Mining for Gold

Elevating Real Estate from Transactional to Transformational: The Julie Towne Story

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Jason LaBelle, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, sits in for Matt, and he and Jon are joined by award-winning Coldwell Banker Real Estate Agent Julie Towne. Jason and Julie have worked together often, and the two of them talk to Jon about Julie's creative approach to the real estate industry. She discusses her background prior to getting into real estate, her deep roots in the community where she lives and works, and the experience of being part of an ongoing and impactful legacy.

Julie talks about her background and continuing involvement in music and dance, her education in sports, and her family experiences from having a father in real estate development to her own journey having children...and bonus children! She shares ways that buyers can better navigate the real estate market as well as tips for real estate professionals to make lives easier for their clients. The trio discusses communication and teambuilding for successful collaboration and how passion and engagement better everyone's lives, both inside and outside of real estate.

Julie’s Info:

Website: https://julietowne.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieTowneRealEstate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julietownerealestate/
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/julie-towne-85a65940

Jason’s Info:
Jason.LaBelle@Grarate.com
GRARate.com/loan-officers/jason-labelle-213743

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Building Influence Through Connection: The Andy Burton Story

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt are joined by Andy Burton, the owner and publisher of BeLOCAL Chicago Loop Magazine and the Chicago, DuPage, and North Shore editions of Real Producers. The three discuss the evolution of Real Producers and the role the magazine plays in the larger platform of connecting real estate professionals throughout the Chicagoland area. They talk about how Andy's background in sales helped guide his success in publishing, the ripple effect of telling a good story, and the power of successful branding.

Andy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyburtonbungalow
Chicago Real Producers: https://www.instagram.com/chicagorealproducers
DuPage Real Producers: https://www.instagram.com/dupagerealproducers
North Shore Real Producers: https://www.instagram.com/nsrealproducers
BeLOCAL Chicago Loop Magazine: https://www.instagram.com/belocalchicagoloop/

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Alignment, Intentional Living, and Redefining the Real Estate Experience: The Samantha De Maria Moore Story

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon sits down with real estate professional, yoga instructor, and wellness coach Samantha De Maria Moore. Samantha talks about the combination of what used to be two separate parts of her life and how lessons about health and wellness help both buyers and sellers in the sometimes daunting world of real estate. Samantha also discusses awareness of self as well as connecting with others, helping people find resilience and comfort during tough real estate transactions, and the power of staying calm in a competitive marketplace. The conversation touches on adapting to a changing world, preserving the human element in business, and topics ranging from mocktails to martial arts.

Sleepy Sammi Mocktail
1-2 oz. Tart Cherry Juice
6-8 oz. Carbonated Water
1 Lemon
200 mg. L-Theanine
400 mg. Magnesium Glycinate

Take Samantha's yoga classes for free!
LA Fitness South Elgin: https://www.lafitness.com/Pages/clubhome.aspx?clubid=567
LA Fitness St. Charles: https://www.lafitness.com/Pages/clubhome.aspx?clubid=1430

Samantha's Info:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everythingItouchturns2sold
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharoseresidential/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@he11s_ange11

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Precision, Personality, and Practice: The Jeffrey Marks Story

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt are joined by Jeffrey Marks, a leading Chicagoland real estate attorney with Busse & Busse, to talk about Jeffrey's success as a high-volume attorney and how his work ethic and philosophy mesh so well with that of the Goldman Group. The three discuss Jeffrey's background as a video game producer prior to his law career and how the lessons learned from that experience inform his practice today. The discussion includes the importance of customer focus, team communication, and flexibility, plus great tips for realtors from the "Louboutin Lawyer" himself!

Jeffrey’s Info:
Phone: 312-208-7340
Instagram: @‌louboutin_lawyer

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Rewards, Loyalty, and the Future of Consumer Engagement: The Andrew ‘Newms’ Newman Story

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt are joined by Andrew Newman, Vice President of FinTech Sales at Wildfire Systems, to announce the launch of the new savings and rewards program Rate Rewards. Andrew talks about the continuing evolution of digital marketing and how customer loyalty programs offer value to providers and consumers alike. The three discuss the partnership between Guaranteed Rate Affinity and Wildfire Systems, the benefits it provides, their goals for the program, and the future of financial technology.

Get more information about Rate Rewards and sign up at https://www.rate.com/membership-benefits/shop-and-earn.

Andrew on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewinewman/

The Wildfire Blog:
https://www.wildfire-corp.com/blog

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Resilience in Real Estate: Leadership, Health, and Growth

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt sit down with their longtime friend Joe Gerber, Broker Associate and Managing Partner of the Gerber Diaz Group at Baird & Warner. Joe shares the journey that led him to a career in real estate, and the three discuss how Joe's history underpins his motivation and success. Joe talks with Jon and Matt about the value of partnership and a curated team, and Joe shares his experiences with leadership and the "concierge" approach to supporting clients. They also discuss the importance of managing your life, health, and happiness in order to better manage your business.

Please consider a donation to Quinn's Student Visionaries of the Year Fundraiser for Blood Cancer United: https://pages.lls.org/svoy/chi/svoyillinois26/qgoldman

Joe’s info:
The Gerber Diaz Group

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

2026 Trends

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon sit down together to talk about what to expect for the coming year in their three favorite areas: life, mortgages, and real estate. They talk about the likely trajectory for interest rates this year as well as the factors beyond the rates that impact mortgage lending and the real estate market. They also examine ways that they continue to innovate to meet the evolving needs of such a dynamic environment for the lending and real estate industries.

Please consider a donation to Quinn's Student Visionaries of the Year Fundraiser for Blood Cancer United: https://pages.lls.org/svoy/chi/svoyillinois26/qgoldman

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Making Renovations Work for You

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt start off the new year talking with Joe Daly, Director of Specialty Products at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, to talk about renovation loans and the value they can offer to both buyers and lenders.

Joe describes how the help of a renovation loan specialist makes the complicated-seeming experience easier for all involved. The group also discusses how renovation loans can offer additional opportunities to buyers and their particular impact in a time of increased loan rates, reduced inventory, and a need for future financial planning.

Joe’s info:
GRARate.com/JoeDaly

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

End of Year Thoughts

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon wrap up the year with topics at the top of the their minds regarding the three pillars of the podcast: life, mortgages, and real estate. They discuss interests rates, the state of the real estate market, family health challenges, and more.

From the whole team at Mining for Gold, thank you to everyone for a great year! We wish you all a festive holiday season and a very happy new year. We’ll be back again with new episodes in 2026.

Quinn’s Student Visionaries of the Year Fundraiser for Blood Cancer United: https://pages.lls.org/svoy/chi/svoyillinois26/qgoldman

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Putting Humanity in Human Resources

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon sit down with their good friend Marina Bokserman, a chief human resources officer, or as Jon likes to say, a "churro." Marina talks about her experiences, challenges, and road to success as a human resources professional and the particulars of the role specific to the mortgage lending industry.

The group discusses the hardships and rewards of a leadership position in human resources, and Marina shares how her motivation to help people continues to drive her involvement. The trio also examines the Employee Mortgage Benefit Program and how to encourage its adoption through connecting with people and helping educate them on the importance of financial literacy.

Marina’s Info:
linkedin.com/in/marina-bokserman/

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

The Foundation of Fortune: Insuring What Matters Most

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon sit down with Scott Mikkelsen, Vice President of Mikkelsen, Kelly, & Kip Insurance, to talk about what it really means to "insure what matters most." Scott shares the family roots behind his third-generation independent agency and how his team takes a consultative, relationship-first approach to protecting clients' homes and families.

The conversation covers rising insurance costs, common coverage mistakes, and why personalized advice—not quick quotes—makes all the difference. The trio also compares the parallels between lending and insurance and examines the value of emphasizing trust, transparency, and truly knowing your clients.

