Great stories from blue-collar business owners around the world. You'll hear tales of great success, phenomenal failure, and everything in between. To learn more about how the Blue Collar Business School is helping hard-working business owners visit us at www.bluecollar.business.
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Learn how executives customize their iPhones with third-party apps to help them get the job done.
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The financial services industry is ever-changing as the market evolves and consumer expectations shift. Standing out – and winning – as a bank, lender, or credit union looks different today than once before. Join Total Expert Founder and CEO Joe Welu as he speaks with leaders across modern financial institutions and the methods that are helping them stand out from competitors while building a loyal customer base. You’ll walk away with leadership and innovation strategies you can put into act ...
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Key Takeaways On The Dreamforce Conference: Partnering With Salesforce To Solve Current Market Challenges With Patrick Hanley
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What’s in it to partner with Salesforce? That’s the question we will discuss today. Joining Joe Welu in this episode is the Vice President of Partner Ecosystem at Total Expert, Patrick Hanley. Bringing with them from the Dreamforce Conference are some of their key takeaways from Salesforce’s largest event. Patrick shares the trend of AI and how Sal…
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Better Together with Salesforce: 2023 Dreamforce Recap
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Join Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu and VP Partner Ecosystems Patrick Hanley as they discuss the invaluable insights and they took away from experts across the technology and financial services industries while at #Dreamforce2023. As a proud Salesforce partner, we’re excited to share our experience from another incredible event. We’ll also dis…
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A Closer Look At The Mortgage Space Mid-2023 With Julian Hebron
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We’re halfway down 2023. For anyone who knows how to stay afloat in the mortgage space, that means keeping yourself abreast of what happened and what trends to expect. In this episode, Joe Welu interviews Julian Hebron, the founder and CEO of The Basis Point, to give us a closer look at the mortgage space in mid-2023. Is the worst over despite the …
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Exploring Challenges And Opportunities In The Insurance Industry: Communication, Collaboration, And The Role Of AI With Chris Cline And Ilya Filipov
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Unique challenges and technological transformations are reshaping the insurance industry as we know it. How should agencies position themselves to benefit from these changes? Join host Joe Welu as he engages in a dynamic discussion with industry experts Chris Cline and Ilya Filipov. The conversation focuses on the lack of proactive communication fr…
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The Evolution of the Housing Industry with Clayton Collins
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There are a lot of changes in the housing industry right now, and with all the layoffs and right-sizing going on, it’s easy to feel like the industry is going through a downturn. But reframe that and think about it as an evolutionary process. In this episode, Joe Welu and industry leader Clayton Collins discuss how the current adjustments are pushi…
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The journey to the top is not all about peaches and rainbows. After all, to reach the top, you have to start from the bottom and go through steep inclines. This metaphor perfectly illustrates what Shant Banosian had to go through. Before he became a top loan originator, Shant started somewhere and went through experiences that may not be the most p…
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Silicon Valley Bank (SVB): What Happened And The Opportunity With James White And Dan Catinella
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Headlines were flooded with the news of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse, leaving consumers with questions and uncertainty. Banks and lenders, on the other hand, are trying to restore consumer confidence and make the next best move. Total Expert’s James White and Dan Catinella join host Joe Welu in this episode to make sense of the news, brea…
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Marketing In Today's World: Understanding Gen Z Consumer Attitudes And Mindsets With Shashank Shekhar
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Today's market demands a deeper understanding of consumer attitudes and mindsets, which often differ from what we see in the media. It's time to ditch the outdated tactics and embrace a more personalized and authentic approach. In this episode, Shashank Shekhar, the CEO of InstaMortgage and host of the Shashank Redemption podcast, discusses how to …
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Best Practices For Maximizing Growth With Dan Catinella
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Consider this episode your one-stop shop for top strategies and tactical methods to help your organization drive deal flow and become a growth engine. In this special three-part feature episode, Total Expert's Chief Lending Officer Dan Catinella joins Joe Welu and discusses how to create growth opportunities. Discover how to (1) protect your pipeli…
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Raising Industry Standards Using Tech and Innovation with Katherine Campbell
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The industry has shifted where we now have to rely on tech and innovation to create opportunities and ride the changing tides. However, the drawback is it keeps our heads in the sand. What we need is to raise the standard. In this episode, Katherine Campbell, Chief Digital Officer for Assurance Financial, sits down with Joe Welu to discuss how we c…
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Technology Evaluation: Tech Stack Or 'Franken-Stack?'
