MPAMAG.COM ISSUE 10.01
HOT
100
HOT 100 2 7 2017
Find out who’s bringing the heat to the American mortgage industry
HOMEOWNERSHIP SOLUTIONS MULTIPLIED
Academy works with originators to make homeownership a reality for as many people as possible. “The reason I brought my business to Academy Mortgage is because of the product flexibility and the ability the company provides us to utilize every program that the mortgage industry has to offer. If we do not have a certain product available that we need to meet a consumer’s unique financing need, Academy’s Credit Policy Department works to make it available to us. “Academy will underwrite according to agency guidelines, which means we can deliver our consumers’ dreams of homeownership with flexibility! Academy’s onsite underwriters inspire hope in our consumers and answer our consumers’ and referral partners’ questions with the best and most accurate information. Academy understands what it takes to build a healthy pipeline and is dedicated to the purchase business that leads to prosperity in our communities.” —Fernando Ayala Congratulations to Fernando Ayala, one of MPA’s Hot 100 mortgage professionals. Find the product flexibility YOU need to succeed. Contact John Owens, National Recruiting Manager, at (801) 541-7456 or visit www.academymortgage.com. Corp NMLS #3113 | Corp State Lic #5491140
MPA SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100
HOT 100
2 7 2017
HOT
100 Meet the 100 people who are having biggest impact on America’s mortgage industry
INDUSTRIES FAR and wide were rocked to the core in 2016 amid unexpected political changes, sports victories and natural disasters – and the mortgage business was no exception. That’s why we want to celebrate 100 movers and shakers who are heating things up in the mortgage world. We asked the mortgage community to nominate major power players
who are making their mark on the industry for our fifth annual Hot 100 list. Although this list doesn’t include every professional who’s making a difference, we’ve narrowed it down to 100 individuals who we believe deserve mention for their achievements in 2016 and the accomplishments that are sure to come in 2017.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100
HOT 100
2 7 2017
INDEX BY COMPANY COMPANY
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PAGE NAME
COMPANY
PAGE NAME
COMPANY
PAGE NAME
Academy Mortgage
21
Fernando Ayala
Ellie Mae
24
Georgeann Beville
Mountain West Financial, Inc.
25
Gary Martell Jr.
Advisors Mortgage Group
14
Steven Meyer
Fannie Mae
8
Kimberly Johnson
Mountain West Financial, Inc.
4
John F. Cady
Alliance Home Loans
30
Jamie Korus
Fannie Mae
20
Douglas G. Duncan
Movement Mortgage
28
Casey Crawford
Alterra Home Loans
14
Rene Rodriguez
FBC Mortgage
24
Jonathan Marcoline
Nations Reliable Lending
14
Ron Zach
24
Joni Pilgrim
American Advisors Group
24
Reza Jahangiri
The Federal Savings Bank
32
Eric Katz
Nationwide Appraisal Network
American Financial Resources
12
Laura Brandao
Finance of America Mortgage
33
Michael Potter
New American Funding
13
Patty Arvielo
American Pacific Mortgage
36
Fred Kreger
FirstClose
26
Timothy R. Smith
New American Funding
38
Brenda Dintino
AmeriFirst Home Mortgage
22
Perry Farella
Flagstar Bank
28
Alessandro DiNello
New American Funding
12
Rick Arvielo
Best Rate Referrals
12
Raymond Bartreau
Freddie Mac
18
Daniel Gardner
NOVA Home Loans
16
Jon Volpe
Booyah Mortgage
36
Shane Johnson
Freddie Mac
10
John Cannon
Pacific Union Financial
26
Rick Skogg
Caliber Home Loans
26
Matt Allen
Freddie Mac
35
Donald Layton
Parkside Lending
16
Bill Chudy
Caliber Home Loans
31
David Thomas
Freddie Mac
28
David Leopold
Plaza Home Mortgage
32
Kevin Parra
Caliber Home Loans
12
John Bianchi
Freedom Mortgage Corporation
4
Stanley C. Middleman
PrimeLending
18
Latonia Donaldson
Calyx Software
20
Dennis Boggs
Global Equity Finance, Inc.
6
Roy Koldaro
Prospect Mortgage
6
Brian Minkow
Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC
38
Patrick Flanagan
Go Lender Direct, Inc.
22
Jeff Negus
Radian Group
34
Brien McMahon
17
Rey Maninang
Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group
8
Dan Milstein
Residential Home Funding Corporation
5
Marc C. Demetriou
10
Ray Brousseau
Guaranteed Rate
4
Shant Banosian
ReverseVision
18
Jeff Birdsell
Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC
22
David J. Hosterman
Guaranteed Rate
15
Victor Ciardelli
Sierra Pacific Mortgage, dba Colorado Mortgage
12
Michael Shotnik
Citadel Servicing Corporation
22
William B. Fisher
Guaranteed Rate
32
Joseph Caltabiano
Silver Fin Capital Group, LLC
30
Andrew Weinberg
Citywide Home Loans
34
Shauna Judd
Guild Mortgage
30
Mary Ann McGarry
SoFi
36
Mike Cagney
Class Appraisal
23
Alex Elezaj
4
Rick Floyd
Southwest Funding
9
Mark Buskuhl
Cohen Financial Group
8
Mark Cohen
HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc.
Stearns Lending
34
James Hecht
28
Brandy Whitmire
Columbus Capital Lending
32
Jorge Vidaurrazaga
Stonegate Mortgage
36
James Smith
Inlanta Mortgage, Inc.
18
Cindy Laffey
Supreme Lending
10
Danielle Pollack
Cornerstone Mortgage, Inc.
16
Angi Stevenson
Inlanta Mortgage, Inc.
27
Yvette Clermont
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Topaz Mortgage
6
Todd J. LaBorwit
20
Richard Cordray
Inlanta Mortgage, Inc.
8
Jim Snyder
16
Mark S. Fisher
Credit Plus
30
Greg Holmes
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
22
Mike Weinbach
United Northern Mortgage Bankers, Ltd. United Wholesale Mortgage
16
Shaun Groves
Crestico, Inc.
14
Houtan Hormozian
Key Capital Mortgage
24
Ken Markizon
United Wholesale Mortgage
8
Mat Ishbia
CrossCountry Mortgage, Inc.
18
Michael S. Rosenbaum
loanDepot
30
Anthony Hsieh
US Federal Reserve
20
Janet Yellen
Digital Risk
38
Kimberly Lanham
Lund Mortgage Team, Inc.
32
Lisa Lund
Vantage Mortgage Group, Inc.
20
Andy W. Harris
Digital Risk
6
Debbie Hoffman
Matchbox, LLC
14
Frank Fiore
Vantage Production
4
Sue Woodard
Ditech Financial
36
Timothy Cranny
Monster Lead Group
37
Ken Bartz
VRM Mortgage Services
38
Cheryl Travis-Johnson
DocMagic, Inc.
34
Tim Anderson
Mortgage Atlanta
10
Brian Berman
Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital
10
Alan Wiener
DocMagic, Inc.
26
Dominic Iannitti
Mortgage Bankers Association
34
David H. Stevens
Wholesale Capital Corporation
26
Edwin B. Hoffman
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 SUE WOODARD President and CEO VANTAGE PRODUCTION
As president and CEO of Vantage Production, the nation’s premier provider of technology and services that support the sales and marketing of mortgage products, Sue Woodard brings perspective and expertise that is extraordinary among mortgage technology company CEOs, boasting more than 20 successful years of direct experience in virtually every facet of mortgage originations. She has steered the company through a major growth curve and succeeded in securing relationships with nearly 300 independent loan companies and banks, as well as more than 10,000 individual subscribers.
RICK FLOYD Executive vice president HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES
As a partner and executive at HomeBridge, Rick Floyd oversees the company’s sales, marketing, training and operations teams. The company was in acquisition mode in 2016, looking for businesses to add to its portfolio. A leader with more than 20 years of experience in mortgage banking, Floyd regularly shares insights and work principles on his video blog, Chasing Excellence. “Rick is a hard worker, probably one of the hardest-working executives around,” a colleague says. “He continually motivates and truly inspires all associates in sales and operations.”
JOHN F. CADY SVP of production MOUNTAIN WEST FINANCIAL
John Cady brings more than 20 years of mortgage banking experience to his position at Mountain West Financial, where he’s responsible for the management of all retail and wholesale mortgage banking production activities. During his career, Cady has held every production position, from loan officer to his current role as SVP of production, and has overseen successful production divisions at several mid-sized mortgage lenders. Cady joined Mountain West because he believes it maintains the perfect mix of culture and service that many mortgage professionals are looking for.
SHANT BANOSIAN Branch manager GUARANTEED RATE
One of MPA’s Young Guns and a Hot 100 alum, Shant Banosian is Guaranteed Rate’s number-one loan officer nationwide. With more than a decade of mortgage experience, Banosian has consistently been recognized for his high level of production and superior customer service. In 2015 alone, he closed 890 units and $337 million in funded loans. Recently, Banosian was named to Guaranteed Rate’s Chairman’s Circle for top producers who exceed $100 million in annual loan volume.
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STANLEY C. MIDDLEMAN President and CEO FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION
Stanley Middleman leads one of the nation’s top 10 mortgage lenders, which he founded in 1990. Last year, Freedom Mortgage Corporation won the Philadelphia Circle of Excellence Award for its tremendous growth in recent years, including two acquisitions during the latter half of 2016. With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Middleman is regarded as a prominent business strategist within the mortgage world. He is an active member of the MBA, where he serves on the Residential Board of Governors, which is responsible for establishing legislative and regulatory policies and positions on residential lending issues. He is also a member of the Housing Policy Executive Council, which advocates for the benefits of a fully competitive and integrated housing market.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
MARC C. DEMETRIOU Branch manager and mortgage consultant RESIDENTIAL HOME FUNDING CORPORATION
Marc Demetriou has been in the mortgage industry for just over a decade, and he continues to be one of the nation’s top producers. At Residential Home Funding, he has been the leading loan originator and named to the President’s Club every year since 2006. In addition to his successful mortgage business, Demetriou dedicates much of his time to public speaking and leading seminars for accountants, financial advisors and real estate professionals to fulfill annual licensing requirements. He
previously was a co-host of a live radio show, The Real Estate and Money Show, and he’ll soon add ‘author’ to his long list of accomplishments. His book, Lessons from My Grandfather: Wisdom For Success in Business and Life, is due out in early 2017. In it, Demetriou outlines how anyone can be successful and lead their best life, based on his 20-plus years of business experience and the knowledge gained from his mentor and beloved grandfather, Charlie.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100
HOT 100
2 7 2017
BRIAN MINKOW Senior vice president PROSPECT MORTGAGE
Brian Minkow has been Prospect Mortgage’s top-producing loan officer for the past four years, and he continues to outperform himself. From 2014 to 2015, Minkow increased his loan volume by more than $127 million, closing more than 1,000 loans in 2015. As a result, he was ranked second nationally for Most Loans Closed and Top Dollar Volume for 2015 in Scotsman Guide. Minkow started his home finance career in 1998 and joined Prospect Mortgage in 2009 after spending nine years with Washington Mutual.
