What the M

Episode 68 - The Last Question (Season 4 Finale)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the season 4 finale of What the M!

This season, Kent and Steve have interviewed amazing, thoughtful, and brilliant guests. Each guest has been uniquely qualified to speak about different aspects of the default servicing industry, and has provided valuable information to What the M’s listeners. Each guest is unique, but they all have one thing in common: they all got to answer “The Last Question.”

At the end of each episode, Kent and Steve ask their guest: “If you could go back in time and talk with the 20-year-old version of yourself, what advice would you give that young man/woman?” The answers were so fascinating, funny, and unpredictable, that we decided there was no better way to close out the season than with a compilation of the collective wisdom of these responses!

We hope you enjoy this season finale of our fourth season of What the M as much as we did. Season 5 of What the M will air in September, so stay tuned!

If you are interested in appearing on What the M, or have an idea for an episode, you can contact us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

You can listen to What the M at the link below, or wherever you listen to podcasts! If you enjoy listening to What the M, please rate, review and subscribe.

A huge thank you to our Season 4 sponsor, Black Dome Services. Black Dome Services is a next-generation property services provider, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of their clients. From property inspections, preservation, maintenance, renovations and various other interior and exterior property related services, you have a trusted leader dedicated to delivering exceptional results and maximizing the value of your properties. For more information, please visit their website at www.blackdomeservices.com or email Vic Draper at Victor.Draper@blackdomeservices.com.

Episode 67 - Joe Lara

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The 67th episode of What the M features Joe Lara, founder of Find the X, plus a tribute to Ingrid Jaschok, a giant of the industry who we lost last week, by Michael Merritt.

In this episode, Kent and Steve sit down with Joe to discuss his company, Find The X LLC. Find the X is a veteran-owned business that provides leadership development, talent development, and career transition support for organizations operating in complex, high-responsibility environments. Find the X helps leaders strengthen decision-making, build trust across teams, and navigate key career moments with clarity and purpose.

Welcome to What the M, Joe!

Episode 66 - Talia Ramirez

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The 66th episode of What the M features Talia Ramirez, President of Spectrum Solutions Acquisitions LLC.

In this episode, Kent and Steve talk to Talia about her journey in the mortgage default servicing industry. Talia is well known within the industry for her incredible skills, including problem-solving, developing smarter ways to increase efficiency and productivity across teams, and helping teams and companies overcome obstacles. Talia’s mantra, “Be bold! Stop asking if you belong. Start operating like you built the table,” is great advice for all women in the industry.

Welcome to What the M, Talia!

Episode 65 - Sam Hantosh

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0600

The 65th episode of What the M features Sam Hantosh, Real Estate Broker at RE/MAX Team 2000.

In this episode, Kent and Steve sit down with Sam to talk about what Real Estate Owned (“REO”) Sales are and what it is like to be the boots on the ground— from securing possession, to getting a property ready to market, to securing a sale. The REO process is a vital part of the finalization of the foreclosure process, and it takes not only a lot of work but a lot of skill to assist servicers in getting these properties sold. Sam has been a longtime participant in the REO market in Michigan, who brings with him a great deal of experience, know-how and advice. Most listeners of What the M see REO from the servicing or asset management side; on today’s episode, Sam talks to Kent and Steve about what actually happens once the property hits the market.

Welcome to What the M, Sam!

Episode 64 - John Dunnery Returns

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0600

The 64th episode of What the M features John Dunnery, Loan Servicing Manager at Compu-Link Corporation.

Another longtime friend of the show is back for his 2nd visit! John Dunnery returns to What the M and, as always, brings a wealth of valuable information with him. This time around, John is here to discuss reverse mortgages: the differences between reverse and more traditional “forward” mortgages, the regulatory and compliance hurdles that reverse mortgage servicers face, and other unique aspects of this growing industry.

John Dunnery has a BA from Boston University, a Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a JD from the University of Tulsa. He has held senior loan servicing roles with Pacific Union Financial, JP Morgan Chase, Wachovia, and Mr. Cooper, as well as serving as a Senior Director of NSO within Fannie Mae.

Welcome BACK to What the M, John!

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Episode 63 - Marcel Bryar Returns

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0600

The 63rd episode of What the M features Marcel Bryar, Founder and Managing Director of Mortgage Policy Advisors, LLC.

A longtime friend of the show is back for his 2nd visit! Marcel Bryar’s 25+ years of experience in mortgage operations, regulation, and policy oversight make him an invaluable industry resource. We feel incredibly fortunate to have him back on the show to share his thoughts on the rise of contested litigation in default servicing, the challenges servicers face with compensation, and the importance of effectively communicating these complexities to jurors (along with, of course, his latest thoughts on the World Cup!)

Welcome BACK to What the M, Marcel!

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Episode 62 - Kevin Shivers

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The 62nd episode of What the M features Kevin Shivers, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers.

In this episode, Kent, Steve, and Kevin take a closer look at the community banking industry. Community banks throughout the United States are a backbone of small community banking, lending and financial services to many. In these ever-changing times of the financial world, one area of growth and strength continues to be community banks – the local branch right on Main Street in your hometown.

Welcome to What the M, Kevin!

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Episode 61 - The Year in Review

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0600

The 61st episode of What the M features Kent McPhail and Steve Hladik wrapping up 2025 with a year-end review. Check it out to find out what happened- and didn’t happen- in the default servicing industry this year, along with what Kent and Steve predict is next to come in 2026!

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Episode 60 - Gina Dascola

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The 60th episode of What the M features Sergeant Gina Dascola, retired from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and founder of Dascola Consulting, LLC.

In this episode, Sgt. Gina Dascola shares her 40 years of experience with the foreclosure sheriff sale process in Pennsylvania. While emphasizing the importance of due diligence and discussing the challenges faced during live sales, Gina also shares the impact of technology on the sales process, the effects of economic crises on foreclosure rates, and the common misconceptions surrounding the sheriff's role in the process. As she transitions into consulting, Gina offers valuable advice to her younger self, encouraging resilience and confidence in the face of challenges. We are very lucky to have Gina's expertise featured on the show, and we know that listeners will gain valuable insight from “the Dean of foreclosures in Pennsylvania”!

Welcome to What the M, Gina!

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Episode 59 - Glenn Brooks

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The 59th episode of What the M features Glenn Brooks, President of Genstone Asset Disposition.

In this episode, Glenn shares his journey into the industry, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped his career over the past three decades. Glenn also discusses the current state of the REO market with Kent and Steve and shares his predictions for the future, including the role of technology and AI in streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

Glenn Brooks leads the Asset Disposition business unit at The Fay Group, where he oversees the team responsible for helping clients maximize returns while mitigating losses on REO. Earlier in his career, Glenn held several leadership roles at Eastern Savings Bank. He also spent 10 years as a licensed General Contractor, owned a mortgage brokerage, and managed a title company operating in 18 states. With more than 30 years of experience in property preservation, construction, REO, and foreclosure management, Glenn brings a deep understanding of asset performance, value recovery, and operational efficiency.

Welcome to What the M, Glenn!

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Episode 58 - John Bell

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0600

For the 58th episode of What the M, Kent McPhail and Steve Hladik honor John Bell, a titan of the mortgage industry and dedicated public servant.

