22 | How I Built A $55M Business on a 32hr Work Week with Chantry Abbott

Think you need to hustle 60+ hours a week to grow your business? Think again. Hey there, Rainmakers! This episode is a masterclass in sustainable success from one of the most technically brilliant—and heart-centered—leaders in our field: Chantry Abbott from St. George, Utah. In a town of just 200,000 people, Chantry and his Guild Mortgage team have carved out 20% market share—with Chantry himself producing $55M+ with just one support staff, working only 32 hours a week. We dive deep into how Chantry went from burnout to joy, how he found his groove as a Trust Builder + Technician archetype, and why stepping back into his zone of genius was the best decision he made for both his business and life. If you’ve ever felt torn between scaling and staying sane, this one is for you. From the psychology of high-converting preapproval meetings to his streamlined TCA process and radical clarity on what matters most—Chantry brings it all. He’s not loud, he’s not flashy… but man, does he convert. Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this! 💡 Key Takeaways: Chantry runs a $55M business in 32 hours/week—proof that efficiency and clarity beat hustle. His strength lies in preapproval mastery: in-person or Zoom, he builds deep trust and closes big. Transitioning from background operator to Rainmaker took pain, coaching, and purpose—but it was worth it. 33 agents closed deals with him last year—yet he’s adding 5 more intentionally to hit $60M. Trust Builders don’t need to cold call—they thrive on referrals, reputation, and retention. His debrief process after losing a client to rate-shopping? Powerful and practical. Guest Links: Guild Mortgage Branch Page LinkedIn – Chantry Abbott Southern Utah Mortgage Instagram – @chantabbott YouTube Channel 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/