So now it’s 2022. And it looks a little like…2020. And a little like 2021. Only not. In fact, if 2020 and 2021 have taught us anything, it’s that we really don’t know what 2022 will bring. Right now, all signs point to yet another year of uncertainty, volatility and turmoil.

2022 will be a bit of a different year for the mortgage industry. A good year, but one that likely looks a little different than the past two or three. A lot of good may come from that, in fact.

While nobody enjoys cutting expenses from a human perspective—especially when the expenses in question are, in fact, human, it also gives us cause to review how our industry views its people—how far it’s come and perhaps how much change might be in the offing. The loan officer (LO) is a great example.

We recently got an email promoting the MBA’s yearly Technology Solutions Conference & Expo (taking place April 11 – 14 in Las Vegas). This is a great show which we at LodeStar try to attend annually. We do produce an online closing cost calculator, after all. But, in most years, we probably wouldn’t have much to say about the show until during or after.

To Chuck, the beauty of the podcast is access. The listener isn’t stuck in front of a video screen and can listen at her convenience. In terms of content, Chuck and the team at FNF do their best to keep things crisp and current. That includes bringing not just “in-house” personalities, but thought leaders from throughout the industry, including FNF agents.

We live in a society and work in an industry that celebrates hard work, self-sacrifice and dedication to one’s business, brand or craft. All noble ideals, to be sure. Yet sometimes, if we’re honest about it, it also seems like we expect life to be run like a marathon.

LLL had the pleasure of visiting with our Philadelphia neighbor, David Hale “Big Dave” Sylvester recently. Big Dave’s story started after he lost a friend in the violence of September 11, 2001. From there, he has been high fiving and hugging people all over the world in his own campaign to make the world a better place.