Glenn Stearns Launches Mortgage Banking Firm Kind Lending – NMP Skip to main content

Glenn Stearns Launches Mortgage Banking Firm Kind Lending

Mar 04, 2020
Glenn Stearns, star of Discovery Channel’s Undercover Billionaire, has announced the launch of his next venture, Santa Ana, Calif.-based Kind Lending LLC

Glenn Stearns, star of Discovery Channel’s Undercover Billionaire, has announced the launch of his next venture, Santa Ana, Calif.-based Kind Lending LLC. Stearns will serve as founder and chief executive officer of Kind Lending, as the firm will be dedicated to putting people before profit, while maintaining transparency and integrity in lending standards, looking to introduce a contemporary approach to mortgage banking.
 
Yvonne Ketchum will serve as president of Kind Lending, who will be joined by Chief Technology Officer Mark Russell, Senior Vice President of Business Initiatives Mellissa Rugh; and Senior Vice President of Marketing Christy Mindell.
 
"Glenn is the type of person I would’ve worked for again in a heartbeat. He is truly kind, inspirational, gutsy and driven,” said Ketchum. "When he called, I jumped at the chance to launch this new venture with him. We are thrilled to introduce Kind Lending to the world. That's Kind as in nice, caring and helpful. It will be a game-changer, and we can’t wait to show everyone how different, fresh and real mortgage lending can be.”
 
After 10 months of working as a mortgage loan originator, Stearns emerged in 1989 at the age of 25 as the founder and CEO of Stearns Lending LLC, becoming one of the largest lenders in the country before it was sold to private equity firm Blackstone. In 2002, Stearns was honored by Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and in 2011, he was awarded with the Horatio Alger of Distinguished Americans Award and was elected as its youngest serving board member.

 
About the author
Published
Mar 04, 2020
CHLA: More Freddie Mac MBS Buying Could Narrow Mortgage Spreads

Trade group estimates greater Freddie participation could compress spreads another 10 to 12 basis points as Fannie has taken the lead in GSE mortgage-bond buying

Sep 23, 2026
Early Loan-Limit Race Splits Into Three Tiers

Lenders are now offering $845,000, $847,440, or $850,000 before FHFA sets the official 2027 limits

Sep 23, 2026
Better, Garg Clash Over Claimed 46% Shareholder Support

Better disputes its former CEO’s preliminary consent count as the two sides trade accusations and an Oct. 2 target date approaches

Sep 23, 2026
Fannie Changes How Rent From A Former Home Counts

Fannie now prohibits leases for departing residences and permits market-analysis tools instead of Form 1007, creating a key documentation difference from Freddie Mac

MPF Expands Eligibility For Manufactured And Renovation Loans

The Mortgage Partnership Finance Program has expanded MPF Traditional eligibility for affordable loans, manufactured homes, renovations, and lender-funded assistance

Sep 22, 2026