DEBBIE HOFFMAN Chief legal officer DIGITAL RISK
As chief legal officer at Digital Risk, Debbie Hoffman oversees the operation of the company’s legal, compliance, risk and licensing functions. She also plays a key role in the development of Digital Risk’s governance, risk and compliance solutions. Since 2013, Hoffman has worked in a global capacity for Mphasis, Digital Risk’s parent company, bringing legal projects in house that were previously outsourced to law firms. Under Hoffman’s leadership, Digital Risk significantly reduced licensing costs by more than 50% by reevaluating and restructuring the model of origination licensing, renewals and continuing education. Hoffman also oversees Digital Risk’s Legal Internship Program, which she designed and implemented. The program offers up to 10 law students the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the corporate legal department at Digital Risk’s headquarters. An established thought leader in the mortgage industry, Hoffman has been featured in a multitude of trade and news publications nationwide, and frequently serves as a speaker at various industry events. Outside of her responsibilities at Digital Risk, Hoffman is the sponsor liaison and co-publications chair for the Association of Corporate Counsel Financial Services Committee and is a member of the MBA’s Regulatory & Compliance Subcommittee.
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TODD J. LABORWIT President TOPAZ MORTGAGE
This year marks Todd LaBorwit’s 20th year in the mortgage business. Since 1997, he has strived to offer exceptional service to clients and bring integrity back into the industry. “My promise is to educate clients on the loan process and empower them to select the best program to meet their needs,” he says. “My clients can count on receiving what I promised at the time of application and exact closing costs, so there are no surprises on closing day. I am passionate about making positive changes for mortgage business practices.” In addition to serving as president of Topaz Mortgage, LaBorwit serves on various NAMB committees, is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Editors and has hosted a real estate radio show.
ROY KOLDARO Vice president of lending GLOBAL EQUITY FINANCE
Roy Koldaro joined Global Equity Finance with 10 years of financial services experience to his name, ranging from small financial service firms to a large federal bank. He currently maintains one of the largest portfolios on the entire Global Equity Finance team. Koldaro relies on quick thinking, adaptability and his vast amounts of financial knowledge to fund as many as 22 mortgage loans and as much as $6 million in volume per month. “Roy is that rare individual who finds solutions,” says Global Equity Finance CFO Ken Hough. “I think it offends Roy to hear someone tell him, ‘It can’t be done.’ Maybe he takes it as a personal slight. Whatever the case, for Roy, impasses are opportunities.” As a result of his accomplishments, Koldaro was presented with Global Equity Finance’s 2015 MVP Award, 2016 Executive President’s Club Champion Award and 2016 Out of the Box Thinker Award. His work ethic and consistent willingness to learn, grow, and teach fellow loan officers, processors, and underwriters have been imperative to his success both as a manager and as an independent producer.
Guaranteed Rate reached new heights in 2016 behind the leadership of CEO Victor Ciardelli and top producing loan officers Shant Banosian and Joe Caltabiano. Additional congrats go out to all of our loan officers at Guaranteed Rate, who helped us achieve a record-breaking year with $22.8 billion in closed loans.*
WE'RE HIRING. James Elliott
Julia Borst
Richard Fedele
NMLS ID #120474
NMLS ID #275440
NMLS ID #21380
P: (310) 806-4604 James.Elliott@rate.com
P: (801) 890-7660 Julia.Borst@rate.com
Territories: AK, AZ, CA, HI, NM, OR, WA
Territories: ID, MT, ND, NE, NV, SD, UT, WY
Joe Phalen
Chris Knapp
NMLS ID #282173
NMLS ID #224395
P: (617) 650-9150 RFedele@rate.com
P: (773) 290-0308 Joe.Phalen@rate.com
P: (773) 290-0372 Chris.Knapp@rate.com
Territories: CT, DE, DC, FL, ME, MD, MA, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA – East, RI, SC, VA, VT, WV
Territories: AR, IA, IL, IN, MI, MO, MN, OK, TX, WI
Territories: AL, CO, GA, KS, KY, LA, MS, OH, PA – West, SC, TN
joingrnow.com 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 NMLS ID #2611 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • AL - Lic# 21566 • AK - Lic#AK2611 • AR - Lic#103947 - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. 3940 N Ravenswood, Chicago IL 60613 866-934-7283 • AZ - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - 14811 N. Kierland Blvd., Ste. 100, Scottsdale, AZ, 85254 Mortgage Banker License #0907078 • CA - Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight, Division of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act Lic #4130699 • CO - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate, 773-290-0505 • CT - Lic #17196 • DE - Lic # 9436 • DC - Lic #MLB 2611 • FL - Lic# MLD1102 • GA - Residential Mortgage Licensee #20973 - 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 • HI - Lic#HI-2611 • ID - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Lic #MBL-5827 • IL - Residential Mortgage Licensee IDFPR, 122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, 312-793-3000, 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 #MB.0005932 • IN - Lic #11060 & #10332 • IA - Lic #2005-0132 • KS - Licensed Mortgage Company - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - License #MC.0001530 • KY - Mortgage Company Lic #MC20335 • LA - Lic #2866 • ME - Lic #SLM11302 • MD - Lic #13181 • MA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611 • MI - Lic #FR0018846 & SR0018847 • MN - Lic #MN-MO 20526478 • MS - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 - Mississippi Licensed Mortgage Company, Lic # 2611 • MO - Guaranteed Rate Lic # 14-1744-A • MT - Lic# 2611 • NJ - Licensed in NJ: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NJ Department of Banking & Insurance • NE - Lic #1811 • NV - Lic #3162 & 3161 • NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • NM - Lic #01995 • NY - Licensed Mortgage Banker - NYS Department of Financial Services- 3940 N Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60613 Lic # B500887 • NC - Lic #L-109803 • ND - Lic #MB101818 • OH - Lic #MB0804160 & Lic #SM.501367 - 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 • OK - Lic # ML002651 • OR - Lic #ML-3836 - 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 • PA - Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities Lic #20371 • RI - Rhode Island Licensed Lender Lic # 20102682LL, RI - Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB • SC - Lic #-MLS - 2611 • SD - Lic# ML.04997 • TN - Lic #109179 • TX - Licensed in TX: Licensed Mortgage Banker & Licensed Residential Mortgage Loan Servicer- TX Department of Savings & Mortgage Lending • UT - Licensed in UT: Utah-DRE Mortgage Entity License #7495184 & Utah-DFI Residential First Mortgage Notification – Utah Department of Financial Institutions • VT - Lic #2611-1 & 0930 MB & 6100 • VA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Licensed by Virginia State Corporation Commission, License # MC-3769 • WA - Lic #CL-2611 • WI - Lic #27394BA & 2611BR • WV - Lic #ML-30469 & MB-30098 • WY - Lic#2247 Guaranteed Rate is an Equal Opportunity Employer that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other reason prohibited by law. *Source: Guaranteed Rate’s funded loan data from 2016.
SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 KIMBERLY JOHNSON
MARK COHEN
EVP and chief risk officer
Founder and senior mortgage broker
FANNIE MAE
COHEN FINANCIAL GROUP
As chief risk officer at Fannie Mae, Kimberly Johnson oversees the company’s governance and strategy for global risks, which includes ensuring compliance, implementing measures and fostering a culture of responsible risk management for the $3.2 trillion company. In her decade-long career at Fannie Mae, Johnson has led various units, including capital markets and credit risk, before becoming deputy chief risk officer in 2013. Over the course of her career, she has worked to change the underrepresentation of women and minorities in science, math and technology fields by calling attention to career paths seldom chosen by those demographics. In 2016, the National Association for Female Executives awarded Johnson its Women of Excellence Award for her service to the community, particularly in promoting the presence of women and minorities in science and technology fields and ensuring diversity within Fannie Mae. Highly active in her community, Johnson served for eight years on the board of the Washington, DC, affiliate of Communities in Schools to help combat the city’s high dropout rate, and she mentors women and minorities through local programs. She is also the executive sponsor of Fannie Mae’s African-American and women’s employee resource groups, and is a member of and speaker for the Enterprise Leadership Council.
JIM SNYDER Mortgage consultant
Since 1999, Mark Cohen has steered Cohen Mortgage Group to originate more than $10 billion in residential loans and close more than 18,000 deals, doing “whatever it takes” to meet clients’ needs. He has been consistently recognized as a top loan originator and one of the best mortgage professionals in Los Angeles and across the country by various publications.
MAT ISHBIA President and CEO UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE
INLANTA MORTGAGE
In his 20-plus years in the industry, Jim Snyder has led his Pewaukee branch to become Inlanta Mortgage’s top-producing branch. In 2016, Snyder was recognized by his peers and awarded the honor of Best Loan Originator: Milwaukee Chapter by the Wisconsin Mortgage Bankers Association. In addition, he has been repeatedly recognized nationally as a top originator and has been named a Five-Star Mortgage Professional by Milwaukee Magazine every year since 2010. Snyder is dedicated to introducing the next generation to the great opportunities the mortgage industry offers; he developed a summer internship program at his branch and also hires, trains and mentors millennials.
