Épisodes

  • Brandon Ellington: Building Wealth Without Proof of Income
    Sep 25 2025
    Brandon “Mr. Finance” Ellington, founder of Access Capital Today Inc., is a seasoned finance expert with over 20 years in the mortgage industry. Raised in Chicago by his entrepreneurial mother, Brandon was inspired early by her success in real estate and her commitment to community empowerment. He now specializes in credit-based lending, bank statement loans, and over 60 innovative financial programs nationwide. With a passion for educating underserved communities, Brandon helps individuals build wealth, legacy, and retirement income—even without traditional proof of income. As a dynamic radio personality and event host, he empowers others to take control of their financial future and create lasting change through strategic lending and financial literacy.In this episode, Dante and Brandon discuss:How Brandon’s mother inspired his journey into real estate and financial educationWhy good credit often outweighs proof of income when building wealthBrandon’s strategies for commercial property investing and maximizing NOIThe importance of financial literacy, life insurance, and family legacy planningHow Brandon uses media platforms to educate underserved communitiesKey Takeaways: Wealth building doesn’t require a high income—it starts with strong credit, a solid game plan, and the courage to take action. Strategy and mindset often matter more than a paycheck.Lack of financial literacy—not lack of potential—is what keeps most people from opportunities. When you understand how the system works, you realize you were always more qualified than you thought.Real estate remains a powerful tool for building wealth through equity growth, cash flow, and tax-advantaged gains. It's one of the few vehicles that offers leverage, control, and generational impact all in one.By investing early in life insurance and your family’s credit profile, you’re planting seeds for generational wealth. Smart financial planning today can create a legacy that outlives you.True financial growth comes from consistency, creative leverage, and an unshakable belief in your own potential. Surviving is passive—thriving takes proactive, strategic movement.“It's not about a 'hey, look at me' moment. It's about more. What can I give back? Because I want to do more things that affect the community, that exact change, and that build wealth that catapults for generations.” - Brandon EllingtonConnect with Brandon Ellington:Website: https://brandonmrfinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-ellington-31680814a/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.mrfinance/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    32 min
  • Ernest B. Fenton: The Silent Strategy for Building Wealth
    Sep 18 2025
    Ernest B. Fenton is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Law Office of Ernest B. Fenton, a rapidly growing firm based in Chicago with a focus on civil litigation and estate planning. A Harvard Law graduate with a background in business management, Attorney Fenton brings deep expertise in residential and commercial transactions, contract drafting, business formation, and negotiation. Beyond his legal practice, he is also an educator, author, and entrepreneur—having successfully launched small businesses in both the retail and real estate sectors. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Fenton remains deeply committed to community service, dedicating his time to causes such as foreclosure prevention, social justice, and building generational wealth.In this episode, Dante and Ernest discuss:Why communities of color urgently need asset protection educationThe biggest pitfalls people face when they finally acquire wealthHow silence and strategy are powerful tools in business and estate planningErnest's journey from real estate transactions to foreclosure defense and beyondPractical tips for structuring your business the right way—starting with a layupKey Takeaways: Asset protection isn’t reserved for the ultra-wealthy; it’s a vital step for anyone serious about creating and sustaining generational wealth. The earlier you put safeguards in place, the better positioned you’ll be to pass on what you’ve built.Most people don’t think about protecting their assets until a crisis hits—and by then, it’s often too late. Proactive planning is key to avoiding preventable financial loss.Ernest stresses that true business growth requires time spent on the business—building systems, strategies, and structure—not just hustling inside it day-to-day.Success doesn’t always make noise. Strategic silence and staying behind the scenes often give entrepreneurs the edge they need to protect and grow their influence.Even without a formal structure, assembling a board of trusted advisors can dramatically sharpen your decision-making. A fresh set of eyes can reveal opportunities—and risks—you might otherwise miss.“At the end of the day, it’s not about how much of your knowledge you sold—it’s about how much of your knowledge made an impact.” - Ernest B. FentonConnect with Ernest B. Fenton:Website: https://www.attorneyernestfenton.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ernest-B-Fenton/100063654759124/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    28 min
