On this week's episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, Steve and Angela sit down with Donny Panasis of Embrace Home Loans to talk leadership, lending, and building a business rooted in people first.

Donny shares his journey from growing up in California and later calling Brevard home his home, and how he ultimately stepped into the branch manager role at Embrace after working for big banks.

He opens up about what makes Embrace different—the culture, the emphasis on care before expertise, and a team mentality where leadership exists to support, not control. Donny also breaks down programs helping first-time buyers and investors alike, including Florida Bond, Hometown Heroes, bank statement loans, DCSR lending, and exclusive Embrace offerings like their Approved to Close Guarantee and Guaranteed Appraisal Value.

From balancing family life to partnering with local brokerages and helping buyers overcome roadblocks that lead to life-changing closings, Donny shares stories and insights fueled by purpose, grit, and a love for the community he serves.

Tune in for inspiration, practical knowledge, and a reminder that relationships—not rates—are what sustain success in real estate.

To get in touch with Donny:
Email: dPanasis@embracehomeloans.com
Phone: 321.223.9960
https://www.embracehomeloans.com/location/florida/viera/donny-panasis

Powered by Brightway Insurance – The Steve Trout Agency

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On this episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, hosted by Steve and Angela, we sit down with Luis Perez, Branch Manager with Certified Mortgage Planners and one of the most relationship-driven loan officers on the Space Coast.

Luis didn’t take the typical straight path into mortgages. He started hustling in the auto salvage industry at 15, entered mortgages three separate times, lived through the 2008 crash, and eventually found his stride not as an agent—but as the guy solving problems behind the scenes. Today, he leads a team built on communication, education, and treating every client like a priority.

Luis shares why first-time buyers get overwhelmed, how he eliminates fear through clear expectations, and why his number one rule is don’t lose a home over $50 a month. From lowering insurance and restructuring debt to strategic use of down-payment assistance, he calls it loan surgery—finding a way to make a deal work when others walk away.

Whether you’re a buyer, a realtor, or just love a great comeback story, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughs, and real talk about what it takes to thrive in today’s market.

Get in touch with Luis at (321) 586-6168 or luis.perez@cmpfl.com

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On this episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, hosted by Steve, Angela, and Jason, we sit down with Jaime Rhude of CrossCountry Mortgage—one of the top 1% mortgage loan officers in the country and a true advocate for her community.

Jaime shares her powerful journey, from growing up with deaf parents—where sign language was her first language—to becoming a trusted voice in the mortgage industry. Her early experiences shaped her ability to communicate, connect, and lead with empathy—skills that define how she serves clients today.

We talk about life as a military spouse, her deep passion for veterans, and how personal tragedy reshaped her perspective on purpose, gratitude, and service. Jaime also walks us through her education-first approach to lending, why pre-approvals matter, and how long-term thinking builds real trust.

One of the most impactful moments of the episode is the story of a veteran many would have turned away—and how Jaime fought to help him secure a VA loan by going far beyond the standard process. This conversation is about more than mortgages. It’s about leading with empathy, showing up consistently, and building a business rooted in service, relationships, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard.

For all your mortgage needs, contact Jaime with CrossCountry Mortgage!
Mobile: (321) 501-0120
Tel: (321) 270-8501
Website: jaimerhude.com
Email: Jaime.Rhude@ccm.com

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