John Bell III attended Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee before spending more than 15 years in the private sector, including serving as the Vice President of VA Real Estate Management at Bank of America. John was a Navy Veteran who served in both the Gulf War and Operation Restore Hope. This background made John uniquely suited for his most recent position as Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty program. Since 1945, the VA program has backed more than 25 million loans and currently holds a 12% share of the total single-family market in the United States. John’s passion for the program and its benefit to our servicemembers shines through in his conversation with Kent and Steve. Press “play” to meet the man John Dunnery calls “the most innovative person who has been at the VA in the last 40 years, AND the best government hire of the past 40 years.”

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Episode 57 - Steve Hladik talks FAPA

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:00:00 -0500

In the 57th episode of “What The M,” hosts Kent McPhail and Steve Hladik dive into the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA). Steve, taking the guest seat, breaks down what FAPA is, why it was enacted, and how its retroactive application has created major challenges for lenders, investors, and servicers. From constitutional implications under the Takings Clause to ripple effects on the secondary market and loan originations, Kent and Steve explore how this controversial law could change the mortgage industry across the country.

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Episode 56 - Michael Merritt

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

The 56th episode of What the M features Michael Merritt, Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Default Mortgage Servicing at BOK Financial.

A longtime friend of the show is back for his 3rd visit! Michael Merritt has returned to What the M. This time around, he is here to share his thoughts on the topic of the new HUD bidding guidelines and their impact on the industry. Michael is the Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Default Mortgage Servicing at BOK Financial. Michael attended Arizona State University, where he got his BA in Organizational Leadership (Go Sun Devils!) He then received his MBA from Texas Tech and his Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from Texas A&M. Michael worked at Nationstar Mortgage and Goldman Sachs prior to moving to BOK.

Welcome BACK to What the M, Michael!

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Episode 55 - LeAllen Frost

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The 55th episode of What the M features LeAllen Frost, Executive Vice President & Deputy General Counsel - Head of Litigation at Pennymac.

It’s that time again… for a new episode of What the M! Kent and Steve are excited to be joined by LeAllen Frost, Deputy General Counsel at Pennymac—a top lender and servicer that has helped more than five million homeowners achieve their aspirations of homeownership.

In this episode, Kent, Steve, and LeAllen take a closer look at the legal side of mortgage default servicing: how regulation is evolving, how borrowers are impacted, and what the future holds for compliance, risk management, and innovation within the industry. LeAllen shares insights from his extensive career, offering a unique perspective on the future of mortgage servicing. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the legal intricacies and innovations shaping the industry today!

With 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, LeAllen Frost is a seasoned and versatile litigation, regulatory, and compliance counsel who handles class action litigation, regulatory investigations, and employee management. He is passionate about providing effective and efficient legal services to Pennymac, public speaking and legal education. LeAllen founded and organizes the Mortgage Servicing In-House Counsel Forum, a network of mortgage attorneys who host conferences and CLE events focused on legal issues related to mortgage and consumer finance. He is also a regular speaker at industry conferences, and teaches legal writing training to corporate departments and law firms.

Welcome to What the M, LeAllen!

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Episode 54 - Rick Sharga & Daren Blomquist

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The 54th episode of What the M features Rick Sharga, CEO and President of the CJ Patrick Company, and Daren Blomquist, Vice President of Market Economics at Auction.com.

It’s that time again… for a new SEASON of What the M!

Over the first three seasons of What the M, Kent and Steve have been fortunate enough to interview an incredible roster of talented professionals about their insights and predictions for the default servicing industry. To kick off Season 4, they have brought in two experts to talk about economic trends from the past year, analyze the labor market and unemployment rates, and explore the impact of federal policies on the housing market. The conversation also delves into consumer behavior, investor sentiment, and the challenges posed by rising homeownership costs. As they look ahead, the guests share their predictions for the mortgage market and offer advice for navigating the complexities of the economy.

Rick Sharga is one of the country’s most frequently-quoted sources on real estate, mortgage, and foreclosure trends. Rick is the CEO and President of the CJ Patrick Company, a company that specializes in market intelligence for companies in the real estate and mortgage industries. Rick has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, previously serving in executive roles for Realty Trac, Carrington Mortgage Holdings, Ten-X, and Auction.com. He is also a founding member of the Five Star Institute’s National Mortgage Servicing Association.

Daren Blomquist is the Vice President of Market Economics at Auction.com. Daren is a former Senior Vice President of Communications at ATTOM Data Solutions, where he reported on housing trends, cash and investor purchases, housing risks, default trends, and more. These reports have been cited by thousands of media outlets nationwide, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA TODAY. Daren also served as Executive Editor of the Housing News Report, which was named best newsletter by the National Association of Real Estate Editors in 2015 and 2016. In 2019, Daren transitioned to Auction.com, where he focuses on analyzing and forecasting complex macro and micro-economic data trends within the real estate market and industry.

Welcome BACK to What the M, Rick and Daren!

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Episode 53 - The Last Question (Season 3 Finale)

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the season 3 finale of What the M!

We hope you enjoy this season finale of our third season of What the M as much as we did. Season 4 of What the M will air in September, so stay tuned!

If you are interested in appearing on What the M, or have an idea for an episode, you can contact us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Episode 52 - Gina Gallutia and David Mulkay

Fri, 23 May 2025 13:00:00 -0500

The 52nd episode of What the M features Gina Gallutia, Executive Membership Director of the Five Star Institute, and David Mulkay, Director of Legal League. Gina and David are long-time friends of the podcast and stopped by to discuss the benefits of Five Star and Legal League, trends in the default servicing industry, and upcoming industry events. With their extensive experience in- and knowledge of- the default industry, Gina and David have seen it all and have extremely valuable insights to share. We are fortunate to have them as our guests today!

Welcome to What the M, Gina and David!

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A huge thank you to our Season 3 sponsor, Black Dome Services. Black Dome Services is a next-generation property services provider, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of their clients. From property inspections, preservation, maintenance, renovations and various other interior and exterior property related services, you have a trusted leader dedicated to delivering exceptional results and maximizing the value of your properties. For more information, please visit their website at www.blackdomeservices.com or email Vic Draper at Victor.Draper@blackdomeservices.com.

Episode 51 - A Fireside Chat with Kent and Steve

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

For the 51st episode of What the M, Kent and Steve have a "fireside chat" about the economy, current regulatory conditions… and whether you should use ChatGPT for your March Madness bracket! Listen on for up-to-the-moment updates about the default servicing industry.

Steve Hladik is a Partner at Hladik, Onorato, and Federman, LLP. He received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University (Let’s Go State!), before going on to Widener University for law school, where he graduated with honors. Upon graduation, Steve went to work for the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, handling UDAP, FDCPA, RESPA, and TILA cases. Steve is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado, New Mexico, and Michigan.

Kent McPhail is the Founder and Senior Partner of McPhail Sanchez, LLC. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi (To the Top!) and his JD from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Upon graduation, Kent worked as in-house counsel with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi. After settling in Mobile, Alabama, Kent practiced with a private creditor law firm for three years. This led him to open his own default servicing firm in 1994, which has been thriving ever since. Kent is licensed to practice law in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Tennessee.

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Episode 50 - Walter Mullen & Michael Keaton

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0600

The 50th episode of “What the M” features Walter Mullen and Michael Keaton from Onity Group, Inc.

This episode focuses on the changes taking place on a state and federal level within the default servicing industry, the record-high credit debt and auto loan defaults that Americans currently face, and the use of technology within the industry. We are extremely fortunate to have Walt and Michael as our guests this week, as they have an enormous amount of experience with, and insight into, the current state of the default servicing industry.

