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  • Home
  • About
    • About ACUMA
    • Team Members
    • Join ACUMA
    • Job Opportunities
  • Membership
  • Conferences
    • FOCALpoint Workshops
    • VIEWpoint Regional Summits
    • Annual Conference
  • Virtual Education
    • Fast Track Webinars
    • Inside Track Webinars
    • OnPoint Podcast
  • ACUMA Networks
    • ACUMA Young Professionals Network
  • Resources
    • Pipeline
    • Press Releases
    • Mortgage CUSO Members
    • ACUMA Email Sign Up
  • Member Only
    • ACUMA Services
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ACUMA’s ONpoint Podcast series features some of the mortgage lending industry’s leading lights offering strategic insights and sound solutions to the challenges lenders face every day. In addition, each episode ends with a little bit of humor to help reset the tone of your day. Both personally and professionally, Onpoint Podcasts are an excellent investment of small amounts of time in return for great rewards.

Podcasts are available wherever you get your podcasts.

Magda DeMauro

Leadership in the Credit Union Mortgage Industry: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fostering Growth

What impact do credit unions have in the mortgage industry, and how can they foster collaboration and leadership? Our latest episode of the ACUMA ONpoint podcast promises to enlighten you with insights from Magda DeMauro, AVP of Mortgage Services and Underwriting at Fairwinds Credit Union. Magda’s leadership within Florida’s credit union mortgage sector offers a compelling look at how credit unions are making significant strides. We’ll reflect on the transformative power of teamwork and the importance of an open-minded approach, as Magda shares her experiences and valuable lessons learned from industry events. Our conversation explores a collaborative initiative in Florida where credit union professionals unite to tackle challenges and share solutions in underwriting. Don’t miss this episode, which is filled with inspiration, community building, and a touch of holiday spirit. Sponsored by Optimal Blue.

Leadership in the Credit Union Mortgage Industry: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fostering Growth

What if the key to becoming a leader in the credit union mortgage industry lies in overcoming self-doubt? Join us as we sit down with Nicole Poole, Vice President of Residential Lending at The Police Credit Union, who shares her inspiring journey and the leadership qualities that shaped her career. Nicole’s sales mindset and unwavering dedication to member service offer a fresh perspective on what it takes to excel in this field. Join Nicole and ACUMA President, Peter Benjamin, as they discuss the importance of creating a workplace culture that encourages emerging leaders to express their ambitions and seek guidance without hesitation. By fostering open communication and mentorship, we can empower the next generation to confidently step into leadership roles, driving both personal and organizational success. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Strategic Shifts in Housing and Political Landscapes

Leah Dempsey and Zach Pfister from Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck, both join us to dissect the high-stakes world of housing policy as voters head to the polls. Learn what’s at stake with tax credits for first-time homebuyers and strategies to reduce regulatory burdens, particularly how these proposals might reshape the credit union mortgage industry. Join Leah and Zach, along with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, as they unpack the critical issues at play, from campaign spending frenzies to the tight races influenced by political division and gerrymandering. The outcome of these elections is more than just who sits in Congress; it could redefine the landscape of housing policy for years to come. Tune in now. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Building a Stellar Loan Officer Team

Get ready to unlock the secrets of the credit union mortgage industry with our special guest, Elizabeth Million, Senior Vice President of Lending at Elevations Credit Union. Join us as Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from a real estate appraiser to a leading figure in the industry, providing invaluable insights into overcoming career obstacles and the significance of a member-focused approach. Ever wondered what it takes to build and manage a successful team of loan officers within a credit union? Elizabeth dives into the intricacies of hiring, offering best practices for recruiting candidates who possess grit, ethics, and a thorough understanding of industry guidelines. Peter Benjamin, ACUMA President and Elizabeth discuss the unique challenges credit unions face with compensation structures and how strategic planning is essential for fostering a thriving work environment. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Conference Highlights: Content, Peer Collaboration, and Market Trends

Ever wondered what industry leaders are saying about the future of mortgages and economic challenges? Join Peter Benjamin in this lively episode of the ONpoint Podcast as we broadcast live from the 2024 Make Your Mark annual conference in Las Vegas. We sit down with Margaret Greczek, SVP, Head of Mortgage with Polish and Slovak Federal Credit Union, and Matt Baker, Regional Manager with Navy Federal Credit Union. Margaret brings her infectious enthusiasm, sharing thought-provoking insights and the benefits of peer collaboration. At the same time, Matt, a first-time attendee, delves into the collective mission and the strategic preparations for economic hurdles. Their stories highlight the positive vibes and engaging sessions that make this conference a must-attend.

