The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast

2d ago

You can’t win this game if you’re hiding behind your keyboard. Hey there, Rainmakers! For years I believed that being “the best loan officer” meant doing everything myself — answering every email instantly, solving every problem personally, and outworking everyone in sight. But even with all that hustle, my income hit a ceiling. I was exhausted, reactive, and starting at zero every single month. Everything changed when I stopped trying to be the technician… and started becoming the Rainmaker. The moment I committed to teaching classes, hosting events, and putting a real marketing calendar in Sharpie — not in feelings — my world shifted. Visibility became credibility. Credibility became profitability. And I finally broke out of the hamster wheel. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to expand your audience, use the law of promotion, and fill rooms with people who want to do business with you. If you’ve been stuck behind your desk wondering why your results aren’t matching your effort — this is your wake-up call. Key Insights Visibility without credibility doesn’t convert. One-to-many is the strategy that frees you from the roller coaster. The law of promotion is simple: raise the perceived value higher than the objection. Humans show up for people, not flyers — call them, invite them, ask for the RSVP. Teaching classes gives you an hour of someone’s undivided attention — social media gives you seconds. Your fear of rejection is costing you referrals, relationships, and revenue. Hosting events forces you into leadership — and that’s where the real growth is. Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of? Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward. Enrollment is open, but not for long. Don’t miss your chance! Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst . Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Dec 10

What if the hardest moments of your childhood became the fire that fuels your greatness? Hey there, Rainmakers! Today, you’re going to meet a man whose story grabbed my heart from the moment he started speaking. I’m talking with William J. Gomez , a rising star out of Tulsa, a father of two little ones, and a loan officer on pace for 130 units and $30M. But the numbers aren’t what make him extraordinary. It’s his story. It’s his spirit. It’s the unshakable, grounded positivity that comes from a childhood marked by poverty, sacrifice, and separation — and a mother who gave everything so he could have a chance at more. In this episode, William walks us through the moment he realized his family couldn’t afford a single slice of pizza… the day his mother left for the United States to build a better life… and the three and a half years he spent without her. He shares how that pain shaped his work ethic, why selling came naturally inside a bank at age 20, and the exact moment he realized that time — not money — is the one thing you can never get back. We go deep into what made him MVP at GrowthCon, why he commits fully to coaching, how he uses discipline to build consistency, and why leadership is the next unlock for his growth. And yes, we talk about the cold plunges and the 683-day streak that’s shaping his identity. This is a conversation about heart, grit, and the power of knowing your why. Key Insights Pain becomes purpose when you choose meaning instead of bitterness. Discipline shows up when results don’t — and that’s where transformation begins. Consistency is the only path to becoming top of mind in your market. Leadership unlocks growth when hustle has reached its limit. Impact matters more than speed; presence creates loyalty. Guest Links: Website: https://williamjgomez.com William on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-gomez-152b80112/ William on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willgomez23/ Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! Are you ready to finally break through your limits, execute with confidence, and achieve the life you know you’re capable of? Catalyst is the ultimate community-driven execution system designed to keep you focused, accountable, and moving forward. Enrollment is open, but not for long. Don’t miss your chance! Grab your spot at shaylagifford.com/catalyst . Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Dec 3