Walt Mullen has over 25 years experience in the mortgage default and real estate related industries. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Onity Group, and is a member of their executive leadership team. Michael Keaton has over 30 years experience in the financial and default servicing industry and is the Senior Vice President of Sub-Servicing Business Development at Onity Group.

Welcome to What the M, Walt and Michael!

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Episode 49 - Michael Merritt Returns

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0600

The 49th episode of “What the M” features the return of Michael Merritt, Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Default Mortgage Servicing at BOK Financial.

This time around on "What the M," Michael is here to share his thoughts on the topic of AI in the servicing industry. Michael is the Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Default Mortgage Servicing at BOK Financial. Michael attended Arizona State University, where he got his BA in Organizational Leadership (Go Sun Devils!) He then received his MBA from Texas Tech and his Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from Texas A&M. Michael worked at Nationstar Mortgage and Goldman Sachs prior to moving to BOK.

Having been in the mortgage servicing industry for over two decades and being an early adopter of AI, Michael has valuable insight to share on the use and the future of GEN-AI within the industry.

Welcome BACK to What the M, Michael!

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Episode 48 - Dusten Hendrickson

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0600

The 48th episode of “What the M” features Dusten Hendrickson, Founder and CEO of Mailbox Money.

Mailbox Money specializes in transforming real estate development through strategic land selection, wellness-focused design, and innovative project leadership. Dusten’s expertise extends to real estate syndication, working closely with partners to structure impactful, high-yield opportunities for investors. He is deeply committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis by developing sustainable, high-quality housing solutions that meet the needs of diverse communities.

This episode focuses on the critical issue of the nation’s housing shortage, and what steps and initiatives can and are being undertaken to overcome this shortage. Dusten’s expertise in creating innovative solutions for affordable housing makes him the perfect guest to discuss this topic, and we are grateful to him for sharing his insight with us and our listeners today.

Welcome to What the M, Dusten!

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Episode 47 - Ty Miller

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600

The 47th episode of “What the M” features Ty Miller, Managing Director at Annaly Capital Management.

Ty graduated from Missouri State University (Go Bears!) with a BS in Psychology and Management. He has held executive leadership roles in operations management, sales leadership, and default administration. Before going to work for Annaly Capital, he spent more than a decade as Vice President of Servicer Performance and Relationship Management at Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC).

Ty’s 28-year history in the mortgage default servicing industry has given him invaluable insights into the industry, which we are very grateful he is sharing with us and our listeners!

In addition to working for the world’s largest real estate investment trust, Ty also has a huge heart. Ty and his wife Judy own a rescue farm where they take in and care for sick or injured animals including horses, donkeys, goats, and cows. There, the animals are treated, taken care of, and loved as they live out their lives in peace as Ty and Judy’s pets.

Welcome to What the M, Ty!

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Episode 46 - The Year in Review

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0600

The 46th episode of “What the M” features Kent McPhail and Stephen Hladik with a year-end wrap up of 2024.

Check it out to find out what happened (and didn't happen!) in the default servicing industry in 2024, and what Kent and Steve predict is next to come in 2025!

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Episode 45 - Jenny Lee and Matt Watson

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0600

The 45th episode of “What the M” features Matt Watson, President of LegalFee Consultants, LLC and Jenny Lee, Senior Consultant for LegalFee Consultants, LLC.

Today’s episode is about a challenge many law firms face daily: the managing of their invoicing processes, hidden costs of inefficiencies in those processes, and how their companies seek to unlock revenue for firms through smarter billing practices.

Both Matt and Jenny have been in the mortgage servicing industry for more than 20 years and have worked in all aspects of the business, from loan production to law firms to servicers. Their experience in the industry has made them experts in the field of legal billing processes, and we are fortunate to be able to share their expertise with our listeners!

Welcome to What the M, Matt & Jenny!

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Episode 44 - Matt Reilly

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0600

The 44th episode of “What the M” features Matt Reilly, Business Development Specialist at Stonecrest Financial.

Matt received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He moved into the mortgage industry working with Empire Mortgage, Inc. Since 2009, he has been with Stonecrest Financial, where he works in an alternative investment group and asset management, focused on real estate lending and distressed acquisition funds. He is the head of the loan acquisition group and currently sources deals for their lending group.

Matt is well-versed in dealing with hard-to-manage assets, and has a proven track record of obtaining positive results for investors. He is the perfect guest to ask about secondary markets, how they work, and how assets are managed. He, Kent and Steve, also discuss how interest rates are affecting loan originations, and how smaller asset investors can be very creative in resolving non performing loans and issues relating to them.

Welcome to What the M, Matt!

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Episode 43 - James Lee

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0600

The 43rd episode of “What the M” features James "Jim" Lee, President and CEO of Susquehanna Polling & Research, Inc. and Owner of the Bartlett Group.

Susquehanna Polling and Research (SP&R) is a nationally recognized survey, research, and polling firm headquartered in Pennsylvania. Founded in 2000, SP&R includes a team of research associates with more than 50 years of combined experience, including telephone agents, focus group recruiters and other consultants. SP&R specializes in a full range of research services for businesses and state agencies, national and state trade associations, hospitals and health systems, candidates for public office and media outlets. The firm conducts polling in more than thirty states.

SP&R’s publicly released polling has been quoted in numerous national platforms including FOX News, MSNBC, CNN, the Rush Limbaugh radio program, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and USA Today. SP&R was profiled by CBS’s Inside Edition on two separate episodes for its unmatched accuracy in the 2020 battleground polling. The nationally- acclaimed polling aggregator Real Clear Politics (www.realclearpolitics.com) rated SP&R the #1 most accurate polling firm in the nation for its accuracy in the 2020 presidential election in multiple states.

Jim’s extensive experience makes him the perfect guest for Kent and Steve to ask about the November 5, 2024 election, specifically how polling is trending in battleground states, what we learned about polling from the 2016 election, and much more. We are thrilled to have him on the show!

Welcome to What the M, Jim!

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Episode 42 - Gary Seitz

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0500

The 42nd episode of “What the M” features Gary Seitz, Chapter 7 Panel Trustee in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Gary graduated with his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1986. While obtaining his law degree, he studied at the Shanghai Law Research Institute in the Peoples Republic of China and the Betham House Faculty of Laws of the University of London. Gary then obtained his Master’s Degree in Admiralty and Maritime Law from Tulane University.

Gary has extensive experience in the handling of bankruptcy matters. In 1999, he was appointed by the United States Trustee (U.S. Department of Justice) to the Panel of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He has also served as Trustee in Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases in New Jersey and Delaware. From 2006 to 2013, he chaired the Bankruptcy and Business Finance Practice Group in the Philadelphia and Wilmington offices of Rawle & Henderson LLP. In 2013, he established the Philadelphia office of Gellert Seitz Busenkell & Brown LLC, where he remains today.

Gary’s decades of experience in the industry make him the perfect guest to discuss the role of Trustees in bankruptcy cases, legal issues the industry is currently facing, and much more. We are thrilled to welcome him to the show.

Welcome to What the M, Gary!

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Episode 41 - Making a Difference: A Lifetime of Inspiring Mentors

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0500

The 41st episode of “What the M” features Kent McPhail, Senior Partner of McPhail Sanchez, LLC.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Kent’s law firm, McPhail Sanchez, What the M co-host Stephen Hladik interviewed Kent about his mentors, motivation, and milestones. Listen in to hear about the family, friends, teachers, and colleagues whose life lessons have inspired Kent and truly made a difference. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Episode 40 - Rick Sharga & Daren Blomquist Return

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The 40th episode of “What the M” features the return of Rick Sharga and Daren Blomquist.

