MortgageStrong Insights by FirstTrust Home Loans | Podcast on RSS.com

MortgageStrong Insights by FirstTrust Home Loans

MortgageStrong Insights by FirstTrust Home Loans

by Glenn Strong

Careers Home and Garden

Season 4

Season 4 Episode 4 : Advocacy in Action

The May edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about advocacy, why it matters, and how the work happening behind the scenes can make a real difference for homebuyers, homeowners, and the communities FirstTrust serves. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with CFO Erika Martens for a practical conversation coming off Mortgage Action Alliance Action Week. Glenn and Erika talk through what mortgage advocacy really means in everyday terms, from helping lawmakers understand the ground-level impact of new rules to protecting consumers from confusion, cost, and unnecessary friction. They also break down recent advocacy wins like trigger leads, along with bigger topics still shaping the market, including credit scoring, affordability, insurance costs, housing supply, and access to credit. They also discuss why advocacy is not about cutting corners or avoiding oversight, but about doing things the right way, sharing real stories, and making sure the mortgage industry continues to serve customers and communities well.

Season 4 Episode 3: Leading Through Change

The April edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about community, leadership, and the growth happening right here at home. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Cain Nattin, Mayor of Sheridan, Arkansas, for a conversation about what it takes to lead a small town through change while keeping the heart of the community intact. Coming off a busy election season and a major move into FirstTrust’s new building, Glenn and Mayor Nattin talk through how business, schools, infrastructure, and relationships all tie together in a growing community. From street improvements and water challenges to grant funding, parks and recreation, and responsible growth, this episode gives a real look at the decisions shaping Sheridan’s future. They also discuss the importance of staying unified as a community, supporting public servants, and making sure growth happens the right way without losing what makes Sheridan special.

Season 4 Episode 2: Finish Line Confidence with the FirstTrust Closing Team

The February edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about the finish line and the team that makes it happen. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with the heart of the operation, our Closing Department. You’ll hear from Charity Carroll, Lindsey “Terry”, and Josclynn Allen as they walk through what a real day in closing looks like. From getting wires out the door early, to staying ahead with seven day CDs, to keeping loans moving when timelines shift fast, this episode gives a real look at the work that protects the borrower experience and keeps transactions on track. They also break down why our hybrid e sign process is such a better experience for borrowers and title partners, how trust and consistency with loan officers and title companies keeps everything smooth, and why teamwork in closing matters even more in 2026. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #Closings #HybridClosing #ESign #CustomerExperience #MortgageProcess #TitlePartners #TeamFirstTrust

Season 4 Episode 1: From Wins to What’s Next: 2025 Recap + 2026 Focus

January is here and so is the Mortgage Strong Podcast. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by his ride-or-die executive team — President Ben Paul, CFO Erika Martens, and COO Michelle Rocha — to recap a record-setting 2025 and talk about what’s ahead. The team shares big wins across the company, including FirstTrust Home Loans ranking #2 overall in Arkansas mortgage production, year-over-year company growth, and what it takes to keep building as an independent lender. Ben brings the numbers — including more than 3,200 homes closed. Erika dives into the behind-the-scenes work that makes Construction-to-Perm possible and the advocacy work that protects borrowers. And Michelle highlights the operational shifts and teamwork that helped keep turn times strong, averaging just over 21.8 days. They close with a forward-looking take on 2026: building momentum the right way, using AI to smooth workflows without losing the human touch, and a practical rate outlook heading into spring.

Season 3

Season 3 Episode 10 Processing, Underwriting, and the heart behind every loan.

Fall keeps moving and so does the Mortgage Strong Podcast. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Processing Manager Heather Griffin and Underwriting Manager Sam Deen for a behind the scenes conversation about how processing and underwriting work together to get loans to the finish line. Nearing the end of another record year in a less than perfect market, Glenn, Heather and Sam walk through what a “normal” day really looks like in processing and underwriting (spoiler alert, there is no such thing). They talk about why FirstTrust sticks with consistent teams and how open door communication with sales keeps things moving when the calendar and the pipeline are both packed. They also share how trust, flexibility and a strong culture have shaped their careers and the way their teams work together today. As this episode drops just after Thanksgiving, Glenn, Heather and Sam wrap up by sharing what they are most grateful for this year at home, inside the FirstTrust family and in the work they get to do helping borrowers into better financial situations and homes of their own. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MortgageOps #Processing #Underwriting #Thankful

