Hanging With The Hoopers

In this episode of Hanging With The Hoopers, Andrew goes solo and sits down with Mike Simon, the founder of Agent Brief and a returning FNF Energize Conference sponsor.Mike isn’t just another vendor in the title space…he’s one of the few people building real tech that actually supports what title sales is supposed to be about…relationships, consistency, and showing up at the right moment with real value.Mike’s career runs deep…Realogy, Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker (including leading Coldwell Banker International Franchising)…then a pivot into prop tech where one core idea hit him hard…Most people use real estate data the wrong way.They use it to look backward…who closed with who…who “stole” what…who’s on what deal.And Mike’s take is simple…there’s no sales opportunity in historical data.So Agent Brief was built around something different…Identify actionable moments in time…so title reps can stop making “checking in” calls…and start making timely, value-driven touches that actually build trust.In this conversation, we get into• Mike’s path from big real estate leadership roles to building a product company• Why he believes most title reps misuse data…and what they should do instead• The core Agent Brief philosophy…timing + accuracy + consistency• “Relationships aren’t a moment in time…they’re moments over time”• Why cold calls fail…and how to turn outreach into value instead of spam• Mike’s leadership lesson…humility, accessibility, and listening at scale• His take on AI…why automation isn’t the goal…and why relationships still win• Why Energize matters…and why he keeps coming back• The question he wants every title leader to ask him at Energize“You want to grow…how does Agent Brief help me do that?”If you’re heading to Energize, go find Mike…press the flesh…talk growth…talk timing…and walk away with a cleaner strategy for building relationships that actually convert.00:00 Intro and Mike’s impact on title sales00:39 Vegas vs Maryland weather01:20 The Richmond road trip and Mike’s vision01:40 Mike’s background…Realogy, KW, Coldwell Banker03:33 Why historical data doesn’t create sales opportunity04:33 The Agent Brief mission…actionable moments in time05:06 “Relationships are moments over time”07:37 Why “checking in” is a useless outreach strategy10:09 Leadership lesson…humility and accessibility15:42 Mike’s AI take…support humans, don’t replace relationships21:43 Why Mike keeps sponsoring Energize26:20 The one question Mike wants at the table28:10 One word Mike’s team would use to describe him28:41 Closing…and yes…another Baltimore to Richmond car rideHanging With The Hoopers explores the Attitude of Leadership through real conversations with industry builders, operators, and role models.Connect on LinkedIn and share what hit you from this episode.#HangingWithTheHoopers #HoopX2 #AttitudeOfLeadership #SparkThought #InspireAction #Leadership #Podcast⏱️ Timestamps🎧 About Hanging With The Hoopers

In this sponsor spotlight episode of Hanging With The Hoopers, Andrew goes solo and sits down with Tyler Adams, Co Founder of CertifID, one of the most trusted names in wire fraud prevention for the real estate and title industry.Tyler’s story is one of those “how did this even happen” pivots… from Fortune 500 consulting and building tech alongside First American… to getting a call from a close friend who’d just lost $200,000 to wire fraud.That moment became the spark.What started as a prototype and a few t shirts at ALTA turned into a platform that’s now helping title agencies protect buyers, sellers, lenders, and their own businesses from fraud that keeps getting smarter.In this conversation, we dig into what’s changing right now…and why the stakes are higher than most people realize• How Tyler went from tech consulting to building in title…and helping create Endpoint• The real story behind the $200K fraud loss that launched CertifID’s mission• Why fraud prevention went from “nice to have” to “non negotiable”• The shift from prevention to workflow…how modern tools can make closings faster and safer• Why underwriters are no longer bailing people out…and what that means for agency owners• Tyler’s leadership framework inside a fast growing company…trust, curiosity, and listening• Why Energize in January matters…the Monday of the year mindset• What CertifID is building next…beyond fraud prevention, into smarter automation and transaction efficiencyIf you’re heading to FNF Energize (Maryland or Virginia), stop by the CertifID table and ask the question Tyler wants everyone asking in 2026“How are you becoming more than fraud prevention…and what can you streamline for us next?”00:00 Intro and why Tyler’s on the show02:06 Tyler’s path…consulting, BCG Digital Ventures, and title’s evolution04:52 The $200K fraud loss that changed everything07:55 When CertifID really launched…and why the early years were tough10:26 The mindset shift…multivitamin vs Advil12:50 The negligence conversation…and why the market is tipping14:07 Leadership lessons while building in the fraud world20:18 Why Tyler loves Energize in January23:00 What CertifID is building next…payoff ordering, integrations, streamlined workflows24:42 One word Tyler hopes his team would use to describe him26:15 Closing and 2026 visionHanging With The Hoopers explores the Attitude of Leadership through real conversations with industry builders, operators, and partners.Connect on LinkedIn and share what hit you from this episode.#HangingWithTheHoopers #HoopX2 #AttitudeOfLeadership #SparkThought #InspireAction #Leadership #Podcast⏱️ Timestamps🎧 About Hanging With The Hoopers

