Amir Nurani entered the home loans business in 2004 on the broker side, gaining extensive experience and insight into the industry. After spending 10 years in the private lending and banking space, he transitioned back to the broker side in 2020 and launched his company, Left Coast Leaders, Inc., in 2022. Built on a strong foundation of integrating a consumer direct model, Left Coast Leaders, Inc. places a heavy emphasis on this approach. As the head of Left Coast Leaders, Inc., Amir integrates cutting-edge technology into the customer experience, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for his clients. His deep industry knowledge, combined with his innovative approach, makes him a trusted and reliable partner in the home loans market.

Over 25 years of lending experience from loan services, compliance writer for lending units at a community bank, loan origination, foreclosure trustee, and hard money lender. There isn’t much in the world of lending that I haven’t seen and done. My goal has always remained the same, help people succeed in their goals. The greatest joy and satisfaction I get professionally, is seeing an individual or family start building or expanding their knowledge and portfolio of real estate. Being a part of the AIME community has allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t think were possible for me. I’ve learned best practices from so many, and have established lifelong friendships that go far beyond work. I’m always shocked and humbled when I come to events and have people that I haven’t met in person or talked with, that want to say hello and talk about something that I had talked about that they read in one or our broker groups. I love hearing “Hey Kuni” from across the room! If there is ever something I can do or say that can be of assistance, or brings some value to you, that is what makes every day worthwhile to me!

Ashley is an accomplished mortgage broker with nine years of industry expertise, passionately dedicated to helping buyers build generational wealth through home ownership. A proud University of Florida graduate (Go Gators!), she strives to make the home buying process as seamless as possible for her clients. Ashley’s professional achievements are numerous: she has been recognized as a Five Star Professional for five consecutive years, a WalletHub Best of Orlando honoree, and is ranked number 41 in the Scotsman Guide. Additionally, she is among the top 1% of mortgage brokers in the U.S. Ashley’s commitment to her profession extends beyond her daily work; she has also had the honor of ringing the New York Stock Exchange bell and advocating in Washington, D.C. with B.A.C. Beyond her career, Ashley is deeply committed to her community. She serves as a board member for two local charities that support women and aged-out foster kids, reflecting her dedication to service. Ashley’s strong faith grounds her, providing strength and inspiration in all aspects of her life. In her personal life, Ashley is a devoted wife and mother, cherishing time with her husband, two daughters, and beloved dogs. Her passion, dedication, and drive are evident in every endeavor, whether in her professional achievements or her personal commitments.

Ashley’s career in the mortgage industry spans over 15 years, marked by a dedicated journey through various sectors of the lending space, that ultimately brought her back to her roots in the broker channel. 

Beginning as a broker/correspondent, she ventured into retail then most recently wholesale, before returning to the dynamic world of brokering.

Prior to joining Empire Home Loans, Ashley made significant strides in her career as the Business Development Manager at GTG Financial. Over her five-year tenure, she played a pivotal role in transforming the company. Under her leadership, GTG Financial expanded its presence across six states and grew a modest team of four into a powerhouse of 30 sales professionals supported by a robust in-house processing center. Ashley’s ability to hire, lead, and coach loan officers and staff was instrumental in driving GTG Financial’s growth and solidifying its position in the competitive mortgage space.

Throughout her career, Ashley has been a relentless advocate for broker success, leveraging her deep industry knowledge and leadership skills to foster growth and excellence in every role she undertakes. Her journey stands as a testament to her commitment to the mortgage industry and her unwavering dedication to empowering brokers and teams to achieve their highest potential.

Ashley’s professional journey in the mortgage industry is complemented by a rich personal life that revolves around her family and diverse interests. Outside of the mortgage space, she finds fulfillment in raising her beautiful daughters, spending time with her husband traveling to new cities, attending concerts and music festivals, cooking, spending time outdoors, and keeping up with her energetic rescue pup, Ranger.

Balancing her professional success with personal fulfillment, Ashley can be summed up as a mix of hustle and heart. 

Barry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, is an American entrepreneur and frequent media resource for his mortgage and housing expertise.  

• Amazon #1 bestselling author for his book “Money in the Streets”

• Widely credited with saving the Mortgage Industry in 2020 from Margin Calls due to Fed Actions.  His presentation to the Fed created stability at a critical time.

Notable Awards

• Three-time Crystal Ball Award Winner by Fannie Mae, Pulsenomics, and Zillow for the most accurate Real Estate forecasts out of 150 of the top economists in the US  

• 2019 Mortgage Professional of the Year

• Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year

• Named to Mortgage Global 100 List 

• The St. Armand Ventures Businessman of the Year 2021

• Named to the list of 100 People to Watch in 2023 

During his mortgage sales career, Barry personally originated over $2 Billion.

He is the Lead Producer and Managing Partner for “Rock of Ages,” the 27^th longest running show in Broadway history, which he also took around the world and turned into a major movie starring Tom Cruise.

He produced Criss Angel’s “Mindfreak” at Planet Hollywood in Vegas.

He is the highest rated speaker and trainer for over 25 years in mortgage and real estate.

Brad is the Founder and CEO of Amerifund Home Loans, a nationally recognized mortgage company, and Homepie, a groundbreaking and disruptive online marketplace that enables anyone to sell their own home without paying excessive Real Estate Commissions! During his 30-year career, Brad has scaled, owned, and operated several successful mortgage companies, an escrow company, a real estate brokerage, and real estate investment groups. In 2022 he and his partner launched their podcast “Get Real 411”, which educates industry professionals and consumers on all things real estate. Brad’s true happiness is with his wife of over 30 years and the achievements of their independent and successful adult children. Together they love spending time with the entire family working out, traveling, wake surfing, and many other watersports.

On January 16th, 2024, Brendan brought broker advocacy levels to new heights when he became the Chief Advocacy Officer for the Broker Action Coalition. Since 2021, Brendan has been the President of Advocacy for the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME), meeting regularly with members of Congress to advocate for mortgage brokers and homebuyers across the country. 

