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ENTREPRENEUR

A “Rags to Riches” American Dream

glenn's story

Why do some budding entrepreneurs succeed, while others fail? Glenn Stearns’ strengths as an entrepreneur were born out of gumption and trying again every time he failed.  He compensated for the mistakes he made and the guidance he lacked by deciding to not take shortcuts and living from a place of integrity. To this day, these are values Glenn continues to prioritize.

By the time he reached 18, Glenn Stearns had racked up a resume that impressed no one. He was dyslexic, failed fourth grade, fathered a child at 14, entertained a burgeoning drinking habit, toyed with trouble that landed him in jail a few nights, and graduated from high school in the bottom 10th-percentile of his class.  But alongside those less than stellar early life markers, Glenn discovered his entrepreneurial spirit too.

Glenn started his first newspaper delivery business at eight years old. Initially he made six dollars a month, earning a penny for each paper.  It wasn't long after that, in sixth grade, that Glenn learned that persistence and people skills were the keys to success.  By literally putting his foot in the door and learning to read people's reactions, Glenn's newspaper sales grew to more than quadruple those of his peers, which earned him prizes for his perseverance.

In junior high, Glenn learned more entrepreneurial insight by observing there were opportunities and value to be found in things people overlooked and discarded.  His next business venture became selling — for a handsome return — vintage beer cans he found discarded on the side of the road.

In just under ten years after becoming a teenage father, and with no lending experience, Glenn formed Stearns Lending LLC, and the settlement company Carriage Escrow.  His settlement company soon became the largest HUD contractor in America.  In 2002, Glenn's visionary success earned him Ernst and Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year" Award.

Throughout his 25 years in business, Glenn has experienced his share of challenges and failures.  These forced Glenn to continue to think outside of the box and continue to innovate his industry.

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BIGGER RISKS. BIGGER REWARDS.

When the 2007 financial crisis was in full swing, Glenn was about to lose it all. Stearns Lending was presented with numerous class action lawsuits, he had millions of dollars in loans stuck on credit lines, $100 million of defaulted loans were being pushed to buy back, 85% of revenue and income was lost, the company held tens of thousands of feet of unused lease space, and a stellar reputation in the lending world was at risk. But once he let go of fear and dug deep, Glenn was able to fight for all he had, seeing opportunities others were missing.  .  While other institutions were closing their doors, Stearns Lending opened five new offices.  In September of 2007, Stearns Lending LLC did $19 million in business. One year later, the corporation made a phenomenal comeback that garnered national headlines and industry admiration by funding over $2.3 billion.  Stearns Lending not only survived the 2007 mortgage-lending crisis, it emerged as ,America’s #1 Wholesale Lender in 2013.

‍TIME FOR REFLECTION … AND KINDNESS

In 2014, Glenn sold a majority share of Stearns Lending so he would have more time to spend with family and friends. A few years later, he was invited to star on Discovery Channel’s Undercover Billionaire television show. The show’s producers presented him a daunting challenge: build a new business from scratch, in just 90 days and with $100 in his pocket. Glenn responded by opening Underdog BBQ during this time, and the restaurant is still open and cooking in Erie, Pennsylvania.

In 2019, Glenn decided to open another mortgage company. This one would be different: one that put people before profits while emphasizing kindness and integrity. The result was Kind Lending LLC. Opening in mid-2020, during a global pandemic, Kind Lending funded $1 billion in wholesale loan volume during its first six months in business.

Glenn likens being an entrepreneur to climbing a mountain.  “There are times when you’re tired and want to give up.  There are times it's scary and you wonder, how did I get myself into this situation?" Glenn's continued success as an entrepreneur is built on resilience, knowing he can survive the lows by being adaptable when the unexpected happens, and remembering that no peak or valley is greater than the attitude of one's mind.

Do you want to see me live under a bridge, or do you want to see me build a company?’  And I think the answer was ‘Both! - Glenn Stearns

Meet the hosts of “Grit Happens” Podcast from Orange County, CA. Glenn and Mindy Stearns

glenn stearns

Glenn Stearns From underdog to Undercover Billionaire, Glenn Stearns began with the decks stacked against him with alcoholic parents, failing the 4th grade, and fathering a child at 14. Through grit and determination, he rose to become an industry leader in the mortgage world growing his namesake company to be the #1 mortgage lending company. He starred in the Discovery Channel’s reality TV show Undercover Billionaire following his 90-day journey to anonymously build a $1 million company equipped with $100, a pick-up truck, and a cellphone. After a brief sabbatical, he’s launching a new legacy, Kind Lending, to revolutionize the mortgage industry. Known for his philanthropy, Glenn is expanding to include mentorship through his podcast “Grit Happens.” He is a proud father of six and husband to Mindy Stearns.

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Glenn StearnsElastic Themes
Mindy StearnsElastic Themes

mindy stearns

Mindy Stearns is best known as one of Oprah’s favorite audience members! She was performing animal calls during the pre-show warm-up and was invited on stage. That appearance and follow up visits as a guest on the show catapulted her into a successful career in radio and television. Mindy worked as an entertainment anchor/reporter for Entertainment Tonight, KTLA Los Angeles, and also played roles in The Princess Diaries and Seventh Heaven along with her voice-over and commercial work. Mindy, like JLo, is a proud member of the 50 club and will celebrate 17 years of marriage to her husband Glenn Stearns, who happens to be the star of Discovery Channel’s highly rated series “Undercover Billionaire.” Together, they love a blended family of six with two daughters and two teenage granddaughters. She is MidlifeAF!

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grit happens

recent EPISodes

Episode 33

In the Business of Positivity

C’mon get happy! Glenn and Mindy Stearns started their new company with a mission to spread kindness throughout the mortgage industry. Curious how company culture affects the bottom line? Tune in to today’s Grit Happens to find out. From increasing employee retention to better service for customers, focusing on creating a positive workplace is a must for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Episode 32

Celebrate the 1-Year Anniversary of Grit Happens with Us!

A year of grit, a year of quips. Join us for the 1-year anniversary of Grit Happens with hosts Glenn and Mindy Stearns. We’ll recapping our first year of conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and overcomers. Hear from everyone from Super Bowl winner John Elway to HGTV’s Flip or Flop star Tarek El Moussa. We’ve heard from astronauts like Charlie Duke to CEOs like Steve Bilt and Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, plus celebrities like Jane Seymour. Hear their stories of grit and the hilarious banter between Glenn and Mindy.

Episode 31

Flip Your Situation with HGTV's Flip or Flop Star, Tarek El Moussa

How do you flip your situation when you’re at rock bottom? On today’s Grit Happens, Glenn Stearns and HGTV’s “Flip or Flop” Star Tarek El Moussa share their parallel challenges with the 2008 real estate crash, cancer diagnoses, and relationship struggles. The options for these two entrepreneurs appeared like it was “Flop or Flop.” Hear the flip side of how these booming entrepreneurs used grit and a no-excuses philosophy to build wildly successful businesses and happy lives. Tarek’s inspiring story shares what’s possible when you just decide to do it.

Episode 30

Interview with an Icon: Music legend and renowned Producer Peter Asher

One of the most respected producers in the music industry, Peter Asher joins today’s Grit Happens podcast with Glenn and Mindy Stearns to share his chart-topping life. From childhood actor to a best friend of the Beatles, Peter Asher went on to win 3- Grammys and played a significant role in the careers and personal lives of everyone from The Beatles, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Ed Sheeran, and even Austin Powers. Undeniably talented, Peter Asher remains humble about his extraordinary impact in the music industry.

Episode 29

The Art of the Yes with Steve Sims of Blufish

How do you make the impossible happen? You ask today’s Grit Happens guest, Steve Sims. The owner of the concierge service Bluefish has mastered the art of making things happen for the rich, famous, and adventurous. He joins hosts Glenn and Mindy Stearns to recount the over-the-top experiences he’s arranged (like dining at the feet of the Michelangelo’s David with Andrea Bocceli serenading). They’re also sharing tips for how to get the “Yes” in business and in life.

Episode 28

Going Green & Getting Gritty with Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks

Reducing waste and taking names. Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks is the CEO of ECOS, the international plant-based cleaning product company that has been innovating and leading in the industry for over 50 years. On today’s Grit Happens, Glenn and Mindy Stearns chat with Kelly about her father’s legacy, the importance of connecting with other leaders, and how the company has flourished under her direction. Meet the champion for change who’s not only good for the planet, but her expanding family business as well.
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100+
Projects Completed
36
Happy Clients
5
Years’ Experience
12
Awards Winning
About Glenn stearns

From underdog to Undercover Billionaire, Glenn Stearns is a rags-to-riches story that shows what can be accomplished with grit and determination

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