In this episode of the After 5pm Podcast, we dive deep into the journey of turning a small side hustle into a thriving business empire.

Join us as we chat with Ben, an ambitious entrepreneur who went from managing a family-run moving company to building a successful storage unit business. Ben shares his story of perseverance, calculated risks, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Discover how he transitioned from hands-on moving to mastering real estate investments and why partnerships became a game changer in his quest for growth. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on turning big dreams into even bigger realities.

In this episode, we sit down with Amber Garofalo, a branch manager at CrossCountry Mortgage, who shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Wisconsin to managing a successful mortgage branch while living a nomadic lifestyle in an Airstream camper. Amber talks about her early exposure to real estate through her realtor mother, her pivot from aspiring commercial pilot to mortgage professional post-9/11, and the lessons learned from her various roles in the banking and mortgage industry.

Amber opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a female in a predominantly male industry, highlighting the unique strengths women bring to the table. She also discusses her decision to embrace a mobile lifestyle, the adjustments she's made in her business practices, and the importance of leaving a legacy through ethical lending and mentorship.

Tune in to hear Amber’s story of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of balance between personal passions and professional excellence. Whether you're a seasoned mortgage professional or someone looking for inspiration in navigating life’s transitions, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.

In this episode of the After 5pm Podcast, hosts Ben McAffee and Shaun Russon dive deep into the murky waters of mortgage inquiries and the unethical practices surrounding them. They discuss the frustrating reality that every time they pull a credit report for a client, other lenders swoop in with unsolicited offers, causing confusion and mistrust.

Ben and Shaun unpack the process of tri-merged credit reports, explain how credit bureaus sell information to other lenders, and share their strategies for preparing clients for the barrage of solicitation calls.

They also touch on the potential legislative changes aimed at protecting consumers from these invasive practices. Tune in to learn how to navigate the mortgage process with confidence and avoid getting caught in the crossfire of aggressive lenders.