Season 3 Episode 9 : Don’t Fear the Home Loan — First-Time Buyer Edition

This month, FirstTrust CEO Glenn Strong sits down with two special guests for a timely Halloween episode — our very own Madi Strom, who’s just starting her journey toward homeownership, and her loan officer Hunter Strong. Together, they unpack what can feel like a “scary” process for first-time buyers and prove that, with the right guidance, there’s nothing frightening about financing your first home. From common fears around credit, work history, and rejection, to understanding pre-approvals, payments, and choosing the right loan type, Glenn and Hunter break down how education and trust turn uncertainty into confidence. Madi shares her firsthand perspective of beginning the homebuying process, while Hunter explains how he approaches every new borrower — not as a sale, but as a partnership built on honest advice and financial understanding. This episode is a great listen for first-time buyers, realtors, and even seasoned homeowners who want to hear what today’s market feels like from the front lines. Tune in for a conversation that reminds us all: the only thing to fear in the mortgage world… is not getting started. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #FirstTimeBuyer #MortgageEducation #HomeBuyingJourney #MortgageTips #HomeOwnership

Season 3 Episode 8: Rates, Refinancing, and Real Advice with Ben Paul

The Mortgage Strong Podcast is back after a short summer break! FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by company President Ben Paul for the September edition, where they tackle the recent Fed rate cut and what it really means for mortgage rates. Glenn shares insight from day-to-day conversations with loan officers and customers, while Ben brings his data-driven perspective on where rates are headed. Together they break down when refinancing makes sense, why a small drop in rates isn’t always a win, and why Q4 2025 could be a great time for buyers to make their move. They also talk through how to run the numbers, think long-term, and keep perspective in a market still full of noise. And while AI tools are becoming more common, the reminder is clear: nothing replaces real human advice when it comes to life’s biggest financial decisions. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MarketUpdate #BackwardsMath #HomeBuying #RealTalk

Season 3 Episode 7: Leading from the Middle: A Conversation with the FirstTrust Ops Team

Summer keeps rolling, and so does the Mortgage Strong Podcast! FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by the powerhouse team behind FirstTrust operations: COO Michelle Rocha, Underwriting Manager Sam Deen, Appraisal Desk Manager Renae Austin, and Processing Manager Lisa Rhoden. Fresh off our annual OPS Rally, this episode dives into the heart of how our teams work together—building better communication, connecting across departments, and finding ways to customize our approach to every challenge. From DiSC personality insights to rally-day laughs, Glenn and the team share why culture and communication matter more than ever in mortgage today. Tune in to hear how the “unsung heroes” of FirstTrust keep things moving behind the scenes and why these lessons carry through every loan, every day! #MortgageStrong #DiSC #SmartMoves #CommunicationMatters #LeadershipInAction #TeamFirstTrust #BehindTheScenes

Season 3 Episode 6: Mid-Year Market Moves + Equity Options with Ben Paul

Summer is here, and so is the June edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast! FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by company President Ben Paul for a data-driven, real-talk conversation about what’s happening right now in the homebuying space. From market momentum to buyer psychology, this episode unpacks how today’s environment is quietly creating opportunity—if you know what to watch for. From affordability and equity to buyer timing, Glenn and Ben break down why some clients may want to act before rates move… not after. And for those staying put? There’s still plenty to explore, including smart ways to access home equity without touching your first mortgage. Tune in to hear more about FirstTrust’s new HELOC and Bridge Loan programs—crafted to meet real needs in a market that’s anything but average. Fast, digital, and built for flexibility, these new tools are reshaping how we serve. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, loan officer, or partner in the field, this episode is about taking stock, making smart moves, and staying Mortgage Strong.#MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #HELOC #HomeEquity #MarketUpdate #RealEstateMarket #HomeBuying

Season 3 Episode 5: Building Communities Through Advocacy with Erika Martens

This month, FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with CFO Erika Martens for a powerful conversation about the impact of mortgage advocacy — and why it matters more than ever. Erika shares how her journey started with local involvement and grew into a deeper mission, leading her to serve as Oklahoma’s advocacy chair and state captain for the Mortgage Action Alliance. She explains how housing policy shapes lives, how small efforts create real change, and why this work is ultimately about strengthening families and communities. As Erika sums it up best, quoting HUD’s Scott Turner: “Homes build families, and families build communities.” This episode is full of heart, clarity, and purpose — and a powerful reminder that anyone can make a difference. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MortgageAdvocacy #MortgageActionAlliance #MAAActionWeek #MBAAdvocacy

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