On this FNF Energize sponsor spotlight episode of Hanging With The Hoopers, Andrew sits down with Michele Blanco… one of the most trusted and respected insurance voices in the title industry.With nearly 30 years of experience supporting title agencies, Michele has seen every evolution of risk firsthand… from the early days of bonds and E&O to today’s reality of wire fraud, cyber exclusions, and increasingly sophisticated bad actors.In this conversation, Andrew and Michele dig into what title agency owners really need to understand right now• Why wire fraud has become the single biggest threat facing title agencies• How insurance carriers have changed coverage and exclusions over time…and why many losses are no longer covered• What cyber insurance actually covers (and what it doesn’t)• The critical role of verification, documentation, and third-party fraud prevention platforms• How AI and deepfake technology are beginning to show up in real-world fraud attempts• Why “trust but verify” is no longer optional in today’s closing environment• Leadership lessons from decades of working alongside stressed, frustrated, high-responsibility business owners• How empathy, listening, and calm leadership matter when people are facing six-figure lossesMichele also shares why she continues to sponsor FNF Energize year after year… and why the conference stands out as more than just tactics or sales advice. It’s about becoming a better business owner, a better leader, and a more trusted professional in an increasingly complex industry.If you’re attending Energize, stop by Michele’s table. Even if you’re not shopping for insurance… she’s someone every title professional should know, trust, and have in their corner.00:00 Welcome and Energize sponsor spotlight02:48 Michele’s 30-year journey supporting the title industry06:08 The rise of wire fraud and modern threats08:51 AI, deepfakes, and the future of fraud10:39 What insurance really covers…and what it doesn’t13:32 Verification, documentation, and third-party protection16:49 Leadership lessons from working with stressed business owners20:29 Why Michele continues to sponsor Energize22:15 What conversations she hopes to have at Energize24:25 Books, balance, and lifelong learning26:01 Where to connect with Michele• Find Michele Blanco on LinkedIn• Learn more through her Title Department at Norman SpencerHanging With The Hoopers is a leadership-focused podcast exploring the real conversations behind business growth, risk, and decision-making across the real estate, mortgage, and title ecosystem.Subscribe for more Energize sponsor spotlights and industry conversations that actually matter.⏱️ Timestamps🔗 Connect with Michele🎧 About Hanging With The Hoopers

On this FNF Energize sponsor spotlight episode of Hanging With The Hoopers, Andrew sits down with Sam Chawkat from Dynamic Network Solutions... a long time listener and first time guest of the podcast.Sam’s story is classic IT in the best way... started in tech at 15, went from government projects to building a real company from a basement, and scaled Dynamic into a 45 plus person team operating across multiple states... with deep roots in the title and mortgage world.In this conversation, Andrew and Sam get into what matters right now for title company owners, ops leaders, and anyone responsible for protecting a business in a fast changing landscape• Why AI is making phishing more believable and more dangerous... not just misspelled “obvious” scams anymore• How fraud is evolving through AI written emails, cloned landing pages, automation agents, and even voice AI• The real #1 cybersecurity threat for small and mid sized businesses... and why your staff is also your biggest asset• Why once a year training is not enough anymore... and how simulated phishing builds real muscle memory• A real world story of a client avoiding a $150,000 theft by using the “trust but verify” process• Leadership lessons from growing a business... relationships, communication, calculated risk, and working on the business instead of in it• How Dynamic approaches IT differently... enterprise grade solutions without enterprise grade pricing, with a heavy focus on employee experience and client experienceSam also breaks down what a smart IT review cadence looks like... what should happen annually, what data should be visible monthly, and why every owner needs a provider who will talk policy, training, and business process... not just hardware upgrades and tech speak.If you’re coming to FNF Energize Maryland, Sam will be there in person. Stop by, ask about AI driven fraud trends, phishing simulations, and what your team should be doing right now to stay protected without breaking the bank.Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Energize sponsor spotlight00:35 Sam’s background... starting IT at 15 and scaling Dynamic04:02 Why title and mortgage became Dynamic’s roots05:28 Enterprise grade IT without enterprise pricing06:42 How AI is changing phishing and fraud tactics10:49 Training, reinforcement, and the $150K save story14:53 Leadership lessons... people, risk, and client experience24:12 How often to audit IT security and systems29:33 Why Dynamic is sponsoring Energize Maryland31:13 Final thoughts and what to ask Sam at the conferenceConnect with Sam and Dynamic Network Solutions• Find Sam Chawkat on LinkedIn• Learn more about Dynamic Network Solutions at Energize MarylandConnect with Hanging With The Hoopers• Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and the real estate trifecta• Follow Andrew and Tim on LinkedIn for more Energize sponsor spotlights and conference content

