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Thinking about running paid ads in 2026? Pump the brakes.

Frazier and Michael are breaking down the truth about paid advertising — what works, what doesn’t, and where most loan officers go wrong. Whether you’re sitting on a 30K marketing budget or barely spending $300 a month, this episode is a tactical deep dive into interruption vs. intent, social vs. search, and why Google still wins if you're serious about ROI.

No fluff. No theory. Just straight talk on what actually drives deals — and what will drain your wallet.

What You’ll Learn

• Why social media ads aren’t dead — but most of them are dumb
• The difference between passive brand amplification and transactional lead gen
• Why low-cost leads are usually garbage (and what actually matters)
• How intent changes everything — and why interruption-based ads have a short fuse
• What to realistically budget for Google or social ads in 2026

Real Talk Quotes

• “You don’t own the customer. You’re just renting attention.”
• “Lead cost means nothing if the leads suck.”
• “You’re never gonna get a CTC on your feelings.”
• “Intent-based leads wait for you. Interruption leads forget you.”
• “We can all get 50-cent leads. That’s not the flex you think it is.”

Tactical Takeaways

• ✅ Expect to spend $1,500/month minimum if you want transactional ROI
• ✅ Social media ads work best to amplify brand — not chase cold leads
• ✅ Google Search ads are still the king of high-intent lead generation
• ✅ YouTube & TikTok are the only social platforms with real search intent
• ✅ If you’re not following up with automation, you’re burning money
• ✅ Don’t run your own ads unless you want to waste time and budget

Why This Episode Matters

Most LOs are playing checkers when it comes to paid ads — this episode helps you play chess. Whether you’re doing consumer direct or trying to convert your social audience, you’ll learn where to invest, what to expect, and how to actually get deals from your dollars.

Want Help Running Ads That Work?

This episode is powered by Empower LO, the trusted team behind hundreds of top-producing LOs running scalable Google ad campaigns.

Learn more at empowerlo.com

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You think that client is “yours”? Think again.

In this episode, Frazier (COVID-stricken but still showing up) and Michael (running on espresso and spite) break down a brutal but necessary truth: you don’t own the customer, you’re just renting attention.

From trigger leads to servicing transfers to Rocket buying Mr. Cooper, the guys explain why your feelings don’t belong in the pipeline and how whining about lost deals won’t get you paid. This is about controlling what you can control — and mastering retention like a pro.

If you’re tired of losing past clients and still blaming the system, this one will hit different

What You’ll Learn

• Why "owning the customer" is a myth that will keep you broke
• The real risk behind complacency and client silence
• What top producers actually do to retain business
• How to run a smarter, tighter, more memorable follow-up game
• Why you need to start investing in client retention — not just lead gen

Real Talk Moments

• “You’re never gonna get a CTC on your feelings.”
• “Valuable is valuable. Be a utility. Be unforgettable.”
• “Every loan is a rental — unless you earn the right to get called back.”

Tactical Ideas from the Episode

• Host small mixers or client events that build community
• Bake in strike-rate conversations within 30–60 days post-close
• Invest a % of every commission check into client retention
• Show up with personalized messages, not cookie-cutter junk
• Build a system that makes you the first call, not the last memory

Why This Episode Matters

If you’re getting mad about losing clients, you’ve already lost. The game in 2026 is about connection, consistency, and control — and this episode will show you how to win it.

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It’s a new year, which means your feed is flooded with goal-setting posts, vision boards, and all the same recycled motivation. But here’s the truth: None of that matters without execution. In this episode, Frazier and Michael torch the traditional January BS and get straight to what actually drives success in 2026.

You’ll hear why most loan officers set goals that are more about ego than execution—and how that mindset will keep you broke and burned out. We break down the difference between real commitment and performative goal-chasing, and give you the mental framework needed to stop resetting your goals and start finishing them.

No gimmicks. No cute quotes. Just a full-throttle conversation about what it actually takes to win this year—and why headlines might be your best strategy yet.

💥 What You’ll Learn

• Why most goals are designed to make you feel productive, not be productive
• The real reason you fall short by February
• How “headlines” are better than goal lists (and what that actually means)
• What to do when motivation fades
• The mindset shift that separates top producers from everyone else

🧠 Why This Episode Matters

This isn’t another “set your goals” pep talk. It’s the slap in the face you need to stop playing small and start leading with clarity and conviction. If you’re tired of fake progress and real burnout, this episode is your reset button.