The Calm Before the Election Storm

Congress is back from its 5-week summer recess, and its only job is to continue funding the government. Simple as that sounds, it’s made more complex by the contentious presidential election currently galloping toward its November finish line. How that budget will be cast is the topic of this edition of ACUMA’s ONPoint Podcast. Zach Pfister, Policy Director with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, has some thoughts about that, where The White House is headed, and what in the world is happening with CFPB. He shares his thoughts with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin and listeners in this edition of The Policy Series. Sponsored by LenderPrice.

Trust Your Gut, Then Let Your Head Follow

The most effective people live and communicate their own truths, allowing them to share their journeys in meaningful ways with those they want most to influence. Former Top 100 collegiate athlete and motivational speaker Darryll Stinson knows that’s true from personal experience. His life included a few dark moments until he finally understood how minor tweaks can have major impacts on himself and others. A keynote speaker at ACUMA’s upcoming 2024 Make Your Mark Annual Conference, Darryll shares with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin the self-realizations and techniques that can make you the master of your own journey. Sponsored by Optimal Blue.

Embrace Your MI Partner(s)

Credit unions succeed as member-driven alternatives to transactional for-profit institutions that simply build their mortgage loan portfolios on the backs of their borrowers. We need to continue fulfilling that role while increasingly cultivating more and better service capabilities. Mortgage insurance is one of the more important arrows in the mortgage loan quiver. According to Michael McDermott, account manager for Essent Guaranty Mortgage Insurance, members benefit when you offer more MI options. Listen to this podcast, the final in the ACUMA MI mini-series, as he explains to ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, just how and why that works. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Navigating Regulatory Shifts & Election Impacts: What to Watch For

The dog days of summer, when Congress is absent, usually slow down when it comes to rulemaking. This year the upcoming presidential election has further diffused issues. But according to Leah Dempsey, shareholder with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, there are things to watch, including possible rulemaking affecting the way AI can be deployed in reaching out to consumers, and what remains on tap on CFPB’s “junk fees” agenda. As to the election, VP candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz each have their own experiences in housing, Dempsey tells ACUMA president Peter Benjamin, and each bear closer watching no matter who wins in November. Sponsored by LenderPrice.

Not Transactional, But Relational

Credit unions were founded to help people, not to make money for shareholders, and that creed still drives the industry today. In this episode of the ONpoint Podcast, the fourth in this summer’s MI mini-series, ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, shares thoughts with Ralph Remy, Senior Director for Client Digital Experience for National Mortgage Insurance Corp. They discuss how credit unions can maintain member loyalty and provide better service without losing its collaborative ethos. Remy says it’s about “educating the team within the team.” Tune into this episode to learn more about just what he means. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Break Down Credit Union Stereotypes to Grow More Business

Credit unions’ core strength has always been helping people address their financial issues. However, other stereotypes regarding size and service limitations must change for the member-owned financial services industry to grow, according to Peter Hurst, SVP of Regional Accounts with Enact Mortgages Services, and guest on the latest ACUMA ONpoint Podcast, part of the summer MI mini-series. Hurst and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, share war stories and memories and offer recommendations from their work with credit unions. Spend some time listening to the two experts, and you’ll remember why you started working for credit unions in the first place. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Junk Fees and Election Issues Continue to Heat Up the D.C. Summer

Temperatures have risen in late June and all of July, and chaos ensues in our Nation’s Capital. It’s anyone’s guess what will happen next, according to Zach Pfister, Policy Director for Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLC. Speaking with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, in the latest OnPoint Podcast “Policy Series” episode, Pfister sheds light on the continuing junk fee debate and participants’ “race to the bottom” in attempting to manage the issue. And don’t even try to understand the shifting sands underlying the presidential race with its quick, dramatic changes. All will be revealed in November (maybe), but right now, give a listen and gain some crucial insights. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Adapting to Change in the Mortgage Lending Market

Credit unions have inherent advantages in helping members master the mortgage loan process. That’s a given. However, in today’s purchase market, it will also take foresight, planning, and a deliberate effort to reach those members first, according to Chris Perry, VP of Sales and National CU Manager at MGIC. Chris and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin put their heads together in this OnPoint Podcast, the second in ACUMA’s MI Mini series, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing today’s movement. Tune in so your credit union isn’t left out of the mortgage lending race. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Get ‘em while they’re (on) hot (sauce)!

Do you want to know what’s percolating for ACUMA this year? Tune into the latest ACUMA ONpoint Podcast featuring ACUMA’s staff of crack professionals – who grill President Peter Benjamin, CMB, about the association’s future while sampling an array of hot sauces with “tots and tenders.” Recorded at ACUMA’s recent Denver Workshop, the crew gets into serious discussion, not to mention laughs, trivia, and games, while climbing the Scoville hotness scale one painful, fiery rung at a time. HINT: Big news is coming for ACUMA members in August and December that may signal a “spicy” end to 2024. Don’t miss this one!

Few Fees are Really Junk Fees

In the current legislative/regulatory environment, junk fees are a popular talking point, especially in light of an imminent and disruptive presidential election. But such fees originated generally to protect both consumers AND lenders. In a time of a polarized, often inactive Congress, regulators have begun painting everything with the junk-fees brush, and that sets a dangerous precedent. Join ACUMA President Peter Benjamin in this next Policy Podcast as he and Leah Dempsey, Shareholder, and Annmarie Conboy-DePasquale, Policy Advisor with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, unwind those and other concerns facing credit unions lost in the currently regulatory haze. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Mortgage Insurance is Key to Credit Unions Helping People

Credit unions’ ability to meet their “people helping people” mandate improves when those CUs embrace their traditional methodologies, augment them with new technologies, and wrap mortgage insurance into the mix to extend their reach and serve even more members. That’s the message of this ACUMA ONpoint podcast, the first in a new mini-series devoted to Mortgage Insurance. Ira Oskowsky, VP of Sales for Arch MI, joins ACUMA president Peter Benjamin CMB to discuss how MI can help CUs better serve their members without losing the human touch that separates them from the competition. Sponsored by LoanCare.

Investing in Young CU Professionals’ Future Success

As a credit union leader, are you cultivating, educating, and enhancing the value your young professionals bring? Staff members with the courage to step forward, ask questions, and, most importantly, find answers through their peers will benefit personally and professionally. That’s the purpose of ACUMA’s Young Professionals Network, led by ACUMA Associate Director of Events & Member Relations, Camryn Hinton. Join Camryn and YPN co-chairs Liam Carothers, Business Development Manager at Class Valuation, and Alberto Climaco, Real Estate Lending Manager at Justice Federal Credit Union, as they explain to ACUMA President Peter Benjamin why and how investing in younger staff members will yield bountiful returns for all. Sponsored by Class Valuation.

Being Vulnerable and Getting Out of Our Own Way Is The Path Forward

Live from the Denver FOCALpoint Workshop, Peter Benjamin, President of ACUMA, sat down with two of our attendees, Brittany Breakiron from ENT Credit Union and Andrew Martin from Canvass Credit Union, to discuss the high points of day one and what they are looking forward to the most from day two. They are sending the message that credit union professionals must do a better job putting themselves out there to capture their members’ attention. This is one you aren’t going to want to miss. Tune in now!

Siri, What AI Can I Use to Better Serve My Credit Union Members?

Artificial intelligence has exploded across the landscape, with little understanding of its ramifications and even less guidance by regulatory agencies. Credit unions may run the risk of violating consumer protection laws, but no one seems sure, and that’s dangerous for both lenders and borrowers alike. In this edition of ACUMA’s ONpoint Podcast series, Zach Pfister, Policy Director with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin discuss AI issues being considered by regulators. Will AI technology be good for CUs? Congress doesn’t seem to know yet. CFPB’s latest actions also pop up in the conversation. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Is Your Credit Union Change-ready? How About You?

The only constant is change, as the saying goes. However, the mere thought of change creates a fear of the unknown in many, even though failure to change often means the end of even the most successful enterprises. Daisy Romo, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for On Tap Credit Union, has studied change and has learned that the more we think we know, the less likely we are to change. As she tells ACUMA President Peter Benjamin in this podcast, it’s important for us to “humble our minds” to let new ideas and strategies come in. She has other great ideas, too, but you’ll have to tune in to find out what they are. Sponsored by Curinos.

The Secret to Building Relationships, Both Professional and Personal

We all like to be with – and do business with – people we like, who share our values and interests, and who see as many benefits in knowing us as we see in them. That’s a simple concept but a difficult practice for many of us. Josh Tindel, SVP of Sales for Atlas Title Company, has mastered this talent through concerted effort. Where to start? Put yourself out there and get to know others on their turf. What else? Join Josh as he and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin outline the secrets to becoming an industry leader by first knowing others.

Fostering a Community for Credit Union Success

Community is not just a word the credit union industry throws around. It is the central embodiment of why credit unions exist. ACUMA President Peter Benjamin had the opportunity to catch up with some first-time attendees on this episode of the ONpoint Podcast. The networking, the community, the engagement, and the welcoming environment were all highlights to our attendees and guests on this special edition episode. Tune in now to find out what their favorite parts of the event have been.

Make “Accountability” a Positive Force for Change

Accountability, both on the job and in life, is the responsibility we all have for accomplishing the tasks that we’ve chosen or have been given to us. Too often, however, the word becomes a negative used to connote failure. Sales consultant Dr. Bruce Lund knows the intrinsic power of the word “accountability” and wants to see it used on both sides of the management equation. Listen as he and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin debate the word’s use and how it can empower credit union staff at all levels to succeed. Sponsored by Accountable CRM.

AI, Housing and All that Regulatory Jazz

As November’s presidential election approaches, lawmakers are slowing their wheels in anticipation of a change in administration. Topics around housing (in particular junk fees), financial institutions’ use of artificial intelligence (AI), and others are still in hot debate, but with vacations looming, Congress is literally running out of time. In this edition, Shareholder, Leah Dempsey of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck shares her insights with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin about what is – and isn’t – coming down the road for CUs. Sponsored by LenderPrice.

Women in Finance and Housing Play a Powerful Role

Women are vital in financial services and mortgage lending, especially among credit unions. Providing both support and opportunities is critical to helping them excel in their roles and provide excellent member service, or so says Kris Kully, a partner with Mayer Brown and president of the Women in Housing and Finance Foundation. In this podcast, Kris shares with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin how best to support those women, why they must work hard, and why they must “just keep swimming,” especially when the waters get deep. Sponsored by Blue Loans.

Make Training Needs Known Throughout the Mortgage Lending Process

Mortgage lending is a complex business with many steps and multiple individuals involved in closing the deal for the borrower. In most cases the process follows the domino principle: When one domino falls, the rest are sure to follow. The only way to stop that from happening is to assure that all involved understand the entire process. Effective training is critical to success, according to Ask the Underwriter’s Dionne Bass, who shares her passion and background in mortgage lending training with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin and how best to make training happen. Employees, speak up about your education needs, she says. It’s the unopened mouth that never gets fed.

It’s Election Season, and This Year Housing Tops the Ticket

It’s a year of turmoil and change, but one constant shines through from many agendas: housing, housing, and more housing. From interest rate volatility to inventory shortages to mortgage fees of all types, everyone from House and Senate leaders to presumptive presidential candidates from both parties sees housing issues among the most critical challenges currently facing American consumers. In this episode of the ONpoint Podcast, you get insights and warnings about what to expect regarding the future of housing from Zach Pfister, Policy Director from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Shrek, LLP. Even though President Biden’s State of the Union Address promised good things for the housing market, few things happened without congressional approval. Tune in now to listen to the full episode. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Expect Spring Growth in Your Mortgage Loan Portfolio Provided You Plant the Right Seeds

April showers bring May flowers, but in the right environment they can also help nurture mortgage loan growth despite what are sure to be some stormy days ahead. That’s the message Patty Mason, Vice President of Real Estate Lending for American Eagle Financial Credit Union, shares with her staff when it comes to revitalizing credit union mortgage loan strategies and cultivating new ones. Be mission-driven, she tells ACUMA President Peter Benjamin during this podcast, and commit to the education of both members and your staff if you want a bountiful return to your mortgage lending efforts.

Concocting the Magic Elixir in Economic Projection

According to Logan Mohtashami, Lead Analyst for HousingWire, economics done right is often boring. The discipline is data-driven, and understanding how to read data is the secret to understanding economic conditions, right? Well, there’s more to it than that, and often it’s the “why” and “wherefore” of that data, where it’s been and where it’s going, that makes all the difference. The highly competitive financial analyst – he once wanted to coach basketball – shares his secrets with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin in this unique podcast. “I want to show the why and how of something, which is more important than the answer itself,” the fiery analyst confides. “If I can teach people how to read economic data correctly, that’s the magic elixir.” Tune in because that’s a lesson you can’t afford to miss. Sponsored by HousingWire.

