Meet The NMP 2024 Industry Titans

Laura Brandao

CEO/Partner
Lighthouse Advisors

Industry Titan Laura Brandao has upbeat, practical advice for mortgage loan originators feeling stressed by current market conditions. “Adaptability is your armor,” she says.

Laura adds, “In our industry, we weather different seasons, from the icy winters to the flourishing springs. Prepare for the winter by saving your ‘acorns’ to sustain your business. Use this dormant season for personal growth — master social media, embrace new sales techniques, and build your brand. Recognize that growth is constant. Spring brings new opportunities, and in summer, evaluate your progress and adapt for the next season.”

Speaking of armor, Laura says, “Collaboration, to me, is like Sir Thomas Malory’s, ‘The Round Table,’ where King Arthur and his knights met as equals and trusted companions. It’s the notion of equality and trust that resonates deeply with me. No one person possesses all knowledge, and our diversity — in age, culture, and experience — enriches the collaborative process. The exhilaration of sharing ideas, experiences, and perspectives fuels my passion.”

Also, Laura says, “The supervillain of the mortgage industry is affordability, and its weakness lies in our collective actions. We must delve into down payment assistance programs, support federally subsidized building projects, promote renovation initiatives, expand chattel lending for manufactured housing, and provide educational programs for low to moderate-income families.”

William Dawes

Producing Branch Manager
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

Reaching peaks takes teamwork. That is what William Dawes believes when it comes to collaboration. This Industry Titan says, “A great thought doesn’t come out of a vacuum. If I show up with a thought and you show up with a thought, then we both leave with more. Through open communication with an abundance mindset and active listening without judgment, we can reach peaks we couldn’t reach alone. By understanding another person’s perspective, we open our mind to solutions and opportunities that we would otherwise not be aware of.”

“A major benefit of this collaboration is just knowing that I’m not alone in the struggles I’m facing. I am energized … because we are leveraging our collective expertise for the benefit of everyone,” he adds.

William offers advice with a sporting touch on getting through challenging times. He says if a professional basketball player is on a losing streak before every game, they practice the fundamentals. “Every game is different, every player is different, but the fundamentals remain the same. We have been in a never-ending 3-point competition for the past few years with a never-ending supply of basketballs. If we miss a shot, no big deal; there’s another ball right behind it.

“Now, we have the last ball in our hand, and … there’s someone in front of us trying to take it from us. We are forced to remember footwork, dribbling, positioning, jump shots, etc. Let’s go! This is the drama of life, opportunity side by side with danger.”

Michael Dresden

President
Dart Appraisal

For Industry Titan Michael Dresden, the biggest influencers in his life have been his parents, especially because he lacked a professional mentor as he achieved success.

Michael said his parents taught him the ways of being a good Christian, the importance of hard work, integrity, love for others, gratitude, and kindness … mixed with a healthy dose of competitive spirit and drive. “They taught me to care and that the little things matter. I owe any successes that I’ve achieved to them and the love they provided me at an early age, “ he says, adding, “I’ve never had the benefit of having a work mentor … a single person guiding, coaching, course-correcting, reassuring, listening and at this stage in my career, that seems unlikely that I ever will. I need to make sure I break that cycle and give back as much as I can to tomorrow’s leaders.”

Michael was asked whom or what he considers to be the industry’s supervillains. He says, “Like any industry, we have many villains. Currently, we are focused on the villain known as high interest rates but there are others like affordability, inventory shortages, and regulatory constraints that quietly create as many challenges as do rising interest rates.

“The way to combat this collection of villains is through industry leaders coming together to work for the reform of regulatory and zoning constraints and the creation of incentives to increase overall housing stock, including affordable housing. Fighting supervillains is a team sport.”

Mike Fawaz

EVP of Rocket Pro TPO
Rocket Mortgage

A personal approach and listening are two key elements for getting through difficult times, says Mike Fawaz.

“Building community and trust, particularly with brokers, goes a long way in this unpredictable market,” this Industry Titan says. “Through meeting with our partners in person, I’ve built positive relationships where brokers will share their unique needs. This hands-on approach has helped us develop programs that brokers actually need in order to be successful in this market.