  • Natalie Ramos: Helping Beyond Yourself in Nonprofits
    Sep 11 2025
    Natalie A. Ramos is the Director of Individual Giving at Teach For America, with over 15 years of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit development. She has raised millions through major donor strategies and is known for her empathetic, relationship-first approach to fundraising. Passionate about equity, inclusion, and professional growth, Natalie serves as Co-chair of AFP’s Latinx Affinity Group and sits on AFP’s IDEA Committee. She’s also a member of Somos El Poder and the Chicago Council on Planned Giving, and a 2023 AFP ICON Diverse Communities Scholar. Outside of work, she’s a proud soccer coach and PTA volunteer. Natalie is driven by a deep commitment to meaningful partnerships that fuel community impact.In this episode, Dante and Natalie discuss:How Natalie’s early volunteer experiences shaped her career in nonprofit fundraisingThe power of networking and personal branding in the nonprofit spaceBalancing motherhood with a mission-driven professional lifeHow social media builds connections and keeps professionals top of mindPractical advice for anyone looking to transition into the nonprofit sectorKey Takeaways: Fundraising isn’t just about hitting numbers—it’s about cultivating authentic relationships rooted in empathy and understanding. Success comes when donors feel truly seen and connected to the mission.Networking thrives on purpose. Instead of chasing volume, focus on creating meaningful, lasting connections that align with your values and goals.Think of social media as your digital handshake—it allows others to discover your professional identity and can open doors you didn’t even know existed.Work-life balance isn’t a fixed formula. It's about staying flexible and making intentional choices that align with your personal values and your family’s needs.Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to reach out. Proactive networking and learning from mentors can open pathways into the nonprofit sector that aren’t advertised on job boards.“It’s really more about helping the community overall and making the world a better place. That’s why I’ve always gravitated to nonprofits—because you get the good feeling of knowing the work you’re doing is helping someone beyond yourself. And for me, that impact and giving back to the community is really important.” - Natalie RamosConnect with Natalie Ramos:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieramos/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    24 min
  • Brent Wilk: Real Estate Built on Trust, Not a Logo
    Sep 4 2025
    Brent Wilk is the founder, managing broker, and owner of Wilk Real Estate, an independent brokerage based in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. He and his team serve clients across the greater Chicago area and 14 northern Illinois counties. With over 20 years in the industry, Brent has successfully closed more than 2,200 property sales. While his focus is primarily on residential real estate, Brent also brings valuable experience in commercial transactions. His expertise spans traditional sales, REO properties, short sales, probate and estate sales, relocation, land deals, investor services, and portfolio asset management.In this episode, Dante and Brent discuss:How Brent transitioned from banking to founding Wilk Real EstateLessons from surviving the 2008 housing crash and building an independent brokerageWhy trust, referrals, and personal branding matter more than company logosCurrent real estate trends and the importance of pricing in today's marketBrent’s role as a community leader, youth coach, and radio host is giving backKey Takeaways: Journey to success wasn’t instant; it was forged through relentless dedication, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and hands-on experience that taught him more than any textbook could. Real-world learning became his foundation for long-term growth.The agent—not the brand—makes the difference. Clients gravitate toward authenticity, reliability, and availability far more than flashy corporate logos.The 2008 housing crash tested Brent’s resilience, but instead of backing down, he leaned in, adapted, and emerged with deeper industry insight and sharper business instincts.A common mistake Brent sees is overpricing based on emotion or aspiration. Instead, he emphasizes grounding pricing strategy in market data, comps, and actual home conditions to avoid extended listing periods.Whether he’s coaching youth baseball or highlighting local businesses on his radio show, Brent is driven by a commitment to community and the belief that legacy is built through service and influence beyond the closing table.“I see a lot of agents who rely on the logo of the company they’re with and assume that the company is what’s making them money. That’s wrong. It’s absolutely incorrect. It’s the person doing the communicating on behalf of the company who’s building their own fortune and success.” - Brent WilkConnect with Brent Wilk:Website: https://chicagoareahomeexpert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentwilk/ Phone: 815-230-5356Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    29 min
