2025 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For

Best Mortgage Companies to Work for 2025

ByBrad Finkelstein, Bonnie Sinnock, Spencer Lee, Maria Volkova, Andrew Martinez

February 18, 2025 5:00 AM

While the mortgage industry is known for its customer service focus, prioritizing a seamless borrower experience, many of this year's Best Mortgage Companies to Work For have also focused on enhancing the employee experience.

These companies have invested in innovative technology tools to support loan origination and improved work-life balance for their staff.Such perks could give mortgage shops an edge when the mortgage market heads for recovery.Mortgage lenders are beginning to adapt and stay afloat in a challenging market. Their resilience has led to 36 companies making this year's ranking, up from 33 in 2024, a year which saw a slew of originators consolidate.

This ranking is a partnership between National Mortgage News and the Best Companies Group, which conducts extensive employee surveys and reviews employer reports on benefits and policies. The employee survey covers eight topics: leadership and planning; corporate culture and communications; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisor; training, development and resources; pay and benefits; and overall engagement.

Once the survey data is analyzed, the companies get a score that decides their ranking. The overall score is calculated using the employee survey (weighed at 75%) and the employer questionnaire (25%). To qualify for consideration, organizations with 25 or more employees need a minimum response rate of 40% while companies with 25 or fewer employees need 80%.

The survey addressed several topics, including satisfaction that employees had with the management of the companies that employed them. The positive response rate to the statement, "I am willing to give extra effort to help this organization succeed" was 97% for lenders of all sizes that made the list. This was the same result as last year.

The overall engagement score came in at 94%, a 1 percentage point increase from the year prior, this score grew thanks to more companies scoring higher in categories of being recommended as a place to work and being recommended for its products and services.

2024 RCN Capital Ice Cream Party.

RCN Capital

Location: South Windsor, Connecticut
Number of employees: 164
Website:

www.rcncapital.com

RCN Capital is a nationwide private lender with locations in South Windsor, Connecticut; Charlotte, North Carolina, and Los Angeles. It produces a market conditions survey with CJ Patrick, and recently reopened its Charlotte office after completing an expansion.

The company has a free cafeteria, organizes monthly employee engagement events, charitable initiatives, and offers what it said are "ongoing opportunities to provide feedback, new ideas and insight to the executive team," according to its statement.

"It's important for our employees to feel like they are contributing in major ways to our organization and feel like they are able to grow both professionally and personally," RCN added.

Spring EQ staffers soak up some rays.

Spring EQ

Location: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Number of Employees: 471
Website:

https://mortgage.springeq.com

The company is a second-lien specialist, with delegated, non-delegated correspondent and wholesale operations. CEO Jerry Schiano identifies his firm as one of the pioneers of restarting the home equity marketplace when it was founded in 2016.

Perks include a committee that praises employees who follow the company's "Spring B's" ethics with $1,000 rewards. The company consistently recognizes hard work, and Schiano says it promoted almost 60 of its 500 employees last year. He also encourages a culture of empathy.

"There's nothing wrong with admitting a mistake and saying you're sorry," said Schiano. "If we have that as a culture with integrity, then you're going to make a lot of people happy."

Mortgage America

Headquarters: Whitehall, Pennsylvania
Number of employees: 64
Website:

www.mymortgageamerica.com

The Pennsylvania lender offers a variety of loans, including conventional, government-backed and jumbo for customers throughout the mid Atlantic. Mortgage America is also the leading originator of loans for first-time buyers applying through the state's housing finance agency program, said co-founder and CEO Bob Barrett.

Founded over 40 years ago, the company touts its attention to financials that allows it to retain staff even during rough stretches and reward them in boom periods.

"We try to be fairly generous in the business," Barrett said. "I didn't make the slogan up, but when we're making money, they're making money."

The Loan Store

Location: Tucson, Arizona
Number of employees: 334
Website:

theloanstore.com

The Loan Store's competitive compensation and benefits aren't the only traits that make it an enviable workplace. Leadership at the near-fully remote workplace are accessible and transparent, and employees enjoy a less rigid structure compared to industry competitors, said Jason Lee, president of The Loan Store, in a statement. The company above all else champions its employees' autonomy.

"Unlike many companies in our industry, we avoid micromanagement and instead provide employees with the tools, training and support they need to succeed," he said. "This trust not only drives job satisfaction but also fosters innovation and accountability."

HMA Mortgage employees attend their spring realtor brunch & learn 2024.

