Built Not Bought: The Journey of a Career That Costs Everything and Means Even More

There’s a certain kind of silence you get used to when you’re building something from nothing. Not the peaceful, meditative kind—but the “no one’s calling back” kind. The kind of quiet where you start to wonder if your idea, your hustle, your dream even matters.

Hi. I’m Larry.

Some of you know me as That Mortgage Foodie, others just know me as the guy who somehow remembers your dog’s name and your debt-to-income ratio. Either way, here’s what I know: nothing worth having comes easy, and nothing lasting is built overnight. And if it is, it probably doesn’t have flavor. And I’m all about flavor.

The Good, The Bad, and the Mortgage Industry

Building a career—especially one where you’re not just slinging loans but helping people build generational wealth—has been one hell of a rollercoaster. Some days, you’re celebrating a client who just closed on their first home, hugging you like you just handed them the keys to happiness (because maybe you did). Other days, you’re in your car, eating a cold empanada between appointments, wondering if the sacrifices are ever going to pay off.

Spoiler alert: They do. But only if you keep going.

I’ve missed birthdays. I’ve had deals fall apart at the 11th hour. I’ve walked into events feeling like the new kid, trying to prove I belong in a room full of suits who don’t know what it took for me to get there. But you show up anyway. Because showing up is half the battle. The other half? Putting everything you’ve got into what you do—even when nobody’s watching.

It Takes a Village (and a Few Coffee-Fueled Meltdowns)

Over the years, I’ve been blessed to cross paths with incredible people—mentors who guided me, clients who became friends, real estate agents who ride or die with me, and partners who believed in my vision before it was even fully baked. Some of these connections happened through events, networking mixers, open houses, or random encounters that turned into “Hey, I know a guy.”

I’ve also met every kind of client you can imagine—first-time buyers, skeptics, investors, dreamers. Some come with spreadsheets. Some come with questions and trust. All come with hopes. And the wild thing is, each time someone gives me a chance to help them—it still means the world.

Small Wins Matter. A Lot.

Let me be clear: I haven’t “made it.” I’m still building. But I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins. That first client who referred their cousin? A win. That Instagram message from someone who saw my reel and decided to apply? A win. Being able to communicate in someone’s native language—whether it's English, Spanish, or Portuguese—and make them feel seen? That’s a huge win.

I’ve learned that success isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about opening doors—for others, and for yourself.

Why I Keep Going

I keep going because I know what it’s like to feel like this industry isn’t built for people like me. So I’m building something for people like us. I keep going because I love the people I meet, the stories I get to be a part of, and the food I get to enjoy while doing it (let’s be honest—this is That Mortgage Foodie, after all).

I keep going because when someone says “thank you,” with tears in their eyes because they never thought they’d own a home—I know I’m doing the right thing.

So...

If you’re out there trying to build your own thing—whether it’s a business, a dream, or just a better version of your life—just know: it’s gonna be hard. You’re gonna doubt yourself. You’re gonna mess up. But you’re also gonna grow in ways that surprise you.

Keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep adding your own flavor to the mix. And if you ever need a mortgage, a pep talk, or a food recommendation—I got you.

With heart (and probably hot sauce),

LarryThat Mortgage Foodie