Take It To The Max!
Take It To The Max! is hosted by LaDonna Lockard, CEO of MaxClass, and features expert insights from top mortgage professionals. Each episode covers market trends, technology innovations, and strategies for loan officers, lenders, and industry executives. Listeners get practical advice and fresh perspectives to stay ahead in the mortgage business. The show is designed to help professionals accelerate their success.
Episodes
Resilience, Wealth & Responsibility: A New Path to Homeownership with Dr. Boyce Watkins
In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max, LaDonna Lockard welcomes Dr. Boyce Watkins for a thought-provoking conversation on financial education, resilience, and the realities of wealth-building in America. From overcoming early academic challenges to redefining how we approach opportunity, this episode challenges listeners to move beyond blame, embrace growth, and take ownership of their fi
Education Over Sales: Creating Opportunity in Mortgage with Corey Singleton
In this episode of Take It To The Max, LaDonna Lockard welcomes Corey Singleton, CEO of Inspired Mortgage and Chief Equity & Ethics Officer for BMPA, for a powerful conversation on equity, access, and legacy in homeownership. From navigating systemic barriers to redefining success through education instead of sales, this episode challenges lenders to rethink how they serve—and who they serve.
From Awareness to Action: Expanding Access to Homeownership with Rogelio Goertzen
In this episode of Take It To The Max, LaDonna Lockard welcomes Rogelio Goertzen for a powerful conversation on breaking barriers to homeownership through education, accessibility, and unified industry action. From language access and ITIN lending to leadership responsibility and the next generation of mortgage professionals, this episode challenges the industry to stop talking about the problem—a
From Conversation to Action: Closing the Homeownership Gap with Dr. Jennifer Gormer
In this episode of Take It To The Max, LaDonna Lockard sits down again with Dr. Jennifer Gormer to spotlight the growth of the Minority Homeownership Conference and the urgent work being done to expand access and equity in housing. From financial literacy and trust-building to AI, advocacy, and cross-industry collaboration, this conversation challenges mortgage professionals to move beyond awarene
Authenticity, Brand Strategy & the Future of Mortgage Marketing with Bri Lees
In this episode of Take It To The Max, LaDonna Lockard welcomes marketing strategist and fractional CMO Bri Lees for a candid conversation about the state of mortgage marketing and the leadership decisions shaping it. From executive branding and authentic content creation to the leadership accountability behind successful marketing strategies, this discussion challenges companies to rethink how th
Compliance, Compensation & Clarity with Jeana Lanktree
In this episode of Take It To The Max, MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard sits down with Jeana Lanktree, Director of Training and Compliance at MaxClass, to unpack the real-world impact of loan officer compensation rules and compliance challenges facing mortgage professionals today. From industry misconceptions to scalable compensation models and the future of regulation, this conversation delivers prac
From Commodity to Advisor: Elevating the Modern MLO with Tricia McIntosh, CFP®️
In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max, MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes former MLO turned educator Tricia McIntosh, CFP®️, for a deep dive into building sustainable, six-figure mortgage practices. From advisor-level positioning and gig economy niches to AI adoption and dismantling limiting beliefs, this conversation challenges originators to stop competing on rate and start competing
Advocacy in Action: Expanding Black Homeownership with Dr. Jennifer Gormer
In this special Black History Month episode of Take It To The Max, MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes Dr. Jennifer Gormer, President and CEO of Integrity Home Lending and founder of the Black Mortgage Professional Alliance, for a powerful conversation on leadership, equity, and action. From policy advocacy on Capitol Hill to tangible solutions for affordability and education, this episode highl
Private Capital, Real Impact: The Evolution of Modern Lending
In this episode of Take It To The Max, MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes Dave Gray, Vice President of Business Development at Anchor Loans, for a candid conversation about the modernization of private lending and its role in addressing the housing deficit. From relationship-driven capital strategy to representation in lending and real opportunities in ground-up construction, this episode unpac
Mortgage With a Mission: Closing the Homeownership Gap
In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max, MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard welcomes Jeremy Davis, President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp, for a deeply personal conversation about mission-driven lending and closing generational homeownership gaps. From community-first leadership and equitable product design to the idea of “mortgage nobility,” this episode challenges the industry to rethink how
Why Clean Data Comes Before AI in Mortgage Lending
In this episode of Take It To The Max, LaDonna Lockard welcomes back Brian Vieaux, President of MISMO, for a deep dive into why clean data and standardized workflows matter more than any new AI tool. From MISMO compliance and fintech partnerships to automation pitfalls and regulatory readiness, this conversation offers practical insight for lenders preparing to grow smarter in 2026 and beyond.