He has spearheaded a number of advocacy successes through this career, including the largest PAC that has ever existed for mortgage brokers, the BACPAC, passing of the Disabled Veterans Tax Exemption in multiple states, granting Brokers access to the Hometown Heroes program in Florida, and much more. Brendan’s role with the BAC is pivotal to the future of the community’s growth and amplifies the needs of wholesale mortgage professionals and their homebuyers to policymakers on Capitol Hill.

I am thrilled to have found my passion as a Mortgage Loan Officer! As a military wife, dog mom, and mindset enthusiast, I’m lucky to call Virginia Beach home. I hold a Bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of the Balearic Islands in Mallorca, Spain in Hospitality Business Management, focused on Customer Service.

Growing up in a small Midwest town as the second oldest of five, I learned the value of hard work early. I started working on a farm at age 9, then continued through high school in the restaurant industry while paying my way through college. This work ethic has been essential in navigating the challenging mortgage market over the past year and a half.

Before entering the mortgage industry, I had a rewarding career as a private luxury event planner, working with high-profile clients worldwide. With my husband’s military career requiring constant travel, we eventually sought stability. Coming from a large military family deeply involved in real estate investing, becoming a mortgage broker felt like a natural evolution. This career allows me to combine my passions—people, hospitality, service, making dreams a reality, and financial literacy—into a fulfilling career. I believe in the power of pursuing your true calling and enjoying every moment of it. That is what makes me incredibly grateful for my team at CMS Mortgage Solutions Inc. for their support along the way and their ethics of striving for the best.

I love helping people solve problems and reach their goals, whether real estate-related or not. It’s an honor to be trusted with such important decisions, and I’m proud to guide my clients through the process of building a life they’re excited about. Thank you for letting me be a part of this journey!

Above all titles, Chris Vinson holds his role as a husband and father of two as the most important. It’s this deep commitment to family that shapes how he leads and inspires others every day. As the mastermind behind the Mortgage Division at Plains Commerce Bank, Chris brings the same dedication he shows at home to his work, guiding mortgage professionals across the nation with genuine care and passion.

Starting from humble beginnings in 2001, Chris has built an impressive career by focusing on what truly matters—helping others be the best they can be. His approach centers on the concept of becoming a “Mortgage Designer,” where professionals take control of their careers, shaping not just their work, but their entire lives.

With over two decades of experience, Chris leads a team that produces thousands of originations each month, cultivating an environment where growth, innovation, and customer experience are key. Under his leadership, the team has captured over 25% of the regional market share and has been named Sioux Falls Local Best Mortgage Company every year since 2013.

But what truly sets Chris apart is his dedication to empowering others. He’s not just leading Mortgage Bankers; he’s coaching CEOs and Loan Originators nationwide to adopt the mindset and skills of a Mortgage Designer, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed in both life and work.

For Chris, success isn’t just about personal accomplishments—it’s about inspiring others to design their own paths to success.

Christine Beckwith is a 35 plus year Veteran of the mortgage industry. She has held positions ranking from originations all the way to senior vice president of sales. 

In her 36 years she was corporate oversight for two national firms in originations and business development spanning marketing, financial forensics, and all areas of sales leadership including training and curriculum. 

Christine has won numerous industry awards, appeared on the many finance industry magazines and today is a multi-published award winning five-time bestselling author.  

She has appeared on huge stages and shared billing with famous speakers like Gary Vaynerchuk – Agent2021 at the Miami Garden Stadium and Ryan Serhant of Millionaire Listing at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, to name a couple. 

In 2018, she made the move from direct work in the industry to dedicate her life to serving the other professionals in what she calls her legacy years by founding 20/20 Vision for Success Coaching, now the largest consulting firm in the American banking and brokering industry.  

Christine focus on journalism had her anchoring many news programs in her career, writing as a journalist for dozens of magazines and today is an accomplished five time best-selling and award winning author. 

Her vision has impacted the lives of thousands of people and her quest to help evolve the industry and bring professionals to the cutting edge of modern-day marketing with incredible business success is in full motion today. A mother, daughter, sister, and partner to a loving family she considers herself a happy and ever-evolving human.

He is a Marine Veteran, entrepreneur, educator, motivator, and a “nobody from nowheresville.” Christopher understands personally what the VA Home Loan Guarantee can do to change lives for the better; that’s why he is dedicating his time to creating a better solution that will make it easier for Veterans to get the mortgage they want with all of the perks they desire. He is bringing awareness to the fact that service and integrity are missing from the practice of real estate, mortgage and lending in the United States. This does not mean every single individual working as a broker/mortgage originator, but rather the system that has evolved into a feeder system for large banks and small predatory lenders.

Not only does Christopher make a commitment to share community-building exercises and stories, but he’s also deft at it. He has become a top thought leader in the community of Veteran advocates through his prolific use of media. The beauty of the Internet is that you can build a voice for your business and community without spending a dime, which is exactly what Mr. Griffith has done. The amount of time and effort he puts into helping his neighbors and his community is bountiful. He truly believes in the power of giving and goes all out.

He saw the opportunity to build something different, something special, something built on common principles based on relationships. Christopher also builds trust, which forms strong family-like bonds between clients, brokers, friends and neighbors that will last a lifetime.

Corrina Carter, Owner/CEO of CMS Mortgage Solutions, Inc., entered into the mortgage industry in 1994 as a young energetic Mortgage Loan Originator. She was soon recognized as a leader and was taken under the wing of power house mortgage lenders who carefully molded her into becoming one of the most sought after Mortgage Brokers in the Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia Areas. Corrina has worked independently since 1998, running a full net branch operation, and then opened her own mortgage company in 2005 in Chesapeake, VA. In December of 2014, CMS opened their Northern Virginia Branch in Fredericksburg, VA. Corrina is known for her intensive research and training, producing “TOP NOTCH” MLO’s.