An Election Year Changes Everything

Like the witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the current D.C. climate may be best described as one of “double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble,” or more commonly, Election Year. It’s a time when issues old and new are trotted out by friends and opponents alike to see what’s likely to stick when the new Administration takes office. In this episode, D.C. policy expert Leah Dempsey from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP shares her insights with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin about issues coming down the road. Affordable housing, with twin threats from high-interest rates and low home availability, will remain front and center. But Congress is also revisiting issues like robocalling, AI, junk fees, and even the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and why credit unions should be subject to it. Tune in and stay vigilant about how the issues might impact your credit union. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Master Best Practices in Credit Union Construction Lending

There are big differences between buying an existing home and building a new one. Likewise, there are similar differences in writing a mortgage loan on an existing home versus working with consumers to finance the various steps in the home-building process. According to Shannon Faries, Director of Risk Management for Land Gorilla, this is a market that credit unions can own because of their close working relationships with its members. However, there are lessons to be learned and best practices to embrace before credit unions can do the job successfully. In this podcast, Shannon shares a lifetime of experience and insights with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin that will help credit unions enter this growing market. Hint: The housing shortage won’t end anytime soon, and it’s consumers who will continue to drive development. Credit unions can help.

The Best That the CU Mortgage Lending System Has to Offer

Seeking graduate-level training in leading a credit union mortgage lending program? Ready to discuss everything from e-closings to improving the housing inventory to growing your mortgage loan portfolio? Look no further than Beth Eller, SVP of Mortgage Lending Truliant Federal Credit Union. She is among the “best” that the credit union mortgage industry has to offer when it comes to capability and commitment in serving member borrowers, according to ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, who shares with her the most significant issues facing credit union mortgage lending today. For Beth Eller, loving the industry she’s in and the members she serves is the first step to building a successful mortgage lending program, and perhaps the most important.

Close Looks at D.C. Lawmaking Highlight ACUMAs New Policy Podcast Series

With apologies to whomever said it first, the theme of the latest ACUMA podcast – and the first in its monthly series on policy updates – could well be “May You Legislate in Interesting Times.” According to experts polled in this first episode, 2024 is no ordinary year, but one when not only the presidential administration may change, but how we do business as financial institutions may come under even closer scrutiny. Join D.C. policy experts Zach Pfister and Leah Dempsey, both from the firm of Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber and Schreck, as they share their thoughts and insights with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin on what the year ahead will look like for U.S. credit unions. “When it comes to making new laws, expect some very challenging sausage-making,” Pfister notes. And the growing encroachment of artificial intelligence – AI for short – is only one of the problems.

Realtor-Partners Help You Better Meet Member Needs

The partnership between credit union mortgage lenders and Realtors is as symbiotic as it can be successful. But that success is greatest when the two professionals have a previously established relationship and understand how best to meet each other’s business needs in the process, according to Christopher Davis, AVP of Business Development with Navy Federal Credit Union. Listen in to this podcast as Chris outlines Navy Federal Credit Union’s specific steps in meeting both the members’ needs and helping Realtors reach their goals in creating a dynamic relationship that yields the highest levels of success.

Choose Who You Want to Be Today

Difficult times call for exceptional leaders, those who can maximize the talents and personalities of their staff to address the needs of credit union members. How you get there from here comes through a blend of personal traits, professional training, and a positive attitude to help staff members work through their own opportunities and challenges to better meet their professional obligations. Carolyn Morganbesser, AVP of Mortgage Originations with Affinity Federal Credit Union, draws on personal grit, gumption, and her own experiences to maximize the best resources of others. At the end of day, Carolyn tells ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, choose a positive approach to reach out to your staff and everyone will benefit.

ACUMA 2023: The Highlights and the Even Higher Lights

Looking back on ACUMA in 2023 may mean different things to different members, but it clearly meant good things – let’s say GREAT things – to the association’s powerhouse staff: Peter Benjamin, President; Krista Korfmacher, Director of Events and Member Relations; Justin Hawkins, Director of Marketing & Communications; and Camryn Hinton, Associate Director of Events and Member Relations. The four association professionals come together in this podcast for a candid, often humorous discussion of the year’s high points, biggest surprises, and best lessons learned throughout the year. 2023 was a year of growth with successes embraced and goals achieved. Tune in to relive the year’s highpoints, gain insights into ACUMA’s personalities and operations, and get an early-bird view of what’s coming in 2024. Hint: It’s going to be a great year!

Cultivating Servant Leadership

The lack of affordable housing continues to plague society’s different economic strata, but there are things credit unions can and should do to foster greater homeownership among current and potential members. To credit unions, members are more than mere transactions, and it behooves them to act as servant leaders to make the dream of homeownership a reality. Join ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, as he learns how Le Tran, AVP of Mortgage Underwriting with WEOKIE FCU, and Tim Cox, Director of Neighborhood Funding with Neighborhood Housing Services of Oklahoma, reach the heart of the human spirit to deal with this critical issue.

