2025 Agenda
9 – 10:30am
Using A.I. & Content to Double Your Business
Neel Dhingra, CEO of Forward Academy, will break down the actual tools and tactics on how to reach more clients and partners on social media in 2024, and how to convert this into real business results.
Neel is a content marketing expert who exploded his mortgage business by creating content that gets results on social media. With Forward Academy, he helps thousands of RE & mortgage Pros to learn how they can do the same, and hosts the annual Forward Event in Las Vegas, where LOs come to learn the latest trends in marketing.
10:45 – 11:45am
Broker Roundtable: What's Your Top New Year's Resolution?
Kick off the year with inspiration at the expert-led Broker Roundtable at NAMB Focus, where setting impactful New Year’s resolutions takes center stage! Hosted by Jeff Leinan, Co-President of Plaza Home Mortgage, and featuring insights from Lauren Patterson, Certified Military Veteran Loan Specialist of Patriot Home Loans and NAMB board member, Jason Purcell, Co-Founder, and Dennis Waxman, Chief Sales Officer of Certified Mortgage Planners, this session will explore the new administration's impact on the industry, financial planning, team building, coaching, and much more. Start your year strong with actionable strategies for success!
12pm – 1pm
The Power of Your Handshake: Turning First Impressions Into Content for Social presented by Michelle Berman-Mikel, CEO, Founder & Creator of Beyond the Method™ and Berman Media PD
Your answer to “What do you do for a living?” during a handshake can either open doors or close them. Learn how to craft a unique, specific response that sparks curiosity and questions, differentiates you from the rest, and fuels your content strategy—so what you say not only earns attention but also drives traffic to a platform that builds your credibility and creates opportunities.
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Building a 4EVER Mortgage Business
Explore the key elements for building a competitive & resilient 4EVER mortgage business that thrives regardless of market conditions. Allen Middleman, Executive Director of Freedom Mortgage, moderates a panel of industry professionals - Paige Hernandez, Founder of Notorious Women of Mortgage and Originator; Will Tullos, President of Reliant Mortgage; Kimber White, Mortgage Broker at RE Financial and President Elect of NAMB and John Motowidlak, Mortgage Broker, Owner at Mpire Financial - who share their proven success strategies, practical tips & valuable insights on navigating market fluctuations, fostering client relationships & implementing innovative approaches to ensure long-term success in the ever-changing mortgage industry.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
The Best Marketing Hacks for Mortgage Brokers
As the CEO of Mortgage Lead Hackers, Alex Machuca continues to revolutionize the mortgage lead generation landscape. His company provides mortgage brokers with user-friendly software to generate & nurture leads efficiently, emphasizing compliance with the FCC & financial efficiency. In this session, Alex empowers brokers to manage their own lead generation processes, saving time & resources while maximizing results.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
How to Stand Out on Social Media in 2025 (Even If You Don't Have Time to Post)
If you’re struggling to differentiate yourself on social media or are unsure how to target the right audience, this session is for you. Join Chelsea Gardner, Social Media Marketer & Coach, Chelsea Gardner Marketing, to discover how to define your unique value, uncover your niche & use social media to attract the clients you truly want to work with — all without the overwhelm.
In this presentation, you’ll learn:
- How to identify your niche & craft a personal brand that sets you apart
- Proven strategies for creating content that speaks directly to your ideal clients
- Time-saving systems & tools to simplify social media and stay consistent.
You’ll leave with actionable steps to confidently position yourself in your market, attract the right audience & grow your business.
7pm – 9pm
Welcome Reception & Cornhole Tournament
9 – 10:30am
Forecast 2025 for Rates & Housing
NAMB Focus 2025 keynote speaker Barry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, forecasts the new year for the industry.
Topics of discussion include:
- The Refi boom is coming - 3 things you need to do now to maximize profitability
- How to gain & protect your realtor relationships after the NAR ruling
- How to speak like a market expert & beat your competition
- Protect your buyer-agent relationships & create many more purchase opportunities
- Help buyers overcome barriers to homeownership
- Wait for lower rates, bid above asking price & the lock-in effect
Barry, an American entrepreneur & frequent media resource for his mortgage & housing expertise, is an Amazon #1 bestselling author for his book, “Money in the Streets.” Widely credited with saving the mortgage industry in 2020 from margin calls due to Fed actions. His presentation to the Fed created stability at a critical time.
During his mortgage sales career, Barry personally originated over $2 billion. He is the highest rated speaker & trainer for over 25 years in mortgage & real estate.
Barry's notable awards include:
- Three-time Crystal Ball Award Winner by Fannie Mae, Pulsenomics & Zillow for the most accurate Real Estate forecasts out of 150 of the top economists in the US
- 2019 Mortgage Professional of the Year
- Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Named to Mortgage Global 100 List
- The St. Armand Ventures Businessman of the Year 2021
- Named to the list of 100 People to Watch in 2023
10:45 – 11:45am
Be More Like a Farmer: Three Tactics to Get More Leads in 2025
From humble beginnings in 2001 to coaching mortgage professionals across the country, Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage, has an undeniable passion to help others succeed. Chris has developed a team that produces over $5.6 billion in originations a year, focusing on customer experience & state-of-the-art technology.
