From Salt Lake to Michigan: How UWM’s Success Track Helped Me Level Up for My Clients

As I sit here on a flight returning home from Michigan, I reflect on an incredible experience. Earlier this year, Josh Thomas, a loan originator in Utah, invited me to fly out to Michigan for UWM’s Success Track. This advanced real estate and mortgage training is designed for agents who want to sharpen their skills and better serve their clients. At the time, I couldn’t make it work because I was heading out of town to visit my parents. Funny enough, that trip got rescheduled to later in November. When Josh asked me again, the door swung open for me to finally say yes to the opportunity. Third time's the charm, right?

So, last Sunday evening, I packed my bags. Bright and early Monday, I flew from Salt Lake City to Michigan alongside Josh and two other realtors from Utah. We spent a few incredible days surrounded by some of the best in the business.

Josh Thomas and I stoked about the conference (and huge BYU fans)

Learning from the Best

The funny thing about this conference was that from the very beginning, Josh was telling us what to expect. However, the morning we walked in, he quickly realized this was different from the many other conferences he had attended.

I filled up about twenty pages of notes on my iPad during the conference. We covered everything from social media marketing to artificial intelligence. I walked away with more ideas than I can count. There were sessions on how to grow your presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Google Business. We also had deep dives into AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini.

A panel of three top-producing realtors—Adam Gillespi, Jeremy Kane, and David Goad—shared their stories of how they built successful businesses and overcame challenges along the way. Hearing how each of them found their rhythm in this industry was both inspiring and grounding.

Realtor panel

Connecting Coast to Coast

Another highlight for me was connecting with other eXp Realty agents from across the country. I met about 5 to 9 other agents who are doing incredible things in their markets. We built new relationships that will make it easier to refer clients who are relocating outside of Utah. Knowing that I now have trusted contacts in other states gives me confidence that my clients will be taken care of wherever life takes them next.

The Mortgage World Is Changing

One of the biggest takeaways from Success Track was just how fast the mortgage industry is evolving. UWM isn’t just keeping up; they’re leading the charge. They are so far advanced that other mortgage lenders like Rocket and Guild are no longer competing to be first but for second best. With more than 9,000 employees and powerful AI systems helping streamline the approval process, United Wholesale Mortgage is now getting most home loans approved in under 14 days.

That’s a huge deal. If your lender is still taking a full month to get you approved, it’s worth looking at what UWM is doing differently. Technology and teamwork are making it easier for buyers to move quickly and confidently in today’s market.

UWM: A Unique Environment

From 2018 to 2021, I worked for a company of 2,000 employees in Logan, Utah, called Conservice. While we were at this conference, there were several moments when I felt like I had gone back in time to my days at Conservice. They had so many tables with teams of people working on their computers.

A few hundred of 9,000

However, I was amazed as we toured UWM at the end of the conference. It is about five times bigger, with several large buildings, a sports building for the community of Pontiac, Michigan, and a gym/recreation area for employees. There are several places for employees to purchase food at grills and other restaurants. The conference rooms are built out of shipping containers or themed in super cool ways. The CEO of UWM, Mat Ishbia, played for Michigan State during their NCAA championship win in 2000. The conference room has several signed basketballs, and the table is part of the Spartan's court. When we opened the doors, it smelled like a basketball court in that room.

The CEO's conference room

They also have the country's longest enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting some of their buildings together at 1,000 ft. It reminded me of the old Salt Lake City airport.

1,000 ft enclosed pedestrian bridge

Gratitude and Growth

This trip was one of those moments where everything came together for a reason. I’m grateful to Josh Thomas for flying me out and giving me the chance to experience UWM’s Success Track firsthand. It reminded me why I love this business so much.

The real estate world never stops changing, and that’s exactly why I’ll never stop learning. Every class, every connection, and every trip like this helps me bring more value to my clients here in Utah.

When you work with Tobin and me at HŌM, you’re not just working with a realtor who loves homes. You’re working with someone who’s committed to growth, innovation, and making sure your experience is as smooth and successful as possible.

The Importance of Continuous Learning

In this fast-paced real estate environment, continuous learning is essential. Attending conferences like UWM’s Success Track is just one way to stay ahead. I believe in the power of knowledge. It empowers me to serve my clients better.

Investing in education allows me to provide insights that can make a difference in your real estate journey. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, having a knowledgeable partner is invaluable.

Embracing Technology in Real Estate

Technology is reshaping the real estate landscape. From virtual tours to online listings, the way we buy and sell homes is changing. Embracing these advancements can give you a competitive edge.

I am excited about the tools and resources available today. They help streamline processes and enhance communication. This means a smoother experience for you.

Building Lifelong Relationships

At HŌM, we believe in building lifelong relationships. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about understanding your needs and goals. We want to be your trusted advisors for years to come.

Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen our connection. I am here to support you, whether you have questions about the market or need guidance on your next steps.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my experience at UWM’s Success Track was transformative. I returned with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and a renewed passion for real estate.

I am committed to bringing this knowledge back to my clients in Utah. Together, we can navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape and achieve your goals. Let’s embark on this journey together!