DAN MILSTEIN Founder and CEO GOLD STAR MORTGAGE FINANCIAL GROUP
Dan Milstein leads one of the top 50 residential mortgage lenders in the country and one of Inc.’s 500 Fastest-Growing Companies in America. In 2016, Gold Star opened new offices in the Southwest and was a finalist for the Ellie Mae Hall of Fame for Exceptional Achievement in Loan Quality. Gold Star joined the Hall of Fame in 2015 for Outstanding Loan Origination Process. Milstein himself has consistently ranked among the top 25 loan officers in the US, and took the number-one spot in 2009 and 2010.
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Every year since 2013, Mat Ishbia has had a spot on our Hot 100 list. Under Ishbia’s continuing leadership, United Wholesale Mortgage [UWM] was the nation’s numberone wholesale mortgage lender in both 2015 and 2016. UWM set a company record in production volume this past year, surpassing $23 billion in loan funding. Also in 2016, UWM’s parent company, United Shore, was recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials, in addition to being named a Top Workplace in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press and a Cool Place to Work in Michigan by Crain’s Detroit Business. A sought-after industry expert, Ishbia frequently shares his insights through articles and videos, and regularly speaks at industry events. A former collegiate athlete, Ishbia believes success happens “when you have the right game plan” with team members and leaders working together to find the “best possible position to win.”
HOT 100 2 7 2017
MARK BUSKUHL COO SOUTHWEST FUNDING
During the past 15 years under Mark Buskuhl’s leadership, Southwest Funding has grown into a solid and successful regional mortgage lender. With more than 80 retail branch office locations throughout the central US, the company has built an origination platform centered on the originator as the customer. Having funded more than 55,000 loans, Southwest Funding has differentiated itself with a predominately referral-based purchase book of business. In 2016, 84% of the company’s loans were purchases from first-time homebuyers or through government loan programs.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100
HOT 100
2 7 2017
RAY BROUSSEAU President CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES
BRIAN BERMAN President and mortgage loan originator MORTGAGE ATLANTA
How many people can say they’ve broken a McDonald’s record? Brian Berman can. In his teenage years, Berman broke a regional record for most orders and money received at a McDonald’s drive-thru, which earned him free drinks for life. Now that his days at the Golden Arches are behind him, Berman focuses on providing the best loan rates and prices to Georgia borrowers. Considering his greatest strength to be his ability to problem-solve, Berman looks at each loan as a puzzle, analyzing how to structure a mortgage to fit each unique situation. Especially passionate about VA mortgage loans, Berman strives to offer the lowest rate possible with proactive communication and transparency, while leveraging his company’s position as a small direct lender.
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As president of Carrington Mortgage Services, Ray Brousseau is responsible for overseeing the company’s lending and servicing divisions, from origination through fulfillment, as well as servicing operations for the fast-growing enterprise. Under his leadership, Carrington’s full-service mortgage lending business with wholesale, retail and centralized sales and operations has experienced unprecedented growth and operational results. Brousseau has nearly 30 years of experience in the mortgage banking and consumer finance industry. Prior to joining Carrington in 2011, he was executive vice president of Citi’s CitiFinancial Servicing business, where he launched a national organization with 176 service centers in 45 states, which were tasked with servicing more than $10 billion worth of distressed consumer loans. From 2006 through 2010, Brousseau served as EVP of the Western division for CitiFinancial, and was responsible for more than 500 locations and 2,000 employees. He also held various other senior leadership roles during his 20-year career at CitiGroup.
JOHN CANNON SVP of multifamily production and sales FREDDIE MAC
Having started his commercial real estate career in the 1980s, in 2012 John Cannon joined Freddie Mac’s multifamily operation, where he serves as chief point person for the company’s Program Plus Seller network. Today, Cannon heads the production and sales team that purchases conventional multifamily mortgages. He also manages Freddie Mac’s conventional lenders, working with them and borrowers on individual deals. Cannon came to Freddie Mac from Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, where he led the conventional mortgage banking network, GSE lending, proprietary lending and investment sales programs. During his last five years with the company, Berkadia originated more than $86 billion in loans. Prior to his time at Berkadia, Cannon held leadership roles at Capmark Finance and GMAC Commercial Mortgage.
ALAN WIENER
DANIELLE POLLACK
Group head
Regional manager
WELLS FARGO MULTIFAMILY CAPITAL
SUPREME LENDING
A well known figure in commercial real estate finance, Alan Wiener serves as group head of Wells Fargo Multifamily Capital, which specializes in providing multifamily loans for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration. Wiener joined Wells Fargo in 2009 after the company’s acquisition of Wachovia. Before his career in real estate finance, Wiener served as area manager of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s New York office and was an assistant to former New York City mayor Abe Beame.
As regional manager of Northern California for Supreme Lending, Danielle Pollack oversees five branches and more than 30 loan officers, and she ranks among the top 1% of mortgage originators in the US. Pollack has a variety of experience working for industry leaders such as Citi and Wells Fargo, where she got her feet wet in all aspects of the business, including retail and commercial banking, investments and residential lending. Pollack joined Supreme Lending in March 2016 after more than six years at W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital.
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Inlanta’s 2017 MPA Hot 100
CONGRATULATIONS! Yvette Clermont, Jim Snyder and Cindy Laffey
2017
Your Year. Your Career. If you’re looking to make a change, Inlanta may be for you! We offer:
Sales Training • Personal Coaching • Peer and Operational Support • Advisory Board • Marketing • In-house Underwriting, Funding, Processing, and Compliance
262.439.4242 | partners@inlanta.com Inlanta Mortgage, Inc. NMLS #1016 is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee #MB.0006190. Inlanta Mortgage is regulated by the State of lllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company #MC. 0025045. New Hampshire License # 17396-MB. Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department Division of Banking. Wisconsin Banker License #43262BA, Wisconsin Broker License #1016BR. Approved to do business in: CO, FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, RI, VT, and WI.
SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 RAYMOND BARTREAU
JOHN BIANCHI
SVP of mortgage partnerships
EVP of national retail lending
BEST RATE REFERRALS
CALIBER HOME LOANS
Since founding Best Rate Referrals in 2005, Raymond Bartreau has grown the company into one of the top marketing agencies for the mortgage industry. Best Rate Referrals has provided profitable marketing campaigns for thousands of mortgage brokers and banks, large and small. Bartreau and the firm have both been honored multiple times by national publications, and Best Rate Referrals was named one of Inc.’s 500 Fastest-Growing Companies in 2010. Bartreau has also been honored multiple times in MPA for his contributions as one of the go-to marketing minds in the mortgage industry.
With more than two decades of experience in retail mortgage banking, John Bianchi joined Caliber Home Loans as EVP of national retail lending in 2014. Recognized as one of the largest producers in the country, Caliber Home Loans has significantly grown its national retail portfolio under Bianchi’s leadership.
LAURA BRANDAO COO AMERICAN FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Laura Brandao brought an enthusiastic attitude and innovative thinking with her when she joined American Financial Resources [AFR] in 2007. With more than two decades of experience under her belt, Brandao quickly became a partner at AFR, where she spearheaded wholesale operations with unique solutions and key strategies to drive business to the next level. Her leadership resulted in a truly successful 2016 that saw the release of two online platforms, AFR Loan Center and MyLoanCenter; a grand opening of a new office in Scottsdale, Arizona; and several new initiatives aimed at providing unparalleled service to AFR’s clients. Brandao also mentors AFR staff and is active in several nonprofits, including ExpressionsNJ, a theater and arts nonprofit that she co-owns.
RICK ARVIELO CEO NEW AMERICAN FUNDING
Rick Arvielo founded New American Funding in 2003 with a vision of creating a mortgage company that would operate as an efficient nationwide mortgage lender, focused on good pricing, fast closings and excellent customer service. The company is now an approved Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae seller/servicer, and has grown to include a retail-based lending division, a builder division and a large servicing unit. A leader in the industry, Arvielo is involved in several associations that play a vital role in the mortgage banking sphere. On a national level, he is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, where he serves in an elected position on the steering committee for the Mortgage Action Alliance Committee, sits on the Residential Board of Governors and is the 2017-2018 Chairman of MORPAC, the MBA’s political action committee. In 2016, the American Business Awards honored Arvielo with a Silver Stevie Award for Executive of the Year in Financial Services, and Ernst & Young recognized him as the 2016 EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Orange County.
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MICHAEL SHOTNIK Branch manager SIERRA PACIFIC MORTGAGE, DBA COLORADO MORTGAGE
Michael Shotnik got his start in the industry at a mortgage call center and quickly realized he loved the business, but he didn’t agree with the approach most companies were employing. As he’s built his clientele, he’s learned what clients like and don’t like, which has shaped the experience he offers today. For the past three years, Shotnik has been an MPA Young Gun; he’s also appeared on the Hot 100 list before. A top-performing and highly ranked branch manager and loan officer in the Sierra Pacific Mortgage organization, Shotnik has built his branch, Colorado Mortgage, through superior customer service that has resulted in nearly 200 five-star online reviews. As branch manager, Shotnik wears multiple hats, engaging clients, managing staff and contributing to the continued growth of the branch.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
PATTY ARVIELO President NEW AMERICAN FUNDING
Patty Arvielo started her career in the mortgage industry from scratch, reaching out of her comfort zone to break into a business where she had no previous experience. Thirty-five years later, Arvielo leads a mortgage bank with more than 2,300 employees and 140 branches across the nation. She is influencing the real estate finance industry in terms of lending policy initiatives, and she rallies for the upward mobility of women in the workplace. To better serve Hispanic communities, Arvielo spearheaded New American Funding’s Latino Focus Committee with a mission to identify and address the challenges Hispanic consumers face in their pursuit of homeownership and to enhance the quality of
their lending experience. She also sits on the corporate board of governors for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals [NAHREP], and she serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Consumer Affairs Advisory Council for the Mortgage Bankers Association. She is a former member of the Fannie Mae Affordable Housing Advisory Council, sits on the Freddie Mac Community Lender Advisory Board and has recently joined the Latino Donor Collaborative board. Last year, she received the 2016 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Orange County, the Silver Stevie Award for Woman of the Year and a Business Award from the LA Times Latinos de Hoy.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 RON ZACH
STEVEN MEYER
President
President
NATIONS RELIABLE LENDING
ADVISORS MORTGAGE GROUP
Ron Zach’s experience, commitment to excellence and compassionate style have been some of his biggest strengths as a leader. He started his career in 2001 and was tapped by Nations Reliable Lending [NRL] in 2012 to help expand its team. Within his first year with the company, Zach had grown it from four branches to nearly 20, resulting in more than triple the volume. NRL has appeared four times on Inc.’s list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies, twice on the Houston Chronicle’s list of Top Workplaces and came in 17th on Houston Business Journal’s Fast 100 list. As president of NRL, Zach hopes to grow the company into the number-one independent mortgage lender in the country by consistently delivering excellent service to borrowers and recruiting the best talent in the industry.