Winning at the highest level isn’t magic — it’s mechanics, discipline, and the courage to scale beyond your comfort zone. Hey there, Rainmakers! Today I’m sitting down with a good friend, a fierce competitor, and one of the most consistent producers in the entire mortgage industry — Oleg Tkach. He’s pacing $250M this year, but what’s even more impressive is how he’s doing it: 30 hours a week, a locked-in routine, and a team engineered for capacity, leverage, and simplicity. In this conversation, Oleg breaks down the exact mindset and systems that took him from $150M to $250M — and why most loan officers stay stuck long after they have the talent to grow. We talk about the truth behind “being locked in,” the real way elite producers win with agents, and how programming—not relationships—is the key to dominating in tough markets. If you've ever wanted to understand what separates a good LO from a generational one… this is the episode. Key Insights Being locked in starts with your emotional health, routine, and discipline. Capacity determines your ceiling — not desire, not effort. Agents don’t want friends; they want solutions to predictable problems. Your income is capped by the size of your audience, not the depth of your relationships. A tough market is the test that reveals whether your strategy is real or fluff. Guest Links NFM Lending: https://nfmlending.com/loanoriginator/oleg-tkach/ Oleg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oleg-tkach-1905b820/ Oleg on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@olegtkachlending Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re ready to stop drifting and start driving your results, join me on December 10th for Your Best Year Ever , a 90-minute live virtual event designed for loan officers who are done with good intentions and ready for real results. This isn’t a pep talk—it’s a strategy session. We’ll uncover what’s holding you back, realign your mindset, and map out a plan that actually sticks. Make 2026 the year everything clicks. Save your seat now at shaylagifford.com . Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Nov 26

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build one bold action at a time. Hey there, Rainmakers! In this solo episode, I’m diving deep into what it really takes to build unshakeable confidence. Not the fake-it-till-you-make-it kind—but the kind that comes from trusting yourself, following through, and standing tall even when you’re scared. I share my personal story of learning to believe in my capability before I believed in my lovability—and how that shift changed everything in my leadership, my business, and my life. We talk about the difference between situational and enduring confidence, why action is the antidote to fear, and how to reframe rejection so it never stops you again. You’ll also learn how to use your body language, energy, and preparation to command any room, conversation, or presentation with calm, grounded power. Because confidence isn’t about never feeling nervous—it’s about knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way. Key Insights: Confidence is a belief that says, I can handle this. Taking action is the fastest way to feel better—and more confident. Borrow belief from others until you’ve built your own. Preparation and visualization reduce fear and increase presence. Keep promises to yourself—that’s how you earn self-trust. People choose you for you ; they stay for your character. You’ll only regret the times you played small. Confidence is a lifelong pursuit, but it’s one of the most rewarding muscles you’ll ever build. So take a deep breath, roll your shoulders back, and remember—you’ve got this. Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re ready to stop drifting and start driving your results, join me on December 10th for Your Best Year Ever , a 90-minute live virtual event designed for loan officers who are done with good intentions and ready for real results. This isn’t a pep talk—it’s a strategy session. We’ll uncover what’s holding you back, realign your mindset, and map out a plan that actually sticks. Make 2026 the year everything clicks. Save your seat now at shaylagifford.com . Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Nov 19

If you could build deep client trust in 10 minutes flat—every time—what would that do for your business? Hey there, Rainmakers! In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow Guild Mortgage coach Ryan Erekson , a system-building genius who’s redefining how loan officers connect, coach, and close. Ryan’s not chasing numbers for ego—he’s obsessed with mastery, freedom, and helping others win. Together we explore how he’s using AI to coach himself, streamline his business, and build systems that actually create connection instead of killing it. He also breaks down his signature 10-question framework —a simple, strategic sequence that turns every intro call into a relationship built on trust and clarity. If you’ve ever wanted to lead with confidence, eliminate inefficiency, and serve your clients with more heart and less hustle, this episode will hit home. Key Insights: The exact 10-question framework that builds instant client trust How to ask smarter questions that unlock real answers Why curiosity—not hustle—is your top sales advantage How to use AI as a personal coach to save hours each week The “3x3 Momentum Plan” for fast, focused goal setting How to systemize both efficiency and joy in your work Why focusing on less helps you move faster and win bigger Are you ready to make it rain? Let's do this! Guest links: Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanerekson/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanereksonmortgage/ Watch the Sales Mastery with Ryan Erekson replay on YouTube (October 9) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIuqa9fQ3B4&list=PL6CwzkmyOVMpCUShdcBv8wNKgB_Ymb5Ac If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider . Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence. Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be! Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Nov 12

