We were lucky to catch up with Brandon Goldberg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a client that you appreciate them?

Every year, we host an Annual Comedy Night—a chance for past clients to kick back, laugh, and enjoy a night out on us. It’s not about business; it’s about connection. Clients get to know us more personally, and we get to share a moment of joy with the people who trusted us with one of life’s biggest decisions.

But it doesn’t stop there. We keep the relationship going all year long with small but meaningful touchpoints. Every birthday, clients get a personalized video message. Every quarter, we check in—not with sales pitches, but with genuine value: invitations to webinars on saving money on taxes, financial fitness checkups, or even a Debt Freedom Blueprint to help tackle lingering debt.

And when life brings milestones—like welcoming a new baby—we make sure they know we noticed. A coffee gift for sleep-deprived parents or fresh cookies delivered when they’re preapproved or in contract are just small ways to show we’re paying attention and we care.

The goal is simple: anytime they have a question—whether it’s about real estate, finances, or even something life-related—they know we’re just a call or text away. We’re not just their mortgage team; we’re their go-to resource, long after the deal is done.

I think the best ‘thank you’ a client can receive is the feeling that they’re remembered, valued, and supported—not just during the transaction, but for years to come.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

How I Got Here
I started in this industry working alongside my dad, who’s been in the business for over 25 years. At first, I resisted—I worked retail, trained managers, and even took a brief detour into banking before realizing my dad was offering me more than just a job; he was offering me a chance to make a real impact in people’s lives.

But I didn’t just jump in. I spent months shadowing my dad, learning every detail of the process—writing emails, sitting in on calls, and absorbing everything I could. Eventually, I earned my seat at the table, and I’ve been all-in ever since.

What I Do Today
My approach to mortgages is different. I don’t just quote rates and send paperwork. I take the time to understand each client’s goals, fears, and long-term plans before crafting a strategy that works for them.

I’m not here to push loans—I’m here to provide mortgage advice. That means walking clients through every option, showing them how temporary or permanent rate buy-downs might work, explaining the trade-offs, and ultimately helping them make an educated decision.

But it doesn’t stop at closing. I believe a mortgage professional should be an ongoing resource. That’s why I focus on building relationships, offering ongoing value through:

Quarterly financial checkups
Debt Freedom Blueprints
Connections with trusted financial planners and tax strategists
What Sets Me Apart
The truth is, a VA loan from me is the same as a VA loan from anyone else. What’s different is how I show up:

I educate clients about how interest rates work, how to shop for a mortgage, and how to spot red flags.
I proactively set expectations, breaking down payments, closing costs, and strategies in easy-to-understand presentations.
I’m meticulous with details, catching the small things others might miss—because those details can make or break a deal.
For me, this isn’t about selling loans—it’s about being a trusted guide during one of the biggest financial decisions of someone’s life.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built and the impact I’ve had on my clients’ lives. Whether it’s helping someone secure their dream home, guiding a family through financial hurdles, or simply being the person they trust to answer their mortgage questions—I’m proud to be that guy.

I’m also proud of the systems we’ve built: the 109-step process that ensures every detail is covered, the thoughtful touches like cookie deliveries for pre-approved clients and personalized birthday videos, and the follow-up care that extends long after closing day.

The Big Picture
At the end of the day, it’s not about the rate or the loan—it’s about strategy, trust, and connection. My goal is to ensure every client feels confident, informed, and supported—not just during the transaction, but for years to come.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came when I transitioned from retail management into mortgage lending. At the time, I was working at Toys R Us and Babies R Us, training managers and handling day-to-day operations. I was doing well, but I hit a wall. I was training people who were getting promoted ahead of me, and when I asked, “When do I get my shot at management?” the answer was, “We can’t take you off the floor—you’re too valuable where you are.”

That was a wake-up call. I realized I had maxed out my potential in that role, and it was time for a change.

My dad, who’s been in the mortgage industry for over 25 years, had always told me, “You’d be great at this business.” But back then, I shrugged it off. Working for family? Not exactly my dream path. So instead, I tried my hand at banking with Wells Fargo. Let me tell you, that was not a fit. The sales tactics, the pressure to push products instead of helping clients—it wasn’t me.

So, I swallowed my pride and called my dad: “Is that offer still on the table?”

But here’s the thing—I didn’t just step into the mortgage world expecting handouts. I earned my seat at the table. For months, I sat behind my dad at his desk. I watched every call, every email, and every interaction. When I finally sat in the chair myself, I didn’t take it lightly.

Looking back, that pivot wasn’t just about switching industries—it was about realizing my value, trusting the people who saw potential in me, and being willing to start from square one.

Fast forward to today, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that moment. It shaped my entire approach to this business:

Show up every day (even when it’s hard).
Do what you say you’re going to do.
And most importantly, always keep learning.
That pivot taught me that change isn’t failure—it’s growth. And sometimes, the path forward isn’t a straight line—it’s a hard left turn.

Would I have ever imagined I’d be where I am today back when I was folding baby clothes at 10 p.m. on a retail floor? Probably not. But every step of that journey prepared me for this one.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has been builders, hands down. A big part of that comes from our strong relationship with Baldwin & Sons, a partnership built on trust, consistency, and delivering results time and time again.

Beyond Baldwin, we’ve also earned our place as a trusted backup lender for nearly every major builder in Southern California. In this role, we’re often the team that steps in when a deal hits a roadblock—whether it’s a challenging income situation, a unique property type, or a timeline that needs precision execution.

What sets us apart in these partnerships is our ability to handle the tough deals—the ones that require creative problem-solving, clear communication, and a deep understanding of mortgage strategy. Builders know that when they bring us in, we’re not just looking to close the loan—we’re looking to create an exceptional experience for the client, protect the builder’s timelines, and maintain the trust of everyone involved.

At the end of the day, builders don’t just want loans to close—they want confidence that every detail is handled, every option is explored, and every client walks away happy. That’s where we shine, and it’s why builders continue to trust us with their buyers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://homeloansurgeons.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeloansurgeon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.goldberg.31
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-goldberg/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomeLoanSurgeon