The Precious Present with Steve Jacobson

Jan 14, 2026 | The Professional Noticer

Some lessons stick with you long after you first hear them—and this conversation is full of them.

This week, we’re revisiting Andy’s sit-down with Steve “Jake” Jacobson, Founder and CEO of Fairway Home Mortgage, a company that closed more than $65 billion in 2020.

Listen as Jake opens up about “the precious present”—a mindset his college basketball coach Bo Ryan taught him at Wisconsin that still shapes how he leads today. You’ll hear how his commitment to serving others was forged through sports, team camaraderie, and a relationship with his dad he calls “unconditional.”

Andy and Jake dig into Fairway’s Ten Core Values and the real ways they’ve impacted the company’s team members. And as a hilarious bonus, Andy grills his friend about the several hundred nicknames Jake has coined around the office—and what that reveals about connection, culture, and leadership.

Whether you missed this one or it’s been a while, this is a conversation about building something that matters.

Find more about Fairway at their website, and connect with them on Facebook.

Website: https://www.fairway.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairwayMortgage

If you have questions or comments for THE PROFESSIONAL NOTICER, please contact us at: TheProfessionalNoticer@AndyAndrews.com

Explore

  • Roll Tide? Not So Fast, My Friend…
    Roll Tide? Not So Fast, My Friend…

    Tune in to hear Andy unpack Alabama’s struggles since Nick Saban’s retirement and reveal why culture—not talent—drives lasting success.

    Read More »
  • A Life of Fortune…with Jimmy Fortune
    A Life of Fortune…with Jimmy Fortune

    Tune in to hear Jimmy talk about auditioning for The Statler Brothers, the impact his mother’s prayers had on his life, the first song he wrote for the group (which won CMA Song of the Year), what it was like on The Statler Brothers Show on TNN, and much more!

    Read More »
  • The Source of True Happiness
    The Source of True Happiness

    Stop for a moment and think of the happiest people you know. Picture their faces in your mind’s eye. They’re probably smiling, laughing, or cheerfully greeting you. They’re those people who always seem to be happy—no matter what! What’s their secret? Were they born that way? Is something wrong with…

    Read More »
  • The Professional Noticer – First 3 Epsiodes
    The Professional Noticer – First 3 Epsiodes

    Taking Control of Fear In this episode, Andy shares some differences he’s noticed between the north and the south. This week’s question comes from a mother struggling with fear centered around her husband, kids, finances, health and more. And be sure to listen for Andy’s take on what fear really…

    Read More »
  • Crushing Self-Destructive Behaviors and a Sly Reference to Animal House!
    Crushing Self-Destructive Behaviors and a Sly Reference to Animal House!

    Knowing that the Quality of our Answers is determined by the Quality of our Questions… This week, Andy talks with a person who wants to be sure if he is asking the right “good questions!” Tune in to understand how the cycle of good questions leads to good answers and…

    Read More »

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This