In this episode of The Most Mindset, Michael sits down with longtime friend and veteran loan officer Chris Davis to unpack a 25-year journey through the mortgage world. From growing up in Napa's wine country and backpacking the globe, to stumbling into tech sales and then landing in mortgage banking right as the "internet" was becoming a thing, Chris shares how communication, curiosity, and relationship skills shaped his career.

Together they break down what it's really like to move from big banks to IMBs to the broker model, the fears that come with those transitions, and the freedom on the other side. Chris talks about difficult clients, underwriting realities, staying calm when millions are on the line, and how mountain biking, family time, and perspective keep him grounded. It's a real, relatable look at how to evolve, stay steady under pressure, and build a career you actually enjoy.

00:25 Introductions & Background
01:19 From Tech Sales to a New "Internet" Product
04:19 Backpacking the World & Early Career Detours
05:59 Wine, Marine Biology & Choosing a Different Path
07:36 The Power of Communication & Sales Skills
10:47 Big Bank Years & High-Rise Projects
16:27 More Products, More Guidelines, More Opportunity
21:02 Jumping to the Broker Model & Saying "Yes" More Often
25:52 Underwriting Reality Checks & Funny Client Moments
31:29 Becoming "Calm Chris" Through Perspective
39:34 Books That Shaped Chris & Final Thoughts

Connect with Chris Davis

Connect with Michael Most

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOINING OUR TEAM!