Season 1, Episode 7 – Interview with the Taco Queen
In this episode of ValuNation, co-hosts Charlie Johnson and Michael Schwartz sit down with a guest affectionately known as “The Taco Queen”—a title earned not just through bold branding, but through relentless hustle and deep industry experience.
From navigating client relationships to owning your identity in a traditional industry, this conversation is part marketing masterclass, part career therapy, and all real talk.
🎧 Listen to the episode: ValuNation Podcast
📍 Key topics: personal branding, vendor management, authenticity, sales culture, industry relationships
From Mortgage to Mexican Food: The Origin of “The Taco Queen”
Our guest shares how “The Taco Queen” brand wasn’t crafted in a boardroom—it evolved organically. It started as a fun nickname, but quickly turned into a memorable personal brand that stood out in a sea of corporate sameness.
“People remember tacos. They don’t always remember titles.”
She talks about the power of bringing personality to a professional space and why leaning into authenticity isn’t a liability—it’s a differentiator.
Relationships Over Scripts
In an industry obsessed with KPIs and automations, The Taco Queen emphasizes something often lost: real relationships. Her success didn’t come from canned pitches or polished decks—it came from building trust.
- She shows up for people, not just as a vendor, but as a partner
- She leads with empathy, even in high-pressure sales environments
- And she isn’t afraid to bring humor, food, or flair to the conversation
“People buy from people. That’s never going to change.”
Being a Vendor and a Voice
Throughout the episode, she offers behind-the-scenes insights on working with appraisers, clients, and other vendors. But more importantly, she talks about what it means to have a voice in the room—and how hard it can be to claim it.
Whether it’s being the only woman at the table or the loudest advocate for better service, The Taco Queen doesn’t shrink. She builds credibility through results and retains it through relationships.
“Being memorable isn’t about being loud. It’s about being consistent.”
Lessons for Any Professional
This episode isn’t just for mortgage insiders—it’s a must-listen for:
- Anyone trying to build a personal brand in a corporate world
- Sales professionals tired of playing the same game
- Women navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces
- Teams trying to build client relationships that actually last
TL;DR – Episode 7 Takeaways
- Personal branding is most powerful when it’s authentic and memorable
- Relationships are your greatest asset—invest in them
- Being yourself isn’t unprofessional; it’s what makes you stand out
- You can build a serious reputation without taking yourself too seriously
📌 Tacos may have been the hook, but trust is the foundation. And in a world full of noise, The Taco Queen reminds us that being bold, kind, and real is the most powerful combo of all.
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