Corrina is a FHA, VA, Conventional and Reverse Mortgage expert. Her level of experience in loan origination, processing and underwriting sets her among the top mortgage loan originators in the area. Corrina, as well as CMS, thrives on current mortgage loan programs that will benefit everyone.

Having trained over 1,000,000 lending professionals and worked with over 700 organizations, Dale has compiled the best practices of the nation’s top producers into a practical and proven system that has helped countless individuals build lasting relationships with their borrowers, strengthen and expand their referral partnerships, and achieve greater personal and professional success than they thought possible. 

Dale is a 4x HousingWire Vanguard, a member of the 2022 Global Mortgage 100, and 2021 Mortgage Professional America Housing Industry Icon. He’s also the proud author Navigating the Mortgage Maze (Moody Publishing) and the Founder of Mortgage Professionals Providing Hope.

Dale and his team have earned Excellence in Practice Awards from both the Association for Training Development and the Brandon Hall Group. They are the proud winners of a Better Business Torch Award and have been recognized by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers for their community service.You can follow Dale on LinkedIn and Facebook for quick tips on navigating today’s market, or visit dalevermillion.com to connect with his team about your training, consulting, or speaking needs.

David Kakish is a standout loan originator and branch manager at Anchor Home Loans (DBA of C2 Financial), exemplifying excellence and leadership in the mortgage industry. Since entering the mortgage business at the end of 2022, David has demonstrated unparalleled growth and success. His dedication and expertise earned him a prestigious spot in the top 200 of the Scotsman Guide’s “Top Mortgage Brokers” category in his first full year as a broker, and he is on track to increase his production by an astounding 200% in his second year.

David established C2’s first branch in Alabama, where he mentors five junior loan officers, fostering the next generation of mortgage professionals. Drawing from his background as a former pastor, David continues to give back to the community through philanthropic efforts, serving as an advisor for several non-profit organizations that support underprivileged communities both domestically and internationally.

Mr. Temko serves as the President and CEO of C2 Financial – A leading mortgage broker platform in America, currently operating in 35 states and employing approximately 1100 loan originators. 

Growing up in the mortgage industry the language was common at home and even more relevant when mentored under top mortgage originators through his younger years. Before embarking upon his professional journey, Mr. Temko received a Bachelor of Science in business administration and entrepreneurship. Following this accomplishment, he bridged his background to commercial real estate sales and loan brokerage that evolved into commercial and business banking.  His experiences bring deep knowledge of mortgage, brokerage, and banking to C2 as the company continues to attract and foster top talent.

The ability to change lives through home ownership and leading a team of elite professionals to deliver the best products, pricing and service is the noble cause that drives Mr. Temko daily. 

Born and raised in San Diego, David enjoys an active lifestyle when away from the office by surfing, golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and great friends.

As the #1 Loan Officer at NEXA Mortgage and ranked Top 1% of Loan Officers nationwide, my journey has been one of relentless growth. Starting my mortgage career in Consumer Direct in 2016, I closed over $140 million alone in 2020 with no help, driving me to innovate for scalability and sustainability.

In 2021, I transitioned to Retail Lending in hopes to build a team and expand. However, the game-changing decision came in 2022 when I made the jump to the Broker world, gaining the freedom to shape my business how I wanted and offer clients exceptional rates and options.

Ed Mylett is a globally recognized entrepreneur, performance coach, and speaker. He got his start in the financial services industry, achieving incredible success that eventually earned him a spot on the Forbes “50 Wealthiest Under 50” List. Since then, he has spearheaded a range of ventures, spanning technology, real estate, health, food/nutrition and more. 

Ed is the best-selling author of #MaxOut Your Life, and new book The Power of One More (Wiley, 6/1/2022). He has grown his online audience to more than 3 million followers in just four years. His weekly podcast, The Ed Mylett Show, features such diverse thought leaders and peak performers as: Megyn Kelly, Barbara Corcoran, Martin Luther King III, David Goggins, Vivica A. Fox, Tony Robbins, James Clear, Kurt Warner, and Jaime Kern Lima. Ed also regularly inspires audiences ranging from small gatherings to mega-venues of 50,000+ attendees, and online audiences in the hundreds of thousands.

Elizabeth Cassidy is a United States Air Force Veteran and a dedicated military spouse. At the age of 30, she transitioned her family from a successful real estate career in Arizona to Central Florida, embarking on a new path in the mortgage industry. After six months with a retail firm, Elizabeth became the first loan officer at Future Home Loans to open a market outside of its original area, rapidly establishing her branch as the leading mortgage brokerage in Melbourne, Florida. In just four years, she has assisted over 650 families with securing new mortgages and has become one of Florida’s top producers in the VA loan market. Despite her demanding career, Elizabeth also finds time to love on her 4 kids ranging in ages from 14 to 2!

Enrique Braunschweiger is the Local Director of Membership for AIME’s Board of Directors, and the President of First West Financial. With over 21 years of experience in the mortgage industry, with 15 years as a Broker Owner, Enrique has established himself as a trusted expert in the wholesale channel. His family-run mortgage company managed alongside his wife Kris, operates in California and embodies his belief in the value of local independent mortgage brokers for consumers.

A perpetually active member in the broker community, Enrique has been involved with organizations like AIME since the days of BRAWL in 2018. Enrique mentors new brokers, believing it is the responsibility of experienced professionals to support those entering the industry. With his wealth of experience and dedication to empowering others, Enrique is a driving force for accessibility in the broker community.

Enrique thrives on collaborating with the entire wholesale community, be it other brokers, processors, and real estate agents, and has proven time and time again that he is willing to selflessly give his time and energy to stand up and fight for what is right for brokers and homebuyers. He’s particularly passionate about empowering first-time buyers to achieve their dream of homeownership, especially in struggling markets. He and his team are dedicated to serving underserved communities all throughout Southern California. His commitment to these communities reflects his broader mission and end goal as an AIME board member, to ensure equitable access to homeownership for all.