Mike says, “In July 2023, we put broker feedback into action by introducing ‘Target Profit Control,’ a product aimed at giving our correspondent partners added confidence in reaching profitability goals. My main goal is to continue innovating regardless of the current market.”

The supervillain in the mortgage industry is those who take away choice, Mike says, explaining, “Anyone trying to take the broker community’s freedom is a supervillain in my book. Rocket Pro TPO has already started combatting this villain, and I am continuing my mission to spread the message that brokers need choice – assuring brokers that Rocket is in their corner to support their business, no matter the market.

“Before I started my current position, I served as an ambassador to brokers and traveled around the country … to stay in touch with the community. I got to know brokers on a personal level and built strong relationships. I saw firsthand the challenges brokers go through and vowed to dedicate my time as EVP to helping our broker partners grow.”

Tiffany Fisher

Regional Manager
Supreme Lending

When it comes to mentoring and helping others, Tiffany Fisher has an advantage. This Industry Titan is a certified life coach.

Tiffany says, “I love coaching others to become a better version of themselves and help them achieve personal and professional goals. I believe in people; I see the good and positive abilities and help them develop to believe in themselves. It has been an absolute honor to educate people whether it’s specific loan products, sales, operations, marketing, out of the box thinking, time blocking and scheduling, organization or just being someone a person can trust during a time they need it the most in life.

She adds, “I love to fix things, build people up, encourage them and really just show people love and respect they deserve. In return, it blesses me in abundance to see others succeed and reach their goals. Every year, my team picks One word to guide them for the year and many people complete vision boards every year to focus on the things they want to accomplish, not the things I want them to accomplish. Coaching my team takes a lot of time, but it’s the greatest blessing.”

She offers upbeat advice for those struggling with the current market. “Don’t give up! Prioritize your day and focus on sales activities every day! There are numerous opportunities. You have to recognize and seize them. In our business, mortgage professionals typically are not limited to one demographic. Expand your demographics and extend your networking groups,” Tiffany says.

Retta Gardner

EVP of Wholesale
A Mortgage Boutique, a division of First Community Mortgage

Your network is a powerful collaborative tool, says Industry Titain Retta Gardner. “I am a big believer in the power of your network,” she says. “In fact, building my network was one of the reasons that I sought out my CMB. I wanted a network of professionals throughout the industry that I could reach out to and discuss the everyday challenges.

“My only regret is that I didn’t start building that network earlier in my career. This industry has some amazing people in it who want to help; this includes me … I’m always happy to assist fellow mortgage professionals.”

With over 27 years of experience, Retta knows how to deal with hard times. “My advice would be to stay positive, stay consistent, and keep doing what has made you successful so far. This, too, shall change. It always does in the mortgage industry. We just don’t know when it will change.”

Retta has actively steered others in their professional development. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have the ability to hire many people into the industry from other professions and straight out of college. Many of those individuals have thriving careers now, so I hope that, in some small way, I have helped them find careers that challenge them. As a CMB, I have also sponsored several CMB students and helped them to complete the courses and tests required. Also, the MBA allows me to teach in their School of Mortgage Banking, which is a fun way to give back.”

Brian Hale

CEO / Founder
Mortgage Advisory Partners LLC

Want to know who the “supervillains” are in the mortgage industry? Brian Hale has a succinct answer. “The supervillains are the things you cannot control. Interest rates and regulatory compliance environment come to mind,” he says.

This Industry Titan has an active stance when it comes to things he can control to battle issues affecting the mortgage industry. He cites the glass ceiling for women, for one. “I have always promoted and placed exceptionally competent women in very senior roles on my team and many have moved to CEO, COO, CLO roles in other companies. Foolish prejudice regarding minorities, women, etc., is a waste of time. You fight that by showing how and proving that your company is better for it,” Brian says.

There’s another supervillain that needs to be fought: mediocrity. “The other great threat in our business is finding excuses to accept mediocrity. It kills more cultures than anything I can think of,” he says.

