LeaderOne Financial Corporation has hired seasoned mortgage industry executive Randell Gillespie as its new president. With more than three decades of leadership experience in mortgage banking, Gillespie brings a record of growth, innovation, and strategic leadership to the independently owned mortgage company.
A prior-duty U.S. Marine, Gillespie began his career in mortgage as a loan officer in Ohio and quickly became a top producer and leader. He and his wife of 37 years, Shelley, reside near Chicago, Illinois and have nine children.
Gillespie cites LeaderOne’s foundational pillars — Capital, Care, Creativity, and Control — as key reasons for joining the company. “LeaderOne stands out in all four categories like no other,” Gillespie stated in a release. “This company was built for these times — with an incredibly strong capital base, a genuine care culture, and forward-thinking creativity supported by proprietary innovations.”
“But most importantly,” he added, “the company empowers local leadership through a unique collaborative-ownership model that delivers real authority to those closest to the customer.”
In his new role, Gillespie will work closely with the company’s leadership and market teams to build on the company’s legacy while identifying new opportunities for expansion and success.
Founded in 1992, LeaderOne operates in 48 states. The company recently formed a group of “leadership voices” from around the company to enhance its model, structure and innovations, and LeaderOne said it’s now targeting growth under its retail model.
“It would be an opportunity of a lifetime for anyone to join a company like this,” added Gillespie. “I’m honored to serve alongside such earnest and driven professionals here, and I’m committed to helping every individual manager and team member succeed based on their local needs and goals.”
Prior to joining LeaderOne, Gillespie most recently served as chief production officer for the newly merged Thrive Mortgage and Lower, a top-30 lender. He has also held executive leadership roles at Countrywide, Bank of America, and Thrive Mortgage and helped lead strategy, national sales, marketing, and recruiting initiatives.
Gillespie “combines passion with an impressive depth of experience, and we are thrilled to have him leading and supporting our team while helping drive our vision and long-term strategy,” stated David Hopper, chairman of LeaderOne.
