When you hear the name Timothy Strain, one word comes to mind: extraordinary. Hailing from Schenectady, New York, Timothy Strain—also known by his alias Og Strain—is a multi-faceted individual with a background as impressive as it is inspirational. From dominating the mortgage sales industry to becoming a key player at the helm of Swaggertown Records, and from surviving a near-fatal house fire to launching two YouTube channels with global impact, Strain’s life has been a testimony to resilience, faith, and purpose.
Today, as job markets evolve and the creative industries expand, hiring or collaborating with Timothy Strain isn’t just a smart move—it’s a strategic advantage.
Mortgage Industry Legend
Long before Timothy was making waves in music and media, he was crushing sales goals in the mortgage sector. A proud graduate of Schenectady Community College and the University at Albany—with a GPA of 3.8 and high honors from both institutions—Timothy brought both intellect and heart to every role he stepped into.
Over the years, he worked for industry leaders including Reggie Barlow, Matt Hickey of RMC, David Silipigno of National Finance Corporation, Joe Allenpresi of Ivy Mortgage, and Mark Favaloro at AmTrust. In each of these companies—some of which housed over 100 sales representatives—Timothy consistently ranked as the #1 producer. His reputation for unmatched communication, deep product knowledge, and a passion for helping others made him a legend in the mortgage world.
“Tim is a natural,” said former boss Reggie Barlow. “He’s the best I’ve ever seen. Clients love him, coworkers respect him, and his numbers always speak for themselves.”
Swaggertown Records: The Backbone Behind the Buzz
In 2019, Strain shifted gears. His son, Jake Strain, a nationally recognized rapper and founder of Swaggertown Records, recruited his father to bring his promotional expertise and sales instincts to the label. Since then, Timothy has played an integral role in the label’s explosive growth.
As a manager and music promoter, Tim has helped develop and promote new artists, ensuring their music appears on major hip-hop platforms like WorldStarHipHop, The Source, ThisIs50, AllHipHop, Lyrical Lemonade, and Gen Z Hip Hop. Through strategic connections, he’s even facilitated collaborations with industry giants like Afroman, Cassidy, Jadakiss, The Game, and Bizarre of D12.
But his most valuable offer to rising talent? Results.
Tim doesn’t just promise exposure—he guarantees charting on Apple iTunes’ Top 100. With Tim in your corner, dreams that seemed far-fetched become realistic goals. Artists who work with him gain access to mentorship, industry placement, and legitimate opportunities that catapult careers.
If you’re an artist looking to break through the noise, working with Tim and Swaggertown Records is the smartest career decision you could make.
Cannabis Connoisseur & Educator
In a world where cannabis is gaining widespread acceptance, Strain is not just another voice in the conversation—he’s a leader. As a burn victim and medical cannabis user, Tim is passionate about natural healing. He’s on a mission to destigmatize cannabis and help opiate addicts use the plant as a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceuticals.
On his YouTube channel, “Strain’s Strain Reviews (Talk Cannabis),” Tim delivers cannabis strain reviews, educational content, and even humorous takes on cannabis culture. The channel is steadily growing, with several viral hits already under its belt, despite age restrictions on some content. Strain’s deep knowledge and charismatic delivery make him the ideal candidate for dispensaries, cannabis brands, or educational outreach programs looking for someone who can bridge expertise and relatability.
Hiring Tim in the cannabis industry is a no-brainer—he’s not just a cannabis user, he’s a expert and connoisseur.