In the first 2 seasons of What the M, Kent and Steve were fortunate enough to interview an incredible roster of talented professionals about their insights and predictions for the default servicing industry. To kick off season 3, they have brought in two experts to talk about economics and housing trends: are home prices starting to decline? What are the current trends at foreclosure bidding sales? And the biggest question of all- how will the November 2024 election affect these trends?

Welcome BACK to What the M, Rick and Daren!

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Episode 39 - The Last Question (Season 2 finale)

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 13:00:00 -0500

The 39th episode of “What the M” features ALL of our wonderful season two guests!

Welcome to the season 2 finale of What the M! This season, Kent and Steve have interviewed amazing, thoughtful, and brilliant guests. Each guest has been uniquely qualified to speak about different aspects of the default servicing industry, and has provided valuable information to What the M’s listeners. Each guest is unique, but they all have one thing in common: they all got to answer “The Last Question.”

We hope you enjoy this season finale of our second season of What the M as much as we did. Season 3 of What the M will air in September, so stay tuned!

If you are interested in appearing on What the M, or have an idea for an episode, you can contact us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

If you enjoy listening to What the M, please rate, review and subscribe, wherever you listen to podcasts!

Episode 38 - Jodi Gaines

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0500

The 38th episode of “What the M” features Jodi Gaines, Chief Executive Officer at Claims Recovery Financial Services (CRFS).

Jodi began her career as an insurance claims clerk at Anchor Mortgage Services in 1989, where she became enamored with the mortgage servicing industry. In 2002, she created CRFS- a company which has since grown to over 600 employees- at her kitchen table. In 2019, Jodi left CRFS to work on other initiatives, including joining the New York MBA and working her way through the ranks of the Executive Board up to President. She has since returned to her role at CRFS as Owner and CEO. CRFS is a vendor and service provider to servicers, sub-servicers, and investors within the mortgage industry. Among other services, CRFS partners with clients to help them recover funds they are owed from HUD from any property that has gone through loss mitigation or foreclosure.

Jodi’s 35-year history in the mortgage servicing industry makes her uniquely suited to explain the evolution of the claims process, from technology to the latest loss mitigation developments, and we are fortunate to have her on the show!

Welcome to What the M, Jodi!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Guardian Asset Management is THE one-stop shop for lenders, servicers, hedge funds, residential and commercial property investors, and government entities that need a full suite of property management solutions under one roof.

Episode 37 - Joe Culver & Jeff Pinard

Thu, 30 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500

The 37th episode of “What the M” features Joe Culver and Jeff Pinard.

This week, we zigged instead of zagged! Typically, What the M does not focus episodes on state-specific issues; however, the current regulatory environment in New York merits a departure from our usual format.

In this episode, we address the current legislative impact on statutes of limitation, the overall foreclosure environment, pending legislation and its impact on the mortgage marketplace, and lastly the New York Mortgage Bankers Association’s role in addressing all of the above. We are fortunate to have two guests who are uniquely qualified to speak on these topics: Joe Culver, the Executive Director of the New York Mortgage Bankers Association, and Jeff Pinard, the current President of the New York Mortgage Bankers Association.

Welcome to What the M, Joe and Jeff!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 36 - Steve Paton

Fri, 10 May 2024 14:00:00 -0500

The 36th episode of “What the M” features Steve Paton, CEO of Universal Component Lender Services (UCLS).

Steve has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Finance from Sacramento State University. He has held senior leadership positions at JP Morgan Chase, Marix Servicing, Carrington Mortgage Services, and SingleSource Property Solutions. He then founded Distinguished Mortgage Services before moving to his current position as Chief Executive Officer of UCLS.

Steve’s 30+ years in the default servicing industry has given him invaluable insight into the complexity and gravity of servicers’ responsibilities, and he is graciously sharing that insight with us today.

Welcome to What the M, Steve!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management - Guardian Asset Management is THE one-stop shop for lenders, servicers, hedge funds, residential and commercial property investors, and government entities that need a full suite of property management solutions under one roof.

Episode 35 - Cesar Hernandez

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0500

The 35th episode of “What the M” features Cesar Hernandez, CEO of Agility 360.

Cesar received his Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and has now been in the mortgage and default servicing industry for nearly three decades. He began his career as an Asset Manager at Goldman Sachs. He then became the Chief Administrative Officer and Board Member at Wingspan Portfolio Advisors, where his functions and responsibilities included corporate development, client management, vendor management, compliance, operational efficiency, and corporate financial planning and forecasting. Cesar also has extensive experience deploying and managing large outsourcing relationships in the banking, real estate, energy, healthcare, and technology industries. Since founding Agility 360, Cesar has served as its Chief Executive Officer for the past ten years.

Cesar’s 28-year history in the default servicing industry has given him invaluable insight into the past, present, and future of mortgage-related finance, and he is graciously sharing that insight with us today.

Welcome to What the M, Cesar!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Guardian Asset Management is *the* one-stop shop for lenders, servicers, hedge funds, residential and commercial property investors, and government entities that need a full suite of property management solutions under one roof.

Episode 34 - Courtney Thompson

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The 34th episode of “What the M” features Courtney Thompson, Executive Vice President and Head of Servicing at CMG Financial.

Courtney has a BA from Western Michigan University and a JD from Michigan State University. She began her career at Maddin Hauser Roth & Heller, PC. She has been in the mortgage and default servicing industry for over 19 years and was the SVP of Servicing at Flagstar Bank and the Chief Product Officer at Sagent. She then founded Consigliera, a consulting firm for default servicers.

A true innovator and self-confessed “participator,” Courtney is committed to developing large-scale strategies for the entire servicing industry. She believes strongly that a consumer-first strategy and transparency in the default mortgage servicing industry benefit investors, servicers, and consumers.

Courtney’s vision for the default servicing industry is a true breath of fresh air, and her interview is a must-listen!

Welcome to What the M, Courtney!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 33 - Rick Hicks

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0500

The 33rd episode of “What the M” features Renardo “Rick” Hicks from Eckert Seamans, LLC.

Rick received his BA in Government from Hamilton College, his JD from Northeastern University, his LLM from Temple University. Rick also holds honorary Doctorate degrees from Allen University, Central Pennsylvania College, Morris Brown College, and Turner Theological Seminary.

Prior to joining Eckert Seamans, Rick served as Chief Counsel at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, a role in which he served as advisory and enforcement legal counsel involving gas, electric, telephone and water utilities in state and federal courts and agencies. He also managed the Commission’s Law Bureau, with additional responsibility for drafting policies, procedures and regulations from concept to implementation. Rick previously served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Executive Deputy Attorney General and Director of the Public Protection Division within the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Rick’s extensive experience within the arena of consumer protection and consumer advocacy makes him uniquely suited to discuss this week’s show topic, consumer protection laws and their enforcement at the state and federal level.

Welcome to What the M, Rick!

Episode 32 - Mark Calabria

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0500

The 32nd episode of “What the M” features Mark Calabria. Mark is an author, advisor, economist, and the former Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

Mark received his BA in Economics, as well as his PHD in Economics, from George Mason University. He then worked as a Senior Staff Member for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. From 2009 to 2017, he was the Director of Financial Regulation Studies at the Cato Institute. From 2017 through 2019, he was the Chief Economist to the Vice President of the United States. In 2019, he became the Director of the FHFA.