HMA Mortgage

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Number of employees: 173
Website:

www.hmamortgage.com

National lender, HMA Mortgage prides itself on its relationship with partners, from Realtors to insurance providers, who drive business to the Pittsburgh-based company.

"As a 100% referral-based company, HMA Mortgage depends solely on reputation for providing professional, quality service and superior products," it says.

The company also works closely with partners from the pre-approval through closing process to assist borrowers by requesting services, such as appraisals and title commitments.

To keep team members happy, HMA offers flexible scheduling, and as profits increase, it intends to likewise add and enhance staff perks in 2025.

Employees gather for their annual holiday party.

Developer's Mortgage Company

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Number of employees: 81
Website: www.developersmortgage.com

Developer's Mortgage Company is headed by President Linda Heaston and gets high marks from employees for a flexible work environment that accommodates their lives.

Among unique benefits the company highlights is wellness program which can give employees access to lower contribution rates for healthcare benefits if they can meet certain criteria.

"We strive to create a work place where employees can enjoy their work, feel comfortable, and be successful," Developer's said in a company statement. "We believe a happy work environment leads to great achievement."

Coastal Federal Credit Union

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Number of employees: 48
Website: www.coastal24.com

"Being able to differentiate Coastal as an employer, as well as a service provider, has become absolutely essential," the company said in its entry. "As the marketplace becomes more competitive that's going to hinge on sharing our purpose."

Mortgage product offerings that are commodities and benefits to employees can be matched by other places of employment, but purpose cannot be duplicated, Coastal said.

"Helping employees understand why we exist is an important part of the work we do, both in how we recruit as well as how we develop our internal talent, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future," the credit union said

Because they are the face of the institution, "Coastal also puts taking care of employees at the core of what we do. We believe that employee engagement is every bit as important as member satisfaction, supporting the community and overall business performance."

Revolution Mortgage

Location: Westerville, Ohio
Number of employees: 760
Website: revolutionmortgage.com

The Westerville, Ohio based lender founded by CEO Tony Grothouse encourages good work with shoutouts in company communications and it awards top sales employees with yearly trips.

Newfi Lending staffers attend NAMB in Las Vegas.

Newfi Lending

Location: Emeryville, California
Number of employees: 225
Website: www.newfi.com

Newfi Lending is a national non-QM lender founded by mortgage industry veteran Steve Abreu that focuses primarily on wholesale lending, and also has funded loans through correspondent and retail channels.

Recent examples of new business initiatives that include new competitive pricing for higher-credit quality loans in its delegated correspondent unit, according to John Wise, executive vice president of sales.

The company works with a recruiting service on diversity initiatives and partners with the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America on both outreach and retention.

Apollo Global Management, a prominent asset management firm, has held a majority stake in Newfi since AGM's merger with the company's previous investor, Athene, in 2022. In January, Newfi also made a minority equity investment in Dunmor, a real-estate investment lender it had entered into a strategic agreement with earlier.

Team camaraderie at UNMB Corporate.

UNMB Home Loans

Location: Levittown, New York
Number of employees: 120
Website: www.unmb.com

"UNMB Home Loans Inc has been transforming lives for over 45 years, earning a stellar reputation with five-star ratings on Zillow and Google," the company said. "Our mission is to deliver exceptional home financing solutions and customer service rooted in honesty, ethics, and transparency—all while fostering warmth and empathy"

That is what drives client recommendations, as well as referral partners bringing them business.

That commitment leads "our employees to take pride in being part of our team, and our communities to value our positive impact," the company said

"As we continue to grow, including the launch of our new construction lending division, UNMB remains dedicated to empowering our team to thrive both professionally and personally — cementing our place among the best mortgage companies to work for."

Direct Mortgage Loans employees pose at the corporate office in Maryland.

Direct Mortgage Loans

Location: Hunt Valley, Maryland
Number of employees: 257
Website:

https://www.directmortgageloans.com

The highly ranked workplace at Direct Mortgage Loans builds on its strong culture from the moment it speaks with prospective employees.

"We really don't compromise on the attitude of the people we bring in," said Michael Naylor, co-founder and CEO of DML. "Everybody pushes everybody, everybody raises the bar."

The lender has a majority remote workforce and encourages constant communication. Regular meetings include a "next generation" chat, where younger loan officers talk about career growth; and master classes where staff share their expertise in matters inside and outside of the office. The lender also hosts a three-day DML Fest which focuses on entertainment, learning and charity work.