Gabi Wiartalla serves as the Director of Sales at Next Door Lending. She launched her mortgage career in the retail sector, where she developed her sales expertise and gained a solid foundation in the industry. Realizing the limitations retail presented for both her clients and herself, Gabi made the shift to the broker space with Next Door Lending, where she quickly excelled as a top-producing loan officer at the company. Along the way, she expanded her industry knowledge and built a strong network of self-generated business.

In her current leadership role, Gabi oversees a team of self-generating loan officers, while continuing to originate loans herself. By staying actively involved in the daily operations, she leads by example, maintaining a hands-on approach to support and inspire her team.

Known as the fearless disruptor of the mortgage industry, I have spent over 20 years in the industry with 10 years mastering the art of loan processing. With a relentless spirit that thrives in chaos, I boldly challenge outdated processes and enable processors to reach unprecedented heights.

In the world of mortgage professionals, there’s a hidden reality that lies beyond the office walls. Behind closed doors, we face challenges that extend far beyond numbers and facts. We navigate through personal struggles and scars that leave us feeling trapped, doubting ourselves, and questioning our worth.

But I’ve walked this path too. I know the weight of not feeling good enough, despite two decades of experience in the mortgage industry. I reached my breaking point when I saw the toll it took on my spirit and the impact it had on my children. It was time for a change—a promise to rebuild my shattered existence with resilience and purpose.

Ten years ago, I took a leap of faith and founded a third-party mortgage processing company from scratch. It became more than a business; it became my passion. Today, I hold prestigious accolades, contribute to groundbreaking industry systems, and empower others as a leader. Yet, true success lies in the irreplaceable moments spent with loved ones, and the freedom to live life on my own terms.

That’s why I created The Mortgage Processing Revolution, Empowering Undervalued Mortgage Processors, to Revolutionize Their Career, Unleash Their Full Potential, and Create a Future Where They Thrive on Their Own Terms.

The Hunter Bolling (HB) Mortgage Team is a trio that has helped welcome over 90 new homeowners just in the last 14 months. As one of the top producing teams the last 3 years, we have been graciously awarded with a nationwide Fastest Purchase Closer, pro elite members and top producing Texas team!

Hunter and his wife Shelbi Bolling are prior TV hosts with the Emmy-nominated American Dream TV show, with the sole focus to support local non-profits and business with episodes that reached over 140MM consumers daily.

Jamie Cavanaugh is the President of Amerifund Home Loans, Inc., bringing over 25 years of experience to her role. Her career has been dedicated to improving operations, sales, and business efficiencies in the mortgage industry, with a focus on practical, hands-on solutions. Jamie’s background includes notable positions at Bank of America, Countrywide, Prospect Mortgage, and Mortgage Corporation of America, Inc., where she gained experience in various aspects of the mortgage process, including compliance, origination, credit risk, post-closing, and secondary marketing.

Jamie has been recognized for her contributions to the industry, including being one of the inaugural inductees into the Hall of AIME and receiving the Women With Vision award twice. She is a Business Leadership & Strategic Growth Coach with 20/20 Vision for Success Coaching and Consulting and is actively involved in AIME, the Women’s Mortgage Network, and Women With Vision groups. Jamie frequently participates as a guest speaker and panelist at industry conferences. She enjoys sharing her knowledge on topics such as building sustainable businesses, leadership, and supporting others in their professional journeys. Her insights have also been featured on several industry podcasts, where she discusses practical approaches and strategies for success in the mortgage field.

Janine Kempfer has almost 30 years of entrepreneurial experience in the franchise, real estate and mortgage industries.

Ms. Kempfer has always had an entrepreneurial spirit.  Her business ownership career began in residential real estate where she successfully built two independently owned and operated brokerages in both real estate sales and mortgage finance.  Franchise ownership soon followed.

Today, Janine is the President and owner of Prime Mortgage, LLC located in Greenwood Village, CO.  Prime Mortgage is licensed in Colorado, Florida, and Georgia.  Ms. Kempfer’s passion is to make sure everyone who wants to buy a home has a good chance of obtaining one through fair lending and community outreach.

In September 2023, Janine founded the Keystone Mortgage Academy, bringing more people of color into the mortgage industry to help close the gap in minority homeownership through education and representation. 

Mrs. Kempfer lives in Denver Colorado with her husband Kurt – affectionately call Irondog.  They have been married for 16 years. Together they have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren.  She enjoys everything related to fitness. Janine has completed several triathlons including a full Ironman triathlon.

A former Mortgage Loan Officer and Mortgage Broker from 2004-2008, Jennifer (Hobson) Gormer has over 20 years’ experience in banking, sales, finance, and mortgage. Jennifer has worked for the nation’s largest banks and mortgage companies including Capital One Home Loans and Home Equity, JPMorgan Chase, Mr. Cooper (formerly Nationstar), Caliber Home Loans, Texas Residential, Supreme Lending, Bank of America, and others, propelling them to achieve or exceed their goals by empowering teams to accept and thrive in change.

Jennifer was an AVP and managed the CFPB audit for National Operations Team (14 projects), has designed, developed, and facilitated New Hire curriculum for Loan Officers, Processors, Underwriters, and Closers. Jennifer has led large and small teams and has been the top producing Loan Originator in her region, city and state, multiple times.

She’s a servant leader and L&D expert with proven success demonstrating the holistic value of effective learning—transcending onboarding and new-hire training to contribute centrally to organizational development efforts and build a deep bench of talent, lleading large training initiatives across enterprises and saving or earning clients millions of dollars through the creation, enhancement, and effective delivery of in-person, virtual, and hybrid programs for new-hire and tenured staff that align with company objectives.

Jennifer’s credentials are further enhanced by three Master’s Degrees, International Doctoral Studies, Honorary Doctorate (Dec. 2024) and 6 years as an Adjunct Professor at TCU, UTA, Dallas and Tarrant Colleges. Jennifer is an MPA Elite Woman 2024, has been featured in local and national publications, interviewed on the ‘Broker to Broker’ and Housing Wire Podcasts, and was a Panelist Speaker at UWM LIVE 2024. She was nominated for the 2019 Dallas Business Journal 40 & 40 Under Award, and is a 2017 Capital One GDTB Alumni.

