East Meets West

Hosted by PrimeLending

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Feb 2025

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About the show

Join the leaders of our Eastern and Western divisions as they bring together team members from both sides to share their mortgage industry insights, experiences, and best practices. From innovative approaches to common challenges, cultural highlights, and inspiring stories of collaboration, "East Meets West" is your backstage pass to the flourishing partnership between our divisions. East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender.”

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10 recent

February 20, 2025Episode 937 min

Market Insights from MBA's Experts

In this episode of East Meets West, hosts Al Velasco and Gene Lugat are joined by Dr. Michael Fratantoni, MBA’s Chief Economist & SVP of Research, and Matt Jones, MBA’s Associate VP of Government Housing Finance. Together they dive into the evolving mortgage landscape, tackling housing supply, regulatory changes, and industry challenges. Michael and Matt both share insights on economic trends, policy shifts, and the impact of new regulatory leadership. With affordability concerns and evolving industry policies in focus, this discussion highlights why advocacy and collaboration are more crucial than ever. Tune in for expert perspectives on navigating today’s mortgage challenges!Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional ManagerGene Lugat, EVP, Eastern Divisional ManagerDr. Michael Fratantoni, MBA Chief Economist & SVP of Research & Business DevelopmentMatt Jones, MBA Associate Vice President for Government Housing FinanceEast Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at ⁠⁠⁠primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures⁠ for⁠⁠ full licensing and disclosures.

December 13, 202424 min

Becky Carver and Finding What Fills Your Cup

Al Velasco chats with Becky Carver, a senior loan officer and recent boomerang hire from Washington. Becky opens up about her decision to leave PrimeLending, the lessons she learned during her time away, and what ultimately brought her back. With nearly 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she shares practical advice for navigating burnout and finding renewed purpose. Becky also highlights her inspiring work outside the office, from teaching financial health to incarcerated individuals to serving on boards that support underprivileged communities. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about reconnecting, rediscovery, and giving back. Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional Manager Becky Carver, Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #185042 East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at ⁠⁠primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures⁠ for⁠ full licensing and disclosures.

December 12, 2024Episode 824 min

Finding What Fills Your Cup with Becky Carver

Al Velasco chats with Becky Carver, a senior loan officer and recent boomerang hire from Washington. Becky opens up about her decision to leave PrimeLending, the lessons she learned during her time away, and what ultimately brought her back. With nearly 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she shares practical advice for navigating burnout and finding renewed purpose. Becky also highlights her inspiring work outside the office, from teaching financial health to incarcerated individuals to serving on boards that support underprivileged communities. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about reconnecting, rediscovery, and giving back. Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional ManagerBecky Carver, Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #185042 East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at ⁠primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures⁠ for full licensing and disclosures.

October 23, 2024Episode 729 min

Gene Lugat and Leading with Your Heart

In this episode of East Meets West, Al Velasco sits down with Gene Lugat, EVP, Eastern Divisional Manager, for an engaging and inspirational conversation. Gene opens up about overcoming defeats and finding joy in every new opportunity. With his heart-first leadership style and "Game On" attitude, Gene dives into how he stays positive even in tough times. As a key voice on the MBA executive board, he also sheds light on his ongoing advocacy for the mortgage industry and his commitment to PrimeLending’s success. Don’t miss this empowering discussion on resilience, leadership, and driving meaningful change. Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional Manager Gene Lugat, EVP, East Divisional Manager East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at https://www.primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures for full licensing and disclosures.

August 26, 2024Episode 636 min

Value Added Benefits with Scott Caroselli

In this episode, join Scott Caroselli, one of our longest-tenured loan officers with 30 years at PrimeLending, as he shares the secrets behind building value-added partnerships, becoming a trusted advisor, and the importance of bonding with your clients. Plus, Scott shares his secrets behind his long-term success, including why he's called PrimeLending home for three decades. Don't miss this chance to learn from a true mortgage industry veteran! Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional ManagerKaren Blakeslee, Production Development & Performance SupportScott Caroselli, Loan Officer, NMLS: 176772 East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures for full licensing and disclosures.

June 12, 2024Episode 553 min

Old School Dialing, Critical Connections and Finding Fun

Tune into special guests, David Wakefield and Paul Chiasson as they explore the secrets behind their successful power hour and external explosion calls. Discover how to put the fun back in mortgages as David and Paul share their insights on the often-overlooked art of picking up the phone and making those crucial calls. Plus, don't miss David's exciting recount of his recent hike across the Appalachian Trail. Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional Manager Karen Blakeslee, Production Development & Performance Support Paul Chiasson, Branch Manager NMLS: 112522 David Wakefield, Branch Manager NMLS: ‍180383 East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at https://www.primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures for full licensing and disclosures.

May 9, 2024Episode 452 min

Consistency, Building Reputations and the Great BBQ Debate

Join us for an insightful conversation with up and coming Loan Officers, Emily Conaty (Kansas City, MO) and Amanda Jones (Greenville, SC). Despite being relatively new to the industry, they've mastered the art of building their reputations and businesses in their respective markets. Tune in as we delve into their strategies for leveraging social media, staying top-of-mind with borrowers, and debates on which state reigns supreme in the realm of BBQ. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, you won't want to miss the valuable insights shared in this episode. Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional ManagerKaren Blakeslee, Production Development & Performance SupportAmanda Jones, Loan Officer, NMLS: ‍2143555Emily Conaty, Team loan Officer, NMLS: 2062271 East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures for full licensing and disclosures.

March 25, 2024Episode 348 min

Myron Chamberlain's D1C Principles for Life and Business

Don't miss Episode 3, featuring Myron Chamberlain sharing his Day 1 certainties for both business and life. Plus, hear firsthand from Myron about his family's remarkable journey through the adoption of their son, Christian. Tune in now! Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional Manager Karen Blakeslee, Production Development & Performance Support Myron Chamberlain, Sr. Loan Officer, NMLS: 224910 East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at https://www.primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures for full licensing and disclosures.

February 16, 2024Episode 242 min

Fed Next Steps, Builders Sales and Mark Raskin

Join our hosts Al and Karen, along with special guest speaker, Mark Raskin for some insight into rates, builder sales and how to navigate a difficult market. Al Velasco, EVP, West Divisional Manager Karen Blakeslee, Production Development & Performance Support Mark Raskin, Branch Manager, NMLS: 176513 East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at https://www.primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures for full licensing and disclosures.

December 14, 2023Episode 148 min

How the East Met West

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "East Meets West" your go-to podcast for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic synergy between the East and West divisions at PrimeLending! Join our hosts, Al Velasco and Karen Blakeslee as they talk to Andrew Stringer, EVP of Capital Markets, about his insight into the ever-evolving landscape of our mortgage market. East Meets West is produced by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, NMLS #13649, Equal Housing Lender. Program content is meant to be commentary and any discussion of rates or products is not to be taken as home buying or financial advice, as a solicitation or offer for services, or as a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees are subject to change. Consult a mortgage professional regarding your individual loan needs for your financial situation. Visit our website at primelending.com/legal-disclosures/licensing-disclosures for full licensing and disclosures.”