In 1999, Steven Meyer founded Advisors Mortgage Group in in a 400-square-foot office in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. Since then, Advisors has been recognized as one of the top lenders of the nation, and Meyer has been named one of the country’s most influential mortgage executives. Meyer has been able to establish a family-like culture throughout the company, and has made the New Jersey’s Best Places to Work list for five consecutive years.
FRANK FIORE President MATCHBOX
Established by Frank Fiore seven years ago, Matchbox has grown to become a valued consultant and developer within the Encompass Loan Origination System market, as well as a preferred partner of Ellie Mae, having completed more than 175 Encompass-related engagements. In addition to leading the company, Fiore also serves as a partner at Ignite Integration Solutions, a custom integration solutions provider for the Encompass system. Fiore has been in the industry since 1998 and has seen it through various cycles. After working in a variety of management and executive positions, he and two business partners decided to create a consulting and advisory firm to help companies improve their operations and increase profitability. Fiore is a graduate of the Mortgage Bankers Association Future Leaders Program and a member of the MBA’s Technology and Secondary Marketing committees.
HOUTAN HORMOZIAN Vice president CRESTICO
An experienced real estate agent, mortgage banker and vice president at Crestico, Houtan Hormozian provides first-class consulting service to clients with or without established financial acumen and develops solutions that help further their financial goals. As a veteran of the industry, he has expanded his client base exclusively through referrals from satisfied clients, friends and associates, and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage investment instruments in complex scenarios. Hormozian is one of the top producers in the country, and was named a Five-Star Professional by Los Angeles Magazine in 2016 and recognized as a member of the 100 Million Dollar Club in 2014 and a member of MPA’s Hot 100 in 2015. He also serves as president of California Association of Mortgage Professionals’ North Los Angeles chapter.
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RENE RODRIGUEZ Chief learning officer ALTERRA HOME LOANS
As the chief learning officer at Alterra Home Loans, the second largest Hispanicowned mortgage company in the country, Rene Rodriguez’s mission is to double the average production of each of the company’s originators by leveraging and implementing powerful training programs and proven sales strategies to provide an unmatched client experience. Rodriguez is also the founder and CEO of BetterLoanOfficers.com, one of the most powerful and robust review management services in the industry, with more than 500,000 profiles. A serial entrepreneur, consultant and one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the real estate industry, he has worked with some of the world’s largest companies, including Coca-Cola, Cargill, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, DuPont and Ameriprise.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
VICTOR CIARDELLI Founder and CEO GUARANTEED RATE
Victor Ciardelli is an innovative entrepreneur who, after recognizing the outdated methods of the mortgage industry, identified the need for a streamlined, technology-based approach. His ideas led him to found Guaranteed Rate in June 2000. The company’s low rates and fees, easy-tounderstand process, and transparency around home loan costs resonated with homebuyers and positioned Guaranteed Rate to become Chicago’s largest independent mortgage lender within three years of opening. Today, Guaranteed Rate is the largest independent retail mortgage company in the US and one of the largest retail mortgage lenders overall, funding more than $18 billion in 2015 and $23 billion in 2016. The company’s focus on being a leader in developing and employing industry-leading technologies and processes has propelled its growth. Guaranteed Rate employs approximately 3,240 people in 195 offices and does business in all 50 states and Washington, DC.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 MARK S. FISHER Mortgage loan originator UNITED NORTHERN MORTGAGE BANKERS
Mark Fisher joined the mortgage industry in 2011 at the age of 23, starting out as a mortgage originator. Despite his lack of experience and a weak economy, Fisher forged ahead, and now he originates $50 million a year. He became one of the top FHA originators in 2014, as well as one of MPA’s Young Guns. “If you work hard, believe in yourself and think outside the box, there are unlimited possibilities,” he says. “I look forward to continually growing my business and assisting new homeowners in realizing the American dream.”
BILL CHUDY EVP of mortgage portfolio, pricing and products PARKSIDE LENDING
Bill Chudy joined Parkside Lending in 2013 to oversee the company’s portfolio, pricing and product strategies. His unique blend of experience managing credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, capital markets, loan production and mortgage portfolios for both investors and sellers has enabled Parkside to develop collaborative synergies with investors and improve liquidity for borrowers. Prior to joining Parkside, Chudy managed enterprise-wide interest rate risk and the mortgage portfolio for a large regional bank. He began his career at a large mortgage originator, serving in a variety of roles ranging from credit analytics to correspondent sales, while earning his CFA charter.
ANGI STEVENSON President and CEO CORNERSTONE MORTGAGE
JON VOLPE CEO NOVA HOME LOANS
An athlete turned mortgage professional, Jon Volpe joined NOVA Home Loans in 1994 after retiring from football, and applied his knowledge in industrial engineering to streamline the company’s operations. He worked his way up to become the top originator in the company, the state and eventually across the country. In 2003, Volpe was appointed as CEO of what is now the largest privately owned mortgage lender in Arizona.
SHAUN GROVES Vice president of sales UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE
An industry veteran, Shaun Groves leads more than 400 account executives at United Wholesale Mortgage [UWM]. In 2016, he helped guide the company to its best production year yet, eclipsing $20 billion in loan volume and increasing year-over-year production by 75% in a year when the mortgage industry as a whole only grew by 20%. A charismatic leader who brings infectious energy and excels at simplifying the mortgage process, Groves drives UWM’s industry-leading inside sales model and has helped propel the company to its position as the number-one wholesale lender in the nation. Groves has been recognized as an MPA Young Gun, in addition to being named UWM’s MVP in 2016.
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Angi Stevenson is one of the founders of Midwest-based residential mortgage banking firm Cornerstone Mortgage. Her expertise, knowledge, leadership and dedication have helped Cornerstone become one of Inc.’s Fastest-Growing Companies in America for the last five years, and notch more than $1.2 billion in closed loan production annually. Stevenson’s hard work, attention to detail and strong leadership skills have proven to be effective in setting the foundation for Cornerstone’s quality customer service. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has named Cornerstone a Top Workplace for the last five years, and in 2016, the St. Louis Business Journal recognized Cornerstone as the 12th-largest woman-owned company in St. Louis. Regionally, Cornerstone is the secondlargest privately held mortgage banker in Missouri and is one of the state’s fastestgrowing private companies and mortgage banking firms.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
REY MANINANG SVP and head of national wholesale production CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES
As the SVP and national sales director of Carrington Mortgage Services’ wholesale mortgage lending division, Rey Maninang oversees the company’s national wholesale sales channel. Under Maninang’s leadership, Carrington’s wholesale division has increased volume production by more than 200% in a two-year period, and has successfully launched several strategic initiatives that have resulted in consistent profit increases. A proven mortgage lending executive with more than 24 years of experience, Maninang has a solid background in tapping new markets, expanding pipelines, forging strong internal/ external relationships, coordinating business process outsourcing and maximizing the bottom line. His experience and insights are often sought by the media and leading mortgage organizations, and he is a frequent speaker at regional and national industry events on mortgagerelated topics, including technology, underserved markets and sales strategy. Prior to joining Carrington, Maninang served as SVP and head of national sales production at PMAC Lending Services, where he supervised the national wholesale, retail, correspondent and builder sales channels. Maninang also served as vice president and regional production manager at Wells Fargo, where he led a division of 16 regional sales teams, supervised relationship management activities, drove production volume and provided leadership support for the organization.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100
HOT 100
2 7 2017
MICHAEL S. ROSENBAUM Branch manager and loan officer CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE
After earning his license in 2006, Michael Rosenbaum began originating mortgages, and has been doubling his loan sales production every year, propelling him to become a top producer and a well known and top-reviewed lender in San Diego. In 2012, Rosenbaum and his team opened a boutique office in San Diego’s East Village and eventually relocated to an expanded retail office in the city’s Marina District. An active contributor to his Marina District community, Rosenbaum is a member of the San Diego Downtown Community Planning Council and serves on the affiliate support team for the Downtown Realtor Caravan, the Metro San Diego Realtor Caravan and the Coronado Real Estate Association. Rosenbaum is also an industry leader whose views and knowledge are often sought by the media, and he has been featured in a variety of national and local publications.
LATONIA DONALDSON Vice president and national director of multicultural lending PRIMELENDING
Since joining PrimeLending in 2012 from JPMorgan Chase, Latonia Donaldson has focused on multicultural and affordable lending opportunities for underserved markets. In 2016, PrimeLending began offering closing cost assistance for low- to moderate-income borrowers nationally, after first launching in Texas in 2015.
DANIEL GARDNER Vice president of affordable lending and access to credit FREDDIE MAC
In 2015, Danny Gardner joined Freddie Mac as VP of single-family affordable lending and access to credit. Gardner has more than two decades of industry experience at companies such as Capital One, CitiMortage and the National Community Stabilization Trust, a nonprofit organization where he served as COO and worked with financial institutions to stabilize local communities affected by the foreclosure crisis. Gardner is now responsible for Freddie Mac’s efforts to responsibly increase the availability of affordable mortgages for low- to moderate-income borrowers. Recently, the organization partnered with the nonprofit Next Step Network to launch a consumer education curriculum aimed at buyers of manufactured homes.
JEFF BIRDSELL Vice president of professional services REVERSEVISION
Jeff Birdsell’s 22-year career in the mortgage industry has been focused on the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage [HECM] and other reverse mortgage proprietary products. As ReverseVision’s VP of professional services, Birdsell focuses on helping clients streamline their businesses. During his first two years at ReverseVision, Birdsell served as product manager for RV Exchange, driving product innovations and helping transform the ReverseVision customer experience. Prior to joining ReverseVision, he provided consulting services for other reverse mortgage software providers and held CIO and product development roles with Financial Freedom. Birdsell was among just nine industry innovators who received the 2016 Mortgage Bankers Association Tech All-Star Award, which celebrates leaders who have made outstanding long-term contributions to the field of mortgage technology.