What does relationship banking, fraud prevention, and real leadership have to do with the Energize Conference?Everything.In this episode of Hanging with the Hoopers, Andrew Hooper sits down with Angela Saiz and Toni Carroll from Capital Bank to unpack why they continue to sponsor FNF Energize year after year…and why this event matters so much to the title industry right now.Angela shares her journey from Yellow Pages advertising to becoming one of the most trusted connectors in the title and banking world. Toni breaks down what she’s seeing on the front lines of wire fraud, check fraud, and positive pay, and why too many businesses still don’t understand the risks.Together, the conversation hits on:• Why personal relationships still win in banking• How fraud has evolved…and what title companies must do now• Leadership lessons that hold up in any market• Why “do what you say you’re going to do” still matters• And why Energize is designed to reset your mindset at the start of the yearThis isn’t hype. It’s a real conversation about growth, protection, leadership, and partnership…and why Energize creates space for the conversations our industry actually needs.🎯 About EnergizeEnergize is an early-year conference built for title professionals, attorneys, lenders, and industry leaders who want practical insight, meaningful connection, and momentum heading into the year.🤝 Proud Sponsor: Capital BankCapital Bank partners with title professionals nationwide, offering relationship-driven banking, fraud protection tools like positive pay, and a team that understands how money really moves in this industry.If you’re attending Energize this year…come find Angela and Toni…and be ready to talk leadership, fraud prevention, and yes…your most memorable concert of all time.00:00 Introduction and welcome00:03 Angela Saiz’s journey from Yellow Pages to banking00:06 Toni Carroll’s path through title, underwriting, and banking00:09 Wire fraud, check fraud, and positive pay explained00:12 Leadership lessons that actually hold up00:15 Why Capital Bank keeps sponsoring Energize00:18 Final thoughts and Energize momentumChapters (YouTube-friendly)

On this Energize sponsor spotlight of Hanging With The Hoopers, Andrew sits down with Autumn Fleck, owner and CEO of Precision Signing Agency... the nation’s number one rated national loan signing agency.From baking scones to win over real estate attorneys during COVID to completing 1,200 signings in 10 months and scaling to over 50,000 closings nationwide, Autumn shares how she built a hospitality first signing service that puts people before profits.In this conversation, Andrew and Autumn talk about• What it really looks like to run a fully remote signing agency that covers all 50 states and supports international and RON closings• How Autumn’s background in wine, hospitality, and national sales shaped her client experience philosophy in title• Why protecting notary signing agents and “keeping your people out of harm’s way” is a non negotiable leadership value• Walking away from misaligned partnerships, even when they look great on paper• Building culture with a 100 percent remote team spread across time zones• How living in Portugal with her family changed the way she leads, scales, and thinks about work and lifeYou will also hear Autumn’s story of starting in North Carolina, moving to Colorado for RON, then taking the leap to Portugal... all while growing a business that serves real estate attorneys, title companies, lenders, home builders, and realtors across the country.If you are coming to FNF Energize in Maryland or Virginia, Autumn and the Precision Signing Agency team will be there in person. Stop by their table, ask how partnering with Precision can help you grow your business, and maybe ask a few questions about life in Portugal too.Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Hanging With The Hoopers and Energize sponsor spotlight00:26 Who is Autumn Fleck and what is Precision Signing Agency01:17 Running a fully remote signing agency from Portugal06:06 Autumn’s path from wine and hospitality into loan signings10:30 Baking scones, car side closings, and the first 87 signings13:39 Scaling to 1,200 signings in 10 months and finding her lane16:20 Seeing the gaps in traditional signing services and fixing them18:04 Safety, respect, and protecting notary signing agents21:32 Competition, partnership, and walking away from misalignment23:39 Leading a 100 percent remote team and protecting culture26:35 Why Autumn is excited about FNF Energize in MD and VA28:32 Portugal, lifestyle design, and not waiting for retirement30:50 Favorite books, grit, and scaling well34:18 How Autumn balances family, travel, and self development34:55 Where to connect with AutumnConnect with Autumn• LinkedIn... search “Autumn Fleck” and Precision Signing Agency• Learn more about Precision Signing Agency by reaching out to Autumn directly via LinkedIn or emailConnect with Hanging With The Hoopers• Subscribe to the channel for more real conversations around leadership, growth, and the real estate trifecta• Follow Andrew and Tim on LinkedIn to stay in the loop on future Energize content and sponsor spotlightsIf you are part of the FNF family or work with our agents and attorneys, share this episode with your team before Energize... it is a great example of what people first partnership looks like in our industry.

