In this man on the street interview, we talk with Michael Iuculano, known as Hard Money Mike, a top alternative lender and founder of MJI Capital. Michael shares how he built a hard money operation that closes deals in days, not weeks, and reveals the systems behind a 24-year, $2B+ lending track record.

In this Episode we cover:

Why hard money is not one size fits all and how Mike picks quality deals outside the traditional bank box

- The mindset shift brokers need to thrive in hard money lending
- Why trust, speed, and creativity matter more than ever in 2025’s lending market
- How a robust referral pipeline and persistent marketing drove 2,000+ loans and inbound leads
- The future outlook for hard money and how brokers can position themselves now
- How his team qualifies borrowers by looking for reasons to kill a deal to save time and avoid bad fits

📲 Follow Hard Money Mike:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardmoneymichael
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-iuculano
Website: https://mjicapital.com

#hardmoney #hardmoneylending #realestateinvesting #realestate #privatelending #mortgagebroker #realestatelending #investmentproperty #realestateinvestor #podcast

In this episode of Local Leverage, hosted by Mark Hockridge, we sit down with Wade Betz, the "No-Fluff Mortgage Coach" and one of the top mortgage brokers in the country. Wade transitioned from old-school sales tactics to a modern, client-centric approach - and now generates 65% of his business from past clients every single year.

Wade shares his insights on:

✅ How to stand out in a saturated mortgage market
✅ Building a mortgage business with 65% repeat clients
✅ Referral systems that generate consistent leads
✅ Why sales activity tracking is the #1 driver of income
✅ How to future-proof your mortgage business from AI disruption

If you're a mortgage professional or anyone in the mortgage, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-leverage/id1795083813
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69MV8neMEaenwPp2HmUTdb
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/95353ab5-ae11-488e-a6cc-1de91aadfee1/local-leverage

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Local Leverage:
🌐 Website https://www.propertyradar.com/learn/l...
📸 Instagram: / localleverage_ig
📘 Facebook: / localleveragepodcast

📲 Follow Mark Hockridge:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hockridge/
🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markhockridge/

📲 Follow Wade Betz:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadebetz/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wadebetz/
🌐 Website: https://www.betterwithwade.com
🌐 Join Wade’s Team: https://www.betterwithwade.com/partners

📲 Follow The Betz Team:
🌐 Website: https://www.betterwithwade.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterwithwade
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterWithWade

#mortgagebroker
#loanofficertips
#referralstrategy
#clientretention
#realestatemarketing
#homebuyertips
#repeatbusiness
#mortgagestrategy
#financialadvice
#localbusinessgrowth
#referralmarketing
#mortgagebusiness
#homeloantips
#mortgagecoach
#realestategrowth

In this episode of Local Leverage, hosted by Mark Hockridge, we sit down with Ben Allgeyer, a foreclosure investor and founder of a lean, high-volume real estate operation.

Ben transitioned from working broad lead lists and chasing volume to focusing exclusively on pre-foreclosure leads pulled directly from county records, where he’s now closing four deals per week,

Ben shares insights on:

✅ How to pull pre-foreclosure data daily - straight from the source
✅ Building empathetic seller conversations that convert
✅ How to handle complex title, multiple liens, and short sale opportunities
✅ Using automation and AI to manage leads and auctions at scale

If you're a real estate investor, wholesaler, or local business owner looking to close more deals without bloated marketing, this episode is packed with tactical insight you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-leverage/id1795083813
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69MV8neMEaenwPp2HmUTdb
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/95353ab5-ae11-488e-a6cc-1de91aadfee1/local-leverage

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Local Leverage:
🌐 Website https://www.propertyradar.com/learn/l...
📸 Instagram: / localleverage_ig
📘 Facebook: / localleveragepodcast

📲 Follow Mark Hockridge:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hockridge/
🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markhockridge/

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Ben:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebenallgeyer/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.allgeyer.9

#ForeclosureInvesting
#PreForeclosureDeals
#RealEstateInvesting
#OffMarketDeals
#DistressedProperties
#InvestorsMindset
#AutomationInBusiness
#LocalLeveragePodcast

In this episode of Local Leverage, hosted by Mark Hockridge, we sit down with Jacob Camhi, the Vice President of Marketing at PropertyRadar.

