CMB Connect

About CMB Connect

Anyone can see the three letters after a name on LinkedIn. But what about the war stories? The risky bets that paid off? These are the moments that build a mortgage banking career. Welcome to CMB Connect, the podcast that explores the journey, not just the arrival. Join host Val Buresch, CMB Society Chairman (2024), as she sits down with the leaders of housing finance to uncover the pivotal moments, the hard-won lessons, and the unfiltered predictions for what's next. It's time to Get Behind the Designation.

Publisher

Val Buresch

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 May 2024

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

28 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Marc Hernandez, CMB: How AI Is Changing Mortgage Banking | CMB Connect | S3 Ep5

   What will the mortgage professional of the future look like as AI becomes part of everyday mortgage banking? In this episode of CMB Connect, I sit down with Marc Hernandez, CMB, founder and CEO of Aequalend and founder of Guideline Buddy, for a wide-ranging conversation about career growth, entrepreneurship, developing mortgage talent, and the impact of AI on our industry. Marc shares how earning the Certified Mortgage Banker designation broadened his understanding of mortgage banking and helped give him the confidence to build Aequalend. We talk about the company’s mission to serve borrowers who may fall outside traditional credit boxes, the realities of building a mortgage business, and why developing and mentoring the next generation of mortgage professionals matters. We also explore Marc’s work with AI and mortgage technology. What began as a way to solve a practical problem — finding and interpreting lender guidelines more efficiently — grew into Guideline Buddy. From there, our conversation turns to generative AI, mortgage origination and fulfillment, AI governance, knowledge transfer, and how the roles of originators, processors, underwriters and other mortgage professionals may change. Marc also looks ahead to 2027 and considers what faster cycle times, AI-assisted decision making and a new generation of mortgage professionals could mean for lenders and consumers. CMB Connect goes behind the designation to meet the people who make up the Certified Mortgage Banker community and explore the careers, choices and ideas shaping mortgage banking. Hosted by Val Buresch, CMB. CHAPTERS 01:37 Marc Hernandez's journey to becoming a CMB 03:15 The value of the CMB designation in career growth 05:12 How the CMB journey influenced Marc's entrepreneurial path 08:03 The framework and industry knowledge gained from CMB 08:52 The story behind the name Aequalend and its mission 11:39 The company's focus on underserved communities 12:32 Market strategy and growth of Aequalend 14:15 Industry challenges and leadership age considerations 16:06 Talent development and mentorship strategies 18:58 The impact of technology and AI in mortgage banking 29:58 Marc Hernandez's tech ventures and AI applications 34:24 The future of mortgage banking and AI innovation 40:32 Predictions for the mortgage industry in 2027 46:17 Closing remarks and future collaborations Learn more about Marc’s companies: Aequalend https://aequalend.com/ Guideline Buddy https://www.guidelinebuddy.com/

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Margaret Chiavini, CMB: Dream Big, Practice Gratitude and Keep Climbing | CMB Connect | S3 Ep4

   In this episode of CMB Connect, I talk with Margaret Chiavini, CMB, who leads Newrez’s National Bank and Credit Union Division. We start with her CMB journey and from there, we talk about correspondent lending, what banks and credit unions look for in a partner, and the culture Margaret has helped build around her team at Newrez. The conversation also becomes much more personal. Margaret reflects on trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Kilimanjaro, surviving melanoma, and the role gratitude has come to play in how she lives and leads. One of the ideas that stayed with me was her mother’s advice: keep your eye on the goal without disturbing the calm with which you pursue it. We also talk about Margaret’s new book, It’s Your Party: Designing a Celebration of Life and a Life Worth Celebrating, and the idea behind her upcoming podcast, Designing Happy. Margaret’s book: https://books.apple.com/us/book/its-your-party/id6769768983 About Margaret Chiavini, CMB Margaret leads Newrez’s National Bank and Credit Union Division and has spent nearly four decades in mortgage banking, with experience across origination, wholesale, mortgage insurance and correspondent lending. Pasted text About the host Val Buresch, CMB, is the founder and CEO of Polygon Research, a mortgage market intelligence company. She is a past chair of the CMB Society and has spent her career working across mortgage data, market strategy and industry leadership. Chapters 00:26 Welcome to CMB Connect 01:16 Margaret’s path to the CMB 04:52 What changed after earning the CMB 07:09 Correspondent lending explained 10:52 What banks and credit unions care about 14:45 Leading a national team 18:59 The Newrez culture and “Dream Big” 25:39 Lessons from Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro 29:04 Melanoma, gratitude and perspective 30:40 It’s Your Party and Designing Happy 34:14 Advice for the next generation of mortgage bankers 36:17 Closing thoughts CMB Connect goes behind the Certified Mortgage Banker designation to get to know the people behind the CMB and the work they do across the mortgage industry. Pasted text If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe to CMB Connect and follow the podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

3. 

   11 Mar 2026

   Spy Stories, Brushstrokes, and Basis Points with Jason Bohrer, CMB | CMBConnect | S3 Ep3

   In this episode of CMBConnect, host Val Buresch, Founder of Polygon Research and a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB), speaks with Jason Bohrer, CEO and President of Newbold Advisors and a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB), about leadership, observation, and navigating decades of change in the housing finance industry. The conversation begins with a remarkable family story. Jason shares the history of his mother, Doris Bohrer, one of the first women to work for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II — the intelligence organization that later became the CIA. As a photo reconnaissance analyst stationed in North Africa and Italy, she interpreted aerial imagery used in military operations and intelligence planning. From there, Val and Jason explore Jason’s career journey through mortgage banking, capital markets, and executive leadership. Having worked across multiple organizations during periods of consolidation and industry transformation, Jason reflects on what it takes to adapt and thrive in a business where change is constant. They discuss: Lessons from decades in mortgage banking and housing finance Why data-driven decision making matters in leadership Navigating mergers, acquisitions, and industry cycles The importance of relationships in financial services The role of art and creativity in sharpening observation and strategic thinking How AI and incremental innovation may shape the future of mortgage technology Jason also talks about his work today at Newbold Advisors, helping lenders and fintech companies solve operational and technology challenges. For anyone working in housing finance, mortgage banking, fintech, or capital markets, this episode offers thoughtful insights on leadership, learning, and staying adaptable in an industry that is always evolving. Books & Podcasts Mentioned Painting as a Pastime — Winston Churchill Mitch Rapp series — Vince Flynn Harry Bosch series — Michael Connelly Jason Bourne series — Robert Ludlum Podcast: Acquired

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings