What does it really take to launch a mortgage company in today’s market? In this episode of The MikedUp Show, hosts Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Jim Carroll, a seasoned mortgage professional and builder of operations from the ground up. With over two decades of experience across every major role in mortgage—from top-producing loan officer to DE underwriter, recruiter, and executive—Jim brings clarity, candor, and perspective to the high-stakes world of mortgage startups.
Jim’s journey began at the family business, The Carroll Mortgage Group, where he started as his father’s assistant and climbed his way through the ranks—eventually leading the company through 23 years of successful growth and multiple HUD audits without a single indemnification. After CMG’s successful merger with Reliant Bank, Jim took on his next challenge: launching an entire mortgage division from scratch at Partners Bank in Alabama in 2024.
Whether you’re dreaming of founding your own mortgage company or curious about how the next generation of lenders is navigating 2025, this conversation delivers everything from startup wisdom to operational truths.
✅ The DNA of a Mortgage Startup
Why starting a mortgage company in 2025 requires more than great products—it requires resilience, leadership, and institutional clarity.
✅ Lessons from the Ground Up
Jim shares the wins, challenges, and key decisions that shaped The Carroll Mortgage Group and how those lessons apply to today’s tech-forward world.
✅ The Importance of Versatility
From underwriting to compliance, recruiting to marketing—Jim’s well-rounded experience reveals why founders must wear many hats, especially early on.
✅ Bank vs. IMB: Strategic Differences
Having operated in both Independent Mortgage Banking and depository environments, Jim explains the key pros and cons of building inside a bank in today’s market.
✅ Building Culture That Lasts
It’s not just about launching—it’s about sustaining. Hear how Jim focuses on hiring right, leading with values, and setting the tone for long-term success.
✅ Startups in a Tech Era
With AI, automation, and new platforms changing everything, Jim discusses how startups must stay nimble while staying compliant.
Big Thanks to Our Sponsors:
Mortgage Connect – End-to-end mortgage solutions trusted by lenders nationwide.
Aidium – Smart CRM built to help mortgage professionals grow their pipeline and their business.
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