Dreams + Action = Reality

Sometimes the smallest decisions we make have the greatest consequences, often defining and shaping the trajectory of our lives. For Suha Zehl, founder and senior advisor with Z Technology Solutions, understanding and seizing those pivotal moments define us and, ultimately, influence the direction and the success of our lives. This is true not only for ourselves as individuals, but for those we mentor, and even those who mentor us. ACUMA president Peter Benjamin, CMB, participates in a fascinating discussion with one of the financial services industry’s most original thinkers, learning that action leads to reaction and, most importantly, reflection, and that dreams without action are just dreams.

Know Your Members. Tell Your Story.

The clearest path to financial security is through homeownership, but how many of your members know your credit union not only offers mortgage loans but is sincerely interested in embarking on that journey with them? According to Wendy Dawson, Vice President of Mortgage Lending for Coastal Federal Credit Union, this awareness is especially critical for first-time homebuyers. Through propensity modeling, Coastal identified 76,000 members who qualified for mortgage loans. Join ACUMA president Peter Benjamin, CMB, during this podcast as he discovers just how the credit union went about knowing its members, telling its story, and increasing its share of wallet to include more mortgage loans.

Getting Back to Embracing Connections

We’ve all heard it at some point or another in the past few years. Face-to-face conversations have seen a large decline. Peter Benjamin, President of ACUMA is coming to you live from ACUMA’s Annual Conference in the beautiful Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, MD where he is joined by Kathy Weber, VP of Residential Lending at Delta Community Credit Union; and Mike Vough, Vice President Hedging and Trading Products with Optimal Blue talking about all things Annual Conference and what it means to really make these personal connections as we move through such tough times. Sponsored by Optimal Blue.

Success Turns on Trust and Accountability

How do you motivate your loan officers – internal as well as external – during difficult times? For Nestor Villanueva, AVP for Mortgage Production at Northwest Federal Credit Union, motivation and success are built on the twin cornerstones of trust and accountability. These are not processes that happen overnight, and they must create a two-way street to assure mortgage lending success. If both sides can hold each other accountable, then success will follow. Join ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, the host of this podcast, and learn more. Sponsored by MeridianLink.

Success Means Serving Members as THEY Want to be Served

Mortgage lending success requires different skills, abilities, and levels of awareness. Central to those is being readily available to members, Realtors, and anyone else involved in the mortgage lending process. That means being there when they call if only to let them know you’re involved and working toward a resolution. Such immediacy works wonders, says Jen Poniatowski, Vice President of Members Sales at Credit Union 1, along with the right mix of lending products, technology, and the ability to speak to them in a language in which they’d like to be addressed. Jen shares this and other success secrets with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, in this enlightening podcast. Sponsored by Member First Mortgage.

Capturing the Attention – and Trust – of Younger Homebuyers

The financial market is always changing, but emerging generations have difficulty distinguishing between credit unions, banks, and other lenders. When it comes to home mortgages, most don’t understand and are fearful of the process, knowing little about credit unions’ natural advantages to help first-time homebuyers achieve their personal financial goals. Education, outreach, and sensitivity to personal needs are just a few of the secrets to successfully serving Millennials, Gen Z, and the next cohort to come along. Join ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, and podcast guest Kristin Messerli, cofounder and executive director of FirstHome IQ , in a deep dive that explores how to successfully reach and better serve up-and-coming homebuyers. Sponsored by National MI.

Capturing the Mind of the Member and the Marketplace

Succeeding in any enterprise turns on your ability to understand the minds of your constituents. In credit union mortgage lending, your constituency starts with borrowers but stretches to include the Realtors you work with and the institutions you compete with to serve your members best. That quickly becomes a busy field of play, and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, puts his head together with Mike Ferraro, President of Mortgage Markets CUSO, to compare notes and strategies to maximize credit union advantages while minimizing competitive threats. Sponsored by FirstClose.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Teammate?

Everyone talks about leadership, but little is said about being a good teammate. Good leaders know that they, of course, can’t do it alone. Great leaders know that good teammates able to work together, support each other’s efforts, fill in the gaps, and score in whatever discipline they perform are both vital to success and themselves great leaders in the making. ACUMA president Peter Benjamin, CMB, joins friend and former colleague Jermaine Medley, VP of Mortgage Originations for Lafayette Federal Credit Union, former starting point guard for Villanova University, and Delaware Basketball Hall of Fame inductee to share inside thoughts on what makes a great teammate and what leaders can do to stimulate that performance.