Jimmy Hobson is a National Sales Leader, Loan Originator, and Branch Manager for UMortgage, a national mortgage company focused on helping local Loan Originators grow their business and scale their loan volume. 

With 6 years of origination experience, Jimmy is a VA loan expert who served nearly 100 Veteran families in 2021 and more than 60 in 2022. Jimmy is amongst the top 1% of Loan Originators in the country.

Jimmy quickly made a name for himself within the mortgage broker space thanks to his dedication to offering the lowest prices, best service, and commitment to truthful lending. 

Today, Jimmy’s branch is one of the highest-producing branches at UMortgage and provides a best-in-class experience to all of the clients they serve.

Jonathon Haddad is the Chairman and CEO of the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME). Jonathon joined the wholesale channel in 2019 with Next Door Lending, where he transitioned from Vice President to Managing Partner and President. Jonathon still continues to originate to ensure not to lose sight of what it takes to be successful, originating $20 million across 60 mortgage loans in 2023, with $800 million as Next Door Lending’s overall mortgage volume under his leadership.

After six years at one of the largest companies in retail, Jonathon made it to the Regional Vice President. Jonathon transitioned to the wholesale channel after recognizing its commitment to supporting homebuyers aligned with his own beliefs. In his 11 year career, Jonathon has helped facilitate over $5 billion in mortgage transactions, including both personal and team production.

Since joining AIME as CEO in 2024, Jonathon has utilized his high-level experiences working on both sides of the mortgage industry to best support, educate, and empower the entire mortgage broker community and homebuyers nationwide.

Jonathon’s mission is simple: help brokers close more loans. Haddad’s leadership is fully focused on providing tangible business support for the nation’s wholesale brokerages and implementing large-scale pro-broker awareness, so the entire homebuying industry knows that the future of mortgage is in independent mortgage brokers’ hands.

Julie Yarbrough brings a wealth of knowledge, success, and experience to her role as the Director of Growth for AIME’s Board of Directors. As a Founding Partner of Empire Home Loans, Julie is a self-proclaimed “mortgage lifer,” who has a long history of sharing her substantial strengths in coaching, recruiting, and leading with the broker community, setting the example for selfless female leaders in the wholesale space.

One of Julie’s main goals beyond her efforts to continually grow the broker channel, is to empower women in mortgage. Julie has spent decades helping women break through the glass ceilings in the real estate and mortgage fields and intends to elevate the scale of these efforts to a national level as an AIME Board Member.

Julie has graduated from some of the finest leadership, communication, and management courses like the National Speakers Association NSA, served as the PR Chairperson of the Sacramento CAMP Board for 7 years, and co-chaired the Women’s CEO Round Table with Pepperdine University.

​Julie is an Inductee to the 2023 Hall of AIME, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to supporting the broker community, combined with her extensive experience and passion for empowering others, an invaluable asset to brokers everywhere.

Justin is the Associate Broker & Agent for EXP REALTY, and the leader of the Justin Ford Real Estate Team out of the Plymouth, Ann Arbor, MI area. 

With over 16 years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industry, Justin quickly became a Top Producer not only on his team, but in the Michigan Market. Justin has personally sold over 500 homes for over $100,000,000 in sales volume leading him to the top 1% of Realtors for homes sold in Michigan. 

It wasn’t until after leading one of Michigan’s most successful Inside Sales Teams where Justin found his passion in training agents to accomplish what he has. Justin is still actively on the ground every single day prospecting and taking 8-10 listings per month.

Justin lives by the saying “Actions speak louder than words however Results speak louder than actions” and with that Justin and his team have been able to help over 1,000 families accomplish their goal of buying or selling a home!

Kahren Oxner is the UMortgage | PNW Regional Manager. For over 23 years, she has successfully guided her clients into homeownership. 

After graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Finance & Marketing, she moved to Oregon and began her career in the mortgage industry.

Now a leader in the industry, she’s a regional manager, coach, speaker and visionary – currently facilitating the women of mortgage movement with EmpowHERed by UMortgage. 

Her favorite part of the industry still remains building long-lasting relationships with clients and referral partners and supporting families in achieving their goals of homeownership. 

In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the great outdoors—traveling, boating, gardening, or simply sitting by a campfire, surrounded by family, friends, and her two Vizsla twins!

Kevin Kenerson, President and Senior Loan Originator of Lending Hand Mortgage, LLC from Nashville, TN with 21 years of experience with an enduring passion for the mortgage industry. Married for 21 years to his amazing wife, Cassie, and a proud father of 4 children.  Kevin thrives on the challenges and opportunities the mortgage business offers. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find Kevin spending quality time with his family on the baseball/softball diamond, enjoying boating on the lake, and tending to his flock of chickens.

Kurt co-founded Greenside Capital in Michigan, specializing in investor loan options. Beginning his career at Rocket Mortgage, Kurt quickly became a top banker, originating up to 147 monthly loans. He led partnerships with Morgan Stanley and American Express, earning recognition at the C-Suite level for redeveloping client-facing processes. While working, Kurt earned a Master’s in Financial Analysis & Risk Management and an MBA. Passionate about personal finance since his teenage years, Kurt uses his extensive knowledge of financial markets, personal finance, and credit card hacking to benefit his clients and educate them about finances. Kurt’s mission is to enhance others’ money management and personal finance knowledge.

Coach Kyle is a Video Marketing Therapist. No matter what he’s doing, he always finds himself talking someone off the ledge when it comes to how they show up online. He simplifies the process of creating videos and empowers people to recognize the significance of their unique voice. As an unwavering supporter, Kyle guides Realtors, Lenders, and other entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses organically through social media. 

Approaching social media conversations as a partner rather than a lecturer, Kyle communicates in a relatable manner, instilling confidence in his clients. His engaging blend of humor and enthusiasm inspires them to unlock their full potential. 