Brian has three key pieces of advice for those who may be struggling in the current environment. “First, go back to what made you successful in the first place and redouble your efforts. Secondly, data, data, data. It is true that if you do not know the math of your business at an exceptionally granular basis, then you do not really know your business. Third, how you format the data is critical to decision-making; get it right.”

Justin Harris

EVP, Production
Academy Mortgage

Like other Titans of the industry, Justin Harris knows the best advice people can have in difficult times is this: focus on the things you can control rather than the things that you can’t.

Justin says, “We can’t control the rates or where they are going, but we can focus on our own processes and activities. Be consistent and stay positive.”

One of Justin’s strongest influences on his way to becoming an Industry Titan is former boss and eventual business partner Buzz Moore.

As Justin explains, “He is a pillar in the community who taught me so much about business and the importance of ethics. His leadership and values instilled in me the importance of always doing the right thing, no matter how challenging it might be.”

Values are important to Justin. “In our industry, our values are constantly being put to the test. For me, in those moments, it’s imperative to do the right thing, even when it may be difficult,” he says.

Optimism is important in difficult times like these. Justin says, “I think in today’s industry, we can become our own villains. When faced with a challenging market, many of us tell ourselves that things are too hard and get in the way of our own success. When we become paralyzed by challenges, we make it far more difficult for ourselves to overcome the obstacles or hurdles we face. To combat this, it’s important to remember to focus on what you can control and tune out the noise.”

Karthik Kumar

EVP and Chief Operating Officer
LendArch LLC

For Karthik Kumar, there is one constant to corporate life: challenges. Leaders face these challenges every day and in every way.

This Industry Titan says, “throughout the various phases of transitioning between roles in corporate life as I moved from ERP to banking, then to BPO, technology, and fintech, I faced some specific challenges that have helped me develop into the leader I am today, including the following:

• Figuring out how to build relationships while navigating an ever-changing economic landscape.
• Appreciating the significance of taking an audience-centered approach to presentations.
• Gaining domain knowledge so I could lead by example.
• Embracing continually evolving technologies and continuous learning to understand the best ways to leverage those technologies in my industry.

Fortunately, I did not face any of these challenges alone. I was lucky to have amazing mentors throughout my career who gave me advice when I encountered a challenge and helped me figure out the best way to lead through each one. I would like to credit my mentors for their instrumental roles in helping me get to where I am today.”

Like other Titans, he knows change is a constant. “It is imperative to keep abreast of the changes and trends that the mortgage industry is subject to. I have encouraged my team to seek knowledge-based and news updates on a regular basis and share with others any change that could be an interesting impact for us,” Karthik says.

Jocelyn Martin-Leano

CEO and Founder
Enizio Strategies LLC

Sometimes your best mentors are those who do not know they are mentoring you. Such was the case with Industry Titan Jocelyn Martin-Leano who learned from her mom.

Jocelyn recalls, “My summers were spent hanging out at my mother’s office. She was the regional head of a large drugstore chain. She had four small kids, ran a household and excelled in her profession. I would hide under her desk and listen as she gave feedback to her people. I learned courage, resiliency, and empathy from her.

“Most of all, my mom mentored employees outside of work. Our house had frequent visitors in the evenings of people seeking her professional and personal advice. From my mom, I learned the mantle of leadership is worn not for personal gain but as a sacred mandate to invest in and lead people that come under your care.”

She pays those lessons forward. “Mentoring and leaving a legacy are important to me. The currency of my success is measured in terms of leaders whom I have mentored, many of whom have surpassed my accomplishments. One is now the CEO of a global tech company, another a director at a GSE, and another became president at a correspondent lender. Most recently, a person I groomed succeeded me. The biggest part of mentoring is by example daily. The mentees learn from me, but equally important, I learn from them.”

Sean Moss

EVP, Product & Operations
Down Payment Resource

Tough times require touch by practical actions. That philosophy makes Sean Moss an Industry Titan.