Cardinal Financial Company

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Number of employees: 1,124
Website:

www.cardinalfinancial.com

Founded in 2014, Cardinal Financial "wanted to energize an industry and redefine what mortgage lending could be," according to its company statement.

Its proprietary homeloan platform, Octane, "the engine that powers our business."

"But we know that good tech only goes so far without good people behind it," the company added. "We're not just selling mortgages; we're selling an experience. The experience we provide is what sets us apart."

The company operates across all 50 states and works directly with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. It offers medical, dental, vision and pet insurance as well as technology discounts to its employees.

Directions Home Loan

Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
Number of employees: 43
Website:

https://directionshomeloan.com

Directions Home Loan, founded in 2007, operates with three pillars in mind "honesty, hustle and heart," it said. Those beliefs are what helps the mortgage lender deliver topnotch customer service and attract a good workforce.

"We prioritize employee well-being, community engagement and social responsibility, believing that true success is measured not just by profits but by the difference we make in people's lives," Directions said in a statement.

Directions promotes team spirit by having holiday parties and with the help of an office pet that fills the very important role of Chief Barketing Officer.

The mortgage shop has branches in Arizona, California, Tennessee and Texas, with the majority of originations coming from the latter state.

Consumers Credit Union's Halloween costume winners.

Consumers Credit Union

Headquarters: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Number of employees: 87
Website:

www.consumerscu.org

An honoree for the second consecutive year, the Michigan-based credit union has seen average annual asset growth of 18%.

The company is an active supporter of wellness initiatives for its employees, receiving several awards for its efforts, including benefits of up to $500 on related expenses.

"We believe that providing our employees with the programs they need to be successful and fulfilled is integral to our success," said President and CEO Scott Sylvester. "We know that our Credit Union succeeds when our employees succeed."

Among resources available on its Kalamazoo campus are walking trails and a section called The Courts, where pickleball matches and other games take place. Several times a year, Sylvester will make a healthy lunch for all employees at its headquarters.

Mortgage Center's VP of HR, Carrie Proven, volunteers for House of Providence.

Mortgage Center

Location: Southfield, Michigan
Number of employees: 97
Website:

mortgagecenter.com

Communication is what sets Mortgage Center apart as a Best Mortgage Company to Work For, said Dani Soave, assistant vice president of digital marketing. It is not just constant communication that is the key, but that it's done consistently as well.

Every employee has a weekly one-on-one session with management.

"They're not only just about updates on work and things like that, they're all about getting to know who they are as individuals, [and] getting to know us as well as managers," Soave explained. It helps to understand their personalities as well as what serves to motivate them.

Negative feedback is not part of the conversation. Rather, it's about providing adjusting feedback.

"That's a huge selling point [for Mortgage Center], because when we say…I noticed this behavior, and here is how I believe that you could adjust it," Soave said.

Positive feedback is provided as well, "and here's what to continue. So we're identifying great things to keep on doing, and great things to address as well," Soave said.

FBC Mortgage President's Club attends a Nashville Sounds game.

FBC Mortgage

Location: Orlando, Florida
Number of Employees: 632
Website:

fbchomeloans.com

Specializing in retail, wholesale and correspondent channels, FBC is licensed in 49 states and has 750 team members across the country. The company has partnered with a variety of charitable organizations including Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, 2nd Harvest Food Bank, Walk for Wishes and the Salvation Army.

Prosperity Home Mortgage CEO poses with their community lending team.

Prosperity Home Mortgage

Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Number of employees: 1,089
Website:

www.phmloans.com

"Our company's mission is to provide financing solutions that positively impact lives and make a difference in the communities where we lend," Prosperity said in its entry form. "Our culture is built on empathy, community engagement, gratitude, integrity and creative solutions."

It gives back to the community by supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

"We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and community."

Operating in 49 jurisdictions, Prosperity is part of HomeServices of America, which offer integrated real estate services, also including brokerage services, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, and other homeownership services.

Supreme Lending hosts an annual President's Club retreat.

Supreme Lending

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Number of employees: 1188
Website: www.supremelending.com

Supreme Lending can be grouped in the heavy weight category because of its number of employees, but it prides itself on keeping "a small company culture."

The Dallas, Texas based lender emphasizes the importance of its company events, ranging from Halloween celebrations, president's club retreats and sales rallies, as a means to build connection throughout the company.

"Gathering employee feedback and making team members feel heard is a main priority for our leadership team," the mortgage lender said. "We love celebrations and enjoying time with each other—both in and outside of work."

