🔥 Grit, authenticity, and the importance of consistently showing up 📱 Social media strategies for real estate professionals looking to stand out 🤖 AI, industry trends, and how to stay relevant in a changing landscape 🚀 What’s next for Michele and her advice for anyone ready to break through their own ceiling Whether you’re an entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone looking to grow with more intention, this episode is packed with encouragement, perspective, and actionable insight. 👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who’s ready to level up. Want to learn about how you can break your ceiling? Find Michele’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Break-Ceiling-Lead-Like-Built/dp/B0GC68CYL5 💬 Drop a comment: What’s one belief you’ve had to break through to grow? Chapters 1 Introductions & Guest Welcome 00:00:00 2 Meet Michelle: Author of Break the Ceiling 00:01:12 3 The Story Behind the Book 00:02:49 4 Key Takeaways: Control Less, Achieve More 00:08:47 5 From Journals to Published Book 00:09:57 6 Impact, Reader Stories & Coaching 00:17:25 7 Affirmations, Faith & Mindset 00:27:30 8 Grit, Authenticity & Showing Up 00:31:27 9 Social Media Strategy for Real Estate 00:34:11 10 AI, Industry Trends & Staying Relevant 00:36:54 11 What’s Next for Michelle + Final Advice 00:49:54

    55 min

  6. MAR 27

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 33 - (Guest) Liz Andersen

    Episode 33 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, producer Justin Ingolia steps into the host seat alongside Julie Shroyer, welcoming back Liz Andersen from American Pacific Mortgage Retirement Lending for a fun, honest, and insight-packed conversation. From career beginnings to mindset shifts, this episode blends practical advice with personal perspective, highlighting how gratitude, authenticity, and consistency can shape both your business and your life. In this episode, we cover: 🚀 How Liz and Julie got their start in the mortgage industry and what helped them grow 🙏 The power of gratitude, and why Liz refuses to say she’s “busy” 🧠 Overcoming impostor syndrome and building confidence in your voice 📱 Social media tips for showing up authentically and consistently 💡 Why mindset matters just as much as strategy in long-term success 🍽️ Rapid-fire fun: favorite restaurants around Sacramento and dream jobs Whether you’re in mortgage, real estate, or just working on showing up more confidently in your business, this episode is full of relatable moments, actionable tips, and a reminder to stay grounded in gratitude. 👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who needs a confidence boost. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s one mindset shift that’s helped you grow? Chapters: Welcome & Introductions: 00:00:00 Liz’s Origin Story: From Bartender to Mortgage: 00:01:54 Julie’s Origin Story & How Their Paths Crossed: 00:05:14 Current Roles & The Power of Retirement Lending: 00:09:27 Learning on the Job: New Products & Challenging Files: 00:14:49 Saying No & Creating Community: 00:17:23 Purpose, Impact & Affirmations: 00:22:24 Finding Your Voice on Social Media: 00:37:50 Rapid Fire: Food, Dream Jobs & Heels vs. Flats: 00:47:47

    1h 1m

  7. MAR 20

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 32 - (Guests) Jesse Garcia and Patrick Woods

