Disney, Mortgages, and Magic! Meet the Difference Makers at Mpire Financial
The Broker Journey with John and Joe Motowidlak
If you’ve been paying even a little attention to the broker channel over the past few years, you’ve likely heard whispers or maybe full-on buzz about Mpire Financial. Founded by brothers John and Joe Motowidlak, Mpire is more than a mortgage company. It’s a culture. A movement. A lifestyle. And that ethos is on full display every year at their flagship event: MortgageCon.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with John and Joe on The Broker Journey podcast, and let me tell you, this wasn’t your typical “how we started a company” story. We covered building in a down market, Disney magic, proprietary tech, and yes… turning a mortgage conference into a full-blown immersive theme park experience.
Here’s what I learned and why MortgageCon 2026 might just be one of the best mortgage events of the year.
From Processing FHA Streamlines to Building a Mortgage “Mpire”
Let’s rewind. Before the billion-dollar production, custom back-end systems, and virtual HQs in the metaverse, John was processing loans during the chaos of the housing crash of 2007 and 2008.
His cousin got him a job at Bank of America, and from there, John bounced around a few lenders before deciding to take a different route. A smarter route. One that focused on the lifestyle of the broker, not just the numbers.
“We wanted to build something where people could run their own company inside of ours. Work smart. Use the right tools. Still have a life.” – John M.
He looped in Joe early, who brought 15+ years of Disney operational excellence to the mortgage space. Joe had no industry background, but what he did have was a deep understanding of customer experience, brand storytelling, and culture building.
Together, they launched Mpire Financial in May 2021 with three people. Today, they have:
225+ brokers
Licensed in 36 licensed states (with 10 more pending)
Projected $1B+ in funded volume this year
Culture-First: How Disney Customer Experience Transformed a Mortgage Company
It’s one thing to build a mortgage brokerage. It’s another to inject actual culture into it.
Joe, coming from Disney, knew firsthand what it meant to prioritize the guest experience down to the smallest detail. That’s something he and John infused deep into Mpire’s DNA.
“At Disney, every role mattered. And when I got into mortgage, I realized how often ops felt overlooked. So we decided our loan officers would be our guests. We’d serve them with the same energy we used to serve families on vacation.” – Joe M.
They didn’t just talk culture, they built it. From team structure to communication norms to technology choices, Mpire prioritized experience over ego. That philosophy is what led to the creation of something truly unique in the broker world: MortgageCon.
Mortgage Con: A Mortgage Event That’s Anything But Boring
Let’s face it. Mortgage conferences can get… predictable. Or as I like to say, “Boring AF!”
Same speakers. Same hotel ballrooms. Same networking mixers. Mpire decided to flip the script and do something that hadn’t really been done before:
🎢 Host a mortgage event inside Universal Studios
🎬 Create a full cinematic storyline (think: Indiana Jones meets mortgage)
🧪 Blend personal development, entertainment, and tangible tactics
The first year? Just over 100 people. Small, but a hit. The second year? A full theme with custom videos, immersive design, and a guest experience that had people buzzing across the channel.
The third installment, MortgageCon 2026, is shaping up to be the biggest and boldest yet.
Why MortgageCon Might Be the Best Event of 2026
Let’s break down what sets MortgageCon apart and why brokers across the country are making it a must-attend in 2026.
1. It’s Built for Originators, Not Just Speakers
Most events are headliner-first. MortgageCon is LO-first.
Every speaker is an operator. They’re not there just to inspire. They’re there to share playbooks you can use the minute you get back to your office (or your virtual office in Roam, more on that below).
2. It’s Family-Friendly
Bring your spouse. Bring your kids. Bring your “why.”
MortgageCon blends learning and lifestyle by offering full park access for families, private Universal Studios experiences at Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley (with no lines!), and flexible schedules so you can balance both networking and fun.
3. It’s a Pattern Interrupt
You’re not sitting in hotel chairs all day drinking stale coffee. You’re:
Moving between immersive themed environments
Meeting LOs from around the country (not just your region)
Recharging your mindset while learning tactical business strategies
In other words, it’s an experience you’ll remember, not just attend.
Tech-Forward: How Mpire Uses AI to Improve the Broker Lifestyle
You’ve heard all the hype about AI in the mortgage industry. Mpire’s not chasing the flashy use cases; they’re building tech that actually helps LOs run their business smarter.
John explained how they’re integrating AI not just in the borrower journey but in commission forecasting, scenario desk automation, and real-time KPI coaching.
“AI isn’t just about client-facing scripts. It’s about giving originators better data and helping them act on it faster.” – John M
They’ve even built their own proprietary systems in-house with a team of developers, so they don’t have to Frankenstein a dozen third-party tools.
Integrated scenario desk learning
AI-driven business metrics + commission projections
Smart suggestions for improving daily LO performance
Combine that with Roam, their virtual headquarters, and you’ve got a company that’s not just future-ready, they’re shaping what the future looks like.
Building During the Downturn (While Others Were Cutting Back)
Let’s not forget: Mpire launched into the tail end of a boom and the start of a market correction.
Instead of shrinking, they doubled down.
Doubled in size every year since launch
Grew attention + brand recognition during one of the toughest markets
Expanded nationally while maintaining a boutique, culture-first feel
And MortgageCon? That wasn’t a side hustle. That was a deliberate bet to create an event that reflects their values.
Mortgage Events Don’t Have to Suck
For years, mortgage events have had a reputation: too long, too boring, too salesy.
MortgageCon is none of those things.
In fact, when you look at the way it’s structured from storytelling to speaker curation to sponsor selection, it’s clear that John and Joe are borrowing playbooks from the hospitality and entertainment industry, not just financial services.
“The mortgage industry doesn’t need more rinse-and-repeat events. It needs experiences that actually inspire action. That’s what we’re trying to build.” – Joe M.
And the best part? It’s open to everyone. Not just Mpire LOs. Not just partners. If you’re in the mortgage world and want to grow, you’re welcome and encouraged to attend.
Mortgage Con 2026 Details
Dates: February 1–4, 2026
Location: Universal Studios Orlando
Attendees: Capped at 400 brokers
Room block: Available now and selling out fast
Tickets + Info: mortgagecon2026.com
👉 If you’re serious about investing in your business and want to do it while having fun, don’t wait. This will sell out.
Final Word: It’s More Than a Conference, It’s a Culture Shift
Mpire didn’t just build a brokerage. They built a movement around lifestyle, innovation, and fun.
MortgageCon 2026 isn’t just a place to collect swag bags or snap selfies with speakers. It’s a place where the best minds in the channel connect, create, and grow.
So if you’re tired of the same old events and want to see what the next era of mortgage leadership looks like, you know where to be this February.
🎟️ Learn more or grab your spot: mortgagecon2026.com