Mark is currently the Managing Director of SEDA, an elite expert witness firm specializing in financial services. We are honored that Mark took the time to sit down with us and share his insights regarding Covid’s effect on the housing market, which is the subject of his fascinating new book, “Shelter from the Storm: How a Covid Mortgage Meltdown was Averted.”

Welcome to What the M, Mark!

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“This is a story about how you can directly help Main Street without bailing out Wall Street.”

https://www.amazon.com/Shelter-Storm-Mortgage-Meltdown-Averted/dp/1952223563

The COVID-19 pandemic upended our daily lives and transformed the political landscape. The crisis was not only an unprecedented shock to our health care system but also an unprecedented threat to our economic well-being, including the mortgage and housing markets. While the primary focus of the federal response was appropriately on public health, a critical aspect of that response was the efforts to keep families in their homes.

Despite the reforms following the 2008 financial crisis, our financial markets were not prepared. March 2020 brought another financial crisis, moderated by the responses of our financial regulators. Calls for bailouts rose again, but some were determined not to repeat the many mistakes of 2008.

As the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, Mark Calabria was responsible for leading that response. In Shelter From the Storm, he tells the story of how millions of families were provided mortgage and rental assistance―both to keep them safe and to keep our financial markets functioning. He offers readers a peek behind the curtain of government decisionmaking in a crisis and shows how FHFA minimized housing disruptions at little to no cost to the taxpayer and resisted repeated calls for industry bailouts and subsidies.

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Episode 31 - Jason Myers

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0600

The 31st episode of “What the M” features Jason Myers, Vice President of Business Development at MCS (Making Communities Shine).

MCS is a nationwide property services provider working across commercial properties, single-family rentals, and the property preservation industry.

Jason received his BS in Advertising and Public Relations from Texas Christian University (Go Horned Frogs!) and began his career at Pulte Homes, where he worked in marketing. From there, he moved on to the Five Star Institute, where he remained for more than 14 years and rose to Senior Vice President and National Director of Sales. He is presently the Vice President of Business Development at MCS, where he oversees new client acquisition, emerging market expansion, new product growth with existing clients, and overall sales strategy. He is a motivational manager able to drive a team to reach individual potential and eclipse corporate objectives, and is skilled in negotiation, advertising, marketing, sales, strategic partnerships, and business line strategy.

His 20-year history in the real estate industry has given him invaluable insight into the market today, and we are lucky to have him as a guest!

Welcome to What the M, Jason!

Episode 30 - Judge Annette Rizzo

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The 30th episode of “What the M” features the Honorable Annette M. Rizzo.

Judge Rizzo was gracious enough to drop by to discuss mortgage foreclosure mediation programs, how the model was developed for courts, the success rates seen by these programs, and how the model program spread throughout the United States.

Judge Rizzo served as a Judge in the First Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 16 years, with the majority of that time spent in the Civil Major Jury Trial Program. Prior to her tenure on the bench, she worked in both the public and private sectors. Her many roles included litigating at the oldest continuous law firm in the United States, serving as Senior Counsel at a global insurance firm, and serving as an Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Philadelphia.

In 2008, Judge Rizzo developed the Philadelphia Court’s Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program. This program, which continues to thrive today, is a pioneering achievement that brings together homeowners, lenders, attorneys, and housing counselors in an effort to keep city residents in their homes. The program has been a model for similar programs in Pennsylvania and in other jurisdictions and six other states.

Judge Rizzo has since testified about the Program before TARP, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the U.S. House of Representatives. She continues to speak nationally about the program at trainings for the judiciary, mortgage finance companies, public interest entities, lender servicers, and government agencies including the Federal Reserve, FTC, FDIC, CFPB, the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, NeighborWorks America and many others. Internationally, our guest participated in a European Union Conference and CLE program in Italy regarding the merits of Alternative Dispute Resolution, the Foreclosure Diversion Program, and international mediation systems.

At the invitation of Philadelphia’s City Council in 2020, our guest joined a creative team that developed an innovative Eviction Prevention & Diversion Program modeled after the successful Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program. In her spare time, our guest serves as an Adjunct Professor for the Temple University School of Law State Court Clinical Program, which she developed in 2007.

Welcome to the podcast, Judge Rizzo!

Episode 29 - Bankruptcy with Brooke Sanchez Part 2

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0600

The 29th episode of “What the M” features Brooke Sanchez, Managing Partner of McPhail Sanchez, LLC.

With Kent out of the office, his law partner, Brooke Sanchez (literally) stepped up to the mic! Brooke is not only the Managing Partner of McPhail Sanchez, LLC, she is also the firm’s Managing Bankruptcy Attorney. Naturally, Steve was eager to pick her brain about current bankruptcy trends, rule changes, and more!

Brooke received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama (Go Jags!) and her JD from Cumberland School of Law. Brooke represented debtors in consumer bankruptcy for more than ten years before joining Kent’s firm in 2018 and shifting her focus to creditor representation. Having been on both sides of the courtroom, Brooke has a unique perspective and knowledge base to draw from (and is a self-professed “bankruptcy geek”).

Tune in to hear Brooke and Steve’s lively roundtable discussion about the latest “hot topics” in the bankruptcy world!

Welcome back to What the M, Brooke!

Episode 28 - Erik Qualman

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

The 28th episode of “What the M” features internationally renowned author and speaker Erik Qualman.

Erik stopped by “What the M” to discuss his latest book, The Focus Project, and how it can help leaders, lawyers, and anyone else who struggles with prioritizing their to-do list!

Erik has written numerous other books including Socialnomics, Digital Leader, and What Happens in Vegas Stays on Youtube. His Socialnomics work has been featured on 60 Minutes and has been used by the National Guard and NASA. He is a former sitting professor at Harvard & MIT’s edX labs, and is currently a professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern University.

In addition to being an author, Erik is a highly-sought after keynote speaker. He has been called “The Digital Dale Carnegie” and “The Tony Robbins of Tech.” Erik has spoken in 55 countries, reaching over 50 million people worldwide.

Erik has a BA in marketing from Michigan State University and an MBA from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. He received an honorary doctorate for his accomplishments in the field of digital leadership from Lake Superior State University.

Erik has been voted the World’s 2nd Most Likeable Author- behind only Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling. Even more important, Erik says, is trying to live up to the title of “World’s Best Dad” that his daughters scrawled on his coffee mug.

Welcome to What the M, Erik!

Episode 27 - Jesse Randall

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0600

The 27th episode of “What the M” features Jesse Randall, COO of Black Dome Services, LLC.

This episode focuses on the topic of property preservation in relation to mortgage servicing industry, as well as its interplay with handling defaulted mortgages. Since Black Dome is one of the fastest-growing property preservation companies in the country, Jesse was the perfect person to interview!

Jesse attended Stephen F. Austin University where he studied Political Science and Economics. He has held numerous roles within the niche market of property preservation and default mortgage solutions. With executive leadership positions at mortgage servicers, national preservation companies, Fortune 500 companies, and his own privately held preservation company, Jesse has touched every servicing level through the life cycle of a default mortgage. He has been a speaker at various Five Star and Legal League events on issues relating to property preservation and the mortgage servicing industry, and is an avid Texas A&M fan (Go Aggies!)

Welcome to What the M, Jesse!

Episode 26 - Happy Holidays

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The 26th episode of “What the M” features Kent McPhail.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at What the M! Steve is a little under the weather this week, but he and Kent both wanted to send this message out to thank the listeners for all of your support, and to wish you a very happy and safe holiday season!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 25 - Allen Chapman

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0600

The 25th episode of “What the M” features Allen Chapman, Executive Vice President with Hub International.