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Guess who’s back? Fintech evangelist Sue Woodard joins Joe Welu here in Expert Insights studio again, this time to discuss how banks and lenders evaluate their tech stack in today’s macro environment. Sue shares the biggest pain points of lenders in choosing and implementing the right technology, the key components lenders miss during the process, …
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The 2023 Growth Playbook: Customer Acquisition With Sue Woodard
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Prioritization is more important than ever as lenders look for ways to grow their businesses. Customer acquisition will certainly be a key component in this regard. Fintech evangelist Sue Woodard joins Joe Welu in the Expert Insights studio to discuss the top priorities for lenders in 2023. She explains how to operationalize the right things in you…
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Technology In Banking & Bridging The Data Gap With Allan Rayson
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Named the 2022 Digital Banker of the year by American Banker, Allan Rayson has an impressive track record guiding financial institutions to success, sitting at the intersection of fintech and banking. Having most recently built Encore Bank's tech stack from the ground up, Allan joins host Joe Welu to share his journey, lessons learned, and how bank…
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Returning from the biggest conference on digital strategies for the banking industry, James White, industry principal for banks and credit unions at Total Expert, joins Joe Welu to break down the key themes and takeaways from The Financial Brand Forum conference. Tune in as they discuss where banks and credit unions are focusing their attention hea…
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Back to Basics: Growing in a Contracting Market
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As mortgage lenders face market uncertainty among rising interest rates, there's no question lenders need to play offense to help get consumers into their dream home. Traci Huntemann-Piatt, vice president of marketing at Envoy Mortgage, joined Joe Welu to discuss how she is leading her team to tackle the market, how to remain nimble, and how to go …
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The mortgage industry continues to experience its fair share of shake-ups. As the fed raises rates and we're seeing consumer sentiment at all-time lows, trusted financial advisors are needed now more than ever to help consumers navigate choppy waters. In this episode, Total Expert Chief Lending Officer Dan Catinella joins Joe Welu to break down all…
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Lance Lemoine, president of the mortgage division at Evolve Bank and Trust, stops by Expert Insights to talk with host Joe Welu about how Evolve is modernizing its business. During the conversation the two discuss the bank's incredible retention rates, staying relevant in the current financial climate, and making data-driven decisions. Key Takeaway…
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Unlocking Value With Financial Health & Wellness
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President and COO of FinLocker Brian Vieaux joins Joe Welu on Expert Insights to discuss going beyond a transactional mindset and delivering value to consumers by helping them prepare for life's biggest financial decisions. Key takeaways: [00:55] Brian's background and FinLocker story [05:16] Financial health and wellness, and enabling customer suc…
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Jason Henrichs of Alloy Labs talks with Expert Insights host Joe Welu about the state of fintech in 2022. Alloy Labs interacts with many banks that are in the middle stages of digital transformation, and Jason outlines opportunities for the future of banking institutions growing to fit the modern needs of customers.…
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A Customer-First Culture For Modern Lenders
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Steve Jacobson, the founder and CEO of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, joins Joe Welu on Expert Insights to share his perspective on the mortgage industry, what it takes to build a culture with a growth mindset, and his vision for Fairway for the next five years.
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In this episode, Melissa Wright, chief sales and marketing officer at American Pacific Mortgage, stops by Expert Insights to talk about her real estate and entrepreneurial journey. Topics of conversation include: Living through market shifts and adapting to challenges Finding strength in marketing and bringing business units together Creating stron…
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In this episode, Dart Bank President and CEO, Bill Hufnagel, joins Expert Insights' host, Joe Welu, to share his vision for Dart Bank and how he is leading the bank to be values-based and high tech, high touch.