“Tough times require creativity, diligence, persistence, and a willingness to think outside the box and operate outside your comfort zone. Get outside your lane. Try something new. And most of all, don’t get complacent,” he says.

For Sean, his approach to collaborating with others can be surmised as adopting a culture of service. He says by listening to the incredibly thoughtful feedback of customers and partners, the Down Payment Resource team has been able to solve some very complex challenges and build better solutions for affordability challenges.

How Sean responds to challenges says a lot about him. “After the market crash of 2008, I was at a crossroads in my career. My employer, who had been paying for me to get my MBA, went out of business, and my wife and I had a baby on the way. After finishing my degree while working multiple unglamorous jobs, I was offered an opportunity to join Down Payment Resource. Back then, the company was in its infancy. Even though the prospect of building out a startup was truly daunting, I believed in the mission, put faith in the knowledge I had acquired in my MBA program, and went all in to be a part of something that makes a difference in people’s lives. It’s been an exhilarating and rewarding experience.”

Kevin Parra

Co-Founder, Chairman, CEO
Plaza Home Mortgage

This, too, shall pass is the phrase Industry Titan Kevin Parra uses for people concerned about current conditions. “It will take time, and it won’t be pleasant. But the market will stabilize and gradually return to more normal levels. The companies and the mortgage professionals that are able to ride it out will be in a good position to capitalize on the next cycle.

“Use this time to determine your goals and figure out strategies and tactics to grow your business in this changing market landscape. The broker channel, specifically, is in a strong position to grow market share due to the relationship-based nature of their business,” says Kevin.

“These past six to nine months certainly have tested our company and our industry,” Kevin admits. “But I’d say the mortgage crisis of 2008-10 … was probably the most challenging time that I have faced. Plaza Home Mortgage was able to weather that storm because we had capital, strong relationships with our clients and counterparties and … managed our business conservatively. This is the same approach that we are taking today.”

His career benefitted from his association with Brenda Lynn, who ran wholesale production at a previous company with the same name and taught him how to identify a strong team. “She was really good at picking the right skill sets in individuals to be successful in the organization, which in turn made the organization successful. Her leadership skills were excellent and were something I worked hard to emulate,” he says.

Max Slyusarchuk

CEO
A&D Mortgage

Collaboration in the mortgage industry is not just beneficial; it’s essential, says Industry Titan Max Slyusarchuk. “I have always believed that the complex challenges we face, such as navigating economic fluctuations or evolving regulatory landscapes, are best tackled through collective effort. To facilitate this, I actively participate in industry roundtables and serve on advisory boards where open dialogue is encouraged.

“These platforms allow us to pool our diverse experiences and expertise, fostering a culture of shared success. This approach has led to the development of innovative solutions, such as standardized response strategies to regulatory changes and collaborative educational initiatives to better prepare for market shifts,” says Max.

Collaboration also helps combat difficult markets like those currently being experienced. “My expanded advice would include a strategic focus on partnership and leveraging technology. A concentrated strategy of working exclusively with one lender can be beneficial, particularly in a fluctuating market. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the lender’s products, underwriting criteria, and processes, which can lead to more efficient transactions and better client service. It fosters a strong relationship, often leading to better support from the lender and potentially more favorable terms for clients due to the volume of business.

Max says by combining a strategic partnership with a single lender and the use of a CRM, professionals can streamline their workflow, improve client satisfaction, and make informed decisions.

Dan Sogorka

CEO and President
Sagent

Dan Sogorka has spent two decades helping financial institutions modernize the homeownership experience: first as division president at Black Knight, then as EVP at ServiceLink, and as CEO of digital origination software pioneer Cloudvirga. Now, he leads the charge as Sagent conquers mortgage and fintech’s final frontier: the $14 trillion mortgage servicing market.

Dan took over Sagent in March 2020 as COVID lockdowns forced emergency relief policy from FHFA, requiring software development to power America’s servicers to be operational on real-time forbearance and deferral programs for millions. Sagent-powered servicers were ready on day one of every major CARES homeowner relief policy effective date. Sagent’s the only fintech that enabled day-one compliance for real-time policy change of this magnitude.