HUB International is a leading insurance brokerage company that provides employee benefits, business, and personal insurance products and services. Allen graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi (Go, Golden Eagles!) where he received his BS in recreational therapy. Allen has been in the insurance industry for over 23 years, so he was a perfect choice to discuss this week’s topic- the many factors in the insurance industry that are dramatically affecting the cost, and, in many cases, the availability of homeowner coverage, and the effects these factors are having on escrow payments and home affordability. It’s a topic that affects all homeowners, and we are privileged to have Allen’s expert opinion on the subject!

Welcome to What the M, Allen!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 24 - Thanksgiving

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The 24th episode of “What the M” features Emily Chavarriaga, Jackie Vazquez, and Rosalie Escobedo.

Happy Thanksgiving from What the M! Kent and Steve wanted to drop in and thank all of the listeners for your support. It's been a great first year for the podcast and we look forward to many more!

For this week's holiday episode, Kent and Steve flash back to one of What the M's most popular episodes from Season 1 - "Latinas in Power."

The Latinas in Power ("LIP") include Emily Chavarriaga, Jackie Vazquez, and Rosalie Escobedo. You won’t want to miss hearing the LIP ladies share about the fun they have together, the way they champion each other’s goals and dreams, and how they simply do life together and celebrate the wins, while holding each other accountable.

Emily Chavarriaga currently works as a product manager at Mr. Cooper and previously worked in various default roles at Bayview Loan Servicing for ten years. She is an ALFN Women in Legal Leadership Chair and is a leader for the Mr. Cooper women’s group. Jackie Vazquez worked as a Foreclosure Manager at Mr. Cooper for 10 years. She is an ALFN JPEG winner and previously worked in foreclosure, at a law firm, and as a loan officer before working at MRC. Rosalie Escobedo is the Director of Business Development at Mackie Wolf Zientz Mann. Before that, she worked in various industry roles at VRM Mortgage Services at CoreLogic. Prior to working in the industry, she directed law firms in their marketing and legal training pursuits. She is an ALFN WILL Chair and serves her community as a Precinct Chair and Party Leader.

Welcome to What the M, Emily, Jackie, and Rosalie!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 23 - Daren Blomquist

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The 23rd episode of “What the M” features Daren Blomquist, Vice President of Market Economics at Auction.com.

Daren began his career as a reporter for the Daily News Tribune, where he focused on county government and courts. He then moved on to Realty Trac, where he rose from Customer Service Representative to Director of Marketing Communications, focusing on mortgage trends nationwide. In 2012, he became Senior Vice President of Communications at ATTOM Data Solutions and reported on housing trends, cash and investor purchases, housing risks, default trends, and more.

Daren’s reports have been cited by thousands of media outlets nationwide, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA TODAY. Daren also served as Executive Editor of the Housing News Report, which was named best newsletter by the National Association of Real Estate Editors in 2015 and 2016. In 2019, Daren transitioned to Auction.com, where he focuses on analyzing and forecasting complex macro and micro-economic data trends within the real estate market and industry.

Daren is extremely active in the default servicing industry and routinely appears as a panelist at industry trade conventions. His expertise on today’s subject- foreclosure and economic trends and what we can expect in the year to come- is invaluable to our listeners. We are extremely fortunate to have him as a guest on the show.

Welcome to What the M, Daren!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 22 - Alicia Stewart

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The 22nd episode of “What the M” features Alicia Stewart, Assistant Vice President at BSI Financial Services.

Alicia has over 20 years of experience in the default servicing industry. She began her career as an AVP with Fay Servicing. She then worked for Penny Mac Loan Services as a Business Analyst. From there, she became an AVP of Default Operations for Rushmore Loan Management Service, before taking over as an AVP at BSI Financial Services. At BSI, she is the leader of their non-agency default team, with responsibilities including BSI’s foreclosure, bankruptcy and property preservation processes.

Alicia has been extremely active in the default servicing industry and recently appeared as a panelist for the Legal League in the League’s webinar series. In that webinar, Alicia spoke about how law firms and mortgage servicers can better communicate and work together. She is adept at fostering positive relationships, resolving complex issues, and optimizing operational efficiency. She believes that success is a natural outcome when we have a clear vision of our long-term goals for both our organization and ourselves. We are very excited to share Alicia's vision and expertise with our listeners.

Welcome to What the M, Alicia!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 21 - Michael Merritt

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The 21st episode of “What the M” features Michael Merritt, Senior Vice President of Customer Care and Default Mortgage Servicing at BOK Financial.

Michael attended Arizona State University, where he got his BA in Organizational Leadership (Go Sun Devils!) He then received his MBA from Texas Tech and his Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from Texas A&M. Michael worked at Nationstar Mortgage and Goldman Sachs prior to moving over to BOK. Having been in the mortgage servicing industry for over two decades, Michael has valuable insight to share on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work culture, how companies can get the best work from remote or hybrid-remote employees, and how a company culture can be successfully built around this new model.

Welcome to What the M, Michael!

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Episode 20 - Rick Sharga Returns

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0500

The 20th episode of “What the M” features the return of Rick Sharga.

Welcome to Season 2 of What the M! Last season, we were fortunate enough to interview an incredible roster of talented professionals about their insights and predictions for the default servicing industry. We wanted to kick off our new season by looking back at where the industry was a year ago versus where it is today. As one of the country’s most frequently-quoted sources on real estate, mortgage, and foreclosure trends, Rick Sharga was the natural choice to help us do so!

Rick is the CEO and President of the CJ Patrick Company, a company that specializes in market intelligence for companies in the real estate and mortgage industries. Rick has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, previously serving in executive roles for Realty Trac, Carrington Mortgage Holdings, Ten-X, and Auction.com. He is also a founding member of the Five Star Institute’s National Mortgage Servicing Association.

Welcome BACK to What the M, Rick!

Episode 19 - Marilyn Lyles

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0500

The 19th episode of “What the M” features Marilyn Lyles, Assistant Attorney General of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Did you miss us? Kent and Steve *were* taking a brief summer hiatus before Season 2 of “What the M” drops in September. But when a fascinating U.S. Supreme Court decision was issued, Kent and Steve couldn’t wait that long to talk about it with you!

In this case, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians v. Coughlin, the Court departed from prior law and abrogated the Tribe’s sovereign immunity in bankruptcy court. Kent reached out to his friend and colleague, Marilyn Lyles, for her opinion and insight into the Court’s decision, the surprising 8-1 split, and the far-reaching impact the case could have in not only bankruptcy courts, but state courts as well.

Marilyn Lyles graduated from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) with a BA in English and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. Marilyn’s extensive experience as both a creditors’ rights attorney and as the Assistant Attorney General of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, make her uniquely suited to bring her wisdom to the discussion of this groundbreaking case.

Welcome to What the M, Marilyn!

Episode 18 - The Last Question (Season 1 Finale)

Thu, 25 May 2023 17:00:00 -0500

The 18th episode of “What the M” features ALL of our wonderful season one guests!

Welcome to the season finale of What the M! You won’t want to miss this episode. Since the podcast began in September 2022, Kent and Steve have interviewed amazing, thoughtful, and brilliant guests. Every season 1 guest has been uniquely qualified to speak about different aspects of the default servicing industry, and has provided valuable information to What the M’s listeners. Each guest is unique, but they all have one thing in common: they all got to answer “The Last Question.”