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Navigating Over-Hyped Inflation Headlines
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Julian Hebron joins Expert Insights to talk all about mortgage financing and how current events and inflation are impacting the lending industry. Host Joe Welu and Julian delve into strategies for educating customers, optimizing budgets, and driving conversion.
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Two Ways Lenders Should Elevate Multicultural Marketing
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In the age of digital marketing, what do lenders need to understand about connecting with the multicultural market to grow homeownership? On this episode of Expert Insights, Joe Welu and Tony Thompson discuss two ways can elevate their multi-cultural marketing in the purchase market ahead.
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How Banks and Lenders Can Tackle Three Critical Innovation Roadblocks
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The concept of innovation isn't new to financial services. Yet, the elusive innovation topic continues to be a top priority for banks and lenders. Joe Welu and James Robert Lay discuss three critical roadblocks to innovation and strategies that financial institutions can use to truly achieve innovation.…
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How Product Innovation Changes Customer Experience
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Service is in banking’s soul. It’s a core part of driving growth. However, recent history in banking, especially fintech innovation, raises an important question: With fintechs winning so many new customers, does product innovation mean banking organizations can no longer depend on service to compensate for a commoditized product offering? Joe Welu…
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Servicing is Key to Customer for Life - Julian Hebron
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15:51
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As rising rates in 2021 slow one of the greatest refi booms ever, more banks and lenders are adding mortgage servicing to their diversification playbook. In this episode, Joe Welu and The Basis Point’s Julian Hebron look at market dynamics driving this, how to plan in the current servicing environment, and what it takes to execute on a single custo…
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The Customer for Life Tech Stack - Julian Hebron
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Technology investments have historically focused on the transactional customer experience – and in doing so the ability for banks and lenders to engage and create holistic experiences for customers has actually widened. But the path to continued growth for financial services lies within the ability to retain and engage those customers throughout th…
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Delivering ROI by Going All-In on Customer Experience with Dan Catinella
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So many organizations say, “Hey, we need to focus on customer experience.” In theory, that sounds great. But the challenge comes in creating that focus, keeping teams aligned, and having the right tools in place. Finance of America has committed to going “all in” on customer experience, and is seeing impact on its retention and loyalty rates. In th…
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David Salinas has made a phenomenal career for himself and based most of it off his street smarts. He tells us the story of how he got where he is today, and he insists on getting to no as fast as possible.
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Innovation That Moves Your Expiration Date - Brian Burke
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Brian Burke tells the story of how he ended up innovating in a market that others thought would be long extinct by now.
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Fire Pole to Barber Pole - Brian Hunt
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Brian Hunt never set out to be a business owner. Instead, he set a goal to improve the quality of life for himself and his two sons. As a result, his barbershop has become a positive influence for a community impacted by racial, political, and cultural divides.
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Andy arrived in Salisbury, NC almost 20 years ago as a drama major at Catawba College. Today, he's one of the most successful brewmasters in the region.
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Raising money for your business is as much an art as it is a skill. Doug Chambers is an artist, and this is the story of how he got started with his first company.