  • Kent Nichols: The Sacred Trust of Financial Stewardship
    Aug 28 2025
    Kent Nichols is the Treasurer and CFO of the Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, a faith-based organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, that has been uplifting communities since 1945. With over two decades of experience in finance and pastoral ministry, Kent oversees all financial operations, ensuring transparency, integrity, and efficiency. He treats donated funds as a sacred trust and is committed to using every dollar to support meaningful programs, outreach, and education. Under his leadership, the conference honors its mission to serve with purpose, accountability, and a deep commitment to glorifying God through sound financial stewardship.In this episode, Dante and Kent discuss:Journey from financial consulting to pastoral ministry and CFO leadershipThe Lake Region Conference’s funding structure, including tithes and community outreachChallenges in managing budgets for a nonprofit ministry across five statesStrategic efforts to promote financial literacy and generational wealth within the churchThe vision to launch an endowment fund and expand grant-based community impactKey Takeaways: Kent blends pastoral ministry with financial leadership, bringing both compassion and structure to his role as CFO. His unique background allows him to lead with integrity while supporting spiritual and operational goals.Overseeing finances for more than 120 churches demands a careful balance of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of diverse communities. Kent and his team ensure resources are allocated to maximize ministry impact.With today’s unpredictable economic climate, Kent emphasizes the need for thoughtful budgeting and strategic planning. Adapting to shifts in income and donor behavior is critical for long-term stability.Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mission. Kent is co-authoring a book and developing a curriculum to equip church members with tools for budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.His vision for the future includes creating an endowment fund that provides free Christian education and expanding grant programs that directly serve the community. Legacy giving and trust development are also key to sustaining the ministry’s reach for generations to come.“I want to create an endowment fund so that any child who wants a Christian education can get it for free. That’s the vision—to use our blessings to bless others, now and for generations to come.” - Kent NicholsConnect with Kent Nichols:Website: https://www.lrcsda.com/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    17 min
  • Olivia White: Get Home. Own It.
    Aug 21 2025
    Olivia White, an Aurora, Illinois native and seasoned realtor, understands the trust her clients place in her and strives to exceed their expectations. With over 15 years in the real estate industry, Olivia is dedicated to making each transaction smooth and transparent. Before pursuing her career as a realtor, Olivia spent over 7 years in the mortgage field, working as a loan processor, closer, and funder. This experience has given her a unique insight into her clients' needs and the entire home-buying process. As a homeowner herself, Olivia is familiar with the challenges and excitement of buying a home. She takes pride in helping local buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market with confidence.In this episode, Dante and Olivia discuss:How Olivia’s mortgage background enhances her work as a realtorThe emotional journey of first-time home buyers and how she supports themThe importance of education in easing buyer anxietyStrategies for preparing homes for sale in a competitive marketOlivia’s mission to educate her community about homeownershipKey Takeaways: Olivia’s mortgage background gives her a unique edge in real estate—she doesn’t just sell homes; she translates the entire financing process in a way that clients can easily grasp and feel confident navigating.She makes education a top priority, walking clients through everything from managing their credit to understanding inspection reports and timelines, ensuring they’re never left in the dark.The emotional impact of a home purchase is just as meaningful as the transaction itself—especially when a first-time buyer realizes their dream is becoming a reality.When working with sellers, she leans on data and market insight to build trust and guide pricing conversations, knowing that transparency is key in today’s information-heavy landscape.Her mission goes beyond closings—Olivia is actively working to bring real estate education into schools, churches, and communities to demystify homeownership for those who may think it’s out of reach.“Seeing the moments where people realize it's actually happening—the dream of homeownership is coming true. You're gaining a high level of security for yourself and your family. Those are my high moments.” - Olivia WhiteConnect with Olivia White:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaWhiteRealtor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownwitholivia/ Phone: 630-532-1539Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    18 min