Throughout his career, Kyle has mentored and trained countless Realtors and Lenders across North America. He encourages them to harness the power of video and social media to make a difference in their businesses. Rather than focusing solely on acquiring new leads, Kyle’s approach aims to regain the attention of existing contacts who already appreciate and trust his clients. 

Kyle is an Amazon Best Selling Author of “Rethink Everything You Know About Being A Next Gen Loan Officer” and “Rethink Everything You Know About Social Media, CEO of Content Compounding, Partner/Co-owner of The Collective Coaching and CEO of Hire Culture Virtual Assistants.

Laura Brandao is a visionary leader in the mortgage industry, dedicated to empowering others to reach their highest potential. As the CEO of Lighthouse Advisors, LLC, a national mortgage consulting firm, she provides executive oversight, fractional C-Suite services, and strategic partnerships to elevate companies to their peak performance. Laura’s belief that “an outside perspective provides the clearest vision” drives her commitment to guiding organizations toward success.

Beyond her role at Lighthouse Advisors, Laura is deeply committed to serving the mortgage community. She chairs NAMMBA’s Visionary program and the MBA-NJ Women’s Committee, and serves on the board of MBA-NJ. Additionally, she is the Chair of Women with Vision and contributes to the NAMB DEI committee. Her leadership and passion for the industry have made her a sought-after speaker and a respected advocate for positive change within the mortgage sector.

Born in Detroit Michigan, Mackenzie adapted to the mortgage hub of the Midwest naturally. As a child when he was not active in sports or school activities, he would be in the office his mother worked at over the years learning mortgage professional skills. After graduating from high school Mackenzie attended Concordia University Ann Arbor, where he sought out a degree in Business Marketing while on scholarship for football and track and field.

In 2013 Mr. Barrett decided to follow the family career path and became a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator for Quicken Loans. 2016 Mackenzie decided to add to his sales training and education by joining United Wholesale Mortgage. Mackenzie Led strategies with C Level Executives in collaboration with various investors, government agencies, and capital markets to create more homeownership affordability options for consumers. Piloted programs and projects with Broker Partners to capture more market share and create strategic brand relationships with referral partners nearby to greater serve in community outreach. 

With more than 10 years of experience in the industry Mackenzie has helped grow 100’s of mortgage companies exceeding sales goals and expectations. His work also landed himself in National Mortgage Professional Magazine in April of 2018 at the age of 26. When Mackenzie is not lasered focused on production and helping his clients, he enjoys family time with his four beautiful children, playing cards with family, exercising and servicing his community through outreach efforts.

Marc Summers is the Founding Director of the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts. He’s also a seasoned loan originator and Broker-Owner of Priority Mortgage Lending in Michigan. Marc entered the broker world in 2001 at Advantage Mortgage as a Loan Officer, holding various titles up until 2015 when he took over as President.

Marc is an advocate for independent mortgage brokers and is dedicated to the wholesale channel’s growth. He’s an instructor for courses where he educates and mentors new brokers and originators entering the channel, and is the host of AIME’s Top 10 national nonprofit podcast, Broker to Broker.

Marc keeps his finger on the pulse of the broker community’s needs by continuously providing support to AIME members both old & new; ensuring that brokers are treated fairly, and getting the spotlight & representation that they deserve.

Mat Ishbia is the President and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) – the #1 mortgage lender in the nation, and owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury – the youngest owner in the NBA. 

Prior to joining UWM, Mat played for Michigan State’s basketball team for four years – going to three Final Fours and winning the National Championship in 2000. He also spent one year coaching alongside Tom Izzo. His college basketball background, leadership style, and dedication to a team-focused approach have enabled him to rapidly grow UWM into a leading lending operation and build a championship ready NBA and WNBA organization. 

Rapid growth at UWM, both in team members and production, has enabled them to make a substantial philanthropic impact on charities and non-profits both locally and nationwide. Using innovative platforms, UWM has empowered its team members and clients to donate to charities of their choosing, funded by UWM. These efforts at UWM in addition to new community focused initiatives in Phoenix, such as providing access for all local Phoenix fans to watch the Suns on TV are shining examples of the emphasis Mat places on people – team members and the community. 

Mat is quickly becoming known within the NBA and WNBA as a dedicated advocate for the players, the team, and the community. This has long been his legacy within the mortgage industry as the most prominent advocate for mortgage brokers nationwide. He is often asked to join hosts on CNBC, Fox Business, Good Morning America, Yahoo! Finance, and Bloomberg TV to provide his perspective on the mortgage market and now is evaluating his vision for the Suns and Mercury organizations through these same platforms. He has been honored throughout his career with various awards including HousingWire Vanguard award twice and was recognized in 2021 by Ernst and Young as one of their Entrepreneurs of the Year. 

Megan Marsh, a 20 year powerhouse in real estate and mortgage business entrepreneurship, is on a mission to change the industry by making business ownership & income more accessible and profitable for all aspiring loan officers who want more control & financial freedom. Once a team leader and high producing loan originator, Megan now is helping loan officers build out their own business systems, & learn how to add additional income streams.

Melissa Tubau is a Loan Originator at Lock it Lending, based in Houston, Texas. Newly licensed in 2022, she entered the world of mortgage with a unique background in Anthropology. After studying abroad in Peru and graduating from the University of Texas, she was more interested in digging up artifacts, and studying human behavior than being in an office. Soon after jumping into the mortgage industry, she realized that this is a business built on relationships and not numbers, and used this to her advantage. In her short time as an LO Melissa has become a 1% top producer. Being bilingual in English and Spanish, Melissa is especially skilled at bridging communication gaps, ensuring that her clients, regardless of language, feel educated and supported every step of the way. What sets Melissa apart is her commitment to education and empowerment. She believes that every client deserves not just a mortgage, but a clear understanding of the process and options available to them.

Mike Kortas is the Chief Executive Officer of NEXA Mortgage. Mike has more than 20 years of mortgage experience and has served multiple roles from Loan Originator, Team Leader, Branch Manager, Regional Manager and Vice President in previous positions. 

