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Let's Talk
Tell us a bit about yourself. No pressure, no pitch.
Created By
Trust/Forward is an invitation-only speaker series for solopreneurs who want to gain insight, lead better, and stay sharp. Quick-hit talks from entrepreneurs and industry pros with something real to say — and no interest in wasting your time.
Agenda
5:00–5:30: Eat, drink & network
5:30–6:45: Speakers
6:45–7:30: More eating, drinking & networking
Boedecker Cellars
Mel Dorman
How I Turned $500 into 6-Figure Freedom
Mel Dorman is a top realtor, founder of Seller Finance Academy, and author of Bank on Your Neighbor. Known for making creative real estate strategies accessible and empowering, she has built a social media following of over 1 million people by teaching practical, community-centered paths to wealth through seller financing. In her TEDx-style talk, Mel brings her signature mix of real-world experience, sharp insight, and mission-driven storytelling to show how everyday people can create opportunity outside the traditional banking system.
Ken Perry
The Power of Community & The Effects of Isolation
Ken Perry is the President & Founder of Knowledge Coop, a social learning technology platform revolutionizing how companies in the mortgage industry communicate and collaborate. Starting his speaking journey in 2003, Ken quickly became a recognized authority on identity theft, cybercrime, and regulatory trends. Ken also hosts the podcast "Lessons From Last Time," sharing stories of resilience and growth. His unique blend of expertise, humor, and dynamic style ensures he leaves a lasting impact on every audience.
Dave Savage
Savage Code
"People who thrive have a clear code, and they live it." Dave's talk unpacks what that means in practice — and what it costs when your code is incomplete, broken, or ignored.
Dave Savage is a leading voice on modern mortgage leadership and selling in the age of the AI-powered consumer. As founder of Mortgage Coach and Chief Growth Officer of TrustEngine, he helps lenders and loan officers win by pairing human advice with data, technology, and borrower intelligence. Dave has conducted over 1,000 interviews with top producers and industry leaders and hosts one of the most influential weekly YouTube channels in the mortgage industry. He is Chairman of the Board for FirstHome IQ and author of the forthcoming book Savage Code.
February 2026
Jeff Bernheisel
The Risks of Relying on AI
AI is changing how we write, research, and market — but it also introduces real risks. This session focused on awareness and simple guardrails. Jeff leads AI initiatives at Fidelity National Financial, helping individuals and teams turn emerging tech into a clear, competitive advantage.
Ben Andrews
The Long Run: High Performance That Lasts
Insights on mindset, personal development, and what it takes to perform at a high level over the long run. Ben is an elite athlete — one of the first 700 people ever to run a mile in under 4 minutes and qualified for 3 Olympic Trials — turned business leader who brings discipline from world-class competition into real-world execution. He's personally closed over 1,500 real estate transactions.
Steve Scanlon
The M Equation: Why Changing Your Mindset Changes Everything
If effort were enough, you'd already be where you want to be. The M Equation shows how mindset multiplies every action — for you or against you. Steve is the founder of Rewire, helping leaders and teams apply modern neuroscience to performance and change. He was previously a business coach with Building Champions, helping hundreds of mortgage loan officers achieve extraordinary success.
Galen Emanuele
Strengthening Influence, Impact, and Relationships
A human-centered look at how teams perform and impact each other — combining adaptability, presence, and real-world execution. Galen works with teams to reshape how people collaborate, perform, and lead at work.
August 2025
John Vyhlidal
Great Leaders Don't Motivate. They Create Movement.
A practical 3-step framework (Think. Plan. Do.) for leadership through action — not just words — in a sales-driven world.
Andi Blackwell
Taming Your Brain to Take Bold Action
Understanding how your brain tries to keep you "safe" — and how to move forward anyway, especially in sales and entrepreneurship.
Chris Schultz
The Upside of Failure: Do Less, Think Big, Execute Flawlessly, Do Epic Shit.
CEO of Voodoo Donuts. How failure fuels clarity and bold execution — lessons from startup life and beyond.
Keith Sconiers
Power of Relationship / Power of Connection
How authentic relationships drive success in business and life.
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