Find out more about Mikkelsen, Kelly, & Kip at https://mkkins.com/ or visit their Facebook page.

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

How Vital is Your Real Estate Attorney?

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon sit down with Chicago real estate attorney Dean Lurie of Stone, Pogrund & Korey. They dig into what makes Dean's "concierge-style" approach to closings stand out and why having a great attorney can make or break a deal.

The trio tackles everything from tricky condo regulations and HOA lawsuits to how Dean's calm, creative problem-solving keeps transactions on track. They also touch on estate planning and buying property as an unmarried couple, and they wrap things up with a lighthearted chat about golf and rock 'n' roll dreams.

For more information:
Stone Pogrund & Korey LLC

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Social Media Savvy: LinkedIn Expert Jared Gibson

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon talk with Jared Gibson, LinkedIn expert and co-founder of Outworks. They discuss their experience working with Outworks and the importance, process, and challenges of including a social media strategy in online branding efforts. Matt and Jon also share their exploration of the social media landscape, and Jared outlines the hows, whys, and rewards of developing a presence on LinkedIn.

Find Jared Gibson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredoutworks

Get a free Notion template and launch your Founder-Led Content Engine with Outworks: https://www.outworks.io/founder-led-content-90-day-challenge

Check out Jared’s podcast Business is Bullsh*t on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Sam Hollis: Goldman Group's Next Level Marketing

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 14:26:58 +0000

On this episode of Mining for Gold, Matt and Jon talk with their new marketing director, Sam Hollis. They explore Sam's path to joining Guaranteed Rate Affinity, what made him the right fit for the team, and the fresh perspective he brings to the table. The conversation is filled with mutual excitement as the trio reunites professionally, sharing their top priorities and how their life experiences influence their approach to work. They also discuss the importance of humanizing the mortgage experience and Sam's vision for measuring success in a meaningful, people-centered way.

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

It Starts with a Plan - GRA CMO Vinod Jotwani

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Matt and Jon sit down with Vinod Jotwani, Chief Marketing Officer at Guaranteed Rate Affinity. Vinod shares details about his career journey, his role as CMO, and why putting loan officers first is central to his marketing philosophy. He discusses the unique value loan officers bring to the marketing team, the importance of learning from them, how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape, and so much more. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with real-world takeaways.

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Mike Huff: Baseball and Benevolence

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt sit down with former Major League Baseball player Mike Huff to explore his path from childhood to the big leagues. Mike shares insights from his time playing professional baseball, including his unique experience training basketball legend Michael Jordan for his brief baseball career. He opens up about the personal reasons that brought him back to Chicago and his current work in the community, including how his sister's leukemia diagnosis led him to support the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Through it all, they reflect on the different ways people strive to reach their own version of the "major leagues."

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Building the Goldman Group Brand

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt are joined by Rob Johnson, Emmy Award-Winning former TV anchor and current President of Rob Johnson Communications, who's now playing a key role behind the scenes of their brand. Rob shares insights from his decades-long career in television, why he chose to pivot after leaving the industry, and what drew him to collaborate with Jon and Matt. Together, they discuss how Rob's expertise is helping them not just build their business but also deepen their purpose—especially around one of their core goals: humanizing the mortgage process.

Rob opens up about the work they're doing together and how it's changing the way Jon and Matt communicate, helping them become more confident and comfortable in front of the camera and with their messaging. It's a candid conversation about reinvention, storytelling, and finding clarity in your brand's voice.

Jon's Info:

JG@grarate.com

GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:

MK@grarate.com

GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Find out more about Rob Johnson: rj47llc.com

Getting to Know Jon and Matt: The Voices Behind Mining for Gold

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt take a step back from the usual format to share a more personal side of their journey. They open up about how each of them found their way into the mortgage business and what inspired them to stay. From early beginnings to unexpected opportunities, they reflect on the paths that led them to where they are today.

