What the M

Do you ever wonder who is behind the scenes collecting and processing all those monthly mortgage payments throughout the entire country? In the world of residential mortgages, the mortgage servicing industry is a critical but not always visible player in the lending and home ownership process. Unveiling how mortgage servicers manage the residential homeownership industry is the concept behind “What the M,” a new podcast that discusses the complex issues facing default services and the path forward for the mortgage industry and homeowners alike. The industry is comprised of more than 160 mortgage servicers representing more than 80% of the outstanding principal balances on mortgages in the U.S. Without the involvement of these vital mortgage servicers, obtaining and maintaining a home mortgage as we know it would not exist.“‘What the M’ features industry movers and shakers discussing the challenges faced by mortgage servicers, law firms and the American homeowner,” said Stephen Hladik, one of the co-hosts for the podcast and chair of the Advisory Council of the Legal League 100. “We will discuss trends in the economy, regulatory oversight, changes in the law, changes in technology and a myriad of other factors affecting the industry.”Hladik and co-host Kent McPhail are experienced attorneys with multistate practices in the default servicing industry. Both have decades of experience representing secured creditors; however, each host brings his own unique perspective to the podcast. McPhail hails from the Deep South (think boiled peanuts and shrimp & grits), while Hladik hails from the Northeast (think cheesesteaks and scrapple). “With this Yin and Yang, we hope to bring an entertaining and informative approach to the industry and those who make it hum,” McPhail said.Episodes of “What the M” begin airing mid-September and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

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What the M

Episode 17 - Latinas in Power

May 12, 2023 • Kent D. McPhail and Stephen M. Hladik • Season 1 • Episode 17

This week on What the M, Kent, and Steve returned to the faithfully commerce-driven city of Dallas, TX in anticipation of the Legal League Servicer Summit. While there, Kent met with the Latinas in Power ("LIP") for a fun evening of dinner and fantastic conversation and camaraderie, recording the podcast the next morning with Steve and a few of the LIP ladies: Emily Chavarriaga, Jackie Vazquez, and Rosalie Escobedo.

Emily Chavarriaga currently works as a product manager at Mr. Cooper and previously worked in various default roles at Bayview Loan Servicing for ten years. She is an ALFN Women in Legal Leadership Chair and is a leader for the Mr. Cooper women’s group. Jackie Vazquez is a Foreclosure Manager at Mr. Cooper and has worked there for 10 years. She is an ALFN JPEG winner and previously worked in foreclosure, at a law firm, and as a loan officer before working at MRC. Rosalie Escobedo is the Director of Business Development at Mackie Wolf Zientz Mann. Before that, she worked in various industry roles at VRM Mortgage Services at CoreLogic. Prior to working in the industry, she directed law firms in their marketing and legal training pursuits. She is an ALFN WILL Chair and serves her community as a Precinct Chair and Party Leader.

You won’t want to miss hearing the LIP ladies share about the fun they have together, the way they champion each other’s goals and dreams, and how they simply do life together and celebrate the wins, while holding each other accountable.

Welcome to What the M, Emily, Jackie, and Rosalie!

What the M is hosted by Kent McPhail and Stephen Hladik. Production and editing by Sarah Noel Sheffield.

People on this episode

Kent D. McPhail

Co-host

Stephen M. Hladik

Co-host