Supreme, founded almost three decades ago by Scott Everett, industry veteran, is licensed to operate in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Taylor Morrison Home Funding staffers take part in the Charitable Giving Foundation Event.

Taylor Morrison Home Funding

Location: Maitland, Florida
Number of employees: 342
Website:

https://www.taylormorrisonhf.com

The financing arm of the homebuilding giant, Taylor Morrison Home Funding serves 21 markets across 12 states. Over 90% of the company's employees telecommute, and receive benefits such as five "wellness days" in addition to paid holidays and vacation.

Engagement with staff includes stay interviews, quarterly feedback sessions, and career pathing among other interactive programs. The lender also says it places a heavy emphasis on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, such as its annual "Days of Understanding" with thought leaders.

"We value transparency and are incredibly proud of the high trust culture we have built," the company said in a statement.

Lennar Mortgage Team after receiving a 2024 ICE Innovation Award.

Lennar Mortgage

Headquarters: Miami, Florida
Number of employees: 1,533
Website: www.lennarmortgage.com

Laura Escobar, is the president of Lennar Mortgage, the lending subsidiary of a major homebuilder. She also became chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association last fall.

The company received a 2024 ICE Innovation Award and is a member of many industry groups, such as the Asian Real Estate Association. Lennar also has an associate resource group called Inspire, which it describes as a "safe place to share stories about one's background."

"We prioritize work-life balance, provide ample opportunities for skill development, and ensure that all team members feel supported and empowered," the company said in a statement. "Additionally, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens our teams."

Neighborhood Loans Foundation Charity Golf Outing.

Neighborhood Loans

Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois
Number of employees: 557
Website: neighborhoodloans.com

Neighborhood Loans, founded in 2009 by Reno Manuele and Tony Ameti, is a nationwide mortgage lender dedicated to empowering homebuyers and homeowners throughout the purchase or refinance process," the company said in its entry.

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency team members volunteer at the local soup kitchen.

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency

Headquarters: Bismarck, North Dakota
Number of employees: 30
Website: www.ndhfa.org

Executive Director Dave Flohr recently characterized the past year as one in which the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency faced heavy demand for its services in a market with increased affordability constraints. First-time buyers NDHFA helped through one lower-cost loan program were market where the average loan was $18,000 higher than in 2023.

The self-supporting non-profit, which aims to facilitate affordable homeownership for low- to moderate-income state residents, hopes state lawmakers will help the agency do more to contend with such challenges this year, according to an online update Flohr posted in January.

NDHFA can accommodate employees with physical disabilities and encourages veterans to apply. It also offers reimbursement for certifications, advanced or post-graduate degrees and business education events.

Acopia Home Loans Regional VP Kent DePriest grabs an opportunity to celebrate his top producing Florida team, Chris and Mari, for their Circle of Excellence honor.

Acopia Home Loans

Headquarters: Goodlettsville, Tennessee
Number of employees: 129
Website:

www.acopiahomeloans.com

Retail lender Acopia Home Loans was founded in 2007 and serves 12 states, primarily in the Southeast.

Its owners come from a retail environment outside the mortgage industry, which has been key to maintaining a positive workplace for its employees.

"They kind of brought a fresh perspective from outside the industry into our company, and so they're huge cheerleaders of people," said Acopia President Joey Davidson.

SWBC employees participate in Habitat for Humanity.

SWBC Mortgage

Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
Number of employees: 517
Website:

www.swbcmortgage.com

Led by the 2021 chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association Susan Stewart, SWBC originates and services mortgages in more than 40 states. The company places an emphasis on providing continuing education for its people by offering eLearning courses through its training platform, SWBCUniversity. Its "Employee of the Quarter" award program allows staff to nominate peers and winners receive a trophy, a reserved parking space for one quarter and a pay card for $500. The company also aims to promote inclusivity in its staffing by partnering with online employment website providers who post job openings on web sites that enhance diversity recruitment efforts.

Corporate employees of Homeowners Financial Group USA celebrate Halloween.

Homeowners Financial Group

Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona
Number of employees: 284
Website:

homeownersfg.com

Founded in 2004, Homeowners Financial Group operates 30 branches across the country. Offering annual awards for sales, operations, culture, and more, the firm also allows all employees to be eligible to go on an all-inclusive company trip with destinations including Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas, Las Vegas, and Lake Tahoe.