Do the Right Thing at the Right Time for the Right Reasons

Work brings value to time, or so the saying goes. High-level credit union professionals know how to manage time productively in ways that maximize their own days and those of their staff members. But it takes a certain level of emotional intelligence to look beyond mere efficiencies and find a rationale for time management, especially as it relates to serving members.

That’s the wisdom Amber Speer, VP of Mortgage for Texell Credit Union, brings every day to better manage her operations, the employees she oversees, and the members she serves. She shares those thoughts and strategies with ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, and co-host Brandonn Dukes, EVP of Real Estate for Consumer Lending for Curinos, in this enlightening podcast that travels beyond its initial topics to an entirely different level. This one is worth a listen. Sponsored by Curinos.

Some Like It Hot (-ter Than Others)

Few things demand more time and energy than our professions. One of the exceptions seems to be hot sauce, especially when shared among friends. Join ACUMA staff members Krista Korfmacher, Justin Hawkins, and Camryn Hinton as they put ACUMA President, Peter Benjamin, CMB, on the hot seat about what the association has accomplished in the first 18 months of his tenure, and what lies ahead for the future. The discussion is framed within the context of a hot sauce tasting in which the samples run from 2- to 9-out-of-10 on the Scoville heat units scale. The discussion is as lively as the group’s taste buds become as they plan for the future. Tune in for thoughts on professional development as well as culinary insights into one of the world’s most challenging foods. (Hint: Keep your eyes open for both Piko Riko and The Seventh Reaper hot sauces but proceed with caution.)

Creating Your Personal Net Worth

Mortgage lending is all about helping members build net worth through home ownership. But the most difficult lessons come from creating your net worth, not only financially, but from both a personal and professional perspective. The work is more challenging than you may think.

Dale Syta, Managing Director of Bellco Home Loans, has found the key to that success with The Loan Officer Playbook, an ongoing series of online opportunities through which even the best loan officers can improve their game. Syta spells out the tenets of success in an engaging crossfire of questions and answers designed to help you improve your profession and life. Sponsored by Optimal Blue.

Elevating the Mortgage Lending Process for Greater Success

As a credit union mortgage lender, you strive to be a more effective leader for your team and the institution it serves. What makes you get out of bed in the morning to tackle the challenging problems and vault the growing hurdles to mortgage lending success? What enables you to inspire your team to follow into the fray while better serving your members? Join ACUMA President Peter Benjamin and our guest SECU of Maryland Managing Director, Mark Deitz as the two dissect what makes a successful leader during this enlightening podcast.

Success Stories During a Down Year and Overcoming Challenges

The ACUMA team is onsite at our FOCALpoint Workshop in Louisville, KY. Peter Benjamin, President of ACUMA was joined by Carolyn Morganbesser, Assistant Vice President Mortgage Originations at Affinity Federal Credit Union, and Bernie Chavira, AVP of Mortgage Lending Originations at Define Mortgage Solutions for this special edition episode of the ACUMA OnPoint Podcast. Coming together and connecting with other professionals in the credit union mortgage industry are just some of the keys to their success. They both were able to share with us their favorite parts of the workshop and how being vulnerable allows them to be not just better professionals, but also, better leaders to their teams.

What Value Am I Providing Today?

No one accidentally succeeds. No matter how big the challenge is, believing in yourself, your capabilities, and the value of your efforts is critical to achieving success. At the heart of all this lies a single word – optimism. Ali Nassirian, Vice President of Home Loans at Golden 1 Credit Union, understands the value of optimism. In this podcast, he and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, share some insightful thoughts about optimism’s importance.

Become Your Credit Union's Advocate

Are you an active advocate for credit unions? As an active advocate, you can:

  • Better influence lawmakers with a real-world view of the lending process.
  • Better explain to your members what the rules mean.
  • How they as borrowers benefit from the new rules.

Elizabeth Sullivan, CUNA’s Senior Director of Advocacy & Counsel, joins ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, in this podcast’s frank discussion about why credit union lenders need to get actively involved in advocacy. If you’re not part of the process, as the pundits say, you better learn to live with the solutions, whatever they may be.

Sales is Not a Dirty Word

Credit union real estate lenders too often suffer heartburn over being called “salespeople,” especially in light of serving their members, according to Dr. Bruce Lund, founder, and director of The 90-Day Sales Manager. But supporting the demand for services drives the need to occupy the sales niche when courting professional partner firms to help the credit union and its members achieve their goals. Join Dr. Bruce Lund, Homebot’s Nicole Herrick, and ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, as they discuss strategies to stimulate sales staff, and create “solopreneurs” to operate within the credit union philosophy to create the right partner relationships and repeatedly beat the competition. It’s time for “The Great Reset.” Is your sales staff ready? Sponsored by Homebot.

