Brokers First Funding Taps Industry Vets To Drive Non-QM Growth – NMP Skip to main content

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

Feb 17, 2026
Frank Nese and Lito Gonzales
Managing Editor

BFF adds Frank Nese and Lito Gonzales in senior sales leadership roles to drive growth and expand its Western sales footprint

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.”

About the author
Managing Editor
NMP Managing Editor Eric C. Peck has 25-plus years’ experience covering the mortgage industry. He graduated from the New York Institute of Technology, where he received his B.A. in Communication Arts/Media. After graduating, he…
Published
Feb 17, 2026
Better.com Tech Leader Keith Soura Named CTO At AI Firm Arch

Former mortgage fintech engineering leader will lead AI platform development for private markets

Jul 01, 2026
Click n' Close Appoints Merv Govender As Chief Information Officer

Veteran technology executive brings nearly three decades of leadership in banking, gaming, and healthcare to oversee AI, cybersecurity, and technology strategy

Jun 25, 2026
Finance Of America Names New Brand, Communications, And Product Chiefs

Murphy, Baucum, and Urban join the company in key leadership roles focused on growth, innovation, and consumer education

Jun 24, 2026
MountainOne Financial Names Edward Alfieri SVP of Operations

Former HarborOne Bank executive brings nearly 30 years of banking and operations leadership experience

Jun 23, 2026
CrossCountry Adds Rate Veterans In Chicago

Dan Gjeldum and John Noldan join CCM's retail lending platform as executive vice presidents

Jun 22, 2026
Arch Promotes Michael Schmeiser To CEO Of Global Mortgage Group

Arch elevates longtime executive as part of broader leadership changes announced by the mortgage insurance provider

Jun 19, 2026