In this week's MikeDrop episode, we are thrilled to feature Bill Lowman, Chairman of American Pacific Mortgage, who shares valuable leadership insights in this concise yet powerful recap of his full interview on The MikedUp Show. As someone who has been at the forefront of the mortgage industry for over two decades, Bill has led APM to extraordinary success, and in this episode, he distills some of the most important lessons he’s learned along the way, including his renowned "Billisms"—three core principles that guide his leadership approach. While Bill shares the first of these "Billisms" in the MikeDrop, he teases the other two, leaving viewers eager to dive into the full episode for even more wisdom.
The first "Billism" that Bill reveals is a piece of advice he received from Angelo Mozilo, former CEO of Countrywide Financial: “As a leader, don’t be transactional; be transformational.” In this MikeDrop, Bill explains how transformational leadership has allowed him to inspire his team, drive long-term growth, and build a company culture that is resilient, collaborative, and focused on the bigger picture. He contrasts this with transactional leadership, which tends to focus on short-term wins at the expense of long-term vision and employee engagement. Bill’s take on leadership is a masterclass in how to lead with purpose and create a lasting impact, not just within your company but within your industry as well.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Bill goes on to share insights into how he’s built a team of top-tier professionals at APM, explaining his unique hiring philosophy. One of the key indicators he looks for in potential hires is how often they use the word "we" versus "I" during an interview. For Bill, candidates who emphasize teamwork and collective success over individual accomplishments are the ones who thrive in APM’s collaborative culture. This emphasis on "we" is not just a hiring tactic but a core element of Bill’s leadership philosophy, and it has played a crucial role in building a team that is not only talented but also deeply aligned with the company’s values and long-term goals.
Another highlight of this MikeDrop is Bill’s discussion of APM’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a unique initiative that has given employees a direct stake in the company’s success. Bill explains how the ESOP has transformed APM’s culture, fostering a sense of ownership, responsibility, and engagement among employees. By aligning the company’s success with the financial well-being of its employees, the ESOP has created a powerful incentive for everyone at APM to go above and beyond in their roles. This is a key lesson for leaders in any industry: when your employees are invested—literally and figuratively—in the success of the company, you create a culture where people are motivated to give their best every day.
While this MikeDrop episode offers a tantalizing glimpse into Bill’s leadership philosophy, it’s clear that there’s much more to learn. Bill teases the other two "Billisms" that he didn’t have time to share in this recap, encouraging viewers to tune in to the full episode to discover the complete picture. In the full interview, Bill goes even deeper into his leadership strategies, offering actionable insights on everything from building a high-performing team to navigating the challenges of scaling a large organization in a highly competitive industry.
In addition to leadership advice, Bill shares his thoughts on the current state of the mortgage industry and what it takes to succeed in today’s market. He talks about the importance of sticking to the fundamentals, even as technology evolves and market conditions change. For Bill, while innovation is important, it’s the basics—strong leadership, financial discipline, and a focus on people—that ultimately drive long-term success. This MikeDrop episode is a perfect teaser for the full interview, offering viewers a taste of Bill’s wisdom while leaving them eager to hear more.
Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring executive, or simply someone interested in the mortgage industry, this MikeDrop is filled with valuable insights that you can apply to your own career. Bill Lowman’s leadership journey is one of vision, passion, and a relentless focus on people, and his advice is sure to resonate with anyone looking to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. Be sure to check out the full episode for even more transformative insights from one of the mortgage industry’s top executives.