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CINDY LAFFEY Branch partner and loan originator INLANTA MORTGAGE
A distinguished mortgage planner located in Overland Park, Kansas, Cindy Laffey currently serves as a branch partner for Inlanta Mortgage and is consistently the company’s top-producing originator. She ranks in the top 1% of lenders nationwide and has been one of Kansas City’s top-performing lenders each year. Last year, she was featured on MPA’s Hot 100 list and was also named one of MPA’s Elite Women. In addition to her responsibilities at Inlanta, Laffey is part of the Kansas City branch of Women Who Mean Business, an organization of hand-selected, outstanding professional businesswomen who are focused on charitable efforts. Last year, she also served on the executive leadership board for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event to bring awareness to women’s heart disease.
Since 1990 Mountain West Financial has built a reputation of not just putting homebuyers in any loan, but putting them in a home loan that suits both their short and long term goals, thereby earning the opportunity to become their lender for life. Our success over the past 25 years is derived from our culture of offering sustainable homeownership solutions, doing right by our team, clients, and referral partners, and continuously expanding our program offerings, systems and tools.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 DOUGLAS G. DUNCAN
JANET YELLEN
SVP and chief economist
Chair
FANNIE MAE
US FEDERAL RESERVE
As Fannie Mae’s chief economist, Doug Duncan is responsible for delivering forecasts and analyses on the economy, housing and mortgage markets. Renowned as a prominent figure in real estate, Duncan is Fannie Mae’s source for information and analysis on the external business and economic environment; the implications of changes in the economic environment to the company’s strategy and execution; and forecasts of housing activity, demographics, overall economic activity and mortgage market activity. Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Duncan served as SVP and chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, and also previously worked as a LEGIS fellow and staff member with the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs for former Florida Congressman Bill McCollum.
Janet Yellen became the first woman in history to lead the Federal Reserve Board upon her appointment in October 2013. Yellen is widely considered a monetary dove, favoring low interest rates over expansionary monetary policy. Consequently, last year was a record period for mortgage rates, which reached lows not seen since the 2008 housing crisis. Yellen also has vowed to protect Dodd-Frank in the coming months of the new presidential administration.
RICHARD CORDRAY Director CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU
Appointed to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2012, Richard Cordray oversees the operations of the organization responsible for consumer protection in the financial sector. A former attorney general for the state of Ohio, Cordray recovered more than $2 billion for Ohio’s retirees, investors and business owners while taking steps to protect consumers from fraudulent foreclosures. Over the last year and half, the CFPB has been in the spotlight following the implementation of TRID, a controversial rule designed to help simplify mortgages that has garnered both praise and criticism throughout the industry.
DENNIS BOGGS EVP of business development CALYX SOFTWARE
Dennis Boggs is EVP of business development for Calyx Software, a provider of comprehensive mortgage software solutions, where he has been an instrumental team member since 1991. As part of the company’s executive team, Boggs has been influential in the progression and evolution of Calyx’s product lines, and in forging business relationships. In 2016, Calyx introduced two enhanced versions of its Pricer product and pricing engine: one for portfolio lenders with their own rate sheets (Custom Pricer) and the other for originators looking for investor pricing supplies by Calyx (Investor Pricer). Calyx also hosted its first user conference last year in New Orleans to help clients understand the changing lending landscape and how technology can help drive business.
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ANDY W. HARRIS President VANTAGE MORTGAGE GROUP
Andy Harris of Oregon-based Vantage Mortgage Group is best known in the industry for his support of originator independence and wholesale lending. By gaining a better understanding of regulatory changes and the industry’s inaccurate and pervasive coverage around wholesale lending, Harris was able to pinpoint advantages and improvements for consumers and independent mortgage brokers. As a result, he opened Vantage Mortgage Group, which supports broker independence. In addition to his leadership at his brokerage, Harris served as president of the Oregon Association of Mortgage Professionals from 2010 to 2012 and is currently serving as executive director and treasurer of NAMB.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
FERNANDO AYALA Branch manager ACADEMY MORTGAGE
Fernando Ayala began his career in 2009 armed with big dreams, perseverance and the goal of becoming one of the nation’s top loan originators. The former basketball player brought his coaching and team mentality to the mortgage industry; today, Ayala relies on this approach to guide his own team at Academy Mortgage, where he relishes “the ability to change people’s lives, from my employees to our borrowers.” Before making the move to Academy in 2014, Ayala was a member of the Chairman’s Club at his previous company for five consecutive years. He is now a member of Academy’s President’s Club, which consists of the company’s highest performers. In his spare time, Ayala sponsors youth organizations, basketball programs and extracurricular activities for Tucson’s Amphitheater School District. He is also currently designing an internship program at Academy to train future loan originators and give them the tools and training to find success in the mortgage industry.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 JEFF NEGUS
MIKE WEINBACH
Owner and broker
CEO of mortgage banking
GO LENDER DIRECT
JPMORGAN CHASE
Long before the hype around ‘no cost’ loans, Jeff Negus’ innovation to use lender credit to help cover closing costs and impound accounts was unheard of. In 1989, Negus originated the ‘best rate/no cost’ loan program, which has now become a standard procedure for brokerage firms. He followed that up in 1996 by establishing Go Lender Direct, which has enjoyed 30% to 33% yearly growth in loan volume since the financial crisis in 2008. Negus also co-owns other companies that focus on developing online processes to further enhance mortgage processes, from disclosure to funding. A committed family man and avid surfer, Negus enjoys sharing this passion with his wife and children.
Just over a year ago, Mike Weinbach was named the new CEO of mortgage banking with Chase Mortgage, a division of JPMorgan Chase, where he previously held the position of head of mortgage servicing. In that role, Weinbach managed a portfolio of 6.3 million mortgages with a combined value of more than $900 billion. Today, Chase Mortgage is one of the largest mortgage lenders in the US, offering a broad range of options to consumers.
WILLIAM B. FISHER SVP of loan production, sales and marketing CITADEL SERVICING CORPORATION
William Fisher leads all loan origination (wholesale, retail and correspondent) and marketing operations at Citadel Servicing Corporation [CSC]. With a background in marketing and a track record of introducing new products to market with quantifiable success, Fisher possesses a comprehensive foundation of building sales teams with winning cultures that are critical to success. Before joining CSC, Fisher led business development at Poptent, an online crowdsourced video marketing content startup. Before diving back into marketing, Fisher developed his loan craft and team management skills at First Street Financial, Equifirst and LendingTree Loans.
PERRY FARELLA Loan officer and renovation specialist AMERIFIRST HOME MORTGAGE
One of AmeriFirst Home Mortgage’s top producers in renovation loans for the past two years, Perry Farella has been in the mortgage business since 2002, after leaving a career in software sales and consulting. During that time, Farella purchased, designed and sold his own homes, and even had his Realtor license, but he realized he got more enjoyment from the financial aspect of real estate and decided to focus solely on lending. Over the years, he has carved out a niche in rehab and renovation loans. “It’s a growing area of lending that many loan officers do not venture into due to the complexity of working with general contractors and managing rehab funds,” he says. “My approach is to always be and present myself as a ‘subject-matter expert.’ I educate buyers, real estate brokers and owners on how a renovation loan provides funds to update and repair a property all in one loan, with one payment. When you are seen as an expert, clients feel they are in good hands.” Farella is active with the Chicago Historic Bungalow Association and the Berwyn Historic Bungalow Association, and writes a blog called Rehab Dollars & Sense that helps people understand how to undertake and finance home renovation projects.
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DAVID J. HOSTERMAN Branch manager CASTLE & COOKE MORTGAGE
As a Denver-based producing branch manager for Castle & Cooke Mortgage, David Hosterman has seen both branch and individual production increases year-over-year. In 2014 and 2015, Hosterman was the top-producing loan officer for the company and is expected to earn the same designation for 2016. From the beginning of the year through November, Hosterman had already closed $71.5 million worth of loans. Hosterman has provided mortgage insights for national news sources such as Forbes, MSN Money and CBS MoneyWatch, and has been featured in industry-specific publications. Hosterman also hosts an educational radio show in the Denver market every Saturday morning, which provides consumers with insights and inside knowledge about homebuying and the refinance process.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
ALEX ELEZAJ CEO CLASS APPRAISAL
Since joining the mortgage industry in 2015, when he took on the role of CEO of Class Appraisal, Alex Elezaj has led the company to more than 125% growth and created one of the largest appraisal management companies in the nation. His primary focus is to create the absolute best work environment for his team, which he believes translates into exceptional performance and the ultimate client service experience. Class Appraisal is now partnered with several of the nation’s top lenders and financial institutions, and has significant growth plans for 2017 and beyond. “We have established a system and culture where every order is our most important order,” Elezaj says. “Our next order is never guaranteed – we need to earn it. Knowing the importance of what we do and being in the weeds of our business is what sets us apart. We have an amazing team, and we are constantly looking for ways to get better every single day.”
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 JONI PILGRIM
GEORGEANN BEVILLE
Chief business development officer
Vice president of technical support
NATIONWIDE APPRAISAL NETWORK
ELLIE MAE
Joni Pilgrim is the chief business development officer and founding partner of Nationwide Appraisal Network [NAN], a woman-owned, Florida-based national appraisal management company. Under her leadership, NAN has grown to be a top-producing AMC for residential appraisals in the US. In the past year and a half, Pilgrim and her team have taken on several initiatives to improve and ultimately revolutionize the appraiser selection process, as well as improve overall appraiser relationships, by using disruptive technology to provide NAN the business intelligence it needs for optimal results. “We want our lenders to know that NAN is so much more than an AMC,” Pilgrim says. “Through our initiatives over the past year, we were able to improve our relationships with our appraisers, improve performance, increase quality and streamline productivity while improving the bottom line and creating significant efficiencies along the way. Our changes will have a positive impact on our clients as well as the consumer in 2017. We are excited to announce the results of these changes over the coming months.”
