Opening & Welcome
Taryell Simmons: Welcome back to Rise Urban Nation. Today, we’re diving into marketing, clarity, and legacy. Our guest has decades of business experience and a story of survival and reinvention. Please welcome back Phillip Hogan.
Phillip Hogan: Thank you, Terrell. Glad to be back and excited for today’s conversation.
On Authorship & New Ventures
Taryell Simmons: You’ve recently released a book and launched a podcast. Tell us about how these projects started.
Phillip Hogan: I was invited to join a podcast in late 2025. That conversation sparked the idea to write a book. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I realized I had something worth sharing. That’s how my book and podcast, Closing Market Weekly, were born—both focused on the mortgage industry.
Inspiration Behind the Book
Taryell Simmons: What inspired your book, Relentless Excellence?
Phillip Hogan: My parents were both entrepreneurs. Working in their businesses taught me invaluable lessons. At 68, I realized I had a legacy to share. The book details my journey and the impact of my family.
Business Evolution & Marketing
Taryell Simmons: How has your perspective on business evolved?
Phillip Hogan: As CEO of Signing Services of America, I learned the importance of marketing and scaling. Knowing your ideal client and using social media effectively is crucial. It’s about building relationships, not just visibility.
Resilience, Addiction, and Leadership
Taryell Simmons: Your journey includes overcoming addiction and cancer. How did these experiences shape your leadership?
Phillip Hogan: Recovery gave birth to the leader in me. Living authentically and developing a personal plan for change is essential. Leadership starts with self-determination and using your story to help others.
Transformation & Identity
Taryell Simmons: How did discovering your Caribbean roots affect you?
Phillip Hogan: Learning about my family in Montserrat was transformative—it helped me understand my identity and legacy. Losing loved ones and connecting with my roots were defining moments.
Discipline & Adaptability
Taryell Simmons: Where did your discipline come from?
Phillip Hogan: My parents and the military instilled discipline. Adaptability is also key—you must be able to adjust to new environments while staying true to your core values.
Relentless Pursuit & Entrepreneurship
Taryell Simmons: Did you ever doubt your ability to keep going?
Phillip Hogan: Absolutely. Entrepreneurship is tough. When challenges arise, I remind myself of my purpose. Business is about climbing mountains and being adventurous.
Podcasting & Community Building
Taryell Simmons: Tell us about your podcast and its audience.
Phillip Hogan: Closing Market Weekly brings together mortgage professionals. It’s about fostering community, sharing knowledge, and integrating our social media presence for greater impact.
Lessons & Legacy
Taryell Simmons: What are your biggest lessons on leadership?
Phillip Hogan: Don’t be afraid to fail. Take risks and have a plan—including an exit or legacy plan for your business. Prepare for the future with trusts and succession strategies.
Final Thoughts
Taryell Simmons: What does legacy mean to you?
Phillip Hogan: Legacy is about being remembered as a person of service, kindness, and uplifting others. It’s about community impact and helping people realize their potential.
Taryell Simmons: Thank you, Phillip. For more, visit https://philiphogan.com, read Relentless Excellence on Amazon, and check out Closing Market Weekly on all major platforms.