  • Raina Kilgore: Empathy Over Judgment—The ZEM Way
    Aug 14 2025
    Raina Kilgore is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor with over a decade of experience in human and social services. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Marriage & Family Counseling from Adler School of Professional Psychology and Human Service Administration from Spertus College. Raina is also certified in DBT Therapy and has led impactful work in corrections, mental health hospitals, and child welfare. She’s developed and led programs addressing mental health and substance abuse, including teen prevention initiatives and family reunification efforts. Passionate about breaking down barriers, Raina is committed to helping individuals and families build healthier, more empowered lives.In this episode, Dante and Raina discuss:The origin and mission behind ZEM TherapyWhy therapy shouldn't wait for a crisisThe difference between CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapyCommon communication breakdowns in relationshipsThe evolving role of love languages and emotional connection in couples counselingKey Takeaways: Therapy isn’t just for when something’s broken—it’s also a powerful tool for growth. Even those in a good place can benefit from therapy to strengthen what’s already working and create new possibilities.Many communication issues arise not from disagreement, but from misaligned interpretations of the same topic. Couples may be discussing the same subject—but not in the same way.Loving your partner effectively means understanding their needs, not just expressing your own. It’s about discovering what truly resonates with them and showing up in ways that matter most.Through DBT and CBT, clients can challenge limiting beliefs and reshape harmful thought patterns. These evidence-based methods help bring clarity and control to emotional experiences.Nothing replaces face-to-face conversations when it comes to emotional connection. While texting offers convenience, meaningful dialogue thrives on presence, tone, and undivided attention.“I am not a judge, and so this is not—you’re not on a trial here. Even if a person is doing something that is not favorable, they still need empathy, they still need compassion, they still need someone to hear them.” - Raina KilgoreConnect with Raina Kilgore:Website: https://zemtherapy.org/ Phone: 708-414-6842Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    25 min
  • Nicole Barton: Her Story. Her Light. Her Lens.
    Aug 7 2025
    Nicole Barton has been shooting professionally since 2009. Over the course of her career, she has earned Bronze and Silver in the Portrait Masters Competition and placed in international competitions. She is the creator of Crowned In Silver Magazine and the She Is Tulsa documentary, art exhibit, and magazine—as seen on the Oprah Winfrey Network, Channel 2 News, Channel 8 News, and Fox 23. She is also the creator of the She Is OKC documentary and magazine, as well as the Be|Tween documentary film and photo exhibit.Her work has been published in Forbes, Ebony Magazine, and other notable outlets. Empowering women of all sizes, shapes, shades, and ages through representation in beautiful imagery has been her mission for over a decade. What drives her passion is the bond she builds with the women she meets and witnessing their transformation as they see themselves in a new light.In this episode, Dante and Nicole discuss:Childhood inspiration from Vogue sparked Nicole’s love for photographyShifted mindset from starving artist to thriving creative entrepreneurEmpowers women 40+ through confidence-boosting portrait sessionsOvercame challenges around pricing, value, and redefining professionalism Launching Be|Tween and family legacy films to preserve untold storiesKey Takeaways: By intentionally highlighting overlooked individuals, Nicole creates imagery that validates and celebrates their experiences. Her work helps expand what society considers worthy of attention.Success in art isn’t reserved for a select few—it belongs to those willing to break traditional molds and redefine their value.Her portraits do more than capture faces—they shift mindsets, restore confidence, and affirm identity in ways that ripple beyond the studio.Nicole adapts to each client’s energy, creating a safe space that invites authenticity without pressure or performance.By intentionally choosing the voices and visuals in her daily life, Nicole stays connected to the issues and stories that fuel her creativity.“You got to be excited to get up and do it. Because, you know, the money part of it can be a little trickier, because it's art, and the way that you're going to be able to make it a sustainable career is because you love to get up and do it. And I think you really have to have tunnel vision about who you allow to influence your decision about your craft.” - Nicole BartonConnect with Nicole Barton:Website: https://www.nicolebartonphotography.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolebartonphotography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolebartonphotography/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolebartonphotography Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    23 min