Power House

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with developer Austin Tunnell to explore a bigger question than housing itself: how the built environment shapes the way we live.

Austin shares his unconventional path into real estate, from accounting to the Peace Corps to hands-on construction, and the realization that much of modern development is optimized for efficiency, not human connection. He argues that today’s neighborhoods often prioritize cars, uniformity and short-term returns at the expense of community and daily life.

The conversation explores an alternative approach: building walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods designed for long-term value, human interaction and quality of place. But that approach comes with real tension—because traditional financing models, comps and investor expectations don’t naturally reward it.

For professionals in housing, the takeaway is clear: what gets built isn’t just real estate—it’s the foundation for how people live, connect and build their lives.

Related to the episode:

Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn

Austin Tunnell's LinkedIn

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with Jeremy Davis to discuss a leadership philosophy rooted in community trust, culture and long-term relationships.

Davis shares how growing up in public housing shaped his understanding of how trust actually forms within underserved communities, and why lenders often miss the places where those relationships begin. He explains his concept of “community institutions of trust,” including barbershops, churches and neighborhood gathering spots where reputations and recommendations carry real influence.

The conversation explores Davis’ “barbershop to browser” framework, which connects real-world community engagement with digital strategy. Instead of using online platforms to introduce lenders to new audiences, Davis believes digital presence should reinforce trust already built through authentic relationships.

Inside Southern Bancorp, Davis has built a culture-first operating model that prioritizes service, consistency and community presence. The results include strong first-time homebuyer growth, deep rural market penetration and rare loan officer retention in today’s competitive mortgage environment.

For leaders thinking about the future of lending, Davis offers a simple principle: trust can’t be scaled, but it can be built intentionally.

Related to the episode:

Zeb Lowe’s LinkedIn

Jeremy Davis' LinkedIn

Jeremy Davis' Op-Ed

Southern Bancorp

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

On this episode of Power House, Zeb Lowe sits down with mortgage coach and industry veteran Dave Savage to discuss what separates the industry’s top originators from the rest and why that gap is likely to grow.

Savage explains how shifting from a rate-focused sales approach to an advice-driven process transformed his own career and why consistent systems and repeatable customer experiences are the real differentiators among top producers.

The conversation also explores the industry’s ongoing challenge with technology adoption and why investing in tools alone isn’t enough. Real competitive advantage, Savage argues, comes when technology becomes embedded in daily workflows and company culture.

Looking ahead, Savage believes artificial intelligence will dramatically reshape how borrowers find loan officers and receive guidance. Rather than replacing originators, AI will amplify those who position themselves as trusted advisors.

For mortgage professionals navigating a changing market, Savage offers clear guidance: build a personal brand, experiment with AI, and focus on delivering advice—not just transactions.

Related to the episode:

Zeb Lowe's LinkedIn

Dave Savage's LinkedIn

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

As the mortgage industry prepares for one of its largest annual gatherings, Diego Sanchez sits down with Bob Hart to preview what professionals can expect at Experience 2026, hosted by ICE Mortgage Technology at the Wynn Las Vegas.

The event will bring together more than 3,000 industry leaders, hundreds of companies, and a full agenda focused on innovation, strategy, and the future of mortgage technology. Hart explains how the conference is designed to give attendees practical insights and tools they can immediately apply to their businesses.

The conversation explores key themes shaping this year’s event—including artificial intelligence in mortgage operations, cybersecurity and fraud prevention, market conditions affecting lenders, and leadership development across the industry. Hart also previews new technology investments aimed at creating a more connected ecosystem linking originators, servicers, and consumers.

For professionals navigating a rapidly evolving market, this episode offers an inside look at the conversations and innovations shaping the next chapter of mortgage technology.

Related to this episode:

Bob Hart's LinkedIn

ICE Mortgage Technology

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.

In this episode of Power House, Dave Crosby, Chief Data Officer at Compass, joins the conversation to discuss how data and technology are reshaping the real estate industry.

Crosby explains the role of a Chief Data Officer and how organizing data into actionable insights can help agents make better decisions in a rapidly changing market. The discussion explores the growing influence of AI, why its effectiveness depends entirely on data quality, and how companies must build cultures of accountability to successfully adopt new technologies.

The episode also highlights Compass’s entrepreneurial approach to supporting agents, the importance of market insights, and why professionals who combine strong networks with data-driven decision-making will have an advantage in the years ahead.

Related to this episode:

Dave Crosby's LinkedIn

Compass

The Power House podcast brings the biggest names in housing to answer hard-hitting questions about industry trends, operational and growth strategy, and leadership. Join HousingWire’s Zeb Lowe every Thursday morning for candid conversations with industry leaders to learn how they’re differentiating themselves from the competition. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.