Staffers have been nicknamed "Homies" to show the family environment that company aims to foster. In the monthly newsletter there is a "Homie Highlight" written about an employee to promote personal and professional successes. Employees can give shout-outs to fellow Homies for companywide recognition on the company's community page.

The company has created a nationwide Culture Committee, which meets every month to come up with contests, employee engagement events, and ways that branches can make an impact in their local community through numerous charitable initiatives each year.

US Mortgage Corporation staffers participate in Habitat for Humanity.

US Mortgage Corporation

Headquarters: Melville, New York
Number of employees: 209
Website:

www.usmortgage.com

Founded in 1994 by Steven Milner, who still serves as CEO, retail lender US Mortgage is licensed in 49 states. The retail lender operates under a principle that happy employees with work-life balance leads to satisfied clients.

"We embrace flexibility," Milner said and added that he recognizes the value of checking in on expressing appreciation to employees personally.

"I send out a birthday card to every single employee. I send out an annual anniversary card with a gift card to every employee," he said.

Absolute Mortgage & Lending

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Number of employees: 201
Website: www.absoluteml.com

Absolute Mortgage & Lending, founded in 2011, is a Texan-based lender that since its inception has actively expanded its footprint. The shop is currently licensed to operate in over 30 states.

The shop prides itself in having a multilingual origination team in house, which can provide expertise to a greater array of borrowers. AML's website can be translated into Vietnamese and Spanish.

"We empower underserved communities, making homeownership and business ownership possible for those often overlooked by traditional lenders. Since our founding, we've broken down barriers with accessible financing solutions tailored to each client's unique needs," the lender said.

Absolute, a dba of AML Funding, LLC., offers a plethora of loan options including non-QM products, adjustable-rate mortgages and government loans. It also offers financial products such as commercial loans for businesses.

The Assurance Financial team went pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Assurance Financial

Headquarters: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Number of employees: 143
Website:

www.assurancemortgage.com

From monthly coffee trucks to office parties, Assurance prioritizes a work-life balance for its employees, with flexible scheduling and hybrid work options. Its commitment to a "people-forward" approach for both customers and staff earns praise from employees.

"By combining our personalized, boutique-style service with the robust resources and opportunities of a national powerhouse, Assurance Financial creates an environment where employees feel valued," a spokesperson said.

Founded in 2001, the Baton Rouge-based lender is also an active supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, holding regular fundraisers to support the hospital.

Republic State Mortgage Company celebrates an employee's baby shower.

Republic State Mortgage Company

Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Number of employees: 84
Website: https://republicstatemortgage.com

Republic State Mortgage Co., founded in 1994, takes a personal approach in building relationships with its customers.

The first thing a potential borrower sees when opening up the Texas-based lender's website is a note from Robert Wagnon, Republic's CEO, thanking consumers for considering using their services.

The shop, founded in 1994 by Wagnon, is licensed to operate in 13 states. Republic offers a full suite of residential loan products to consumers, ranging from conventional loans to renovation loans.

"People that choose Republic, earn a living by building relationships that deliver happiness and fulfill the American dream. Our work has a purpose," Republic wrote in a statement.

Van Dyk Mortgage Corp employees at President's Club.

VanDyk Mortgage

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Number of employees: 271
Website:

www.vandykmortgage.com

The company, founded 38 years ago, originates mortgages in all but two states and also services its home loans. Employee benefits include peer-to-peer recognition programs, and annual all-inclusive weekend getaways for top performers. VanDyk supports inclusive hiring practices in partnering with minority recruitment firms, and promotes education with its "Iron Sharpens Iron" calls, where loan officers regularly gather to share insights and help each other grow.

"We commit to pay equity and provide clear career paths to ensure equal growth opportunities," the company said in a statement.

InterLinc Mortgage Staffers attend Family Foundation event.

InterLinc Mortgage

Location: Houston, Texas
Number of employees: 165
Website:

https://interlincmortgage.com

Interlinc's culture is rooted in recognition, mentorship and clear growth paths. That ethos was recognized by a recruit at the company's annual sales rally, who according to Senior Vice President James Durham called Interlinc "the best kept secret in the mortgage business."

The lender and servicer is led by Gene Thompson III, who obtained majority ownership of the company last year. The president and CEO since 2021 has led Interlinc to profitability in the past few years despite market turmoil, a run Durham attributes to disciplined management.

"Gene and I like to say, 'we're coiled up ready to strike the future, versus being curled up in a defensive position,'" said Durham.

Mattamy Home Funding staffers attend a leadership summit.

