The following guest sits down with host Justin White:

• Alex Madonna – Mortgage Broker, Trust One Financial


Why a Top Retail Lending Executive Decided to Open his Own Independent Mortgage Broker Shop

After a long and very successful career at a large retail mortgage lender, Alex Madonna has made a pivot to the mortgage broker space. Why does he believe the wholesale channel is the place to plant his flag? Listen to Episode #121 of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast as we sit down with Alex to find out the vision for his new company and his plans to make it a destination for top loan originators.

In this episode of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast, you’ll learn how a former retail lender executive aims to leverage the power of the wholesale channel to build his new mortgage brokerage.


In this episode, we discuss ...

• 1:26 – why Alex decided to start his own broker shop
• 2:25 – how it feels to come back to the broker channel
• 3:27 – the timing of Alex announcing his move
• 4:30 – why Alex has been successful in the direct lending model
• 5:28 – new customer acquisition
• 7:38 – the model Alex is building at his new company
• 9:45 – the importance of transparency in mortgage origination
• 11:45 – what Alex is looking for in loan originators
• 14:20 – coaching LOs to think long-term
• 16:13 – what LOs should look for in a broker shop
• 18:05 – the key elements to building a successful business
• 19:48 – how Alex feels about his fresh start in the broker channel


Show Contributor:

Alex Madonna
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About the Host:

Justin White is UWM’s in-house brand journalist and the host of UWM Daily. He creates engaging content across multiple platforms to promote the benefits of the wholesale channel and partnering with UWM. A seven-time Emmy-award winner, Justin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter


Connect with UWM on Social Media:

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Head to uwm.com to see the latest news and updates.

Why the Best Time to Evaluate Your Business is Now

The following guest sits down with host Justin White:
• Joey Rivero – Mortgage Broker, Clear Choice Lending


Working On Your Business Instead of Working in the Business as a Strategy for Growth

For even the most seasoned or successful mortgage broker, there comes a point when you have to figure out the best use of your time. How can brokers determine if there’s a better way to run their business? Listen to Episode #120 of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast as we sit down with a 25-year industry veteran to find out why his company took a step forward when he decided to take a step back.

In this episode of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast, you’ll learn why it’s important to look for new ways to make your business more efficient.


In this episode, we discuss ...

• 1:40 – Joey’s shift to doing things differently
• 2:44 – what Joey is doing to provide value for his referral partners
• 4:32 – specific strategies for helping real estate agents
• 5:26 – the importance of consistently being in front of referral partners
• 6:07 – why Joey views his real estate agents as clients
• 7:11 – making tough decisions about who you work with
• 8:38 – why Joey hired an operations manager
• 9:49 – Joey’s plans for company growth
• 10:50 – how Joey’s feelings about his business have changed
• 11:40 – why Joey is thinking about his legacy
• 14:05 – Joey’s advice for other brokers on why they should evaluate their business


Show Contributor:

Joey Rivero
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About the Host:

Justin White is UWM’s in-house brand journalist and the host of UWM Daily. He creates engaging content across multiple platforms to promote the benefits of the wholesale channel and partnering with UWM. A seven-time Emmy-award winner, Justin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter


Connect with UWM on Social Media:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

Head to uwm.com to see the latest news and updates.

The following guest sits down with host Justin White:

• Brent Busch – Mortgage Broker, Edge Home Finance


Planning Interactions at Networking Events That Make Sense and Cents

Attending networking events is a great way for mortgage brokers to meet referral partners and clients. However, simply showing up isn’t a strategy for success. How can LOs set themselves up to have conversations that lead to loans? Listen to Episode #119 of Good. Better. Broker. to learn how Minnesota’s top mortgage broker plans out interactions every time he walks into a room.

In this episode of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast, you’ll learn how to have conversations at networking events that lead to business.


In this episode, we discuss ...

• 1:29 – why Brent came up with a strategy to network efficiently
• 2:11 - how Brent plans interactions
• 3:32 – Brent’s approach in networking conversations
• 4:31 – how Brent leverages social media to help with networking
• 9:49 – how Brent’s love for cooking helps in conversations
• 11:46 – what Brent always does before ending a conversation
• 12:51 – how long to stay at a networking event
• 14:10 – how to maximize time spent at a networking event
• 16:28 – why showing up at events consistently is beneficial
• 19:17 – what not to do in an interaction
• 21:17 – Brent’s top networking tip
• 23:05 – how to break up a group conversation to have a 1 on 1
• 24:52 – trial and error that goes into networking


Show Contributor:

Brent Busch
Connect on LinkedIn
Connect on Facebook
Connect on Instagram


About the Host:

Justin White is UWM’s in-house brand journalist and the host of UWM Daily. He creates engaging content across multiple platforms to promote the benefits of the wholesale channel and partnering with UWM. A seven-time Emmy-award winner, Justin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter


Connect with UWM on Social Media:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube

Head to uwm.com to see the latest news and updates.