Jacob transitioned from programmatic ad consulting and prop-tech startups to leading growth strategy at PropertyRadar, where he’s helping small businesses harness enterprise-level advertising power.

Jacob shares insights on:

✅ What is programmatic advertising (in plain English)
✅ How small businesses can access advanced ad networks
✅ Why targeted outbound campaigns outperform retargeting
✅ The most cost-effective ad strategy for real estate pros
✅ Key metrics and mistakes to avoid with online ads

If you're a local business owner, real estate professional, or marketer, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-leverage/id1795083813
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69MV8neMEaenwPp2HmUTdb
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/95353ab5-ae11-488e-a6cc-1de91aadfee1/local-leverage

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Local Leverage:
🌐 Website https://www.propertyradar.com/learn/l...
📸 Instagram: / localleverage_ig
📘 Facebook: / localleveragepodcast

📲 Follow Mark Hockridge:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hockridge/
🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markhockridge/

📲 Follow Jacob Camhi:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcamhi/
🌐 Website: https://www.propertyradar.com

📲 Follow PropertyRadar:
🌐 Website: https://www.propertyradar.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propertyradar/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PropertyRadar/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertyradar/

#programmaticadvertising #localmarketinghelp #smallbusinessgrowth #realestatemarketing #hyperlocal #outboundmarketing #digitaladvertising #propertyradar #localleveragepodcast

In this episode of Local Leverage, hosted by Mark Hockridge, we sit down with Jeremy Sergent, an Independent Mortgage Broker and Founder of Team Excel. Jeremy transitioned from a background in branding and tech to mortgage lending - where he now uses AI tools to automate outreach, personalize content, and generate leads at scale.

Jeremy shares insights on:

✅ Building custom automations using Go High Level
✅ Leveraging PropertyRadar for hyper-targeted lead generation
✅ Creating authentic, branded content with PressMaster
✅ How AI is disrupting underwriting and loan processing
✅ Why loan officers must adapt now—or get left behind

If you're a loan officer, mortgage broker, or real estate pro, this episode is packed with practical, high-impact strategies you can use today!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-leverage/id1795083813
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69MV8neMEaenwPp2HmUTdb
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/95353ab5-ae11-488e-a6cc-1de91aadfee1/local-leverage

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Local Leverage:
🌐 Website https://www.propertyradar.com/learn/l...
📸 Instagram: / localleverage_ig
📘 Facebook: / localleveragepodcast

📲 Follow Mark Hockridge:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hockridge/
🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markhockridge/

📲 Follow Jeremy Sergent:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremysargeant/
🌐 Website: https://www.loansbyhumans.com/
📲 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@loansbyhumans
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loansbyhumans/

📲 Follow Team Excel:
🌐 Website: https://teamexcelnow.com/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teamexcelnow
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamexcelnow/

#AIMortgage #LoanOfficerTools #MortgageAutomation #LeadGenerationTips #GoHighLevel #MortgageTech #PropertyRadar #RealEstateMarketing #LocalLeveragePodcast

In this episode of Local Leverage, hosted by Mark Hockridge, we sit down with Alec Hanson, the VP of Revenue Development & Growth at LoanDepot. Alec is a mortgage industry veteran who has worn nearly every hat - from top originator to chief marketing officer.

Alec transitioned from originating loans to leading revenue growth initiatives at one of the country’s largest mortgage lenders. In his current role, he’s focused on expanding strategic partnerships, enhancing digital engagement, and streamlining originator support with cutting-edge tools and training platforms.

