In this week’s episode of MikedUp, we go inside the engine room of one of the nation’s most successful mortgage brokerages — C2 Financial — with its President, David Temko. Known for his sharp vision, leadership discipline, and deep understanding of financial systems, David has helped solidify C2 Financial’s position as the #1 Mortgage Broker in America, driving innovation that blends technology, trust, and long-term value for loan officers and borrowers alike.

As President, David oversees all company verticals — from technology integrations and operational performance to strategic growth — all with a single focus: empowering loan officers to deliver superior client experiences. His background as a top performer at Wells Fargo’s Commercial and Business Banking Group in Southern California gives him a rare perspective that bridges the precision of commercial lending with the creativity and agility of modern mortgage banking.

In this episode, David breaks down the architecture of C2’s success — the systems, culture, and mindset that keep the company ahead in a fast-evolving mortgage landscape. He shares how C2 continues to adapt, innovate, and lead with purpose, even amid tightening markets and technological disruption.

Listeners will learn:

• How C2 Financial grew into the largest independent mortgage broker in the U.S.

• The leadership philosophy that keeps C2’s loan officers performing at their best

• How technology and human connection coexist in the company’s growth model

• The operational architecture that enables scalability and efficiency

• Why empowerment, not control, drives loyalty and innovation within C2

• The future of broker-channel lending and what it means for independent professionals

David also opens up about his leadership evolution — from his early days in traditional banking to leading a dynamic, tech-empowered organization — and what it takes to build sustainable growth in an industry that’s constantly reshaping itself. His story is equal parts strategy and heart, showing how structure, service, and shared purpose can elevate a company beyond numbers.

“At C2, our mission is simple — to maximize the value we bring to every loan officer and every borrower we serve.”
This episode captures that mission in action: clear vision, smart execution, and a culture designed to last.

Polly
The modern mortgage capital markets platform that empowers lenders with smart pricing, hedging, and pipeline management solutions.
Website: https://polly.io

Floify
A secure, easy-to-use point-of-sale platform that helps lenders streamline borrower communication and document collection.
Website: https://floify.com

Truework
Simplifies income and employment verification to accelerate mortgage approvals while maintaining data accuracy and compliance.
Website: https://truework.com

FundingShield
The industry leader in wire and title fraud prevention, protecting lenders and borrowers with real-time verification tools.
Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this powerful episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Jon Prussel, the President of City First Mortgage LLC, for a candid and deeply human conversation about resilience, leadership, and second chances. Jon’s story is not just about building a business — it’s about rebuilding oneself. From navigating personal and professional lows to steering one of Florida’s most respected mortgage firms, Jon’s journey is a testament to what it means to rise, rebuild, and redeem.

City First Mortgage, founded in 1988, has built its reputation on trust, transparency, and long-term relationships. As a licensed mortgage lender and servicer, the company has stood the test of time by putting people over profit and principles over trends. Jon opens up about what it takes to lead a company that prioritizes principal preservation, stability, and personal service in an era dominated by speed and automation.

In “Rock Bottom to Redemption,” Jon reflects on the hard lessons that shaped both his personal growth and his professional philosophy. From market volatility and economic downturns to moments of doubt and rebuilding, he shares how hitting bottom became the catalyst for transformation — not defeat.

Listeners will discover:

• The foundational values that built City First Mortgage’s 35-year legacy

• How trust and integrity anchor success in lending and leadership

• What “redemption” truly looks like after struggle or failure

• The importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in business recovery

• Why long-term relationships — not transactions — are the real capital of mortgage lending

• How to stay centered, ethical, and optimistic in a shifting financial landscape

Jon’s leadership philosophy echoes through every story: “We don’t just underwrite loans — we underwrite lives.” His approach blends old-school relationship building with forward-thinking adaptability, reminding today’s industry leaders that technology may change, but trust never goes out of style.

This episode isn’t about spreadsheets or pipelines — it’s about the human side of mortgage lending, the lessons learned in failure, and the mindset needed to rise again. Whether you’re a loan officer, broker, executive, or entrepreneur, Jon’s story will challenge how you think about success, survival, and self-redemption.

Polly
The modern mortgage capital markets platform transforming how lenders price, hedge, and manage pipelines for greater accuracy and profitability.
Website: https://polly.io

Floify
A secure, easy-to-use point-of-sale platform that streamlines borrower communication, document collection, and loan processing from start to finish.
Website: https://floify.com

Truework
Trusted by lenders nationwide, Truework simplifies income and employment verification to accelerate approvals and reduce fraud risk.
Website: https://truework.com

FundingShield
The mortgage industry’s gold standard for wire and title fraud protection, providing real-time validation to keep lenders and borrowers safe.
Website: https://www.fundingshield.com

In this week’s episode of MikedUp, we’re getting behind the curtain of mortgage operations with Rob Jewett, the Chief Operating Officer of NewFed Mortgage Corp and one of HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters. Known for streamlining processes and integrating innovative technology, Rob has reimagined what mortgage operations can look like in a digital-first world.

From AI-driven automation to real-time borrower communication and mobile loan origination, Rob has built systems that “unkink the hose” — removing bottlenecks, reducing friction, and restoring flow in the mortgage process. He’s not just talking about efficiency for its own sake; he’s transforming the borrower experience while elevating how loan officers work every single day.

At the heart of Rob’s success is a belief that speed, transparency, and service must coexist. Under his leadership, NewFed Mortgage implemented nCino’s point-of-sale system, enabling loan officers to take applications, pull credit, issue prequalification letters, and lock loans — all from their phones. The result? Loans are getting approved within days, often with no borrower conditions.

This episode dives deep into:

• How Rob transformed NewFed’s operational backbone with technology and data analytics

• The impact of AI tools and eClose solutions on speed and accuracy

• Using video marketing and borrower engagement to humanize the digital experience

• What it takes to scale operations while keeping the personal touch

• The mindset behind “people-first innovation” in mortgage lending

• How data-driven decision making shapes market expansion and retention strategies

Rob also opens up about NewFed’s core philosophy — that mortgages aren’t just financial transactions, but life milestones. With more than two decades of experience and a passion for process excellence, Rob has positioned NewFed Mortgage as a trailblazer among mid-sized independent mortgage banks, proving that being agile and people-focused isn’t a contradiction — it’s the future.

If you’ve ever wondered how the best operators in the business are preparing for the next decade of mortgage lending, this episode will give you a front-row seat.

Polly
The modern mortgage capital markets platform that empowers lenders with smart pricing, hedging, and pipeline management tools.
Website: https://polly.io

Floify
A secure, user-friendly point-of-sale solution helping lenders streamline borrower communication and document collection.
Website: https://floify.com

Truework
Simplify income and employment verification for faster, more accurate mortgage approvals.
Website: https://truework.com

FundingShield
The mortgage industry’s leader in wire and title fraud prevention, protecting lenders and borrowers at every stage.
Website: https://www.fundingshield.com