At the end of each episode, Kent and Steve ask their guest: “If you could go back in time and talk with the 20-year-old version of yourself, what advice would you give that young man/woman?” The answers were so fascinating, funny, and unpredictable, we decided there was no better way to close out the season than with a compilation of the collective wisdom of these responses!

We hope you enjoy this season finale of our first season of What the M as much as we did. Season 2 of What the M will air in September, so stay tuned!

If you enjoy listening to What the M, please rate, review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you are interested in appearing on What the M, or have an idea for an episode, you can contact us on Facebook or on LinkedIn.

Episode 17 - Latinas in Power

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The 17th episode of “What the M” features Emily Chavarriaga, Jackie Vazquez, and Rosalie Escobedo.

Kent and Steve returned to the faithfully commerce-driven city of Dallas, TX in anticipation of the Legal League Servicer Summit. While there, Kent met with the Latinas in Power ("LIP") for a fun evening of dinner and fantastic conversation and camaraderie, recording the podcast the next morning with Steve and a few of the LIP ladies: Emily Chavarriaga, Jackie Vazquez, and Rosalie Escobedo.

Emily Chavarriaga currently works as a product manager at Mr. Cooper and previously worked in various default roles at Bayview Loan Servicing for ten years. She is an ALFN Women in Legal Leadership Chair and is a leader for the Mr. Cooper women’s group. Jackie Vazquez is a Foreclosure Manager at Mr. Cooper and has worked there for 10 years. She is an ALFN JPEG winner and previously worked in foreclosure, at a law firm, and as a loan officer before working at MRC. Rosalie Escobedo is the Director of Business Development at Mackie Wolf Zientz Mann. Before that, she worked in various industry roles at VRM Mortgage Services at CoreLogic. Prior to working in the industry, she directed law firms in their marketing and legal training pursuits. She is an ALFN WILL Chair and serves her community as a Precinct Chair and Party Leader.

You won’t want to miss hearing the LIP ladies share about the fun they have together, the way they champion each other’s goals and dreams, and how they simply do life together and celebrate the wins, while holding each other accountable.

Welcome to What the M, Emily, Jackie, and Rosalie!

Episode 16 - Bankruptcy with Brooke Sanchez

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The 16th episode of “What the M” features Brooke Sanchez, Managing Partner of McPhail Sanchez, LLC.

In advance of next week’s Legal League Annual Spring Summit, Kent and Steve decided that an interview with one of Legal League’s rising stars, Brooke Sanchez, was in order!

Brooke received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama (Go Jags!) and her JD from Cumberland School of Law. Brooke represented debtors in consumer bankruptcy for more than ten years before joining Kent’s firm in 2018, shifting her focus to creditor representation. She is now a named Partner at the firm, while continuing to manage the firm’s thriving bankruptcy department. Having been on both sides of the courtroom, Brooke has a unique perspective and knowledge base to draw from (and is a self-professed “bankruptcy geek”!)

Tune in to hear Brooke, Kent, and Steve’s lively roundtable discussion about the recent judicial crackdown on mortgage servicer notice requirements, a “sleeper” Supreme Court case that could be an industry game-changer, and other hot topics in the bankruptcy world.

Welcome to What the M, Brooke!

Episode 15 - Toniqua Green

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The 15th episode of “What the M” features Toniqua Green, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Cooper prides itself on challenging the loan servicing status quo – so as an industry innovator, Toniqua is right at home there!

Toniqua attended Roberts Wesleyan College, where she received her Bachelors Degree in organizational management. She then earned her Masters Degree in Education from University of Phoenix. Toniqua began her career in the default servicing industry sixteen years ago. In her role as VP of Social Responsibility, she currently oversees Mr. Cooper’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, their Environmental Social Governance Oversight, and their community relationships.

Everyone in the default servicing industry can benefit from hearing from Toniqua about the industry’s past, its future – and how everyone can make that future better and brighter.

Welcome to What the M, Toniqua!

Episode 14 - Jerry Mavellia

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

The 14th episode of “What the M” features Jerry Mavellia, CEO of Guardian Asset Management Inc.

Founded in 2007, Guardian has successfully managed and protected valuable assets for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, federal, state, local government agencies, and private mortgage banks. Guardian is a passionate, forward-thinking preservation service organization specializing in timely conveyance and REO sales for the forward and reverse mortgage industry. With Jerry’s extensive background in finance and real estate, and his vision and passion for the industry, he and Guardian are a perfect fit!

Jerry has a BS from Fordham University (Go Rams!) and began his career straight out of college at JP Morgan Chase. He then founded Asset Management Specialists, Inc., before moving into his current leadership role at Guardian. Jerry has over 37 years of experience in the default servicing industry and was gracious enough to share his predictions for the housing market, the economy… and March Madness!

Welcome to What the M, Jerry!

Episode 13 - Dave Van Horn

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The 13th episode of “What the M” features Dave Van Horn, Executive Chairman of PPR Capital Management.

After attending West Chester University of Pennsylvania (Go Golden Rams!), Dave got together with a couple of friends, started an entity, and grew it into a juggernaut within the mortgage and note-buying industry. PPR is now a financial services firm that primarily assists private equity funds investing in distressed residential mortgages throughout the United States, and provides top-tier business services in the areas of asset acquisitions & analytics, borrower management, document management, and client relations.

In addition to his 35 years of residential and commercial real estate experience, Dave is also a prolific writer and author who has been published in numerous industry publications and was recently invited to join the Forbes Finance Council, a community for senior leaders in finance. His unique perspective is a true asset to anyone in the industry who wants to listen and learn from the best!

Welcome to What the M, Dave!

Episode 12 - Gina Daya

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The 12th episode of “What the M” features Gina Daya, VP of Operations at Hello Solutions.

Since 2017, Hello Solutions has made a name for itself in the default servicing industry by creating meaningful business partnerships between law firms, servicers, and investors who are dedicated to default servicing excellence.
After graduating from De Paul University (and playing goalie for their soccer team- Go Blue Demons!), Gina began working in the legal field in 2009. By the time she came on with Hello Solutions in 2022, she had done it all, working for servicers and law firms in bankruptcy, foreclosure, and client relations. Her background made her a perfect fit for Hello, and it makes her a fascinating industry guest!

Welcome to What the M, Gina!

Episode 11 - A Conversation with Kent

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The 11th episode of “What the M” features an interview with Kent McPhail himself!

Kent is the Founder and Managing Partner of McPhail Sanchez, LLC. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi (To the Top!) and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Upon graduation, Kent worked as in-house counsel with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi. After settling in Mobile, Alabama, Kent practiced with a private creditor law firm for three years. This led him to open his own default servicing firm in 1994, which has been thriving ever since.

In his 35 years of practice, Kent has seen it all and has some true wisdom to share about the legal field, the default servicing industry… and how to find lessons in everyday life.

Welcome BACK to What the M, Kent!

Episode 10 - Rick Sharga

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The 10th episode of “What the M” features Rick Sharga, Executive Vice President of Market Intelligence at ATTOM Data Solutions.

ATTOM Data Solutions is a provider of comprehensive real estate data for companies in the mortgage, insurance, finance, and government markets. Rick is one of the country’s most frequently-quoted sources on real estate, mortgage, and foreclosure trends, and it’s easy to see why: he has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, previously serving in executive roles for Realty Trac, Carrington Mortgage Holdings, Ten-X, and Auction.com. He is also a founding member of the Five Star Institute’s National Mortgage Servicing Association.

With Rick’s background, position, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge of economic trends, he is uniquely situated to provide accurate and meaningful predictions with regard to the financial future of the country generally, and the mortgage industry specifically.

