Ladies in Lending

Empowering Homeownership: Denise Panza's Passion for Helping Others

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host, Krista Russo sits down with Denise Panza, a passionate mortgage banker from Total Mortgage, who shares her journey from New York to Florida and the values that drive her success in the industry. 
With over 27 years of experience, Denise discusses the importance of integrity, building relationships, and maintaining a work-life balance as a dedicated mother and businesswoman. 
She reflects on the challenges faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field and emphasizes the significance of consistency and perseverance in navigating market shifts. 
Tune in to discover how Denise's love for helping others shapes her career and the meaningful connections she creates along the way! 

From Brownies to Brokerage: Melissa's Journey in Mortgage Lending

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host Krista Russo interviews Melissa Cohn, the Regional Vice President of the Southern Division for William Raveis Mortgage. 
With nearly 43 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Melissa shares her journey from starting as an entrepreneur at a young age to becoming a leading figure in mortgage brokerage. 
She discusses her impressive accolades, including being featured in the Scotsman Guide and Crain's New York Business, and offers valuable insights on navigating the current market, building lasting relationships with clients, and the importance of timely communication. 
Tune in to learn how Melissa balances her successful career with her passion for mentoring women in the industry and her commitment to non-profit work, all while enjoying the sunny lifestyle in Florida! 

Finding Your Why: Alina Burke on Transforming Lives Through Mortgage Lending

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host Krista Russo sits down with Alina Burke, Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at Northpointe Mortgage.  
With over 23 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Alina shares her journey of building meaningful relationships and her commitment to ethical lending practices.  
Discover her insights on being a "lender for life," the importance of clear communication, and how she navigates the challenges of the mortgage space while prioritizing her clients' well-being. 
Alina also opens up about her personal story, including her new book, "Incomplete: A Journey from Abandonment to Parenthood," and her passion for helping survivors of sex trafficking. 
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with valuable advice and motivation for anyone in the lending industry! 

Scaling Success: Jane Floyd on Teamwork, Time Management, and Work-Life Balance

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, your host Krista Russo welcomes Jane Floyd, a powerhouse in the mortgage industry with over 30 years of experience. 
As a top originating branch manager at NFM Lending and a consistent member of the top 1% of mortgage originators in America, Jane shares her incredible journey into the mortgage space and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. 
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the mortgage industry, Jane's story and advice will inspire you to pursue your passion and create lasting success. 

Building Relationships in Lending: Insights from Brittany Thompson

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, join Krista Russo as she welcomes the vibrant and energetic Brittany Thompson from Mortgages with Brittany. 
Brittany shares her inspiring journey from the medical field to the world of mortgages, highlighting how the challenges of COVID pushed her to pursue a career in origination. 
In this episode, Brittany discusses: 
Her nurturing background and how it influences her approach to client relationships. 
The importance of perseverance and building trust in the mortgage industry. 
Overcoming rejection and the power of forming meaningful connections with realtors. 
Her incredible success in a challenging market, closing nearly $26 million in loans. 
Advice for first-time homebuyers and common misconceptions about the mortgage process. 
Brittany's passion for helping others and her commitment to her team shine through as she shares her goals for the future. 
Tune in to hear her motivational story and learn how she plans to double her success this year! 

Mindset Matters: How Brittany Bobbs Found Her Purpose in Lending

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, our host Krista Russo sits down with Brittany Bobbs, Vice President of Sales at Coastal Lending Group. 
Brittany shares her incredible journey from operations to becoming a successful loan officer, achieving an impressive $66 million in sales in just a few years. 
She opens up about her initial fears of transitioning from a stable salary to the unpredictable world of sales, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of having a supportive network. 
She also discusses how her background in operations has both helped and hindered her growth in the sales arena and how she learned to let go and trust her team. 
Additionally, she emphasizes the power of mindset and belief in oneself, encouraging listeners to recognize their unique purpose and talents. 
Don't miss this empowering conversation filled with valuable insights for anyone in the lending industry or looking to make a significant career change! 

Women in Lending: Cultivating Connections and Success with Lauren Mazurkiewicz

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, our host Krista Russo sits down with Lauren Mazurkiewicz, a growth and development specialist at Success Mortgage Partners.  
Lauren shares her journey into the mortgage industry, the importance of building relationships, and how she helps loan officers succeed. 
Discover how Lauren's background in communication and her passion for connecting with people has shaped her approach to growth and development in the lending space. 
They also discuss the significance of company culture, the challenges loan officers face when considering a move, and the power of community among women in the industry. 
Don't miss out on the chance to connect with Lauren and learn more about her work! 

The Connecticut Crusher: How Joanne Johansen Built a Successful Mortgage Career

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, our host Kristin Simpson interviews the incredible Joanne Johansen, affectionately known as the "Connecticut Crusher." 
With nearly 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Joanne shares her inspiring journey from a bank teller to a successful mortgage broker owner. 
In this episode, you'll hear about: 
Joanne's unexpected entry into the mortgage business and the challenges she faced along the way. 
The importance of mentorship and how a pivotal relationship shaped her career. 
Unique insights into the Connecticut mortgage market, including the influence of local universities and the competitive landscape. 
The impact of coaching on her business and personal growth over the past year. 
Balancing work and family life, including her experiences as a grandmother and business owner. 
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the mortgage industry, Joanne's story is sure to motivate and inspire you. 

From Single Mom to Mortgage Maven: Holly Walther's Inspiring Story

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, our host Krista Russo sits down with the incredible Holly Walther, leader of the Holly Walther Lending Team. 
Holly shares her journey from a summer job in the mortgage industry to becoming a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and homeownership in the Southeast. 
Holly's mission is to empower 2,000 women to achieve homeownership over the next five years, and she emphasizes the importance of relationships in the lending process.  
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Holly's experiences and discover how you can take the next steps toward your financial goals! 

Riding in Cars with Real Estate: Marty's Unique Approach

In this episode of the Ladies in Lending podcast, our host Krista Russo welcomes Marty Guy Fink, a dynamic branch manager from Virginia Beach with Homespire Mortgage. 
Marty shares her unique approach to building relationships in the real estate industry through her innovative podcast, "Riding in Cars with Real Estate." 
She discusses the impact of her podcast on her business and the importance of proactive education for homebuyers. 
She also dives into her journey of overcoming fears, embracing coaching, and the power of community in the mortgage industry. 
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in lending, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.