TMA Connection

Hosted by Tim Markland

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

137

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

The TMA Connection is a local podcast show focused on connecting people in the community with new events, endeavors and opportunities. Interviews include people who are doing amazing things in the community, showcasing difference makers and educating listeners in everything real estate. You'll get an inside glimpse in the trials and tribulations of growing a successful business while making a difference in the lives of others. The show is hosted by Tim Markland- team leader and Realtor with the The Markland Advantage Team of Cummings and Co Realtors.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 1, 2026Episode 13842 min

138 - Stepping Up to the Plate in Today's Housing Market W/ Paul Valle

In this episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Paul Valle—veteran sports broadcaster (host of The Bat Around on PressBox) and mortgage loan officer with Main Street Home Loans. Paul dispels the biggest misconceptions crushing homebuyers in today's market, from the persistent myth that you need 20% down to the difference between your down payment and total cash to close. He explains why shopping strictly for the lowest advertised rate is a trap, breaks down creative financing programs like DSCR loans for investors and bank statement loans for self-employed buyers, and shares insider credit-repair strategies (including why you should never close a paid-off card). Plus, Paul and Tim talk media consistency, balancing hustle with family life, and Paul's uncanny habit of accidentally reverse-jinxing Orioles players into hitting streaks. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

August 25, 2026Episode 13717 min

137 - The 2nd Annual Eric Webber Memorial Softball Tournament W/ Dan Webber

In this special live episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with fellow team member Dan Webber to announce and break down all the details for the 2nd Annual Eric Webber Memorial Softball Tournament , taking place on Saturday, September 12th at Bel Air High School . Dan shares how the tournament honors his father Eric Webber, while raising vital funds for Upper Chesapeake's Cancer LifeNet program and Bel Air High School Athletics. Tim and Dan discuss the expanded 6-team format, corporate sponsorship opportunities off-season team "trades" and drama, and how the community can come out to support, play, or volunteer. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

August 18, 2026Episode 13640 min

136 - The Free Senior Living Guide Every Family Needs W/ Kim Murphy

In this informative episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Kim Murphy, Director of Community Outreach at Senior Placements by Patty. With over 25 years of experience spanning executive director roles, admissions, and outreach, Kim acts as an expert, unbiased "matchmaker" for seniors and their families. Kim breaks down the complex world of senior housing—explaining how to evaluate assisted living, memory care, and continuing care retirement communities, as well as uncovering little-known financial assistance programs like VA Aid and Attendance, Maryland's SLAS subsidy loans, and Medicaid spend-downs. She also provides heartfelt advice for the "sandwich generation" on how to let go of caregiver guilt, ask the right questions during facility tours, and access completely free, full-service senior placement support. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage."

August 11, 2026Episode 13543 min

135 - From Ocean Rescue to Risk Management W/ Ed Palumbo

🎧 Sponsored Partner Message The Harford County Chamber of Commerce celebrates 50 years as your voice for business . Membership provides your business with the tools you need to ensure your business is advocated for , educated on key issues , and connected to the people and resources necessary to thrive and shape the county's vibrant economy. Learn more and become a member at www.harfordchamber.org In this wide-ranging episode of The TMA Connection , Tim sits down with Ed Palumbo of Palumbo Insurance Associates. Ed's backstory reads like an adventure novel—from running heavy equipment in demolition and being an ocean rescue lifeguard in New Jersey to serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and providing armed diplomatic security for DC embassy galas. Ed opens up about his 9-year sobriety journey, finding faith and purpose after hitting rock bottom, and how a lifetime of high-stakes service shaped his approach to modern risk management. He breaks down the most dangerous hidden gaps in personal auto policies, the alarming rise of social engineering cyber scams targeting businesses, and how local community groups like the Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) and CHEP have raised over $1.2 million for local Maryland charities. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube by searching "The TMA Connection." Don't forget to like, comment, and share to support the show!

August 4, 202649 min

134 - Mental Health & Building Wealth W/ Paul Applegate

In this deeply honest and moving episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Paul Applegate—former Rutgers shot-putter, 15-year police veteran, and current Edward Jones financial advisor. Paul opens up about the harsh mental toll of law enforcement, his battle with PTSD, and the defining moments that led him to make a courageous mid-career pivot into financial planning. He breaks down why "direction is more important than speed" when fixing your finances, how compound interest really works over time, and why every worker needs an emergency fund and a clear exit strategy. Paul also shares how he's using his personal journey to serve first responders, veterans, and everyday blue-collar families across Harford and Cecil County. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube by searching "The TMA Connection." Don't forget to like, comment, and share to support the show! Disclaimer: The host of this show, The TMA Connection, and Edward Jones have an existing business relationship. This podcast is not a endorsement or testimonial of the investment advisory services provided by Edward Jones financial advisor Paul Applegate.

July 28, 2026Episode 13340 min

133 - Abingdon's New 60,000 Sq Ft Fitness Resort W/ Melissa Lovell

In this episode of The TMA Connection , Tim Markland sits down with Melissa Lovell, General Manager of the brand-new OneLife Fitness location being built in Abingdon, Maryland. Melissa shares her journey in the fitness industry—starting from high school work-study programs to overseeing regional operations—and explains why OneLife selected Harford County for its flagship 60,000-square-foot, two-story facility. She breaks down everything members can expect: four dedicated studios (including Les Mills, Mind & Body, Cycle, and Strike martial arts), a 25-yard saltwater pool, cold plunge and hot tub facilities, private recovery suites with red light therapy and Normatec compression, and a second-story outdoor turf field. Tim and Melissa also discuss pre-sale rates, community partnerships, kids' club offerings, and how OneLife aims to serve as a true "third space" for local families. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage." Don't forget to leave a review and share the show!

July 21, 2026Episode 13252 min

132 - Firearms Safety and Market Truths W/ Mike Thomas

In this high-energy episode of The TMA Connection, Tim Markland brings on Mike Thomas—a certified firearms instructor with Team Grizzly USA and a loan officer with SWBC Mortgage. The episode kicks off with the hilarious and true story of how Tim blindfolded his real estate team and drove them to an undisclosed ravine in for a surprise gun safety clinic. Mike breaks down the essentials of overcoming the initial anxiety of shooting, the "gap vs. gain" mindset, and the non-negotiable rules of firearm safety at home and on the range. He clears up common misconceptions around concealed carry laws, the 5 legal elements of self-defense, and how tools like the Mantis dry-fire system can build real confidence without spending a dime on ammo. To wrap things up, Mike steps right back into his loan officer hat to give a candid breakdown of where mortgage rates are heading, how inflation impacts bond markets, and how buyers can stay smart in Harford & Cecil County's tight housing market. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on YouTube or listen on Apple and Spotify by searching "The Markland Advantage." Don't forget to leave a review and share the show!

July 14, 2026Episode 13115 min

131 – Don't Hire a Real Estate Agent Until You Listen To This W/ Tim Markland

In this special solo edition of The TMA Connection, Tim steps into the hot seat alone to drop an educational masterclass on navigating the buying and selling process. Drawing directly on his past experience as a high school teacher at Bel Air High, Tim breaks down the five non-negotiable qualities you need to look for when interviewing a real estate agent. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or downsizing after 40 years, this episode pulls back the curtain on trade negotiations, off-market brokerage exclusives, and why keeping human relationships first is the ultimate secret sauce to a smooth real estate transaction. Subscribe to The TMA Connection on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full solo breakdown on YouTube by searching "The Markland Advantage." Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments: What is the number one trait you look for in an agent?

July 7, 2026Episode 13038 min

130 – The Mindset Shift W/ Caleb Gordon

🎧 Sponsored Partner Message The Harford County Chamber of Commerce celebrates 50 years as your voice for business . Membership provides your business with the tools you need to ensure your business is advocated for , educated on key issues , and connected to the people and resources necessary to thrive and shape the county's vibrant economy. Learn more and become a member at www.harfordchamber.org In this powerful and perspective-shifting episode of The TMA Connection, Tim sits down with Caleb Gordon, owner of Gordon Harbor Electric and Design. Moving well beyond standard business advice, Caleb shares how a background in engineering psychology ("human factors") and a high-speed, near-fatal UTV farming accident completely redefined his outlook on life, control, and faith. Caleb opens up about the vulnerability of surviving a severe concussion, dealing with a major breakup, and the humbling transition of moving back into his parents' house in Maryland to rebuild his life from square one. Tim and Caleb dive deep into the daily mental blocks of business anxiety, the financial tightropes of starting your own trade business, and why learning to release control to a higher power is the ultimate strategy for letting go of worry. This episode is an essential watch for anyone trying to navigate massive life transitions, build a business, or simply find the faith to trust that "it'll be okay." Subscribe to The TMA Connection on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube by searching "The TMA Connection." Don't forget to like, comment, and share to support the show!

June 30, 2026Episode 12942 min

129 – The Power of Wraparound Care W/ Natalie Johnson

In this high-energy and incredibly entertaining episode of The TMA Connection, Tim sits down with Natalie Johnson, the charismatic Chief Operating Officer of Inner County Outreach (ICO). Celebrating a massive 40-year legacy of deep community service across Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore counties, Natalie shares the foundational story of how her father, Dr. Nathaniel Johnson, launched the faith-based organization in 1986 to remove traditional barriers to care and nurture the entire family unit. Natalie details how ICO manages 13 comprehensive programs across three key divisions: Mental Health and Wellness, Youth and Family Services, and Comprehensive Basic Needs (including their brand-new strategic merger with Fresh Start Furnishings) providing a lasting framework for families navigating crisis. Stick around for the final 10 minutes as Tim flips the script completely into a live, matchmaking segment for Natalie—niching down the search for a godly, highly educated, whiskey drinking partner willing to survive an extensive screening process by her family! Subscribe to The TMA Connection on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube by searching "The TMA Connection." Don't forget to like, comment, and share — your support keeps the conversation growing!