As the refinance cycle begins to stir, mortgage lenders are quietly building AI systems capable of calling borrowers, analyzing credit, and identifying refi opportunities at record speed. This cover story examines how United Wholesale Mortgage, Lendware, and frontline originators are using “Terminator tech” to defend refi recapture against servicing giants — and why industry leaders like GoRascal CEO Scott Valins warn that the real threat may not be servicers at all, but how quickly AI is learning the loan officer’s job.

This story follows Jonathan Fry of My Community Mortgage and Daryl Lionnet of West Capital Lending, two high-producing loan officers whose paths couldn’t be more different — one powered by community, visibility, and relentless networking, and the other by digital funnels, automation, and precision follow-up. Together, they reveal how the next generation of originators is rebuilding trust with borrowers and rewriting the playbook for success in today’s market.

This story follows Houston firefighter and co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, Aaron Clark, who built a thriving mortgage business by treating every loan like an emergency response. His firehouse training and service-first mindset helped him solve bottlenecks, earn client trust, and navigate two demanding careers at once. Learn how Clark chooses partners, mentors new LOs, and leverages flexibility to build a business grounded in integrity and teamwork.