AI can make business faster. Ryan Jahnke argues that it should also make us more human by creating more time for real conversations, thoughtful follow-up, and long-term client relationships.
In Episode 72, Chris Seegers and Ryan explore the difference between transactional service and relationship-driven business. They also cover Ryan’s path from competitive figure skating to coaching and mortgage lending, creative financing for self-employed borrowers, money habits, real estate investing, Home Buyer Coach, and the role of AI in a business built on contact, care, and community.
Transactional Service or Relational Business?
A transaction solves the immediate problem. A relationship creates trust that can last through many decisions and seasons of life. Ryan explains that clients remember whether an advisor listened, followed through, and treated them like a person instead of an entry in a pipeline.
That difference matters in mortgage lending, where every borrower brings a unique mix of income, goals, concerns, and timing. A relationship-first approach makes room for those details.
Use AI to Create More Human Time
Automation can handle repetitive work, surface information, and improve response time. Ryan’s standard is that efficiency should create more time for genuine contact, not replace it. A draft produced by technology still benefits from a personal review. A fast process still needs a thoughtful conversation.
The best use of AI is to support care, judgment, and follow-up. It should help a business stay attentive at scale.
Creative Financing for Business Owners
Self-employed borrowers often have strong businesses and significant assets, but traditional underwriting may not reflect the whole picture. Ryan and Chris discuss options that can help qualified borrowers document income differently, as well as DSCR loans designed around the cash flow of an investment property.
These tools are not shortcuts. They are ways to match the financing structure to the borrower’s actual situation, subject to current program rules and responsible underwriting.
People First, Profit Follows
Ryan’s business philosophy is built on service, community, and long-term reputation. When a company consistently creates value and takes care of people, profit becomes the result of good work rather than the only objective.
This also changes how a company competes. Price matters, but clients often choose the person who communicates clearly, understands the problem, and remains available after the transaction closes.
Build Ownership Through Better Money Habits
The conversation moves from lending into the habits that help people build wealth. Deferred gratification, intentional saving, and ownership of productive assets can create options over time. The first step does not have to be dramatic. A modest property or small improvement in financial behavior can establish momentum.
Ryan also cautions borrowers to understand the full effect of refinancing, repayment timelines, and changing loan terms before making a decision.
Home Buyer Coach and Financial Education
Ryan created Home Buyer Coach to help people understand the process before they are under pressure to make a purchase. Education gives future buyers time to improve credit, organize finances, evaluate programs, and build a realistic plan.
That preparation is another expression of relationship-driven business. It serves people before a transaction is guaranteed.
AND MORE TOPICS…
Watch the full conversation with Ryan Jahnke on YouTube.
CONNECT WITH RYAN JAHNKE
Ryan Jahnke is a Mortgage Loan Originator with 719 Lending, NMLS #2011733. Visit Ryan’s 719 Lending profile or learn more at 719lending.com.
CONNECT WITH CHRIS
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This conversation is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not mortgage, financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Loan programs, grants, rates, eligibility, repayment obligations, and refinance options can change and vary by borrower and location. Verify current terms with a qualified lender and consult appropriate professionals regarding your situation.