Having a vision, drive & passion for growing the mortgage industry, Chris, along with his mortgage team, has surpassed 25% regional market share and been voted the Sioux Falls Local Best Mortgage Company for 10 years running.
Chris inspires & coaches his own team of Mortgage Bankers along with CEOs & LOs across the U.S. to ensure his team, along with the clients & community banks they serve, have the tools needed to succeed.
Chris lives by this quote: “Success isn’t about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do.”
12 – 1pm
What Top Originators Are Doing in 2025, a Step-by-Step Plan
Discover how to position yourself for massive success in 2025 with actionable insights & strategies from one of the mortgage industry’s most influential leaders. Carl White, Founder, Mortgage Marketing Animals, delivers a high-energy, content-rich session you don’t want to miss!
Topics include:
- Predictions for the Mortgage Industry in 2025 Gain insight into market conditions & interest rate forecasts that will define the year ahead
- Case Studies “What the Winners Are Doing”
Explore real-world examples of how top-performing loan officers are thriving & walk away with proven strategies you can implement immediately to grow your business. - The Single Best ‘Value Add’ to Get Top-Producing Realtors to Gladly Send You All Their Buyer Leads (and It’s Free!) Learn the simple, no-cost tactic that positions you as an indispensable partner to realtors & guarantees consistent referrals.
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Never Miss an Opportunity with Loan Product Advisor® (LPA℠): Using Caution Messages to your Advantage presented by Freddie Mac
Learn about the LPA Choice℠ and LPA Caution Factor messages on your Loan Product Advisor feedback certificate. These messages provide users with more information that can help quickly identify the reason for Caution and provide actionable feedback. Make faster and more informed decisions about how to proceed with your loan.
2:30 – 3:30pm
Revolutionize Your Business: Unlock New Tools for Maximum Productivity and Marketing Impact
Join Megan Anderson, VP of Client Relations, MBS Highway, for an engaging, actionable keynote on harnessing AI to elevate your business. Discover how to save time using practical prompting techniques to generate captivating social content, create impactful events & design persuasive email campaigns.
Plus, learn how to “clone” yourself — because two of you are definitely better than one — so you can double your productivity & maximize your marketing reach. Don’t miss this chance to transform your workflow & gain a major competitive edge with the latest AI advancements.
3:45 – 4:45pm
2025 Vision: Insights & Opportunities with NAMB Board Leaders
This panel session takes a look into the future of the mortgage industry as NAMB Board members share their expert predictions for 2025. From navigating market trends to leveraging the power of association membership, this engaging panel discussion will explore how being part of an association can elevate your business and position you for success in the coming year. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, ask questions, and connect with leaders shaping the industry!
9am – 4pm
Certified FHA Mortgage Professional Class
NAMB & certification sponsor Freedom Mortgage are proud to offer the Certified FHA Mortgage Professional (CFMP) at NAMB Focus 2025!
FHA loans have been helping people become homeowners since 1934. Having the ability to provide your borrower with the option of an FHA loan is a vital tool in your arsenal of lending options.
Education offered as part of this session is similar to training offered to FHA DE underwriters.
Topics covered include:
- Origination/Processing
- Borrower Eligibility
- Occupancy Types
- Loan Limits
- Underwriting using the TOTAL Mortgage Scorecard
- Credit Review Requirements
- Evaluating Liabilities/Debt/Income
- Asset Requirements
- Acceptable Appraisal Reporting
- Programs and Products
Immediately following the class, a test will be given and, upon passing, you will be presented with your certification & all the marketing materials you need to promote yourself!
9am – 4pm
Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist Class
NAMB & certification sponsor Liberty Reverse Mortgage can help you confidently add reverse mortgages to your product mix in 2025 with the Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist (CREV) class at NAMB Focus 2025!
More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 daily, and the reverse mortgage certification will give you the information and tools necessary to successfully navigate the product, process, and conversation with potential borrowers. During the course you will learn:
- Age/Property/Equity Requirements
- How loan amounts are determined
- The role the product type plays in how much a borrower is allowed to access
- How a credit report is viewed and its potential impact on the loan
- Sales tips and best practices for working with borrowers 62+
- Overcoming objections and working through underwriting issues
Immediately following the class, a test will be given and, upon passing, you will be presented with your certification and all the marketing materials you need to promote yourself!
12 – 2pm
NAMB Board of Directors Meeting
Margaritaville Orlando is an island-inspired escape, with high-end accommodations, world-class dining & relaxing amenities. Minutes from Disney, Universal & all the Central Florida fun!
NAMB Magazine January: Focus Guide 2025
#NAMBFocus2025
Join us at Margaritaville Orlando for dynamic speakers, lunches & happy hours, and parties with NAMBPAC & the NAMB House Band!
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
This island-inspired escape offers high-end accommodations, world-class dining & relaxing amenities. Minutes from Disney, Universal & all the Central Florida fun!