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🎙️ The Closing Time Podcast | Featuring Nicole Ward

In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with Nicole Ward, Broker of Real of Ohio, a military veteran, wife, and mother, for a powerful and honest conversation about resilience, growth, and building a career with purpose.

Nicole opens up about her childhood, including being sent to boarding school at a young age, and how those early experiences — followed by her time serving in the military — helped shape the discipline, grit, and mindset she carries today. When asked to describe herself in one word, Nicole doesn’t hesitate: resilient. Her story is one of overcoming challenges, adapting through adversity, and coming out stronger on the other side.

She also speaks candidly about the role her husband has played as her rock — the person who believed in her and encouraged her to take a leap of faith in her career. That leap led her to where she is today, leading Real of Ohio, a brokerage that is growing rapidly and making a strong impact across the state.

From there, Nicole shares real-world real estate advice, including why success in this industry goes far beyond transactions. For her, real estate is about selling yourself — building trust, creating comfort, and forming genuine relationships. People work with people they like, trust, and believe in, and Nicole explains how she brings that mindset into everything she does.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in real estate, lending, or entrepreneurship — especially those navigating growth, leadership, and life’s challenges while building something meaningful.

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In this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we sit down with a Loan Originator who made the leap from the traditional banking world to the fast-moving retail lending side — and found a completely new level of freedom, ownership, and opportunity.

We break down what really changes when you move from a bank environment to a retail platform:
• The mindset shift required
• The learning curve of building a business instead of taking whatever walks into a branch
• The surprises—both good and bad—when you lose a steady pipeline and have to create your own
• The wins that come from having real tools, real support, and real control
• How communication, culture, and speed make or break a retail LO’s success

You’ll hear about the challenges of starting over, what it takes to build confidence as a self-generated Loan Officer, and why the retail side isn’t just different—it’s a completely new career if you’re willing to work.

Whether you're a loan officer thinking about making the jump, a leader trying to recruit, or someone who just wants to understand how the business really works behind the scenes, this episode is full of value, perspective, and honest conversation.

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On this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, host Kyle McCort sits down with two experienced loan officers from NFM Lending to tackle one of the most confusing parts of the homebuying process—mortgage myths.

From “you need 20% down” to “you can’t get approved if you have student loans,” there’s no shortage of misinformation out there. Our guests pull back the curtain on the most common myths and FAQs they hear every day, giving you real answers straight from the experts who live it.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a realtor trying to guide your clients, or just curious about how mortgages really work, this episode will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to separate fact from fiction.

Because when it comes to buying a home, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s the key to unlocking the door to your future.

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On this episode of The Closing Time Podcast, host Kyle McCort sits down with two of the most respected names in real estate investing—RJ Pepino and Dave Payerchin. As the powerhouse duo behind The CREAM (Columbus Real Estate And Money), they’ve built more than just a massive Facebook group—they’ve built a thriving community where local real estate pros collaborate, educate, and close deals together.

But RJ and Dave aren’t just about business—they’re deeply passionate about the mindset behind success. In this episode, they break down how to stay grounded when things go wrong, what it truly takes to win big, and why mental and physical well-being are non-negotiables if you want long-term success. From bouncing back after losses to daily habits that keep them sharp, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, real talk, and a heavy dose of inspiration.

Whether you’re an investor, agent, or entrepreneur, this episode is your reminder that the inner game is the real game.

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In this powerful episode of The Closing Time Podcast, we spotlight four mortgage professionals with radically different journeys—but one shared goal: making a lasting impact in the industry.

Hosted by the Cleveland Branch Lead at NFM Lending, this dynamic panel discussion covers everything from building a national powerhouse and launching new branches in untapped markets to breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Whether you're a seasoned Loan Officer, a new recruit, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in mortgage lending, this episode is packed with raw insights, real stories, and actionable advice.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• A Top 1% Branch Manager shares his rise, leadership mindset, and coaching strategies
• The host’s own journey of bringing NFM Lending to Cleveland and building culture from the ground up
• How a new Cincinnati branch is thriving early—and why its leader made the jump to NFM
• A standout female LO reveals how she builds authentic, lasting realtor relationships
• A fun, fast-paced group round table with myths, tools, and hilarious loan stories
• Quick-fire advice every Loan Officer needs to hear

Whether you’re charting your path or leveling up, this episode reminds us that the road to success doesn’t have to look the same—it just has to move you forward.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

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🎙️ Closing Time Podcast – Episode 13: “Coaching Champions”

In this episode of Closing Time, we sit down with Joe and Ashley Kovacs—a powerhouse duo in the world of track and field. Joe is a three-time Olympic silver medalist and two-time World Champion in shot put, boasting a personal best of 23.23 meters, making him the second-best competitor all-time in the event. Ashley, his wife and coach, is a former collegiate shot-putter and has been recognized as a top throws coach, having led athletes to national titles.​

Together, they share their unique journey of balancing marriage and a professional athlete-coach relationship. From the pressures of Olympic competition to the nuances of separating training from home life, Joe and Ashley offer an intimate look into their world. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their partnership, how they maintain boundaries between the track and home, and the trust that fuels their success.​

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone navigating the complexities of working closely with a partner, this episode provides valuable insights into communication, resilience, and the power of shared goals.

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In Episode 12 of the Closing Time Podcast, we’re joined by two amazing women in real estate: Cristina Romanelli, President of the Women's Council of Realtors in Columbus, OH, and Jessica Craig, a member of the governing board!

In this episode, we dive into the incredible benefits of joining the Women's Council of Realtors, why it's so important to surround yourself with like-minded women in the industry, and how they balance the hustle of real estate with being amazing moms.

This conversation was a blast – full of inspiration, insights, and real talk about succeeding in a competitive field. Don’t miss it!

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What does it take to build a legacy in home building? In this episode of Closing Time, we sit down with Rockford Homes to talk about their 40-year journey in the industry. From market trends and homebuyer tips to what sets them apart, we dive into the strategies that have kept them thriving for decades. Whether you're in the market for a new home or just love real estate insights, this is one you don’t want to miss!