How They Crushed It

Ever wondered how the top loan officers, entrepreneurs, salespeople, and marketing experts built their empires? Dive into the raw, unscripted stories of the crushers: Mortgage titans who've shattered loan quotas, visionary CEOs who took their businesses to stratospheric heights, and sales legends who close deals blindfolded. In the "How They Crushed It" podcast, you'll get: Learn from the best in the biz as they reveal their hard-won secrets, epic comebacks, and unexpected turning points. ️ Actionable tips you can implement TODAY: Whether you're a mortgage newbie, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a side-hustler with big dreams, these actionable insights will propel you forward. Inspiration to crush YOUR goals: Get ready to be fired up by the raw energy and unstoppable ambition of our guests. This isn't just about mortgages. It's about building YOUR future: <

How They Crushed It is a business podcast hosted by Direct Mortgage Loans, with 17 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Direct Mortgage Loans hosts How They Crushed It, a business show with 17 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #1

  Garrett Finkelstein | Building Real Relationships in the Age of AI: Marketing Stories That Matter

  Feb 10, 202622 minS2

  <p>Join Dean Johnson as he sits down with Garrett Finkelstein, Marketing Director at Direct Mortgage Loans, for an insightful conversation about authentic marketing, storytelling, and relationship-building in an increasingly digital world. In this first episode of 2026, Garrett shares his 14-year journey in mortgage marketing—from video editor to marketing executive—and reveals why customers must always be the main characters in every story you tell.</p><p>Discover why consistency beats virality, how to merge your personal interests with business content, and why AI tools, while valuable, can never replace genuine human connection. Garrett's practical wisdom applies across all indu...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #6

  Michelle Jacinto | Service with a Smile, Treating Others Like Family, & Back to Basics in Business

  Sep 30, 202429 minS2

  <p>In this episode of the How They Crushed It podcast, host Dean Johnson of Direct Mortgage Loans interviews Michelle Jacinto, a top producer at Direct Mortgage Loans. They discuss Michelle's journey from her formative years in a family business to her successful career in the mortgage industry. The conversation highlights the importance of customer service, mentorship, and building relationships in business. Michelle shares her insights on adapting to changes in the industry, the significance of networking, and the return to basics in a chaotic market.</p>

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #5

  Terrance Diggs | Leveraging Your Network, Brand Growth, & Taking Action to Go After Your Dreams

  Aug 6, 202436 minS2

  <p>Terrance Diggs, founder of D17, shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the growth of his apparel brand. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and going after what you want. Terrance discusses the power of networking and community involvement in building his brand. He also highlights the role of marketing and analytics in growing his business. Terrance's approach to marketing includes event activations, sponsorships, and user-generated content. He shares his experiences in collaborating with other businesses and leveraging his network to expand his brand's reach. Terrance's determination and willingness to take risks have been key factors in his...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #4

  Bonny Gothier | The Power of Reinventing Oneself, Filling Voids in the City, & Authentic Connections

  Jul 23, 202434 minS2

  <p>Bonny Gothier shares her journey of reinventing herself from a dental hygienist to a successful businesswoman in the pickleball industry. She emphasizes the importance of passion, hustle, and never stopping learning. Bonny also highlights the significance of connection and authenticity in business, as well as the need for human connection in today's society. She shares her experience of opening Baltimore Pickleball Club and the strategies she used to grow the business, including word of mouth and corporate events. Bonny's story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to reinvent themselves and find success in their chosen field.</p>

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #3

  Jan Ozga | Serving Others, Taking Calculated Risks, & Being Unapologetically Yourself

  Jul 9, 202432 minS2

  <p>Jan Ozga, the Chief Strategy Officer at Direct Mortgage Loans and a guest on the How They Crushed It podcast, shares his journey from being a chef to a successful mortgage professional. He emphasizes the importance of making an impact on others and having faith in one's efforts. Jan believes in being transparent, honest, and unapologetically himself in all interactions. He encourages consistency, planning, and taking risks to achieve success. Jan also highlights the significance of caring for people and serving others. He concludes by urging listeners to do their best every day and focus on making a positive...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on How They Crushed It. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.