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You probably know Anthony Carrino from his time on HGTV, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, or his new project TheBuild.TV. But, do you know how it all began? Anthony tells us the story about his early career in the Design and Construction industry, and how his unexpected television career helped make him better at his job. To learn more, you can find Antho…
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Pressure Cleaned Customer Experience - Will Meng
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Will Meng is the owner of Prestige Pressure Wash in Salisbury, NC. He tells the story about how he got started with the company while he was still working an extremely challenging day job, and how he's used creative customer success process to turn it into the successful company it is today. You can learn more about Will and his company at www.thep…
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Mister Softee Goes to China - Turner Sparks
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The first episode of the Blue Collar Business School Podcast is a story from Turner Sparks about how he took the Mister Softee franchise to China, and changed the soft serve landscape of the entire country. You can learn more about Turner and his own podcast, Lost in America by following him on instagram @turnersparks or search for the Lost in Amer…
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Consumers are seeking a trusted financial advisor who can educate them as they make critical financial decisions. And building that trust (and keeping it) is the foundation for a lifelong partnership. As Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu says, “Every interaction with your brand or your people either builds trust or erodes it.” What systems does y…
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When communicating with your customers or members, are you selling a product or an outcome? The difference between these 2 approaches is crucial when engaging with consumers and coming from a place that has their financial wellness in mind. Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu and Chief Customer Officer Sue Woodard discuss what this looks like in pr…
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Leading financial organizations that are out-pacing their competitors follow a no-limit mindset. They continue to push the boundaries, redefine what their organization is capable of, and exceed their customer’s expectations. But what’s the secret to reaching this mindset? Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu and Chief Customer Officer Sue Woodard br…
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Purpose vs. Proof: Putting Action Behind Your "Why"
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Financial institutions can have superior messaging and a clear purpose, but to truly accelerate, they must ensure the right steps are being taken to communicate their message across all touch points with customers and potential customers. Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu and Chief Customer Officer Sue Woodard discuss what it means to put action …
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Reacting to Today or Being Strategic for Tomorrow?
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In a year unlike any other, financial institutions have been forced to innovate and take a new approach with their customer relationships. Financial institutions are being grouped into 1 of 2 categories: reactive vs. proactive. Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu and Chief Customer Officer Sue Woodard break down how to make the most out of 2020 and…
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Customer Loyalty: Becoming the Lifetime Financial Partner
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Customer loyalty has taken on a new meaning and become more important as the industry evolves and financial institutions uncover the true value of lifetime loyalty. In turn, financial institutions must take a closer look at their loyalty strategy starting with the very first interaction with a customer – and throughout the entire lifecycle. Total E…
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Leaders vs. Laggards: Sales & Marketing Alignment
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Misaligned sales and marketing weighs heavy on the success of financial services organizations. Aligning these two areas to deliver a singular customer journey with consistent messaging is pivotal to any growing brand. Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu and Chief Customer Sue Woodard discuss the impact of orchestrating the communication between th…
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Customer experience is comprised of every touchpoint and interaction consumers have with your brand. From email to social to your website and beyond, every interaction plays a key role in how consumers view your brand. Total Expert Founder & CEO Joe Welu and Chief Customer Officer Sue Woodard break down the challenges many financial brands face whe…
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Operationalizing Empathy in Your Financial Institution
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While the market has started to make a comeback, many consumers are still experiencing financial hardship. Now more than ever, it's critical to express empathy in every communication and understand where you customer is in their stage of life. Joe Welu and Sue Woodard discuss how to operationalize empathy, and do so at scale.…
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Top Priorities of the Best-Run Financial Brands Post-COVID Part 3: Accelerating Innovation
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Financial brands have been forced to adapt and innovate using digital technology to continue serving their customers without in-person interactions. Joe Welu and Sue Woodard discuss the necessity of quickly innovating to maintain trust and build loyalty with your customers.
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Top Priorities of Best-Run Financial Brands Post-COVID Part 2: Efficiencies & Optimization
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Recent months have created a lot of "forced prioritization" for businesses. Joe Welu and Sue Woodard discuss the importance of analyzing and optimizing the efficiencies businesses had going into quarantine and those they developed to carry them forward for the best ROI.
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Top Priorities of Best-Run Financial Brands Post-COVID Part 1: Taking Care of Customers
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The "new normal" hasn't come fully into focus; but the best-run financial brands know that taking care of customers and deepening relationships is more important than ever. Joe Welu and Sue Woodard explain how to look beyond basic acquisition and retention to move your customers and your organization to the next level.…
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2020 Lessons Learned & Key Insights Part 4: The Humanization of Business
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Humans and technology have been forced together like never before this year. Joe Welu and Sue Woodard discuss how work and lives have intermingled as a result of quarantine, creating a whole new intimacy among colleagues and customers. Find out how what to take forward from a time when we've learned more about each other while being apart.…
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