NEXA Mortgage was founded in 2017 by Mike Kortas as a co-founder, with the single goal of becoming the best place for all Independent Loan Officers to work at. Under Mike’s leadership the company has grown to be the #1 Mortgage Broker in only 3 years time and is also the largest mortgage broker in US history. 

Before serving the Loan Officers of NEXA Mortgage, Mike has been recognized as a top Loan Originator with volume that places him within the Top 1% nationwide. Building teams and other company ventures is something that Mike has excelled at. 

Mike currently resides in Arizona with his wife and 4 adult children. 

Nathan Knottingham is a speaker and consultant, a business builder, and a seasoned entrepreneur. Nathan’s passion for good education and protection for consumers is apparent in all he does. He’s committed to helping businesses and individuals grow through targeted content strategies and marketing automation, but he is an extrovert at heart who loves to connect with people and build community through creating genuine relationships.

Before graduating with his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Corban University, Nathan had already dove headfirst into the real estate industry as a loan officer. After completing college, he continued to set out on an ambitious adventure where he educated himself in every aspect of making a successful real estate transaction happen. Over the course of Nathan’s career, he has fulfilled the role of a leader in many different ways. From being the President of McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce to Vice President of Training and Development at Knowledge Coop, Nathan has mentored and supported people to help them see the potential in themselves and others to accomplish great things.

He’s dedicated to helping people get real about what it means to live their life on purpose and striving toward the things that matter most. When Nathan isn’t found serving his community, he is spending time with his wife and two children. He is a loving husband and father who enjoys reading, playing music, and woodworking.

Neel is a content marketing expert who exploded his mortgage business by creating content that gets results on social media. He also is the founder of Forward Academy, where he helps over 1000 Real Estate & Mortgage Pros learn how they can do the same.  Neel hosts the annual Forward Event in Las Vegas, where LO’s and agents from all over the country come to learn the latest trends in marketing.

Philip Lucrezia is a Senior Loan Officer operating his own branch with Go Rascal Inc.  Phil has been licensed to originate mortgage loans since 2011 and has extensive experience in the real estate and mortgage lending industry. Phil also holds licenses as an attorney in NY and NJ and as a home improvement contractor and new home builder in NJ.

Phil started his mortgage career in retail lending as a loan officer in March of 2017 and served as a branch manager through January 5, 2024. Phil entered the broker platform by joining Go Rascal Inc. in January of 2024 and has never looked back.  Since moving to the broker platform, Phil has been able to close more deals than ever before and has created an entire new line of business in the Non-QM space.  Phil is on track to have a record year in his career as a result of the flexibility, options and revolutionary systems offered by the broker model.

Praveen is a business executive in CoreLogic responsible for products and solutions that help lenders retain their customers, grow their businesses, and originate loans in a cost-effective manner. He has 20-plus years in the housing finance industry, and in the eight years he has been with CoreLogic, he has led a variety of business units, including Rental Property Solutions, Loan Origination Systems, and Credit & Borrower Solutions.

Prior to CoreLogic, Praveen spent about 10 years at Fannie Mae running technology for Market Data, Valuation Analytics & Capital Markets Risk Management. Praveen holds a master’s degree in computer science from Old Dominion University and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Considered by many as the leading authority on leadership and influence, René Rodriguez is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, leadership advisor, and transformational speaker coach. For the last 27 years, René has been researching and applying behavioral neuroscience to solve some of the toughest challenges in leadership, sales, and change. 

As an entrepreneur and CEO of multiple companies, René integrates a practical business approach that inspires his audiences to take action. Through his keynote, boot camps,  workshops and proprietary AMPLIFII™ course, he helps us own our backstory to build the frame for not only our unique value propositions but also a beautiful picture of life. 

His audiences describe him as “powerful”, “thought-provoking”, and “authentic”. They say things like, “you could hear a pin drop as everyone was so captivated.” The result: greater influence, personal transformation, and immediate results in business and life by engaging with courage and grace. 

He is the author of WSJ Best Selling Book, Amplify Your Influence, which was selected as a Best Business Book 2022 by Summary.com. 

René has also shared the stage with Ed Mylett, Tony Robbins, Jon Gordon, Gary Vaynerchuk, Ryan Holiday, and many more.

With over a decade of expertise as a Social Media & Brand Strategist, I specialize in refining brand communication across various platforms.

My experience encompasses keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions such as TEDx events and strategic consulting and social media management for prestigious clients including The County of Orange, Dell, National Geographic, Murray’s, Expeditors, and more.

My robust background includes crafting and leading social media media marketing campaigns, email marketing. online advertising, SEO, and influencer marketing and event activations that sharpen my ability to deliver compelling company narratives worldwide.

As the founder of Robert Courtney and Associates, I manage all facets of marketing, from overseeing campaigns to financial oversight of brand development, market research, and strategic planning. My work ensures profitability and market relevance, and I actively collaborate with communications teams to promote company missions and values internally.

Passionate about entrepreneurship, social media, and branding, I am keen to leverage my extensive experience to help more companies and professionals enhance their personal brand potential.

I welcome new opportunities to consult, speak, and share insights that drive success and innovation in branding. demonstrated by my successful engagements with leading brands like Beam Suntory, Courvoisier, Tres Generations, Hornitos, Avis Ford, Detroit Means Business, and NorthStar and many more.

Russell Petty is the Broker Owner of Grow Mortgage. Russell is well known throughout the broker community as the go-to expert for all things tech, AI, and marketing, earning a positive reputation for sharing his knowledge and expertise with the broker community to keep them at the cutting edge of origination.

Russell entered the mortgage industry at a young age, starting by developing the software Encompass for a small brokerage in Charlotte, NC. He quickly recognized the potential of Loan Officers and pursued this path with determination. Russell founded his first brokerage with little experience and faced significant hardships, but his relentless efforts paid off, successfully exiting the company with $2M+ in profits within 18 months. After a stint in retail lending, Russell founded Grow Mortgage. Leveraging lessons from his past experiences, he has built a thriving company with a dedicated team of over 20 professionals, continually growing even through harsh market conditions.