In this episode Alec shares insights on:

✅ Building modern lead-to-close funnels for local teams
✅ The evolving role of CRM and digital nurture ecosystems
✅ Winning with agility, personalization, and originator enablement
✅ Key consumer behaviors shaping the mortgage market in 2025
✅ Why most brokers underperform—and how to change that

If you're a mortgage broker or local loan officer, this is a tactical breakdown to help you outperform retail giants using smarter, originator-first strategies.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: [Apple Podcast Link]
🎧 Spotify: [Spotify Link]
🎧 Amazon: [Amazon Music Link]


🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-leverage/id1795083813
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69MV8neMEaenwPp2HmUTdb
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/95353ab5-ae11-488e-a6cc-1de91aadfee1/local-leverage

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Local Leverage:
🌐 Website https://www.propertyradar.com/learn/l...
📸 Instagram: / localleverage_ig
📘 Facebook: / localleveragepodcast

📲 Follow Mark Hockridge:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hockridge/
🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markhockridge/

📲 Follow Alec Hanson:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-hanson/
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alecthehanson/
🌐 Website: https://www.alec-hanson.com/

📲 Follow LoanDepot:
🌐 Website: https://www.loandepot.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loandepot/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loandepot
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loandepot/

#MortgageMarketing #LoanOfficerTips #RevenueGrowth #LocalLending #LeadGen #MortgageBroker #ModernLending #loandepot

In this episode of Local Leverage, hosted by Mark Hockridge, we sit down with Todd Bookspan, founder of Win By Noon and a nationally recognized mortgage coach and leadership strategist. Todd transitioned from closing over $200M in annual volume - while taking 130+ days off - to coaching top-producing loan officers and branch managers on how to systematize success.

Todd shares insights on:

✅ How “Win By Noon” helps LOs lead like CEOs
✅ Scaling a mortgage team without hustle and burnout
✅ Why most LOs don’t need more leads—they need better systems
✅ Time-blocking strategies for daily momentum
✅ The mindset shift from originator to business owner

If you're a mortgage leader, branch manager, or LO ready to scale, this episode is full of tactical takeaways and leadership gold.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-leverage/id1795083813
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69MV8neMEaenwPp2HmUTdb
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/95353ab5-ae11-488e-a6cc-1de91aadfee1/local-leverage

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Local Leverage:
🌐 Website https://www.propertyradar.com/learn/l...
📸 Instagram: / localleverage_ig
📘 Facebook: / localleveragepodcast

📲 Follow Mark Hockridge:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hockridge/
🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markhockridge/
📲 Follow Todd Bookspan:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbookspan/


📲 Follow Win By Noon:
🌐 Website: https://winbynoon.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winbynoon/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winbynoon
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/winbynoon/
🌐 Coaching Program: https://winbynoon.com/coaching/

#MortgageCoaching #LoanOfficerTips #WinByNoon #LeadershipDevelopment #MortgageTeamGrowth #TimeManagement #LocalLeveragePodcast

In this episode of Local Leverage, hosted by Mark Hockridge, we sit down with Brian Daly, the founder of We Revive and publisher of The Real Report. Brian transitioned from managing over 1,500 foreclosure transactions to building a mission-driven real estate investment firm focused on revitalizing homes and transforming communities in San Diego.

Brian shares insights on:

✅ Navigating California's evolving housing market
✅ Building a mission-driven real estate business
✅ Vertical integration & scaling flips with in-house teams
✅ Strategic partnerships with agents & wholesalers
✅ Tackling homelessness with the ONE Campaign

If you're a real estate investor, developer, or local community advocate, this episode is packed with game-changing insights you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-leverage/id1795083813
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69MV8neMEaenwPp2HmUTdb
🎧 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/95353ab5-ae11-488e-a6cc-1de91aadfee1/local-leverage

📺 Watch More Episodes:
🔗 Checkout More Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAcwlSorbjF_2y1a-zelJIuMvHJJdqDEa

📲 Follow Local Leverage:
🌐 Website https://www.propertyradar.com/learn/l...
📸 Instagram: / localleverage_ig
📘 Facebook: / localleveragepodcast

📲 Follow Mark Hockridge:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hockridge/
🔗 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/markhockridge/

📲 Follow Brian Daly:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdaly/
🔗 Real Producers Profile: https://www.realproducersmag.com/locations/san-diego-real-producers-3d42/articles/-4c0786/
🌐 Website: https://werevive.com/about/
🌐 Join The ONE Campaign: https://werevive.com/one-campaign

📲 Follow We Revive:
🌐 Website: https://werevive.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werevivehomes/

#RealEstateInvesting #HouseFlipping #MissionDrivenBusiness #SanDiegoRealEstate #AffordableHousing #HomelessnessSolutions #LocalLeveragePodcast