Chris Bixby and Jodi Hall of Rice Park Capital talks about their strategic investing in technology within the mortgage and real estate ecosystem. They discuss the concept of investing in gaps, which refers to identifying areas of inefficiency and applying technology to improve operational efficiency, compliance, and revenue generation. They also explore the broad term of PropTech, which encompasses technology that provides services to the property ownership ecosystem. Chris and Jodi Hall emphasize the importance of collaboration among vendors to create solutions and address the hesitance of IMBs to adopt new technologies. They also discuss the potential impact of AI and large language models, such as ChatGPT in the mortgage industry. Rice Park Capital focuses on investing in companies that address gaps and challenges in the mortgage and real estate industries. They look for companies with innovative technology, a strong team, and traction in terms of revenue and customer base. Two companies they have invested in are Candor and Purlin. Candor aims to streamline the underwriting process and reduce costs by carrying underwriting throughout the entire loan lifecycle. Purlin provides AI tools to the residential real estate ecosystem, helping with lead generation, collaboration, and automating the closing process. Rice Park Capital is optimistic about the long-term potential of the mortgage and real estate markets, but they anticipate ongoing challenges such as sticky inflation and affordability issues. They believe there will be market share opportunities and consolidation in the industry.

Jennifer Martinez, a top loan officer, shares her journey and passion for changing lives through getting their first home. She emphasizes the importance of caring for clients and the joy of helping them achieve their dreams of homeownership. Jennifer also discusses the role of technology, specifically Angel AI, in streamlining the loan origination process and improving efficiency. She highlights the need for human connection and reassurance in such an important transaction. Jennifer's success is attributed to her caring nature and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Jennifer discusses her love for Angel AI and how it has revolutionized the mortgage industry. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind mortgage decisions and how Angel AI provides transparent explanations for its answers. Jennifer also shares her passion for helping people and how Angel AI allows her to scale her business and have a bigger impact. She discusses her hiring process, which includes assessing candidates' personality traits and love languages to ensure they align with her values. Jennifer believes that passion and energy can be inspired and drawn out in employees. She sees Angel AI as a tool that empowers her team and allows her to provide exceptional service to her clients.

The Lykken on Lending program will feature our Weekly Mortgage Updates with Adam DeSanctis and his MBA Mortgage Minute, and then Les Parker’s TMSpotlight, a macroeconomic perspective on the economy with a music parody. That leads to Matt Graham of MBS Live providing you a rate & market update, followed by David Kittle, Chief Executive Officer @ Cypress Mortgage Capital, to discuss mortgage originations. Then we have Alice Alvey of Union Home providing a regulatory & legislative update, then Allen Pollack giving us a Tech Report on the latest technology impacting our industry. We included Bill Corbet for additional commentary. Finally, we wrap up the program with Marc Helm, Senior Executive Partner @ Transformational Mortgage Solutions, talking about Loan Servicing and the “Agencies”.