Ambassador of Advocacy ft. Stephen Plaisance

02/10/25 • 65 min

In this compelling installment of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau welcome Steven Plaisance, a transformational mortgage banking executive whose 35+ years in the industry have been fueled by a genuine passion for people, servant leadership, and strategic innovation. Aptly titled “Ambassador of Advocacy,” this episode goes beyond the buzzwords and dives straight into how advocacy can be transformed into tangible actions that reshape an entire industry.

Steven’s story is as personal as it is professional: He’s led massive teams—1,600 members at Gateway First Bank and over 2,000 at Arvest—through market shifts, technological evolutions, and cultural transitions. Driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals, he has consistently championed collaborative work environments, robust people development programs, and open-communication cultures. He believes in leading from a place of authenticity, staying approachable, and investing in the strengths of every team member.

Throughout the conversation, Michael & Michael tap into Steven’s vast expertise on topics like capital markets, risk management, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric strategies—all areas where he has a proven track record of success. You’ll get a front-row seat to his behind-the-scenes insights on how to weather volatile markets, drive operational efficiency, and implement meaningful growth initiatives, even when the road gets bumpy.

But it’s not just about spreadsheets and strategies. Steven reveals the human side of leadership—how championing advocacy means serving communities, supporting families in need, and nurturing future talent through targeted programs like Gateway’s “RISE” leadership development initiative. He discusses the challenges and rewards of fostering inclusive cultures, underscoring that true advocacy happens when leaders prioritize people first and profits follow.

If you’re looking for a playbook on how to blend heartfelt service with high-level business acumen, this is the episode for you. Steven’s blend of values and visionary thinking sets the stage for an uplifting and informative discussion—one that might just spark your next big idea for championing change in your own sphere of influence.

Tune in now at mikedupshow.com to learn why Steven truly embodies the spirit of an Ambassador of Advocacy, and how you too can harness the power of proactive leadership to make a lasting impact in the mortgage industry and beyond.

Previous Episode

IMB'25 Conference Breakdown with Mike & Mike

It’s time for a deep dive into MBA’s Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference 2025 (IMB25)—and your hosts, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau, are back to share all the game-changing highlights on this latest episode of The MikedUp Show! Recorded right after the biggest annual gathering of IMBs in Austin, Texas, this episode gives you the exclusive inside scoop on what went down from January 27–29.

The guys open with an overview of the conference vibe—an intimate yet powerhouse setting packed with senior executives, industry influencers, and ambitious leaders from every corner of the independent mortgage banking world. Hear how IMB25 delivered on its promise of curated content for every IMB size and model, from deep-dive breakout sessions to insights on maximizing profitability, embracing AI-driven processes, and future-proofing your business strategy.

Then, Michael and Michael break down the major keynotes, touching on Stan Middleman (Founder, President & CEO of Freedom Mortgage) and Bill Lowman (Chairman of American Pacific Mortgage), along with their must-hear predictions for 2025 and beyond. From cutting-edge technology solutions to compliance considerations, you’ll get the inside track on industry best practices and the do’s and don’ts for staying ahead of the mortgage game.

Finally, enjoy the duo’s signature banter as they discuss Austin’s vibrant culture, the Live Music Capital of the World, and how that energy carried over into networking events, after-parties, and the all-important annual IMB party. If you missed the conference, this episode is the perfect recap. And if you were there, you’ll appreciate Michael and Michael’s fresh takes on what’s next for independent mortgage bankers—and why you don’t want to miss the next round of IMB events.

Tune in now on The MikedUp Show to hear the definitive wrap-up of IMB25, and get inspired to tackle the new year with the latest trends, relationships, and revenue-boosting ideas!

Next Episode

Seeing Around Corners ft. Stanley Middleman

Link to buy the book : https://amzn.oia.bio/ks235
Find the 7 Principles here : https://postimg.cc/RNrn3WST
In this Season 4 premiere of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau welcome Stanley C. Middleman, Founder and CEO of Freedom Mortgage—one of the nation’s largest full-service mortgage companies. Titled “Seeing Around Corners,” this episode shines a spotlight on Stanley’s approach to entrepreneurship, resilience, and purposeful action.

Stanley reflects on his decades-long career—beginning with Freedom Mortgage’s founding in 1990 and growing it into a top U.S. originator and servicer. He also discusses his commitment to community, having served on non-profit boards like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Along the way, Stanley has navigated market swings and regulatory complexities, championing the idea that true success involves “doing things on purpose.”

During the conversation, you’ll hear about:

The 7 Principles that form the backbone of Stanley’s entrepreneurial mindset
Moments of unexpected change—from restaurant ventures to major mortgage industry pivots
The importance of maintaining a forward-thinking (“seeing around corners”) perspective in volatile markets
How adversity can spark reinvention, provided you’re dedicated to consistent, strategic effort
Why Stanley first documented his insights for his children and grandchildren, and what it means to leave a legacy of knowledge

From recognizing revenue-generating activities to mapping out your week in advance, Stanley’s guidance offers practical tools for professionals and dreamers alike. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes anecdotes about learning from mistakes, negotiating with challenging landlords, and staying resilient when everything seems to “rain down” all at once.

Beyond running a thriving business, Stanley remains deeply engaged with industry boards. He’s served on the Mortgage Bankers Association Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG), as well as advisory boards for Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ellie Mae. His numerous awards—including recognition as a top CEO by South Jersey Business Magazine—further underscore his influence on the mortgage landscape.

Prepare to discover how Stanley Middleman’s experiences can help you anticipate challenges, optimize your strategy, and strengthen your leadership approach. Whether you’re a loan officer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves hearing success stories, you’ll find this chat both enlightening and inspiring. Stanley proves that real growth, personal or professional, rarely happens by accident—it’s the result of measured planning and an unwavering commitment to progress.

Sponsored By: Mortgage Connect
Be sure to visit Mortgage Connect for comprehensive mortgage solutions that streamline processes and optimize your lending operations. Their cutting-edge services mirror the innovative spirit we celebrate on The MikedUp Show.

Join Michael, Michael, and Stanley for this deep dive into purposeful leadership, staying ahead of the curve, and building a lasting legacy—starting now, on The MikedUp Show!