Listeners will also get an inside look at what makes their work so exciting and why they genuinely love what they do. They explain how their approach to business sets them apart and why being passionate about helping people and building strong relationships helps with that. With a focus on authenticity, teamwork, and putting clients first, they reveal the unique strategies that have made their businesses successful.

Whether you're in the mortgage industry or just curious about the stories behind the mics, this episode offers a refreshing blend of insight and inspiration.

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

People, Price, Product: The Latest Real Estate Trends

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:21:02 +0000

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt sit down with Anne DuBray, a top-producing real estate broker at Coldwell Banker with nearly 40 years of experience and over $1 billion in career sales. Anne shares insights from her remarkable journey in Chicago's North Shore market, including why being selective with mortgage lenders matters, how building the right team has fueled her long-term success, and the key role strong relationships within the brokerage community play in her business. It’s an inspiring conversation packed with wisdom for anyone in real estate, or anyone looking to build a lasting career rooted in trust and connection.

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Find out more about Anne DuBray: anneadvantage.com

EQUAL HOUSING LENDER. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.

Coldwell Banker and Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC share common ownership and because of this relationship the brokerage may receive a financial or other benefit. You are not required to use Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC as a condition of purchase or sale of any real estate.

Realizing the Importance of Real Estate in Your Portfolio

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Mining for Gold, Jon and Matt sit down with Kim and Brett Suchy, the CEO and COO of Cornerstone Asset Management Group, LLC. Together, they explore the current market’s volatility, discuss how a home purchase fits into an individual's overall financial strategy, and highlight the vital roles that communication and accountability play in building lasting client relationships.

Jon's Info:
JG@grarate.com
GRARate.com/JGoldman

Matt's Info:
MK@grarate.com
GRARate.com/MattKennedy

Reach out to Cornerstone Asset Management, LLC:
www.csamg.com
kim.suchy@csamg.com

Guaranteed Rate Affinity is not being compensated for referring clients to Cornerstone Asset Management Group

1. One of the hosts of this podcast is a client of Cornerstone Asset Management.

2. There was no cash compensation to the host for his testimonial/endorsement of Cornerstone Asset Management.

3. The Advisors with Cornerstone Asset Management have worked with the host for securing personal mortgages, and both parties have made client referrals to each other in the past. No monetary compensation is received for making the referrals. Mortgage rates provided to the Advisors were the best available rates on the market and are not discounted based on the relationship. The fee paid to the Advisor for managing assets of the host has not been discounted for making referrals of prospective clients or specifically for participation on this podcast.

4. Investment advisory services offered through Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 5187 Utica Ridge Rd, Davenport, IA 52807. 563‐326‐2064. Cornerstone Asset Management Group and Ausdal Financial Partners are separately owned and operated.

The Latest Employee Benefit

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman) — Wed, 4 Jun 2025 15:08:13 +0000

In this episode, Jon and Matt are joined by special guest Vic Lombardo to explore the Employee Mortgage and Real Estate Benefit Program, a cost-free offering that companies can provide to their teams. Vic breaks down how this program supports employees throughout every stage of the home-buying process.

Listeners will learn how the program not only eases one of life's biggest financial decisions but also helps employers increase job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and enhance their overall benefits package without adding extra costs to the organization. Whether you're an HR leader looking to strengthen your company's offerings or an employee curious about unique perks available to you, this episode offers valuable insights into a win-win benefit model.

Adapting Your Business in a Tumultuous Market

JG@grarate.com (Jon Goldman, Matt Kennedy, Bob Burns) — Fri, 16 May 2025 15:44:42 +0000

Bob Burns, Regional VP of Coldwell Banker, joins Jon and Matt in the first episode of Mining for Gold. They discuss how the real estate industry and mortgage business have changed over the last few years, what they’ve done to grow their businesses in a tumultuous market, why referrals are so important, and much more.