Brokers First Funding Taps Industry Vets To Drive Non-QM Growth

Brokers First Funding (BFF), a wholesale lender focused on non-agency and Non-QM products, has appointed industry veterans Frank Nese and Lito Gonzales to senior sales leadership roles as part of a broader growth strategy.

Nese joins BFF as managing director and head of western sales, a newly created role aimed at expanding the company’s footprint across the region. An Army veteran with more than 30 years of mortgage industry experience, Nese has held senior sales and marketing leadership positions across multiple lending cycles. His background includes executive roles at firms such as New Century, Fremont Investment & Loan, Carrington Mortgage Services, and EPM, where he developed and led national sales teams.

“Joining Brokers First Funding was an easy decision for me,” said Nese. “The company combines a forward-thinking vision with a deep commitment to providing world-class service to our broker partners. I’m excited to help scale a platform that empowers partners, accelerates growth, and truly puts relationships first.”

Gonzales, appointed regional vice president of west coast sales, brings nearly three decades of wholesale lending experience to BFF.

After beginning his professional career as a sous chef and ice sculptor, Gonzales transitioned into mortgage banking as a wholesale account executive. He later became a top-producing AE and advanced into management, where he launched a junior AE development program while continuing to produce and mentor sales staff.

"Frank and Lito’s expertise and vision for sales and marketing innovation make them the perfect fit for BFF as we continue our growth trajectory," said Shabi Asghar, president of BFF. "They’re passion for sales excellence will help us scale and deliver on our promise of an exceptional experience for our customers.”