Within the last year, Georgeann Beville’s efforts as VP of technical support have helped broaden Ellie Mae’s capabilities as one of the nation’s top providers of on-demand software and services for the mortgage industry. In 2016, she launched Ellie Mae’s road shows and Know Before You Owe city tour to help prepare customers to adapt to the changes associated with the TRID rule.
REZA JAHANGIRI CEO AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP
KEN MARKIZON
Reza Jahangiri launched American Advisors Group [AAG] in 2004, and has grown his company to be one of the top wholesale reverse lenders in the nation. Last year, AAG announced that Tom Selleck would be the new company spokesperson to help spread awareness about reverse mortgage loans. Before starting AAG, Jahangiri was a founding partner of HeartSavers, a medical imaging company that worked with Johns Hopkins Hospital on the early detection of heart disease and cancer. A regarded industry expert, Jahangiri serves as co-chairman of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association and co-chairs the association’s Policy Committee. He also was involved in the establishment of AAG Gives Back, the company’s campaign to support local charities.
President
JONATHAN MARCOLINE Branch manager and mortgage loan originator FBC MORTGAGE
Jonathan Marcoline is one of the top originators in the country, and business has been booming lately. A branch manager at FBC Mortgage since 2012, Marcoline has continued to originate deals in addition to managing FBC’s Pittsburgh office. Last year alone, Marcoline closed 370 loans for just under $100 million. Marcoline started his career with a focus on refinances, but he now concentrates his business on the purchase market – more than 98% of his closings come from that segment. Since he joined the mortgage industry in 2004, he has closed more than $800 million in loans, helping more than 3,500 families achieve the dream of homeownership.
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KEY CAPITAL MORTGAGE
Ken Markizon started Key Capital Mortgage in 2015 to provide brokers and small business owners an alternative to banks and hard money lenders. The company successfully completed its first year in October 2016; Markizon says his favorite part of the job is working with brokers and small business owners throughout the country to help them get the money they need to be successful. “Each of us has left a successful career to join Ken in this new venture, because we believe in his vision, leadership and wisdom,” a colleague says. “With pride, we work by his side as he fulfills his dream for Key Capital Mortgage, a top lender for small business owners across America.” Of course, making it on a Hot 100 list is nothing new for Markizon. As one of his colleagues put it: “Lists of hot men are not new to Ken; he is often ranked highly in these types of lists.”
HOT 100 2 7 2017
GARY MARTELL JR. President MOUNTAIN WEST FINANCIAL
Gary Martell Jr. has been in the mortgage industry for more than 30 years and currently serves as president of Mountain West Financial. Although Martell was a top originator for the first 15 years in the industry, he has since refocused his career. Today, his duties encompass operations and quality assurance, including overseeing the origination process. He became an active DE underwriter in 1993 and has helped guide his company over the last several years to come out not just surviving, but thriving. In addition to his role at MWF, Martell has taught real estate finance at San Bernardino Valley College and is also an approved instructor for the California Bureau of Real Estate.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 DOMINIC IANNITTI
RICK SKOGG
President and CEO
President and CEO
DOCMAGIC
PACIFIC UNION FINANCIAL
Dominic Iannitti leads DocMagic, a premier provider of fully compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance and comprehensive e-mortgage services. DocMagic’s innovative technology and growth as a company is the result of Iannitti’s leadership and vision. In recent years, he has evolved DocMagic into a full e-services software solutions company for the mortgage industry. His most recent accomplishments include the introduction of Total eClose, an end-to-end digital closing platform, and DocMagic’s successful SmartCLOSE collaborative closing portal for TRID compliance, which he was instrumental in helping to launch.
TIMOTHY R. SMITH President FIRSTCLOSE
Prior to co-founding FirstClose, Tim Smith founded and served as VP of Flood Zones, where he managed all operations and secured a large percentage of business for the company. Following TransUnion’s acquisition of Flood Zones in 1996, Smith was reassigned to manage the automated flood zone determination database, now known as FloodWare. As the FloodWare manager, Smith led his team of 110 employees to build the company into a leader in the industry. Smith went on to pursue additional business ventures, including Mall.com, Demandex, Trinidad Financial Group and Home Equity Loan Corporation; he was an integral part of promoting and building each business. Currently, Smith serves as president of FirstClose and is a member of its board of directors.
MATT ALLEN Branch manager and mortgage planner CALIBER HOME LOANS
When Matt Allen was asked to take over a branch that had recently lost its top producer, he was able to grow its production from $180 million annually to $320 million in 2016. Today, it’s one of Caliber Home Loan’s top-performing branches, and Allen himself closed more than $90 million in loans in 2016. “Matt Allen is a true testament to hard work while maintaining composure and gratitude,” writes a colleague. “[He] is on track to help over 200 families with their home loan needs this year, and his branch wrapped up another record-setting year for production while assisting over 900 households with their financing needs. Our loan officers’ success would not be what it is today without his leadership.” A Pacific Northwest native, Allen is also dedicated to giving back to his community. For years, he has been a youth sports coach and avid supporter of various local organizations, as well as national veterans’ organizations.
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After serving as executive director for MetLife Bank for two years, Rick Skogg took on the role of president at Pacific Union Financial in 2012, as the company looked to grow its origination channels and improve operational efficiencies by leveraging Skogg’s 25-plus years of industry expertise. Skogg has built Pacific Union’s leadership team and grown its multiple origination channels, as well as its mortgage servicing platform. In August 2016, the company broke its records and reached $1.84 billion in funded volume across all channels, and went on to add more members to its executive team in the subsequent months, anticipating the continued growth of its retail channel.
EDWIN B. HOFFMAN Owner and president WHOLESALE CAPITAL CORPORATION
After working as a loan officer, a broker, a banker and a direct lender, Ed Hoffman acquired Wholesale Capital in 1995 from a retiring couple and proceeded to recruit and train loan officers of different backgrounds, with the goal of making each one a $100,000 earner within their first few years in the business. Wholesale Capital now has five branches and boasts more than 130 staff members in the corporate office alone, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Mortgage Companies in America in 2011. In 2007, Hoffman launched the company’s philanthropic arm, WCC Charities, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities that support wounded veterans. In 2015, Hoffman led WCC to become the number-one fundraiser for Boot Campaign’s annual Pushups for Charity initiative, which he personally participates in with his Southern California community.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
YVETTE CLERMONT Branch manager and mortgage consultant INLANTA MORTGAGE
Yvette Clermont has been a licensed mortgage consultant in both Wisconsin and Florida since 1997. In 2015, she was in the top 1% of all lenders in the country and the top three of Inlanta Mortgage originators. A certified mortgage planning specialist, Clermont has received an Accredited Mortgage Professional designation through the Mortgage Bankers Association. She was also named one of MPA’s Elite Women, as well as a Five-Star Mortgage Professional. Clermont successfully runs two branches for Inlanta – one in Florida, and the other in Wisconsin. She is an active member of the MBA MORPAC steering committee and regularly attends the National Policy Conference in Washington, DC, to lobby for better mortgage policies.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100
HOT 100
2 7 2017
BRANDY WHITMIRE Mortgage loan originator HOMEBRIDGE FINANCIAL SERVICES
A Dallas native, Brandy Whitmire has been a top producer for more than a decade and was among the top 1% of originators in 2015. In 2016, she opened a new branch with 18 employees and exceeded last year’s production. As a mortgage loan originator, she is committed to finding the right product to fit each client’s unique situation and to doing everything she can to ensure a win-win situation for all. In addition to her day job, Whitmire is a licensed instructor with TREC and serves as an instructor for Military Mortgage Bootcamp.
DAVID LEOPOLD Vice president of target affordable production and investments, multifamily
ALESSANDRO P. DINELLO President and CEO FLAGSTAR BANK
Alessandro DiNello took the helm of Flagstar Bank in mid-2013 in the aftermath of the housing meltdown, which had left Flagstar saddled with non-performing residential mortgage loans. A 37-year veteran of the company, DiNello moved quickly to de-risk the balance sheet, assemble a seasoned executive team, build a risk management organization and develop a business plan that would put Flagstar on the path to profitability and keep it there. Underpinning it all was a new culture of compliance instilled by DiNello and his team. As of the third quarter 2016, Flagstar had posted eight straight quarters of profits, beating Wall Street’s estimate in all but one of those quarters. Nonperforming loans fell to a 15-year low in the first quarter of 2016 and continue to drop. The company has redeemed its TARP securities, settled major outstanding lawsuits and validated its business model. Through all its challenges, Flagstar has remained a leading national originator and is now also a leading national subservicer. Today, the company is revitalized with a growing and more diversified balance sheet, strong capital and impeccable credit quality.
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FREDDIE MAC
As VP of target affordable production and investments for Freddie Mac’s multifamily business, David Leopold is responsible for approximately $5 billion in annual production. In addition, he oversees all relationships and transactions involving targeted affordable lenders, borrowers and tax credit syndicators. One of Leopold’s more recent achievements was the implementation of the Green Advantage, which “gives borrowers a choice of options to qualify for more proceeds and better pricing with a broad range of Freddie Mac Multifamily’s current loan offerings in order to finance energy and water efficiency improvements.” Prior to joining Freddie Mac in 2015, Leopold led tax credit equity origination for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where his team produced $1.2 billion in annual equity investments in low-income, historic and new markets tax credits.
CASEY CRAWFORD Co-founder and CEO MOVEMENT MORTGAGE
Casey Crawford started out as a football player, which he knew was good foundation: “My dad always told me football would prepare me well for life and business. He was right.” Following a successful NFL career, Crawford decided to go into real estate and became an agent and investor, a career that introduced him to correspondent lender Toby Harris and eventually resulted in the pair opening Movement Mortgage in 2008, despite the financial crisis. The company started out with four people and now has nearly 4,000 employees in more than 350 locations across 40 states. Movement made it on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing mortgage banks in the country, having originated more than $7 billion in home loans in 2015, and is working toward the vision of serving one out of every 10 homebuyers in the US by 2025. Crawford and his team also continue to press for change in the industry, promoting responsible lending and lessening debts in the long haul. In addition, the company has reinvested more than $10 million in communities through the Movement Foundation.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 ANDREW WEINBERG Principal SILVER FIN CAPITAL GROUP
The co-founder of Silver Fin Capital Group, Andrew Weinberg manages all legal, financial and administrative aspects of the New-York based mortgage company, which he established in 2005. A residential mortgage expert, Weinberg’s first career was as an attorney, advising clients on various corporate, securities and real estate matters. During his law career, Weinberg held executive-level roles at Nomura Securities, including director of legal affairs for operations and information technology, as well as VP and general counsel of Nomura International Trust Company. Today, he is especially proud of how Silver Fin Capital has grown over the years, remaining a “consumer-friendly mortgage company” by honing its processes and maintaining long-tenured employees.
