78 | Going All In: How I Got to $33M In 3 Years with Mike Bertarelli

Hey there, Rainmakers!Mike Bertarelli walked away from consumer direct after closing $125 million in production and stepped into retail with zero referral relationships and no magic bucket of leads.Three years later, he closed 111 loans for $33 million in production and built a team of seven loan officers.In this episode, Mike and I break down what actually drove that growth: going all in, building confidence before you have all the proof, staying relentlessly visible, and turning every transaction into an opportunity to build your network.Because nobody is coming to hand you the business you want. You have to stop hesitating, believe you are the right person for the job, and go take your shot.Key insights:The difference between players and pretenders is the space between idea and execution.Every transaction creates an opportunity to earn your next referral relationship.Confidence starts with believing you are capable and that you care more! Consistent communication can become your competitive advantage.You do not need permission to grow faster than anyone expects.Define what going all in looks like, then give it everything you have.Are you ready to make it rain? Let’s do this!Guest links:Websitehttps://naf.com/mikebertarelliInstagram:instagram.com/mikebertarelliFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/michael.bertarelli/If you liked what you heard, leave me a five-star review and tell me what hit home for you!PLUS—if you’re done chasing the next shiny idea and want real, proven strategies that actually move the needle, then it’s time to join my free weekly newsletter, Rainmaker Insider.Every week, I share one key lesson from my billion-dollar career in mortgage lending—from sales psychology and leadership to mindset and systems that create true freedom. No fluff. Just real-world insights that help you close more deals and lead with confidence.Subscribe now at shaylagifford.com and start leading like the Rainmaker you’re meant to be!Submit a question: https://kprpwoltlbp.typeform.com/to/WC24kOIKTake my Sales Archetype Quiz: https://quiz.shaylagiffordcoaching.com/Nominate someone to be on the podcast: https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/Connect with Shayla:https://www.instagram.com/shaygiff/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayla-gifford-3019396/Show Links:https://shaylagifford.com/https://shaylagifford.com/podcast/https://shaylagifford.com/catalyst/Guild Mortgage:https://www.guildmortgage.com/