Sierra Ford Photography/Sierra Ford

Mattamy Home Funding

Headquarters: Maitland, Florida
Number of employees: 67
Website: https://www.mattamyhf.com

Mattamy Home Funding, headquartered in the sunny state of Florida, describes itself as a small but mighty shop.

To keep its team of loan officers competitive, Mattamy embraces technology and automation tools "allowing our employees to focus on what truly matters, gaining efficiencies without losing the personal touch," the lender said.

The firm, which has been in operation for 17 years, is a joint venture lender and servicer of a homebuilder. Apart from Florida, the company also operates in Arizona, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina.

More than 90% of its workforce is remote, which is part of the shop's "shift to stay ahead of the curve and recognize and prioritize the importance of work-life balance and flexibility," it said.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group staffers volunteer to help clean local beaches.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

Headquarters: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Number of employees: 742
Website:

https://www.atlanticbay.com

Atlantic Bay Mortgage, founded in 1996, is a retail lender based in a beach town in Virginia. The company is known for fast closing times, a broad range of mortgage products, and a "commitment to helping people lead their best lives."

Licensed in 17 states, Atlantic Bay has 117 branches nationwide.

The mortgage lender prioritizes giving back, donating over $2 million to charities and engaging in events that reflect the passions of its customers, employees, and communities, it said.

"In today's challenging housing market, every lender on this year's list understands the industry's difficulties. Yet, our team continues to shine, overcoming numerous obstacles," Atlantic Bay said in a statement.

The company's culture focuses on having fun, with employees getting to participate in activities such as an annual "Zoom-a-Ween" costume contest and holiday movie watchalongs.

CV3 staffers take a break in the day with a light workout.

CV3 Financial Services

Headquarters: El Segundo, California
Number of Employees: 216
Website: https://cv3financial.com

CV3 is both a newcomer to the Best Companies listing while at the same time, its management team has been a stalwart at the top of the listing at their predecessor company Civic Financial Services. William Tessar founded both companies.

Civic had been acquired by PacWest Bancorp in February 2021 but the new parent soon ran into financial difficulties and restructured the mortgage unit's management team in January 2023 before selling it to Roc360 in May of that year..

Tessar had CV3 up and running by September 2023, with many former Civic employees joining the new firm.

"I think it was the one moment in time, at least in all the years I've been in the space, where one event created a purpose and why for so many different people," Tessar said. Something very special was taken away by the upheaval.

"It was that purpose and why that allowed us to start day one with 155 of our past co-workers" without a loan in its pipeline when the doors opened at CV3, Tessar recalled. Yet the new company was able to continue what it had started in terms of culture at Civic, it was a carryover of what it had created.

CV3 is now at approximately 220 employees and all but a handful had worked with Tessar in the past.

"I think folks like to be around those you know, like and trust, and that goes a long way," Tessar said. "Everyone wants to get paid, but if you know, like and trust your co-workers, I think you're, you're willing to put a little bit more on the line every day."

Team Method came together and wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Method Mortgage

Headquarters: Birmingham, Alabama
Number of employees: 14
Website:

www.methodmortgage.com

Licensed in four Southeastern states, Method encourages its team members to take part in volunteer projects and charity events to promote a sense of purpose beyond just business. Its community referral program also provides quarterly donations to local organizations suggested by Method Mortgage staff. "Our commitment to professional growth and community engagement sets us apart, creating an environment where team members thrive," the company said.

A highlight of 2024 celebrations was an NCAA March Madness party, which brought together staff and businesses it partnered with for the college basketball tradition.

Highlands Residential Mortgage staffers enjoy a bowling outing.

Highlands Residential Mortgage

Headquarters: Allen, Texas
Number of employees: 454
Website:

https://www.highlandsmortgage.com/

Headquartered in Allen, Texas, Highlands Residential Mortgage has been fostering employee engagement since it was founded in 2010. With company outings to concerts and sporting events, a number of in-office celebrations, incentive trips for top performers and its charitable work through its Highlands Gives Back program the company aims to keep its staff engaged and foster their professional development.

"In laying a foundation for future success, the company instilled a servant leadership mentality throughout and focused on adding quality people that possessed an attitude of it's not about me…it's about you!" a company statement read.

The lender formed the Highlands Hope Fund to help employees with disasters, family illnesses when in need of support with life situations.

Highlands also offers mentoring and job training, in addition to the Highlands High Five Recognition program in which employees can recognize one another or their staff and earn points towards gift cards.