Building Access to Homeownership Through Education and Inclusion
In this episode of Take It To The Max, LaDonna Lockard sits down with Rogelio Goertzen, Founder and CEO of HOME (Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts), to discuss inclusion, education, and access in the mortgage industry. From language barriers and ITIN lending to financial literacy and leadership, this conversation highlights how building people and community is the key to expanding homeowne
Why 2026 Is a Year of Real Opportunity
In this powerful episode of Take It To The Max, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with returning guest Jeana Lanktree for a deep, forward-looking conversation about what’s really ahead for the mortgage and housing industry in 2026. From home affordability and evolving loan products to AI, income shifts, and the growing importance of human connection, this episode challenges conventional th
Building the Future of Mortgage Education with Elle Muse
In this forward-focused episode of Take It To The Max, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with Elle Muse, VP of Education at MaxClass, to talk innovation, compliance, and how education is evolving to meet a changing industry. From “sticky situations” to new professional development tracks, Elle reveals how MaxClass is shaping the next generation of mortgage professionals.
Leading with Heart: Authentic Networking with Jen Peachman
In this emotional and inspiring episode of Take It To The Max, CEO of MaxClass, LaDonna Lockard has Jen Peachman on to share her journey of balancing career growth, leadership, and motherhood while championing authenticity in an industry that often prizes polish over honesty. Discover how vulnerability and intention can transform not only your network, but your life.
Renewal Season: Compliance, Change, And The Future Of Housing
It’s renewal season — and MaxClass CEO LaDonna is here to make sure you don’t lose your license or your edge. Joined by Cerryia Lindberg, she covers key renewal reminders, lessons from MBA Annual, and a powerful look at how AI, layoffs, and leadership are reshaping the housing ecosystem heading into 2026.
Networking Through Education with Matt Gallant
In this episode of Take It To The Max, MaxClass CEO LaDonna Lockard sits down with Matt Gallant, Director of Member Engagement at the MBA, to explore how education fuels stronger networks and better leadership. Discover why empowering others through learning isn’t just good business — it’s the key to real professional growth.
Take It To The Max: The Three L’s Edition
For the first time ever, Take It To The Max welcomes two powerhouse guests in one episode. Liz Short and Lindsey Meyer join CEO of MaxClass, LaDonna Lockard, for the special “Three L’s” edition to share the story behind their new coauthored book Rethink Everything You Know About Networking. From how one authentic connection sparked a 26-person collaboration to the power of building relationships t
Rethink Networking: Jake Vermillion on Expanding Your Reach in a Shifting Market
In this episode of Take It To The Max!, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with Jake Vermillion to dive deep into how loan officers can strategically expand their networks in a challenging lending environment. From leveraging local partnerships to capitalizing on open houses and community marketing, Jake shares practical, time-tested strategies top producers are using to thrive.
Take It To The Max: Brian Vieaux on FinLocker, MISMO, and the Future of Housing
In this episode of Take It To The Max, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard talks with Brian Vieaux, currently President of FinLocker and soon-to-be President of MISMO. Brian discusses the transition, MISMO’s role in driving industry standards, and how initiatives around AI, collaboration, and affordability can transform the future of housing finance.
Taking It to the Max: Human Connection in Today’s Mortgage Market
In this episode, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard sits down with mortgage strategist Jeana Lanktree to discuss the biggest shifts in today’s lending landscape, from non-QM opportunities to creative affordability solutions. Together they explore why authenticity, kindness, and trust are more essential than ever for building lasting client relationships in the mortgage industry.
Jumping Into Marketing With Purpose
Marketing strategist DeLaine Nick reveals how an unexpected leap—literally—propelled her into an industry she never planned to join. In this conversation, she discusses leadership lessons from her father, the power of LinkedIn connections, and her mission to spotlight women shaping the future. She also highlights her “Coffee Chats That Connect” series, a platform for authentic voices and community
From Appraisal to Advocacy: How Heidi Belney is Revitalizing the Mortgage Industry
In this episode, CEO of MaxClass LaDonna Lockard, sits down with the dynamic and visionary Heidi Belney, a rising leader in the mortgage and fintech space whose journey into the industry was anything but conventional. From her accidental entry via an appraisal job to shaping impactful tech solutions and reinventing live events for the New Jersey MBA, Heidi shares a candid look at how she’s challen
Bridging The Trust Gap In Homeownership
Despite unprecedented access to information, many young Americans remain confused and unprepared for homeownership. Kristin Messerli, Executive Director of FirstHome IQ, highlights how financial education, early outreach, and community partnerships are essential to breaking generational cycles of financial exclusion on Take It To The Max with LaDonna Lockard. This candid interview reveals how tech
Reality Check for the 2025 Market
In this episode, LaDonna Lockard and Steven Wynands dig into real estate market shifts, noting a surprising flattening of 2025 home sales despite early optimism. They explore a surge in new real estate licenses and discuss how AI is transforming recruitment and personality analysis in the industry. It’s an energizing blend of market insight, personal updates, and tactical advice for anyone navigat
From Ice To Influence: Matthew Blackmer’s Journey
In this compelling episode of Take It To The Max, host LaDonna Lockard sits down with Matthew Blackmer, VP of Business Development at West Capital Lending, to explore his extraordinary journey from professional figure skating to leadership in the mortgage industry. Blackmer shares actionable strategies for growth, the value of human connection in business, and why representation and authenticity a
Advocacy and Heidi
From late-night flights to last-minute panels, LaDonna Lockard dives into the NJ MBA Regional with wit, heart, and a fierce love for industry advocacy. She highlights game-changing sessions, a puppy booth with purpose, and women like Heidi Belnay who are shaking up the space. With a nod to LGBTQIA+ pride and a call to action for youth engagement, this episode blends heart, hustle, and high-impact
Maximizing Growth in a Changing Market
In this engaging conversation, MaxClass’ CEO, LaDonna Lockard, and Customer Success and Ops Manager, Cerryia Lindberg, discuss how AI technologies are reshaping traditional business practices. They emphasize the importance of adapting and growing through continuous education. Learn how professionals can effectively navigate market shifts and thrive in an evolving landscape.
