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How Cindy Ertman Turned Setbacks Into a Billion in Volume and Built a Coaching Empire

Loan Officer Marketing with Chris Johnstone

Release Date: 04/07/2025

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In this episode of The Loan Officer Marketing Podcast, we sit down with Damon Germanides, co-founder of Insignia Mortgage, to explore how he cracked the $202M volume mark — not by chasing leads, but by mastering a high-net-worth niche and building powerful partnerships.   Here’s what you’ll discover:   How to win jumbo, complex, and non-traditional loans that big banks can’t touch The exact strategy Damon uses to become the #1 referral partner in boutique real estate offices How adding bridge lending created a second revenue stream (and even more referrals)   Watch the...

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In this powerful episode of The Loan Officer Marketing Podcast, top producer Ben Cohen (Ranked #4 on Scotsman Guide) shares the mindset, systems, and strategies that helped him grow from $349M to $553M in just one year. Ben breaks down what it really takes to scale a mortgage business today.   Here’s what you’ll discover:   How Ben built a scalable business model while maintaining world-class customer service The real difference between a transactional lender and a relationship lender (and why it matters) How to create profitable corporate partnerships that bring in steady deal...

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In this high-impact episode of The Loan Officer Marketing Podcast, Chris Johnstone breaks down the exact strategy his team used to book over 2,000 qualified appointments last month — without cold calling or ad spend. Whether you're a solo loan officer or scaling a team, this episode will give you the exact roadmap to take your mortgage business from inconsistent to fully booked. Here’s what you’ll learn: - The referral-first strategy that helped the #4 loan officer in the U.S. grow by $204M last year  - Why 77% of borrowers close with the first lender they speak...

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In this amazing episode of The Loan Officer Marketing Podcast, 31-year mortgage veteran James Driscoll shares how he transformed his business by outsourcing appointment setting and leveraging A.I. for consistent follow-up. If you're stuck at 4 loans a month and want to break through to 10+, this episode is your blueprint.   Here’s what you’ll discover:   How James' team booked 83 qualified real estate agent appointments in just 3 weeks Learn the exact follow-up strategy that turned cold contacts into 10 new referral partners in 90 days. See how he's using this system to both...

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In this episode, we interview Andrew Marquis, the #7 loan officer on the Scotsman’s Guide, who grew his production by over $100 million in one year. Learn how he’s turning a tough market into massive opportunity—and how you can, too.   Here’s what you’ll discover:   Andrew’s mindset shift that helped him grow in a down market (and how you can adopt it today). His exact strategy for outpacing referral partner attrition and adding $80M+ producing agents to his network. How he uses a simple, value-driven script to book meetings with top real estate agents—even when they...

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In this powerful episode, industry legend Cindy Ertman shares her journey from being unexpectedly laid off while pregnant, to becoming one of the most respected names in the mortgage industry with over $1.2B in branch volume. Her story is packed with resilience, strategy, and real-world coaching wisdom.   Here’s what you’ll learn:   How Cindy used grit and creative strategy to land her first top agent deal—and how that mindset still applies today. The 7 core pillars every loan officer should build their business on to survive and thrive in...

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How Marty Guy Fink Grew from $0 Loans to Becoming the #1 Producer in Her Company 🚀 In this powerful episode, Marty Guy Fink shares her incredible journey from not closing a single loan to becoming the top producer in her entire company. Her story is packed with practical strategies, mindset shifts, and daily habits that any loan officer can implement for massive growth. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The exact success activities Marty follows every day to generate consistent loan volume. ✅ How she’s building strong realtor relationships—and going deeper with the ones she...

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In this high-impact episode, we sit down with Nicole Rueth — the #1 lender in Denver — to uncover how she transformed her mortgage business by leaning into a unique brand message: helping clients build wealth through real estate. Loan officers, get ready to be inspired and equipped with strategies to stand out, attract loyal clients, and scale your business in any market.   Here’s what you’ll learn:   How to Build a Brand That Attracts - Nicole shares how she shifted away from rate-focused marketing to a long-term vision of financial empowerment — and how that...

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In this powerful episode, industry legend Cindy Ertman shares her journey from being unexpectedly laid off while pregnant, to becoming one of the most respected names in the mortgage industry with over $1.2B in branch volume. Her story is packed with resilience, strategy, and real-world coaching wisdom.

 

Here’s what you’ll learn:

 

  • How Cindy used grit and creative strategy to land her first top agent deal—and how that mindset still applies today.
  • The 7 core pillars every loan officer should build their business on to survive and thrive in any market.
  • How focusing on niche markets and relationship-based selling can skyrocket your production and create lifelong referrals.

 

Whether you’re looking to grow your pipeline, optimize your systems, or finally build that consistent referral network—this episode is a must-listen.

 

Watch now and take the next step in leveling up your mortgage business!