Paul Hindman, industry veteran, has been in the mortgage space for close to three decades, and what is happening in the industry right now is nothing short of "chaotic," he said.

"The win [for many mortgage companies] right now might just be survival," he said. "When things happen to the level that they've happened, as quickly as they've happened and to go on as long as they've been allowed to go on, it really does impact the psyche of an industry."

Hindman "lives and breathes" everything related to the mortgage industry, which makes it appropriate that many top-ranked mortgage companies and banks rely on him for consulting services, particularly regarding mergers and acquisitions.

Additionally, top-performing loan officers will contact the industry veteran when they are on the hunt for a new job. Because of this, he has a unique view into the inner workings of some of the most notable companies in the industry.

The consultant has worked for a handful of companies throughout his career ranging from Wells Fargo, Citi, JP Morgan Chase to Aurora Loan Services. Most of his experience is in recruiting and finance.

Hindman also has a growing following on LinkedIn, with over 5,000 subscribers to his page, where he writes about trending topics in the housing industry.  "I feel like I provoke a little bit of debate. I don't always do that intentionally," he said.

National Mortgage News caught up with Hindman to discuss whether IMBs are still actively hiring loan officers and branches, his predictions on M&A activity and what he thinks about a recent plea from two industry stakeholders asking the Federal Reserve to start buying long-term mortgages.

This interview has been edited and condensed.