Cultivating a Passion for Service

When Scott Albrecht became manager of a small credit union located within a Fortune 15 company in Columbus, Ohio, he wanted to ignite in his staff a passion for service, creating a credit union that replicated the old TV sitcom Cheers, “where everybody knows your name.” These days Albrecht serves as the AVP of Learning Development for ServiStar Consulting, a position that enables him to teach that same passion for service to credit unions nationwide. On this podcast, hosted by ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, Albrecht discusses the secrets for igniting the enthusiasm to create and foster the credit union’s mission of creating a passion for financial wellness for members. Tune in if you want the inside skinny.

Mortgage Lending Success – It’s a Matter of Both Lifestyle and Expertise

How do mortgage lenders rise to success in their industry? The most successful mortgage veterans know mastery of critical techniques is just part of the equation. Embracing the lifestyles of the members and communities they serve opens the door to new levels of understanding, and from that understanding comes mastery. In this episode, ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, and Sean Dugan, Director of Origination Technology and Sales for Black Knight, interview Brent Green, CMB, Mortgage Sales Manager for Lake Michigan Credit Union, on the strategies he employed to rise to success in his local market. His formula? A rich mix of education, mentoring, commitment, market savvy, and more. Sponsored by Black Knight.

Leadership is a Privilege. Have You Earned the Right?

Effective leadership is critical to success, but leadership skills are neither a natural talent nor a career rite of passage. Good leaders earn their position. In this podcast, ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, digs deeply into the leadership question with Casey Cunningham, the founder, and CEO of XINNIX. Cunningham knows that leaders must be strong, but that strength must be based on honesty and vulnerability in the face of their subordinates. Those with stamina and dedication earn the privilege of leadership and can expect the best results from their teams and themselves.

Networking, Collaboration, and Sharing Ideas are How We All Succeed

There are so many different opportunities for people to continue to learn and grow within the credit union space. ACUMA’s FOCALpoint Workshops are just one of those many ways. But we are joined today, by Julie Bowering from Elements Financial and Amber Speer from Texell Credit Union just getting to know them and why they chose to attend the FOCALpoint Workshops. Sharing their insights on collaboration, networking, and the sessions overall, they are sure to offer a new perspective on what made them want to attend this event.

Let Education Drive Your Staff Development

True professions are defined as enterprises that actively provide training and support for those who will take the reins in the future. Unfortunately, the question of how that will happen is too often ignored. In this podcast, ACUMA Peter Benjamin, CMB, discusses staff development with Andy Woodman, VP of Mortgage Lending and Loan Trading at Georgia United Credit Union. Joined by Lender Price’s Dawar Alimi and Dustin McClelland, Woodman believes leadership growth should be actively cultivated. It takes time and effort to help employees professionally advance in ways that will help them – and their credit union – grow. Sponsored by Lender Price.

Follow the Market Data

Navigating the mortgage market requires vigorous attention to detail and up-to-date market intelligence to make the right decisions at the right times and for the right reasons. In this podcast, ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, welcomes mortgage industry expert Bill Bodnar, Chief Revenue Officer for Tabrasa LLC, and Chief Market Analyst for the Mortgage Market Guide, to help listeners understand and effectively use market data to reach their mortgage lending goals in ways that build foundations for even greater success.

Krista, You're a Rockstar!

If any organization has a hub around which all movement turns, it’s usually someone with integrity, influence, endurance and, above all, energy. In this special podcast ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, honors Krista Korfmacher, ACUMA’s Director of Events and Member Relations, in celebration of her fifth anniversary with the association. Most members know her as the human whirlwind that keeps the wheels of the Annual Conference spinning at a rapid rate, but the closet Introvert’s influence stretches to so much further within the ACUMA realm. Want to know what it takes to keep Krista spinning at 150% for five days straight? Tune in.

Clearing the Path to Better Member Service

Credit unions were founded on the premise of serving the underserved and people of modest means. These days those potential members are getting harder to reach amid the clatter and competition characterizing the marketplace. How do credit unions clear the path to better fulfill their mission? Join ACUMA President Peter Benjamin, CMB, on the very first ACUMA ONpoint Podcast as he analyzes and discusses member growth challenges with Tony Thompson, CMB, founder and CEO of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America. Sponsored by Black Knight.

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  • Toll Free: 877.442.2862
  • TeamACUMA@acuma.org

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