    This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard are joined by Patrick Woods of Keller Williams and Jesse Garcia of Maverick Real Estate for a high-level conversation on leadership, risk-taking, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s evolving real estate market. From career-defining decisions to the growing role of AI, this episode blends mindset, strategy, and real-world experience from professionals who are actively shaping the industry. In this episode, we cover: 🔥 “Burning the ships” and the mindset required to fully bet on yourself ⛓️ Breaking free from “golden handcuffs” and learning when to say no 💥 Why failure can be a superpower, and how to kill bad deals quickly 🏡 The shift from salesperson to trusted real estate consultant 🤝 A new approach to attracting (not recruiting) agents through value 🤖 AI in real estate: where to start, how to prompt, and building tools in minutes 🎥 Why showing up consistently with content builds trust and connection Whether you’re a real estate agent, loan officer, or business professional navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insight, mindset shifts, and strategies you can apply right now. 👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who’s ready to level up in their business. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s one risk you’ve taken that changed your trajectory? Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Guest Introductions 0:04:13 Patrick’s New KW Regional Director Role 0:14:26 Jesse’s Origin Story: From Sheriff to Real Estate 0:19:03 Burning the Ships: Betting on Yourself 0:21:42 Golden Handcuffs, Fear & the Discipline to Say No 0:31:21 Failure as a Superpower & Killing Bad Deals Fast 0:40:33 The Value of Expertise & Real Estate as a Consulting Role 0:50:51 Introducing Compare: Attracting vs. Recruiting Agents 1:01:04 AI in Real Estate: Where to Start 1:04:28 Prompting AI & Building Tools in Minutes 1:08:27 AI Agents, Adoption & Getting People Engaged 1:16:35 Showing Up: Content, Trust & Being Human 1:26:09 Mortgage Update: Iran Conflict, Oil & Rising Rates 1:34:01 Rate Timing, Buyer Opportunity & Market Reality 1:40:40 The Cream Rises: Top Producers in a Tough Market 1:43:53 Closing Reflections & Outro

    1h 50m

  8. MAR 13

    The BLITZ Break - Episode 31

    Episode 31 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard take the mic for a wide-ranging conversation that dives deep into leadership, resilience, relationships, and the philosophy behind building a business centered on value. What starts with some lighthearted banter quickly turns into an honest discussion about what it truly means to serve clients well, not just as mortgage professionals, but as trusted advisors throughout the entire homeownership journey. Phil and Buzz share the vision behind the Give Value Program, a curated network of trusted home service providers designed to help homeowners find reliable professionals long after the loan closes. The conversation expands into why delivering value, building relationships, and staying connected with your community will always outperform transactional sales. Along the way, both hosts open up about their personal journeys, from Phil’s college athletics career and difficult business setbacks to Buzz’s decades-long career training lenders across the country before joining Big Valley Mortgage. In this episode, we cover: 👟 The philosophy behind the Give Value Program and becoming a true trusted advisor 🎥 Why video and podcasting are essential tools for building authentic connections today 🏀 Phil’s athletic journey, career pivot, and lessons learned through adversity 🧠 The identity crisis many athletes (and professionals) face after major life changes 🤝 Buzz’s career path from Texas basketball coach to nationally recognized mortgage trainer 📈 The new “Done For You, Done With You, Done By You” model for supporting loan officers 💡 Why focusing on value, not just interest rates, transforms client relationships 📊 Buzz’s latest market update and what’s driving interest rate movement right now 🏡 Why waiting for the “perfect rate” might cost you the home you actually want This episode is equal parts business insight, personal story, and leadership philosophy, a reminder that success in any industry ultimately comes down to serving people well and building genuine relationships. 👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who believes business should always be built on trust and value. #TheBlitzBreak #Mortgage #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #TrustedAdvisor #VideoMarketing #RealEstate #PersonalGrowth Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome, Shoe Banter & Give Value Intro 00:11:00 – Trusted Advisors: Why It Takes More Than a Loan 00:20:30 – Phil’s Athletic Journey: College Basketball & Adversity 00:30:18 – Rock Bottom to Renaissance: Building Triple J Studios 00:38:11 – Overcoming the Fear of Video 00:48:11 – 2D vs. 3D: Why Authenticity Wins 00:56:21 – The Athlete’s Identity Crisis 01:10:32 – Storytelling, Authenticity & the BVM Mission 01:18:51 – Phil Introduces Buzz Howard 01:25:48 – Buzz’s Journey: Texas to Sacramento 01:32:00 – Buzz’s Career in Mortgages & Mentorship 01:40:51 – Done For You, Done With You: The New Model 01:47:54 – Why Loan Officers Must Deliver Value First 01:53:47 – Market Update: Rates, Oil & What to Do Now 02:01:15 – Final Thoughts, Shoutouts & Subscribe

    2h 8m
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About

Weekly takes on real estate, finance, business, trending topics, sports & life — unfiltered.

Information

  • Creator
    The Blitz Break
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The BLITZ Break