JAMIE KORUS President ALLIANCE HOME LOANS
Jamie Korus heads Alliance Home Loans, an independent mortgage lender that provides traditional mortgage banking through retail locations and Realtor relationships, as well as a consumer direct division. A graduate of the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Future Leaders Program, Korus served as the 2015-16 chairman of MBA’s political action committee, MORPAC. She is a recipient of the Schumacher-Bolduc Award and the Opens Doors Community Champion Award for her work on the advisory board of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation. She also serves on the board of directors for The Mortgage Collaborative. As an educator and thought leader, Korus has contributed to the development of coursework and instruction for the mortgage loan originator license and responsible individual classes at the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business.
GREG HOLMES National director of sales and marketing CREDIT PLUS
Over the past 10 years, Greg Holmes’ focus has been on helping Credit Plus become a leader in mortgage information services. The company has experienced year-over-year growth, and Holmes’ ability to attract top talent has helped Credit Plus achieve a 400% increase in revenue over the last few years. His role as national director of sales and marketing includes overseeing a team of more than 30 regional sales managers and sales representatives throughout the US. His top priority is each customer’s best interests, so he inspires his team to go above and beyond what is promised when servicing clients. In addition to managing his team, Holmes also oversees Credit Plus’ branding, marketing, PR, advertising and interactive strategies, while working to develop new product innovations that help mortgage professionals close loans more efficiently and comply with changing regulations.
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MARY ANN MCGARRY President and CEO GUILD MORTGAGE
Mary Ann McGarry started 2016 by being named Most Admired CEO of the Year of a privately held company by San Diego Business Journal. That honor came on the heels of Guild Mortgage’s record 2015 growth of nearly $14 billion in loan volume. McGarry continues to take the company to new heights. Guild Mortgage is on pace to maintain its record growth, posting $6.8 billion in loan volume for the first half of 2016. It also acquired a Texasbased lending company, making it one of the largest independent mortgage banking companies in the state. In November, an annual San Diego Business Journal survey ranked Guild Mortgage as the third-largest private company in the city in 2016, and the San Diego Union-Tribune recognized Guild as a Top Workplace for the fourth time in a row.
ANTHONY HSIEH Chairman and CEO LOANDEPOT
An entrepreneur and innovator, Anthony Hsieh has seen the housing industry through several economic cycles in the 30-plus years of his career. From 1989 to the early 2000s, he set up two companies that took advantage of the beginnings of the internet and online lending. Hsieh launched loanDepot in 2010 with a renewed commitment to responsible lending and putting clients first. Since 2012, the company has nearly doubled its market share every year, and now has more than 1,700 loan officers as part of its 5,200-member staff. In 2016, loanDepot became the fifth-largest retail mortgage lender in the country and the youngest brand among the top five. Hsieh continues to position the company as a non-bank lender of choice, recently adding non-mortgage consumer lending to its portfolio.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
DAVID THOMAS Sales manager and home mortgage consultant CALIBER HOME LOANS
The Colorado real estate marketplace has been rapidly expanding in recent years, and in the midst of that growing market is David Thomas, a top 1% mortgage originator and Colorado resident dedicated to serving local clients and agents. Currently in his 12th year as a mortgage originator, Thomas was recently ranked as one of the top five loan officers nationally at Caliber Home Loans. In addition, Thomas has been named a Top Mortgage Pro by 5280 magazine and was ranked among the top originators for most loans closed and top dollar volume in 2015. “A strong mortgage consultant must not only know their client and their market, but also the myriad of guidelines that have been evolving over the years,” he says. “The ability to adapt to this ever-changing loan landscape, and to be available for my borrowers and agents when they need me, has always set me apart from many of my competitors.”
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 JOE CALTABIANO
ERIC KATZ
SVP of mortgage lending GUARANTEED RATE
Joe Caltabiano began in the mortgage business in 2001 and joined Guaranteed Rate in 2003. He has closed more than $100 million in loans every year since 2004 and has totaled more than $2.5 billion in funded loans since 2001. Caltabiano has been among the top 200 loan officers in the country every year since 2005. In 2011, he was number four in the country for purchase business and the top loan officer for purchase business in Illinois in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Scotsman Guide named him the number-four originator in America in 2014. Guaranteed Rate has added Caltabiano to its Chairman’s Circle of elite originators, and for good reason. He has been the top producer at Guaranteed Rate on numerous occasions, most recently in 2013 and 2014.
JORGE VIDAURRAZAGA Vice president of information technology COLUMBUS CAPITAL LENDING
Since Jorge Vidaurrazaga joined Columbus Capital Lending in 2013 as VP of information technology, he has implemented technological advances that have increased the company’s production and decreased closing times post-TRID by more than 16%. Due to his strong leadership of Columbus Capital’s IT department, Vidaurrazaga was nominated in both 2015 and 2016 for Ellie Mae’s Hall of Fame for Exceptional Achievement in Loan Quality.
LISA LUND
Regional SVP THE FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
After working on one of the largest mortgage servicing portfolios in the country, Eric Katz joined Federal Savings Bank to take on more communitycentered work and develop solid relationships with customers. As regional SVP, Katz oversees the operations in Scottsdale, Arizona, while specializing in residential refinancing and purchases. He started with seven employees in 2012, and since has grown his team to 83 members. As the ninth-largest VA IRRRL-producing company in the country, Katz’ office expects to fund $1.65 billion in 2016. Katz himself is known as a top-producing loan originator and a member of his bank’s Elite and President’s Clubs.
KEVIN PARRA Co-founder and president PLAZA HOME MORTGAGE
President LUND MORTGAGE TEAM
At just 17 years old, Lisa Lund began working as an assistant for her father’s mortgage business. A little over a decade later, Lund established her own mortgage operation in 2009. Today, the Lund Mortgage Team funds an average of 60 loans per month with a team of nine employees. In 2015, Lund accepted the Broker of the Year Award from United Wholesale Mortgage and started a program with the mortgage lender to help train other young people who are interested in getting into the mortgage industry. Lund is a past state president of the Arizona Association of Mortgage Professionals, an organization she has been involved with for the past seven years. She is a strong advocate for the mortgage industry and has lobbied in Washington, DC, for mortgage broker laws. Lund also volunteers her time to the ALS Association and the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center [SARRC], as well as many other local charities. She was recently recognized by SARRC for her support in helping thousands of individuals with autism and their families. She also received recognition in 2014 and 2015 from the Kevin Lloyd Foundation for her commitment to supporting higher education for local students who have been affected by Crohn’s disease or colitis.
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Kevin Parra has more than 30 years of experience in mortgage banking, having worked on everything from production to operations and secondary marketing. Headquartered in San Diego, Plaza Home Mortgage has been in business since late 2000, and has an extensive system of regional loan centers. Under Parra’s leadership, the company has been recognized as the largest corporate contributor to Susan G. Komen San Diego, and placed fourth in wholesale volume in Scotsman Guide in 2015. In addition to guiding the strategic direction of Plaza Home Mortgage as co-founder and president, Parra also serves on Fannie Mae’s Customer Advisory Board, as well as the board of the California Mortgage Bankers Association.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
MICHAEL POTTER AVP and national underwriting manager, Eastern region FINANCE OF AMERICA MORTGAGE
As Southeast US regional vice president at Finance of America Mortgage [FAM], Michael Potter oversees a team of underwriters responsible for ensuring loan applications meet FAM’s underwriting criteria. Potter has spent the entirety of his 27-year career in the mortgage industry following in the footsteps of his father, who was in the finance and mortgage business for more than 35 years. Potter joined FAM in May 2014 and has also held positions at Superior Mortgage Corp. and Guaranteed Rate. In addition to his role at FAM, Potter is an avid youth sports coach and a dedicated participant in fundraising efforts to find a cure for spinal muscular atrophy.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 JAMES HECHT COO and executive managing director STEARNS LENDING
A strategic thinker, effective communicator and dynamic leader, James Hecht is focused on enhancing Stearns Lending’s ability to sustain its impressive growth. He oversees all production and fulfillment activities for the company’s wholesale, retail, correspondent, consumer direct and alliance sectors, and brings more than 20 years of mortgage banking expertise in sales, operations and strategic partnerships to his role. Prior to taking the reins as COO of Stearns, Hecht was the senior leader responsible for strategic business development and made a tremendous impact on production growth in the strategic alliance and consumer direct channels, both of which experienced significant increases in year-over-year annual funding volume.
DAVID H. STEVENS
BRIEN MCMAHON Chief franchise officer and head of sales RADIAN GROUP
Since 2010, Brien McMahon has served as Radian Group’s chief franchise officer, as well as executive vice president and head of sales. Boasting 25-plus years of financial industry experience, McMahon joined Radian as the company’s first chief franchise officer, responsible for leading the design, development and implementation of the company’s sales and customer experience strategy. Prior to Radian, McMahon led national sales for PHH Mortgage and also worked for a variety of national real estate companies, including Century 21 and Sotheby’s.
President and CEO MORTGAGE BANKERS ASSOCIATION
A key housing influencer and authority on legislative and regulatory issues around mortgage financing, David Stevens was appointed by President Obama to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2009 as the assistant secretary for housing and federal housing commissioner. In 2011, he joined the MBA, and now serves as its president and CEO. He also sits on the board of its nonprofit philanthropic organization, MBA Open Doors. Stevens received the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Founders Award in 2013 for championing sustainable Hispanic homeownership in America. He has also been on Bloomberg’s list of the 50 Most Powerful People in Real Estate and one of Inman News’ Top 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders. Stevens has more than 30 years of experience in mortgage finance and has held executive positions in sales, acquisition, investment, risk management and regulatory oversight, as well as leadership roles in major organizations such as Wells Fargo, Freddie Mac and World Savings. He was also president and COO of Long & Foster Companies.
