In this episode of Lykken on Lending, I’m joined by Garrett Locklear — a top-producing loan officer who personally originated over $100 million annually while working just a few hours a week, and the founder of Candid, one of the most innovative platforms in mortgage technology today. We dive into how the right combination of people, discipline, and a unified AI-powered platform can fundamentally change how mortgage professionals operate, market, and scale. From eliminating bloated tech stacks and data silos to leveraging AI for hyper-personalized communication, newsletters, and GEO visibility, this conversation offers a real-world blueprint for originators and executives who want to work smarter, not harder, in the next era of mortgage lending.
Important Links

I have personally originated over $1 billion in mortgage volume and founded CANDID to revolutionize mortgage marketing and sales experiences. Instead of relying on outdated spreadsheets and fragmented tech systems, CANDID uses an open architecture technology to consolidate and enhance mortgage marketing and sales experiences. It power the Modern Mortgage Experience for loan originators to grow their business, boost revenue, and free up time for focusing on strategic, big-picture goals.
I am a motivating leader with extensive expertise in the financial services industry and technology, particularly in how it can enhance relationships. I prioritize serving others and strive to make their experience with CANDID a standout aspect of their work. I guide my team to focus on fostering trusted professional relationships that deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.