Sagent-powered servicers operationalized self-serve forbearances for consumers, facilitating homeownership stability and flawless accounting for servicers — plus loan lifecycle clarity, a compliant process, and real-time visibility for servicers, investors, and regulators.

Dan’s primary superpower is a singular ability to see how all of Main Street, Wall Street, Washington, and Silicon Valley must fit together to deliver on the American Dream of homeownership while keeping the system and consumers safe and also rewarding responsible banks and lenders. 

Jeff Tennyson

CEO
Lima One Capital

College had a strong impact in shaping Industry Titan Jeff Tennyson. He says, “I lived with five men [at Harding University] who have meaningfully influenced my personal and professional career. All are now senior executives within their industry, and we just celebrated our 38th annual reunion trip together.

“These friends have been by my side through the highs and lows of the mortgage industry and my personal confidants who have always been merely a visit or phone call away. I’m blessed to have the mentorship and friendship of these men over the past 40 years.”

Ask him what the mortgage industry’s supervillain is, and Jeff says, “the industry’s reliance on the interest rate environment and the associate business practices it creates.” He explains, “The industry continues the unhealthy practices of massive overhiring in the good times that create massive layoffs as rates rise.

“This only supports the financial interests of company owners within our industry and is horribly disruptive to the lives of employees trying to build a career. I would encourage leaders to be more disciplined in their growth to provide more reliable and permanent career options.”

For those struggling with their careers in these tough times, Jeff says, “Work hard and be patient. The mortgage industry is a terrific career, but it will always be cyclical. When times are good, work hard and save some money. When times are challenging, as they are today, work harder and be patient. Good times will return!”

Lee Trice

Managing Director
Opteon

It is easy for Lee Trice to identify the supervillain in the mortgage industry. This Industry Titan says, “The Federal Reserve has long been my supervillain. Yes, we have been on the ‘winning’ side of an interest rate boom, but that eventually leads to a severe hangover. In my humble opinion, the Fed over-amplifies the normal business cycles. Easing creates overstimulation, which then leads to over-tightening to attempt to ‘fix’ what was intentionally caused. The economy is simply too complex to maneuver with a crude and heavy hand on the interest rate lever.”

Lee says his strongest influence was his family. “Being the youngest of six children and of older parents, I was very independent from an early age. I had my first job by 14 (actually a bit younger, as I lied about my age!), and that was a strong influence in my life. I learned responsibility and accountability.

“And starting to get paychecks at an early age reinforced the simple lesson of how to work harder or smarter to be rewarded. Consequently, I later had my own two children work in ‘real jobs’ at the earliest opportunity. Even now, they thank me for that same life lesson and note how well it served them becoming adults.”

Lee has an intriguing favorite historical figure. “Winston Churchill had many failures in his career leading up to his defining moment as the prime minister during WW2. His tenacity and resilience during the extremely daunting periods are a lesson to us all.”

Greg Vacura

President
Agile Trading Technologies

Values are important to Industry Titan Greg Vacura. He recalls, “My values were put to the test constantly over the last decade. My previous organization had its share of self-inflicted incidents. Always do what you can within your position to try and influence and change the situation to match your values, but also be aware of the implications.

“Certainly, a strong stance needs to be taken in the face of legal and ethical issues, but aside from that, reacting appropriately to the situation is warranted. I have found that trying to push values onto another is largely ineffective, but having a discussion to reach common ground can be beneficial. That said, I am more likely to move on and disengage versus fight for the sake of fighting.”

Greg says the supervillains in the mortgage industry are unethical people. “I believe the number one villain is anyone or any organization perpetuating fraud. Being vigilant to detect individual consumers is one thing, but systemic organizational fraud is much worse. Fraud affects more than just the individual involved but also the shareholders and the entire perception of the industry.”

Ask his advice for those struggling in this market, and Greg says, “The great times don’t last forever (even though we did have a very long run of low rates), and the tough times will ease. In the middle of all of that, continue to innovate, serve your internal and external customers well, and invest in growth for yourself and, if applicable, growth for your organization.”