What if you could grow your business, serve your community, and never feel like a rate-cutting commodity again? Hey there, Rainmakers! In this episode, I sit down with my long-time friend and world-class loan officer Kit Bate — one of the calmest, most consistent top producers I know. Kit went from humble beginnings and a missionary heart to building a $50M business that runs on service, discipline, and unshakable integrity. We dig into how Kit converts rate shoppers into loyal fans — not through slick sales tactics, but through education, consistency, and confidence. You’ll hear how he built his business around teaching two classes a month, nurturing hundreds of realtor relationships, and leading every client conversation with his simple, powerful mantra: communicate, educate, elevate. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with price shoppers or burned out chasing deals, this episode will reset your mindset and remind you what real value looks like. Key Insights Leading with education eliminates rate shoppers before they appear. Teaching consistent classes builds visibility, credibility, and a steady flow of referrals. Confidence comes from process, not personality. The width of your relationships creates the depth of your peace. Communicate. Educate. Elevate. Repeat. True wealth is time with your family, not dollars in the bank. Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! Guest Links Kit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-bate-9b734314/ Kit on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kitbate/?hl=en If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider . Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence. Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be! Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Nov 5

Hey there, Rainmakers! This one’s personal. I sit down with my longtime friend and teammate Jorge Montoya, one of Guild Mortgage’s most respected leaders — a man whose quiet strength, loyalty, and consistency have shaped an entire generation of Rainmakers. Together, we unpack what it looks like to evolve from the warrior phase of pure hustle into the leader phase of purpose, peace, and flow. Jorge opens up about betting on himself at 19, rebuilding from embarrassment, and redefining what “winning” really means after 20 years of success. This conversation is real, raw, and packed with wisdom for any loan officer ready to grow — not just in numbers, but in life. Key Insights Winning isn’t about the numbers — it’s about raising good humans and leading with integrity. Embarrassment can be your greatest teacher if you let it refine you, not define you. The $2,500 coaching bet that changed Jorge’s entire trajectory. The two core things every successful LO must master to sustain long-term success. How to shift from warrior hustle to leader flow. Guest Links Jorge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorgemontoyahome/ Jorge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-montoya-5366965/ Jorge on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jorgemontoya-themortgagepro Guild Mortgage: https://branches.guildmortgage.com/nv/reno/jorge-i-montoya-morales-569-thjxm.html Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider . Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence. Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be! Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/

Oct 29

Hey there, Rainmakers! He hit rock bottom—literally stared death in the face—and decided this wasn’t how his story would end. Instead, he chose a new life, renewed faith, and a $50 million business built on purpose and redemption. At just 28 years old, PJ Crescenzo transformed a near-death experience into fuel for his greatest comeback. In this episode, we unpack how he went from broken and lost to one of the most inspiring new Rainmakers in the game. PJ’s story is raw, real, and powerful—a reminder that your past doesn’t define you, your decisions do. This is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and the mindset it takes to rebuild your life from the ground up. Key Insights: The mindset shift that turned PJ’s life around after a literal come-to-Jesus moment How personal development became the secret weapon behind his fast-track success The power of proximity—why environment determines your evolution How to move from default to design in business and life What it really takes to go from zero to $50 million in a year (and why most won’t do it) Why eagerness, gratitude, and choosing people over profit will always win PJ brings the kind of energy that makes you remember why you got into this business—to change lives, to build something real, and to become who you were meant to be. His story is proof that no matter where you start, you can rise, rebuild, and make it rain. Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! Guest links: PJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en PJ on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/ PJ’s website: https://pjcrescenzo.com/ If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you! PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider . Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence. Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be! Connect with Shayla: Shayla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/ Shayla on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/ Show Links: Shayla's Website: https://shaylagifford.com/ The Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/ The Catalyst Coaching Community: https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/ Guild Mortgage: https://www.guildmortgage.com/