In this episode, hosts Andrew and Tim Hooper, along with guest Brad Walsh (President of Eagle Title), wrap a year of sales and marketing support with Eagle Title's real estate agent partners, LIVE at Eagle Title in Annapolis. In this open forum, Tim, Andrew, and Brad explore the significance of authenticity, simplicity, and consistency in content creation and client relationships. They emphasize the importance of personal growth, the value of being true to oneself, and the need for professionals to ask the right questions to understand their clients better. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating high-stakes transactions and the psychology behind client interactions, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique identities and build confidence in their professional journeys. In this conversation, the trio discusses the intricacies of real estate transactions, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, humor, and timely delivery of information. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice on navigating challenges, building relationships, and implementing a 'do it now' philosophy to enhance productivity. The discussion also touches on the significance of using technology and tools for content creation and communication in the real estate industry. The group discusses the evolution of content creation, the integration of technology in sales, and the importance of self-care and authenticity in business. They emphasize the need for a mindset shift to embrace new tools and approaches. The discussion also highlights the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being to enhance professional effectiveness. They encourage listeners to be authentic in their interactions and to not let perfectionism hinder their progress.

In this episode of Hang With The Hoopers, Tim and Andrew Hooper discuss the importance of reflection as they enter the new year. They emphasize the need to look back at the past year to refine strategies and set clear goals for the future. The conversation covers metrics, gratitude, and the significance of intentionality in business practices, encouraging listeners to connect their past experiences with future aspirations. The attitude of leadership is everything. Reflection is crucial for personal and team growth. Metrics help in understanding the effectiveness of efforts. Gratitude should be a part of leadership. Intentionality in business practices leads to better outcomes. The importance of connecting past experiences to future goals. Taking time to reflect can lead to better decision-making. Focus on the highest and best use of time. Celebrate small wins to motivate the team. Less distraction can lead to more meaningful engagement.

In this episode of Hang With The Hoopers, Tim and Andrew welcome back Chelsea Peitz to discuss the evolving landscape of social media and its impact on the real estate industry. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement over complex strategies, particularly for those who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of digital marketing. The conversation explores how to connect with clients on a human level, the significance of relationships in sales, and practical tips for year-end engagement. Chelsea encourages listeners, especially introverts, to embrace their unique styles in social media and to focus on meaningful interactions rather than just content creation. social media, real estate, marketing, sales strategies, introverts, engagement, neuroscience, content creation, networking, personal branding

#Leadership #Accountability #TrustInTeams #LeadershipDevelopment #PositiveAttitude #TeamBuilding #LeadershipPodcast #InspireAction #SparkThought #HangingWithTheHoopers #HoopX2 In this episode of "Hanging With The Hoopers," Tim and Andrew Hooper explore the crucial role of accountability in leadership. They share personal experiences, practical advice, and thought-provoking insights on how a positive attitude and trust are integral to leading effectively. Tim emphasizes that the attitude of leadership is about how we show up, the tone of voice we use, and the heart with which we approach those we lead. He highlights that an effective leader assumes positive intent and seeks to understand before making judgments. This approach fosters a positive environment and builds trust within the team. Andrew adds that during busy and stressful times, the true attitude of a leader emerges. He stresses the importance of maintaining genuine interactions and investing in team members, even in brief moments. Andrew reminds us that servant leadership is about showing up for the team and assuming positive intent in all interactions. Tim and Andrew discuss the importance of giving and receiving constructive feedback. They emphasize that a true A player not only accepts accountability but also welcomes it. Leaders should create an environment where team members feel safe to give and receive feedback, fostering growth and improvement. Tim shares an inspiring story about Nick Saban, the legendary coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, and his approach to accountability and positive affirmation. Andrew echoes this sentiment, highlighting that leaders must also hold themselves accountable and recognize their team's achievements. The episode concludes with a powerful message: a team is not just a group of people who work together but a group of people who trust each other. Trust is built through deep conversations, understanding motivations, and maintaining open lines of communication. Tune in to "Hanging With The Hoopers" for this insightful discussion on the power of accountability in leadership and learn how to build trust and elevate your team's performance.