Episode 54

An AI Mpire with John Motowidlak

On this episode of the Performance Mindset podcast, Amy welcomes John Motowidlak to the show. John is the founder of Mpire Financial and has more than a decade of experience in the mortgage industry. He’s helped thousands of people and has been ranked in the top 1% for United Wholesale Mortgage, the second-largest lender in the nation. John helps Orlando Health employees, which has its own correspondent lending division.

John, a father of three, understands the importance of a home as a place where memories are created. His commitment to ensuring that everyone finds the right mortgage for them is unwavering. He takes a unique one-size-fits-one approach, recognizing that each individual's needs and circumstances are unique.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  1. John Motowidlak’s career in the mortgage industry and what led him to start his own company.
  2. Some of the initial challenges John faced as he started Mpire and the greatest investment he made.
  3. Creating proprietary software and why he wanted to create his own technology.
  4. John’s strategies for scaling the business and why he’s constantly reinvesting in the company’s success and growth.
  5. The community he surrounds himself with, and the importance of his network in business growth.
  6. Current market trends in the Orlando area and how John positions himself in it.
  7. His advice for budding entrepreneurs to embrace failure and feedback in building a successful business.
  8. How AI is changing and will continue to change the business world.
  9. Some of John’s long-term goals both inside and outside of the mortgage industry.
  10. John’s philosophy around building a performance mindset and the two rules he has at his company.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial

Amy Calandrino

Connect with John Motowidlak:

Mpire Financial

LinkedIn

Book an appointment with John Motowidlak

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About the Podcast

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The Performance Mindset Show
Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.

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About your host

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Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.