Mastering Connections: Jordan Wilde’s Unique Mortgage Consulting Approach
In this episode, host LaDonna Lockard chats with Jordan Wilde, CEO of JW Partner Solutions, to discuss his innovative approach to mortgage consulting. Wilde shares insights from his diverse career path, emphasizing the power of networking and technology-driven efficiency. Discover how he transforms complex industry challenges into thriving business opportunities.
Rocket-Proofing the Mortgage Industry: Insights from Brandon Christensen
LaDonna Lockard, CEO of MaxClass, chats with Brandon Christensen, Director of Education of MaxClass and an elite CE instructor, who returns with sharp, honest insights about today's mortgage market challenges and opportunities. From post-pandemic complacency to the rise of automation, he unpacks how loan officers can evolve, educate, and thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Building Trust Through Social Media
Brandon Treadway joins Take It To The Max host LaDonna Lockard to break down real strategies for building a strong personal brand online. From crafting effective video hooks to balancing professional and personal content, he shares insights on creating trust and lasting engagement. Whether you're new to social media or ready to level up, this conversation offers clear, actionable advice.
Why Advocacy Matters
In this episode, Jake Belter and LaDonna Lockard discuss the power of advocacy within the mortgage industry, leveraging professional associations for industry betterment, and how loan officers are missing out if they are not properly utilizing real estate and mortgage data analytics in their businesses.
The Power Of Meaningful Engagement
LaDonna Lockard talks with Lindsey Meyer about how showing up with purpose can lead to real relationships—and real results. Influence starts with intention, not a massive following.
Mortgage Market Shakeups And Opportunities
LaDonna Lockard and Brandon Christensen break down the latest mergers, policy shifts, and foreclosure trends impacting loan officers. With uncertainty comes opportunity—discover how to navigate these changes and support borrowers effectively.
Spring Loans And Tax Season Tips
As spring heats up, so does loan volume, and tax season can make or break a deal. LaDonna Lockard and Jeana Lanktree discuss key pitfalls to avoid, from tax filing delays to ensuring refund funds are in hand before closing.
AI’s Impact On Mortgage Tech With Chris Burks
Chris Burks, Head of Growth at Zietro, Inc., shares insights with LaDonna Lockard on AI-driven advancements in mortgage tech and how loan officers can benefit. He also addresses industry hesitancy and the importance of adopting new technology.
Survive 2025, Thrive Beyond!
With loan officer numbers down but home sales projected to rise, those who stay in the game could win big. Host LaDonna Lockard interviews Steven Wynands on industry shifts, securing agent relationships, and why “existing till ’26” could be the key to long-term success.
The Future Of Loan Officer Lead Generation
LaDonna Lockard, CEO of Maximum Acceleration, and Brian Vieaux, President and COO of FinLocker, discuss a powerful approach to lead generation that moves beyond traditional referrals. Learn how one loan officer leveraged webinars and technology to create long-term client relationships.
The Power of Personal Branding in Mortgage
LaDonna Lockard sits down with Dylan Latour, founder of Inkpress Digital, to discuss the importance of personal branding in the mortgage industry. He explains why now is the perfect time to create a digital footprint and how content can set professionals apart.
Building Success in Private Lending with Jeffrey Tesch
LaDonna Lockard, CEO of Maximum Acceleration, sits down with Jeffrey Tesch, CEO of RCN Capital, to uncover how RCN Capital started during the 2010 housing crisis and grew into a leader in private lending. They discuss the shift from fix-and-flips to rental investments, the future of the mortgage industry, and why company culture makes all the difference.
Taking Mortgage & Real Estate Data To The Max!
On this episode of Take It to the Max!, host and CEO of Maximum Acceleration, LaDonna Lockard talks with Steven Wynands, CEO of RETR, about the power of data in the mortgage and real estate industries. Steven shares his journey from government consulting to revolutionizing real estate data, revealing insights on loan officer-agent relationships, market trends, and the future of AI. If you're looki
The Future of Mortgage Tech and Talent
In this conversation, industry expert Coby Hakalir shares insights on the evolving role of technology in mortgage lending, the importance of recruiting young talent, and how AI is transforming loan origination. He also discusses the challenges of compliance, the impact of economic shifts, and the future of digital mortgage processes.
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