Leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about impact, influence, and the ability to scale your vision effectively.

In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Owen Lee, CEO of Success Mortgage Partners, to talk about what it really takes to lead in today’s mortgage industry. From building a strong personal brand to mastering delegation, Owen shares insights gained from years of experience as both a business leader and an industry advocate.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The Power of Personal Brand – Why top leaders focus on reputation, influence, and visibility.
✅ Effective Delegation – How to scale your business while empowering your team.
✅ Leading Through Industry Shifts – Owen’s take on the next 5-7 years in mortgage and real estate.
✅ The Role of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) – Why advocacy and participation in the industry matter now more than ever.
✅ Success Mortgage Partners’ Mission – How Owen leads with integrity and purpose, inspired by lessons from his father.

As a former MORPAC Chair and industry leader, Owen understands the challenges that mortgage professionals face in today’s changing landscape. He explains how local loan officers can thrive by leveraging relationships, technology, and strategic branding. This episode is packed with valuable leadership lessons that every mortgage professional, business owner, and industry advocate needs to hear!

"One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than ten men teaching it." This quote perfectly sums up Owen’s leadership philosophy—he doesn’t just talk about what makes a great leader, he lives it every day.

Sponsors & Resources:
We’re proud to be sponsored by Mortgage Connect and Aidium, two companies at the forefront of innovation in mortgage lending and technology. Be sure to check them out for solutions that can take your business to the next level!

Tune in now and discover what it takes to scale leadership, strengthen your brand, and lead with impact. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!

Welcome back to The MikedUp Show for our second installment of Season 4! Hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Candice McNaught, an Executive Sales Leader with more than 16 years of experience in the financial sector and current SVP at Planet Home Lending. Candice’s track record for driving measurable growth, mentoring high-performing teams, and forging strategic client relationships is unparalleled. Now she’s here to share her unique insights into thriving in the ever-evolving mortgage industry.

• Candice’s Blueprint for Success: Learn how she navigated the climb from entry-level positions to executive leadership, consistently delivering results through data-driven strategies and actionable insights.
• Leadership Essentials: Candice’s philosophy centers on building a culture of accountability, leveraging teamwork, and striving for excellence—whether rates are soaring or the market is in flux.
• Thriving in Tough Markets: From her stance on forging the right partnerships to optimizing processes, Candice shines a light on practical methods for staying ahead when times get challenging.
• Planet Home Lending’s Vision: Discover how Candice’s leadership style influences a more holistic approach to lending, transforming the daily grind into an opportunity for growth and long-term success.
  
  Episode Highlights
  1. Servant Leadership in Action: Why it’s crucial to “listen to understand” before you lead, and how that mindset empowers entire teams to overcome obstacles.
  2. Aligning Your Planets: The powerful analogy of aligning each “planet” in your business—teams, operations, and partnerships—to ensure smooth and strategic growth.
  3. 5-Yard Line vs. 1-Yard Line: Hear the hosts discuss how too many professionals stop just short of the finish line, missing out on what could be their biggest breakthroughs.
  4. Raising Your Hand: Candice stresses the importance of asking for help, whether it’s from senior leadership, peers, or new partners. Growth flourishes when communication is open and transparent.
  5. Throughout this conversation, you’ll gain a firsthand look at what it means to combine vision and execution—turning data into action and resilience into results. Whether you’re a seasoned mortgage professional, a rising star in sales, or simply someone driven to make a bigger impact in your field, this episode offers a roadmap to up-level your game. Our Sponsors

     We’re proud to be sponsored by Mortgage Connect and Aidium. Both organizations are industry leaders committed to raising the bar in lending and customer service. Be sure to check out their latest solutions for better workflows, improved customer experiences, and strategic insights that can help elevate your entire operation.

Link to buy the book : https://amzn.oia.bio/ks235
Find the 7 Principles here : https://postimg.cc/RNrn3WST

In this Season 4 premiere of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau welcome Stanley C. Middleman, Founder and CEO of Freedom Mortgage—one of the nation’s largest full-service mortgage companies. Titled “Seeing Around Corners,” this episode shines a spotlight on Stanley’s approach to entrepreneurship, resilience, and purposeful action.

Stanley reflects on his decades-long career—beginning with Freedom Mortgage’s founding in 1990 and growing it into a top U.S. originator and servicer. He also discusses his commitment to community, having served on non-profit boards like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Along the way, Stanley has navigated market swings and regulatory complexities, championing the idea that true success involves “doing things on purpose.”

During the conversation, you’ll hear about:

• The 7 Principles that form the backbone of Stanley’s entrepreneurial mindset
• Moments of unexpected change—from restaurant ventures to major mortgage industry pivots
• The importance of maintaining a forward-thinking (“seeing around corners”) perspective in volatile markets
• How adversity can spark reinvention, provided you’re dedicated to consistent, strategic effort
• Why Stanley first documented his insights for his children and grandchildren, and what it means to leave a legacy of knowledge

From recognizing revenue-generating activities to mapping out your week in advance, Stanley’s guidance offers practical tools for professionals and dreamers alike. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes anecdotes about learning from mistakes, negotiating with challenging landlords, and staying resilient when everything seems to “rain down” all at once.

Beyond running a thriving business, Stanley remains deeply engaged with industry boards. He’s served on the Mortgage Bankers Association Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG), as well as advisory boards for Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ellie Mae. His numerous awards—including recognition as a top CEO by South Jersey Business Magazine—further underscore his influence on the mortgage landscape.

Prepare to discover how Stanley Middleman’s experiences can help you anticipate challenges, optimize your strategy, and strengthen your leadership approach. Whether you’re a loan officer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves hearing success stories, you’ll find this chat both enlightening and inspiring. Stanley proves that real growth, personal or professional, rarely happens by accident—it’s the result of measured planning and an unwavering commitment to progress.

Sponsored By: Mortgage Connect
Be sure to visit Mortgage Connect for comprehensive mortgage solutions that streamline processes and optimize your lending operations. Their cutting-edge services mirror the innovative spirit we celebrate on The MikedUp Show.

Join Michael, Michael, and Stanley for this deep dive into purposeful leadership, staying ahead of the curve, and building a lasting legacy—starting now, on The MikedUp Show!