SHAUNA JUDD Loan officer CITYWIDE HOME LOANS
TIM ANDERSON Director of e-services DOCMAGIC
Overseeing DocMagic’s e-commerce and e-mortgage service capabilities is Tim Anderson, a 35-year veteran of the mortgage industry on both the lender and vendor sides of the business. Anderson previously ran the e-commerce division at HomeSide lending and also has worked for mortgage companies such as Freddie Mac and LPS (now Black Knight Financial Services). Anderson is also the original founder of the eMortgage Alliance, which promoted MISMO standards for delivering legally compliant paperless processes. A member of various organizations and committees focused on technology, Anderson’s expertise has been integral to growing DocMagic’s market share as the industry continues to adopt electronic documents and processes.
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With more than $1 billion in sales to her name, Shauna Judd has consistently been named a top producer and member of the President’s Club at Citywide Home Loans for more than 20 years. Over the course of her career, Judd has received various company awards, including the Value in Excellence Award, Top Customer Service Award, Raising the Bar in Purchase Award and Mission in Action Award. Her direct application of industry knowledge and experience have set her apart as she provides personal and dependable service to her clients with every transaction.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
DONALD LAYTON CEO FREDDIE MAC
With more than 40 years of experience in financial services and corporate management, Donald Layton heads one of the largest sources of mortgage financing in the US, and a leader in building a more efficient and effective housing finance system. After nearly 30 years at JPMorgan Chase, where he started as a trainee and eventually became a member of the three-person Office of the Chairman, Layton went on to serve as chairman and CEO of E*TRADE Financial from 2007 to 2009, shepherding the firm through the financial crisis. In addition, Layton served as a senior advisor to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association from 2006 to 2008 and serves as chairman emeritus of the board of the Partnership for the Homeless, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing homelessness in New York City, after having been its chair for nearly a decade.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100 FRED KREGER
TIMOTHY CRANNY
Vice president of enterprise production
SVP of performing loan servicing
AMERICAN PACIFIC MORTGAGE
DITECH FINANCIAL
Fred Kreger began his career with American Pacific Mortgage [APM] in 2008, serving as a branch manager for American Family Funding, an APM enterprise branch. There, he led not only the day-to-day operations of the branch, but also the credit union and reverse mortgage divisions. In his current position as VP of enterprise production, Kreger calls on his 30-plus years of experience to oversee and drive production strategy for all of APM’s enterprise branches, including managing origination, processing, member care, credit union and financial portfolio reviews. Kreger is also the current president of NAMB and an active member and former president of the California Association of Mortgage Professionals [CAMP]. He is the recipient of the NAMB’s Mortgage Professional of the Year Award and CAMP’s Associate of the Year Award. As an advocate for the mortgage industry, Kreger has also testified in front of the California state legislature and the US Congressional House Financial Services Committee, and regularly speaks at the federal and state government levels about the current state of mortgage lending, other mortgage professionals and credit unions.
Recently appointed as SVP of performing loan servicing in October, Timothy Cranny came to Ditech Financial, a subsidiary of Walter Investment Management Corp., with more than 25 years of experience. Prior to Ditech, Cranny served as managing director for Citigroup’s branded cards business, where he oversaw customer contact operations, along with the domestic and partner management programs.
JAMES SMITH President and CEO STONEGATE MORTGAGE
Last April, James Smith was appointed CEO of Stonegate Mortgage, one of the top mortgage lenders in the nation. A 25-year veteran of the mortgage industry, Smith’s career has primarily focused on building and leading loan origination, operations and servicing platforms. He joined Stonegate in 2015 as president and COO, following a role as director of US mortgage operations for Winpro Limited. In 2015, Stonegate was ranked 12th for Top Overall Volume and fourth for Top Correspondent Volume by Scotsman Guide.
MIKE CAGNEY CEO, chairman and co-founder SOFI
As the CEO, chairman and co-founder of online personal finance company SoFi, Mike Cagney brings decades of experience in the financial industry to lead corporate strategy and development for the company. Before starting SoFi, Cagney was a senior vice president at Wells Fargo, where he served as head trader for the proprietary trading and financial products group. Cagney is also co-founder and a managing member of Cabezon Investment Group, a global macro hedge fund, and he serves as a non-executive chairman of ReFlow. Before Cabezon, Cagney founded, was CEO and then vice-chairman and chief architect of Finaplex, a leader in wealth management software that was eventually sold to Broadridge. While overseeing SoFi’s overall direction, Cagney makes a daily point to interact with SoFi’s member base, which is now more than 200,000 strong. In addition to reading and responding to member feedback, he hosts SoFi member dinners at his San Francisco home to get to know the company’s customers and understand their financial goals.
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SHANE JOHNSON Founder and branch manager BOOYAH MORTGAGE
As a former US Marine, branch manager and founder of direct lending company Booyah Mortgage, Shane Johnson has more than 13 years of experience helping active-duty military members and veterans with the most important transaction of their lives. His knowledge of VA mortgage loans and meticulous attention to detail allow Johnson to ensure that every loan is approved and closes on time. Johnson is also the founder of the Booyah Veterans Bus Project, in which he hopes to put a transit bus in every major city to provide showering facilities as well as transportation for homeless veterans to the local veteran’s hospital. Johnson is also working to create a transitional community where veterans can go for training and introduction back into the civilian world.
HOT 100 2 7 2017
KEN BARTZ Owner and principal MONSTER LEAD GROUP
A visionary, innovator and industry expert, Ken Bartz currently serves as the CEO of Monster Lead Group, a mortgage marketing company that helped its clients perform more than $6 billion in loan originations in 2016. Bartz has made direct mail marketing a predictable science, and the company has had consistent and noteworthy results year-over-year. Last year, Bartz also helped co-found two technology companies: Salesboomerang, an intelligent lead revival system that alerts its members the moment an unqualified lead becomes qualified, and Leadsqueeze, a combination of voice analytics, machine learning and human transcription that helps mortgage companies discover missed sales opportunities in real time.
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SPECIAL REPORT
HOT 100
HOT 100
2 7 2017
BRENDA DINTINO Sales manager NEW AMERICAN FUNDING
With more than 38 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Brenda Dintino brings home financing expertise to every client. Over the years, she has closed more than 5,600 loans for clients, ranging from first-time homebuyers to retirees. She got her start in the industry working for Security Pacific Mortgage; nearly five years ago, she joined New American Funding, drawn by the company’s dedication to customer service. Dintino remains excited and ready to further grow her career by keeping her word, staying organized and on task, keeping up with basic practices, and taking care of her clients, no matter the cost.
KIMBERLY LANHAM SVP of marketing and client relations DIGITAL RISK
CHERYL TRAVIS-JOHNSON EVP and COO VRM MORTGAGE SERVICES
Over the last two years, Kimberly Lanham has worked to propel Digital Risk as a leader in mortgage-related services. As the SVP of marketing and client relations for the Orlando-based company, Lanham oversees client projects and leads the company’s marketing, PR, internal communications and CSR efforts. Her management of client relations and marketing/PR strategies has enabled her to make an impact on the national mortgage industry. One of Lanham’s most successful accomplishments at Digital Risk has been the creation and execution of the Break the Glass Executive Women’s Summit, held in September 2015 and 2016. The event brought together women mortgage business leaders to discuss industry, professional and personal topics at a retreat in the Sonoma Valley. Lanham has also been the driving force, along with Digital Risk co-founder Jeff Taylor, behind the company’s involvement in Virtual Enterprises International, a national leadership/entrepreneurship development program for high school students. In addition to her role at Digital Risk, Lanham is a member of the MBA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, a mentor with Digital Risk’s P4 Mentor Program, a member of Save Orange County, and a frequent author and blogger.
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Since joining VRM in 2008, Cheryl Travis-Johnson has been responsible for developing and rolling out VRMU, one of the leading training vehicles for real estate professionals. She also remains committed to developing nontraditional services for loss mitigation associated with non-performing loans. Apart from serving as VRM’s COO and EVP, she also sits on the board of the PCV/VRM Seeds of Hope nonprofit. Travis-Johnson has been in the industry for 30 years, and has worked for mortgage and finance leaders such as First Interstate Bank, World Savings and Loan, and First Deposit Corporation. Prior to her post at VRM, she was director of REO sales operations at Freddie Mac, during which she received the company’s Premier Achievement Award.
PATRICK FLANAGAN EVP, wholesale lending division CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES
Last year, Patrick Flanagan joined Carrington Mortgage Services as EVP of the company’s wholesale lending division. In this senior leadership role, he is responsible for developing the strategy to expand Carrington’s wholesale channel, which includes government and conventional programs, and maximizing the ease of use of the wholesale platform for the broker community. Boasting more than 30 years of experience in lending finance and capital markets, Flanagan has managed the origination, acquisition and management of more than $200 billion worth of residential mortgage and residential real estate-related assets over the course of his career. Additionally, he has more than 15 years of C-level experience in strategy development. Prior to joining Carrington, Flanagan held key leadership positions within the financial services sector, including serving as CEO and founder of Cove Financial Group and as managing director of mortgage trading for Cerberus Capital Management.
MICHAEL POTTER FINANCE OF AMERICA MORTGAGE
NATIONAL UNDERWRITING MANAGER- EAST COAST At Finance of America Mortgage, we get that earning the trust of our customers, our colleagues and our co-workers means more than just doing the paperwork ─ it means becoming a partner. Mike and the in-house operations team embody this spirit every day. We are proud to recognize his hard work, dedication to our company and commitment to enabling our sales team to provide excellent service to our customers. Congratulations on being named to the Hot 100!
FinanceofAmerica.com Š2017 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | | NMLS ID # 1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee | Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee | Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company | Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance | Licensed Mortgage Banker -- NYS Banking Department | Rhode Island Licensed Lender.
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MILLION DOLLAR CLUB Did you originate $150M or more in US loan volume for 2016? Mortgage Professional America is looking for originators who are at the top of their game to include in our $150 Million Club special report.
Entries will open February 22
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