2025 Most Loved Employers

By National Mortgage Professional

By National Mortgage Professional

Earlier this year, NMP connected with mortgage companies nationwide to better understand what it means to be an exceptional employer in 2025. We invited organizations to participate in a program where their own teams could anonymously evaluate how well their companies support, empower, and inspire them. Once accepted, each company received a unique code to share with employees, giving team members secure access to a confidential survey their leadership could not view or influence.

We asked about today’s most important workplace factors: benefits and flexibility; culture and communication; professional development; community involvement and social connection; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and more.

Hundreds of responses poured in. Every rating was tallied by category, giving us a clear picture of how these companies truly show up for their people.

The outcome is this year’s list. No company bought its way in. Each one willingly opened itself up to honest feedback from the people who matter most — their employees. And each earned its place on this podium of excellence. These organizations are, without question, the Most Loved Employers in the mortgage industry for 2025.

American Pacific Mortgage

Roseville, CA

Benefits Provided by Employer:

401k w/Company Match
Company Paid Life Insurance
Company Paid Health Insurance
Company Paid Disability Income Insurance
Paid Time Off
Maternity Leave
Training
Profit Sharing
Burnalong
Pet Ins.
Legal Plan
Discounts
ESOP
EAP

Tell us about this company's corporate culture. What values does your institution hold close? How does your Institution shape your employees through corporate culture?

At American Pacific Mortgage (APM), we believe in treating people with respect, being honest, and working hard to get things done. These values shape how we help our clients and support each other at work.

Because APM is 49% employee-owned, our team members are encouraged to think like owners. That means taking action, solving problems, and helping the company succeed.

We recognize employees who go the extra mile with company-wide awards and encourage everyone to keep improving.

We also care about making homeownership more fair and accessible for everyone. Our DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) office leads programs and partnerships that support this mission.

Thanks to strong teamwork and a shared purpose, APM is a place where people feel supported, appreciated, and proud to be part of the team.

What community/social contributions is this company making?

American Pacific Mortgage (APM) gives back through its employee-funded nonprofit, APMCares. This program helps employees make a difference in their communities by volunteering and giving financial support.

Since its founding, APMCares has helped more than 200,000 people, donated over $1.4 million, and supported over 250 groups, such as Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and Beautiful Soles.

APMCares also helps APM employees going through tough times and encourages everyone to get involved in community service.

What do employees love about American Pacific Mortgage?

(Real employee testimonials)

Consistent support in my position (loan officer). Extremely superb communication on all aspects of the industry changes and updates. Availability of programs and products, as well as consistent and reliable updates of our own in-house programs. Excellent turn times, from Processing to Underwriting/Closing. Great communication from start to finish of the loan process.
Our company provides the backing of one of the largest mortgage companies in the country, while we have the ability to run our branch as a small, hometown business.
APM is a great place to work. I have been here more than 10 years and referred my husband to work here a well. I love the opportunities for growth, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for our nonprofit arm, APMCares, which helps our own APM Family, as well as those in need across the country. It feels good to work for a company that aligns with my values.
Great people, not a ton of middle management, which makes getting ideas/thoughts to upper management easier, APM cares about its employees.
The entire company is a TEAM, I'm never on my own.

CMG Financial

San Ramon, CA

Benefits Provided by Employer:

401K
401k w/Company Match
Company Paid Life Insurance
Company Paid Health Insurance
Company Paid Disability Income Insurance
Paid Time Off
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Training
Remote Workplace

Who excels at this company? How does this company provide opportunities for growth?

People who thrive at CMG are driven, adaptable, collaborative, and solution-oriented. Whether you're a loan officer, processor, marketer, or leader, you'll do well here if you're proactive, open to feedback, and passionate about improving the borrower and partner experience. We support growth through robust training, mentoring, leadership development programs, and a willingness to promote from within. This includes ongoing training initiatives and learning opportunities, professional development and emPerform performance and goal management, and bi-annual check-ins with their supervisor or manager. Many of our top producers and executive leaders have advanced through the ranks over time. We also give our team the tools and autonomy to run their business in a way that works for them — without micromanagement.

What community/social contributions is this company making?

CMG Financial is committed to creating impact beyond the mortgage transaction. Through the CMG Foundation, we support charitable organizations focused on housing access, financial literacy, disaster relief, and local community needs. Most recently, we hosted our 10th Wine & Charity event, which helped raise $1,374,585 for our incredible beneficiaries: The Gary Sinise Foundation and the MBA Opens Doors Foundation. Many of our branches take this further by organizing first-time buyer workshops, sponsoring local events, and engaging directly with underserved populations. Giving back is part of our DNA, and we encourage every employee to find ways to contribute, both inside and outside the workplace.

What do employees love about CMG Financial?

(Real employee testimonials)

What I love about CMG Financial is the company’s strong commitment to innovation and client-focused solutions. CMG empowers its employees to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and make a real impact in helping borrowers achieve homeownership. The supportive culture, emphasis on professional growth, and dedication to integrity make it a place where I feel inspired to contribute and grow.
The culture from top to bottom is incredible — from the CEO all the way through all levels of management, operations, and sales. It's an incredible group of people all committed to supporting each other and striving to do the right and best thing for our customers, all the time and every time.
Growth-minded from the top down. This opens up the door to all who want to excel in their career. The growth proposition at CMG is the strongest in the industry. I joined CMG this year after spending nine years at my former employer, and in this industry for 22 years. CMG is designed for growth. If you want to grow your opportunities, CMG is designed to help you grow.
The mortgage process is fluid and allows for customers to have the best experience possible. Additionally, we have some proprietary loan options that are revolutionary. This company is sincerely the best mortgage company that I have worked for in my 20 years in the business.
I love the culture of integrity, innovation, and genuine care for both our clients and team members. Every day I get to be a part of a company that doesn't just help people buy homes — it helps them build their futures. It's rewarding to be surrounded by people who believe in excellence and lead with heart.

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

Madison, WI

Benefits Provided by Employer:

401k w/Company Match
Company Paid Life Insurance
Company Paid Health Insurance
Company Paid Disability Income Insurance
Paid Time Off
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Training
Remote Workplace
Profit Sharing
Paid Gym Membership
ESOP
Wellness Program
FSA
EAP

Tell us about this company's corporate culture. What values does your institution hold close? How does your Institution shape your employees through corporate culture?

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation emphasizes a corporate culture rooted in customer service, speed, and community engagement. The company prioritizes exceptional customer service, aiming to exceed expectations and earn trust. Speed is a key focus, with quick turn times and precision in all aspects of business. Employees are encouraged to volunteer and support their local communities, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. Fairway promotes inclusivity and free speech, allowing employees to express themselves and contribute ideas. Loyalty and humility are built through a supportive work environment, and professional growth is emphasized through discipline and a speed-first mindset. The company aims to make employees feel like part of the Fairway family, creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere that shapes its employees by instilling values of speed, service, and community.

How does this company give back to it's employees? How do you support healthy work/life balance?

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation gives back to its employees through a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment. The company offers traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as nontraditional perks like wellness programs and employee assistance programs. Fairway emphasizes the overall well-being of its employees, including mental, physical, and emotional health. To support a healthy work-life balance, Fairway provides flexible work arrangements, paid time off, and opportunities to work remotely. The company also encourages employees to take advantage of professional development programs and career advancement opportunities. By fostering a culture of care and support, Fairway ensures that its employees feel valued and empowered, contributing to their overall satisfaction and productivity.

What do employees love about Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation?

(Real employee testimonials)

There are way too many things to list, I just feel absolutely blessed to have been brought to Fairway. When other companies talk about culture, it's just that, talk ... but Fairway walks the walk in everything that it does, and as someone who has a ton of experience with multiple large companies, that is RARE.
Fairway feels like home. They truly care about their employees. They offer trainings, there are groups you can join for different interests, they have two charities that contribute to so many things. They always have an interest in how we can improve/update and become better.
I love the open atmosphere, the patience and understanding my coworkers have for me being a new hire who knew nothing about loans before this job. They are very helpful, teach me daily, want me to succeed, and make me feel appreciated. The company has offered incredible benefits, and I can receive help whenever I have questions from any department I need. This is such an honest, considerate, and meaningful place to work!
Fairway is a philanthropic company that is socially responsible that integrates charitable efforts into their business strategy. Now that is something I can get behind, and feel good about what I do here at Fairway.
I completely trust in our leadership to steer the boat where we need to be. Without the stress of trying to manage this myself, I can confidently focus on my business, knowing we are strong, growing, and in this for the long term.

USA Mortgage

St. Louis, MO

Benefits Provided by Employer:

401K
Paid Time Off
Training
Remote Workplace
Profit Sharing

What steps is this company taking to uphold diversity, equality, and inclusion?

At USA Mortgage, we are deeply committed to fostering a workplace where diversity, equality, and inclusion are not just values, but everyday practices. We believe that a diverse workforce drives innovation, strengthens our culture, and enhances the way we serve our communities.

To uphold this commitment, we’ve taken several intentional steps:

Inclusive Hiring Practices: We actively recruit from a broad range of backgrounds and communities.
Employee Education & Training: We offer ongoing DEI training to promote awareness, reduce bias, and create a culture of mutual respect.
Employee Resource Groups: We support employee-led groups that give voice to underrepresented communities and create safe, empowering spaces for connection.
Leadership Accountability: Our leadership team is held accountable for promoting inclusive policies, equitable opportunities, and a safe workplace.

We’re continuously learning and evolving, because creating an inclusive workplace isn’t a one-time initiative — it’s a lasting commitment.

Who excels at this company? How does this company provide opportunities for growth?

Individuals who thrive at USA Mortgage are proactive, collaborative, and purpose-driven. Because we're an employee-owned company, those who take initiative, share ideas, and invest in the success of their peers and the organization tend to excel. People who embrace our core values find opportunities to lead, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

We support growth at every stage of our employees’ journey. This includes a structured onboarding experience, continuous mentorship, and access to professional development programs, certifications, and leadership training. We also maintain open communication channels that encourage feedback and idea-sharing, ensuring every employee has a platform to contribute and evolve.

Combined with clear career paths and recognition programs, these efforts foster both personal and professional development in a supportive, empowering environment.

What do employees love about USA Mortgage?

(Real employee testimonials)

They work so hard to help us succeed (coaching, marketing, etc.). They really listen and I'm comfortable talking to anyone from the Owner to top producer about anything that I need or think would help our company. I love it.
There is a culture of all hands on deck. Everyone top to bottom jumps in to make things happen and to help us all win.
PROGRESSIVE REMOTE WORKPLACE! Encouraging work from home has allowed us to work through a very tough economy.
I truly appreciate the support from management — it creates an environment where I feel empowered to succeed. I also value how the company makes me feel heard and respected, which fosters a sense of belonging and trust. The openness and transparency within the organization encourages collaboration and makes it easy to share ideas, knowing they will be considered.
They see you as a respected resource, not just a cog in the machine.