In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Shawn Gerald, President and Managing Partner of Lifestyle International Realty for the Carolinas. Shawn shares his inspiring journey from the Marine Corps to retail entrepreneur to real estate leader, revealing how his “three-foot rule” and relentless follow-up fueled rapid growth.

He discusses how Lifestyle International Realty is expanding across the Carolinas and beyond, the importance of servant leadership, and why personal culture drives recruiting and retention. Shawn also explains how he’s helping agents embrace AI to future-proof their businesses.

Whether you’re in real estate, lending, or simply curious about leadership and growth, this conversation is packed with energy, practical advice, and forward-thinking insights.

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business – Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more – as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, host Bill Hitchcock sits down with Rob Zimmer, Principal at TVDC and Executive Director of External Affairs for the Community Home Lenders of America. Rob shares his perspective as a former Army captain and longtime industry advocate to break down what today’s buyers, lenders, and veterans need to understand about the market.

Together, they explore why VA loans remain such a powerful tool, how trigger lead reform aims to protect consumers, and why preserving small and mid-sized lenders is essential to maintaining real choice for homebuyers. Rob also offers insight into the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the challenges facing young buyers, and what true affordability must look like going forward.

Lending Forward is the home for real conversations about the industry’s future, shaped by the people who live it every day.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?

In this episode of Lending Forward, hosts Hannah McManus and Bill Hitchcock sit down with Kyle Draper and Shane Kidwell to challenge how originators think about business planning. Together, they unpack why traditional planning often falls short—and how shifting from reactive habits to intentional, authentic action can redefine success in 2026 and beyond.

From social media strategy and brand building to mindset and purpose, Kyle and Shane share how loan officers can create impact by showing up as their real selves—without the burnout or the endless to-do list. They discuss what top originators are doing differently, why “top of funnel” is where the fun really happens, and how authenticity is becoming the ultimate differentiator in today’s market.

A huge thank you to our friends at The Collective Coaching for sponsoring this conversation!

Lending Forward is the home for real discussions about the industry we love. Hear first-hand accounts from people at the heart of the business—Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more—as they cultivate transparency around the future of lending.

So tell us, how are you lending it forward?