Welcome to What the M, Rick!

Episode 9 - John Bell

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600

The ninth episode of “What the M” features John Bell III, Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty program.

John Bell III attended Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee before spending more than 15 years in the private sector, including serving as the Vice President of VA Real Estate Management at Bank of America. John is a Navy Veteran who served in both the Gulf War and Operation Restore Hope. This background makes John uniquely suited for his current position, which is Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty program. Since 1945, the VA program has backed more than 25 million loans and currently holds a 12% share of the total single-family market in the United States. John’s passion for the program and its benefit to our servicemembers shines through in his conversation with Kent and Steve. Press "play" to meet the man who's been described as “the most innovative person who has been at the VA in the last 40 years, AND the best government hire of the past 40 years.”

Welcome to What the M, John!

Episode 8 - Stan Middleman

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

The eighth episode of “What the M” features Stanley C. Middleman, Founder and CEO of Freedom Mortgage, about his and his company’s incredible devotion to philanthropic work. One of the largest FHA and VA lenders in the country, Freedom formed “Team Freedom Cares,” (TFC) which focuses on providing support for underserved communities, in 2013. Since then, TFC has formed their now-famous “Rucksacks to Backpacks” campaign, provided over 14 million meals for Feeding America, and held dozens of yearly fundraisers for other worthy causes. For their tireless dedication to their community, TFC received the 2021 “Faces of Philanthropy” Award, bestowed by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Of Stan’s many professional successes and philanthropic endeavors, perhaps his most remarkable achievement has been the establishment of the Middleman Family Pavilion in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Named for Stan and his wife Roslyn, and built in 2022, Middleman Family Pavilion is the sole additional location for the world-famous Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania.

We were honored and fascinated to get to hear all about the generous endeavors that Team Freedom Cares, and Stan himself, have undertaken. We know you will be fascinated too. Welcome to What the M, Stan!

If you have questions, or would like to get involved with TFC, you can email TeamFreedomCares@freedommortgage.com!

Episode 7 - All About Steve!

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

The seventh episode of “What the M” features a special guest… Steve himself!

Stephen Hladik is a partner at Hladik, Onorato, and Federman, LLP. He received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University (Let’s Go State!), before going on to Widener University for law school, where he graduated with honors. Upon graduation, Steve went to work for the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, handling UDAP, FDCPA, RESPA, and TILA cases. This expertise in lending law enforcement led Steve to the default servicing industry, where he has been ever since! In his 30+ year career, Steve has absolutely seen it all- and he’s here to tell us all about it.

Welcome BACK to What the M, Steve!

Episode 6 - Amy Neumann

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0600

The sixth episode of “What the M” features Amy Neumann, FVP of Late-Stage Delinquency, Foreclosure, and Bankruptcy Operations at Flagstar Bank.

Amy has a BS from Oakland University and a JD from Wayne State University Law School. She spent 12 years in private practice at Trott Law, where she was the Senior Managing Litigation Attorney. She then transitioned to the servicing side of the industry, where she has been for seven years.

Having "crossed over the aisle," Amy has invaluable advice for law firms on what servicers love, what they don’t, and how the two can work together to form a great partnership.

Welcome to What the M, Amy!

Episode 5 - Marcel Bryar

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0600

The fifth episode of “What the M” features Marcel Bryar, Founder and Managing Director of Mortgage Policy Advisors, LLC.

Marcel earned a BA in history from Yale University and his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School. Marcel is perhaps best known for leading the development and implementation of the Making Home Affordable program during his tenure as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Fannie Mae. He also served as a Senior Vice President at JP Morgan Chase, where he spearheaded the implementation of the National Mortgage Settlement. Marcel has more than 20 years of experience in mortgage operations, regulation, and policy oversight, working closely with industry stakeholders, federal agencies and federal and state government policymakers. We feel incredibly fortunate to have him share his thoughts with us about the economy, his insights on the future of mortgage rates… and his prediction for who will win the World Cup!

Welcome to What the M, Marcel!

Episode 4 - John Dunnery

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The fourth episode of “What the M” features John Dunnery, Vice President of Claims at Mr. Cooper.

John has a BA from Boston University, a Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a JD from the University of Tulsa. He has held senior loan servicing roles with Pacific Union Financial, JP Morgan Chase, Wachovia, and Community Loan Servicing, as well as serving as a Senior Director of NSO within Fannie Mae. His 24-year history in the default servicing industry has given him invaluable insight into the past, present, and future of the regulatory aspect of the finance world, and he is graciously sharing that insight with us today.

Welcome to What the M, John!

Episode 3 - Larry Goldstone

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The third episode of “What the M” features Larry Goldstone, President of Capital Markets and Lending at BSI Financial Services.

BSI is a loan servicer that endeavors to enable sustainable home ownership by practicing core values that embody doing what’s right, delivering on expectations, and winning with humility. Larry himself also embodies those values, as you will hear!

Larry has a BA in Economics and an MBA, and his insight into the current financial market and the future of home ownership is truly invaluable.

Welcome to What the M, Larry!

Episode 2 - Jesse Loomis

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500

The second episode of “What the M” features Jesse Loomis, the President and General Manager of Bid4Assets, Inc.

Bid4Assets is a leading online auction site that assists county governments in conducting foreclosure and tax foreclosure auctions virtually. Bid4Assets pioneered virtual public auctions back in 2000 and has sold over 100,000 properties for county governments.

Jesse is the leading industry expert on virtual public auctions and auction strategy, regularly lecturing at conferences, engaging with the media, and testifying before legislatures. He has both an undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Maryland (“Go Big Ten!”)

Listening to Jesse talk about how the foreclosure auction industry has been transformed since auctions went online- to the benefit of both servicers and former borrowers- is a real master class in how businesses can thrive when they truly embrace technology. Welcome to What the M, Jesse!

Episode 1 - What the M Trailer

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 08:00:00 -0500

WHAT THE M?

A PODCAST ABOUT MORTGAGE DEFAULT SERVICING

Do you ever wonder who is behind the scenes collecting and processing all those monthly mortgage payments throughout the entire country?

In the world of residential mortgages, the mortgage servicing industry is a critical but not always visible player in the lending and home ownership process. Unveiling how mortgage servicers manage the residential homeownership industry is the concept behind “What the M,” a new podcast that discusses the complex issues facing default services and the path forward for the mortgage industry and homeowners alike.

The industry is comprised of more than 160 mortgage servicers representing more than 80% of the outstanding principal balances on mortgages in the U.S. Without the involvement of these vital mortgage servicers, obtaining and maintaining a home mortgage as we know it would not exist.

“‘What the M’ features industry movers and shakers discussing the challenges faced by mortgage servicers, law firms and the American homeowner,” said Stephen Hladik, one of the co-hosts for the podcast and chair of the Advisory Council of the Legal League 100. “We will discuss trends in the economy, regulatory oversight, changes in the law, changes in technology and a myriad of other factors affecting the industry.”

Hladik and co-host Kent McPhail are experienced attorneys with multistate practices in the default servicing industry. Both have decades of experience representing secured creditors; however, each host brings his own unique perspective to the podcast.

McPhail hails from the Deep South (think boiled peanuts and shrimp & grits), while Hladik hails from the Northeast (think cheesesteaks and scrapple). “With this Yin and Yang, we hope to bring an entertaining and informative approach to the industry and those who make it hum,” McPhail said.

Episodes of “What the M” begin airing mid-September and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.