Russell continues to focus on keeping brokers at the forefront of industry & tech trends, and aims to provide all the latest resources, information, and programs to continually give wholesale the competitive edge over retail.

Rylan was born in the Philippines on Clark AFB where his father was deployed as an Air Force Pilot. He didn’t know it at the time, but growing up in a military family would give him the unique perspective of the lifestyle of his future clients. In 2010, Rylan relocated back to Hawaii, where shortly after a friend introduced him to the mortgage industry. In just three years, Rylan became branch manager of their Hawaii branch. Rylan almost exclusively focused on VA loans, in fact 98% of all business was VA for his the first five years. He grew a passion for helping veterans fully understand the power of their entitlement with the VA Home Loan Benefit, and embraced the mantra of one of his mentors, “If it helps the Veteran, and doesn’t harm the company – we’re going to do it”. Since joining the mortgage industry, Rylan has had the opportunity to hold multiple positions to include LOA, Loan Officer, Production/Operations Manager, Branch Manager, and Area Manager. Holding these positions have allowed him to understand the pain points and bottle necks in the lending process and build solutions for borrowers and Loan Officers.

Since Samantha can remember, she’s always been a leader. After raising three boys through early schooling, Samantha opened Align Lending to pursue her passion of helping homebuyers through the mortgage process and providing access to the American dream of owning a home.

In a short time, she has used her work ethic and resources to grow Align Lending into one of Michigan’s top purchase mortgage brokers. Dedicating herself to every aspect of the lending process –sales, operations, customer service, and more– Samantha leverages her industry relationships to help her clients win. With these resources available, she has grown her business with the leading technology, loan products, and pilot opportunities – giving her the ability to offer the best options to her clients in the industry. 

Since opening Align Lending, Samantha has treated all her clients like family by offering more discounts on the life of the loan than online/big box lenders. Earning the Women with Vision, Housingwires Rising Star and HOUR Detroit Mortgage Professional of the year, these awards recognize her passion in helping potential and current homeowners achieve their dreams in homeownership. 

Within five years of joining the industry, Shane Kidwell was selected as a top 1% mortgage originator and managed a team to over $300 million in loans. He owns and operates complementary businesses across the country.

Kidwell is constantly working to stay at the bleeding edge of technology and believes that building a personal team and brand are keys to success for every originator he comes in contact with. He works diligently to ensure his originators have all of the latest tools to efficiently manage a growing number of clients while delivering a personalized and relatively painless experience for them. He also regularly hosts webinars for the company’s loan officers across the country and spotlights guest speakers to share knowledge and ideas on how to improve their workflow, client experience and retention, branding and team culture.

Born and raised in Colorado, Todd has proudly served families in Colorado for 30+ years and serves nationwide. Todd is involved in several nonprofit volunteer efforts throughout the Pikes Peak region, and his motto is “It’s not how much we do, It’s how much we give.”

Todd now leads the EDGE Client Care team, which is committed to exceeding expectations, and providing the nation with exceptional mortgage services.

Tom Ahles brings a wealth of experience and success from his 23-year career in real estate and finance to AIME’s Board of Directors, as its National Director of Membership and Treasurer.  Fueled by a passion for helping the broker community, Tom is a well-trusted and established authority, who has guided countless brokers to grow their businesses, and even more families towards achieving their dreams of homeownership.

Tom understands the significance of homeownership and strives to make the process as accessible, smooth, and stress-free for as many people as possible. Tom does this by building strong, lasting relationships within the community, and by selflessly helping them any way he can. Tom helps the broker community stay informed of the latest industry trends & regulations and offers strategic guidance & innovative solutions. Tom stays in front of the broker community by highlighting current industry events and spotlighting leaders in the broker channel by hosting his own popular web series produced by AIME, Grow and Get It, airing every Monday.

Before joining AIME’s Board of Directors in 2024, Tom helped thousands of national brokerages to grow their business as AIME’s President of Growth in early 2022.  As the Broker Owner of Edge Home Finance, Tom leads by example, with a growing team exceeding 1,000 loan officers. His numerous accolades include Scotsman Guide’s Top 100 Mortgage Brokers and Edge Home Finance’s recognition as AIME’s 2023 Brokerage of the Year.

Tyler Hodgson is the Executive Vice President of Growth at UMortgage and was the Founder & President of NXT Mortgage. Prior to his time in the mortgage industry, Tyler served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. Following his service for our nation, Tyler entered the finance realm, earning his license as a Certified Public Accountant. 

In late 2016, Tyler founded NXT Mortgage—a Dallas-area brokerage built to benefit its loan originators and their borrowers with more favorable pricing, transparent leadership, and innovative practices. Having developed a team that provides an industry-leading customer experience, NXT became the #1 brokerage in the state of Texas. This success and record-breaking growth was recognized by leading business publications with 3x highly ranked spots on the INC 5000 list for most successful private companies in the nation in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

With an aligned vision for the future of loan origination, NXT merged with UMortgage in 2022 and appointed Tyler as Executive Vice President of Growth. Those same growth strategies have welcomed an immediate and continued impact to UMortgage’s platform.

Outside of the office, Tyler enjoys his spare time with his wife and daughter. He’s an avid runner and has been spotted serving aces on the beach volleyball court. He’s incredibly passionate about coaching others and inspiring individuals to reach their full potential.

Wade has been a stalwart in the mortgage industry since 2006, dedicating himself to helping thousands of families navigate the complexities of home financing. With so much experience, he stands out as a leading mortgage originator in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His passion is helping families create lasting memories and build wealth through real estate. For Wade, a mortgage is more than just a transaction. It’s a commitment that lasts the duration of the home loan and beyond. He believes in providing counsel, support, and personalized service, ensuring he becomes a trusted mortgage advisor for all his clients.

Wade emphasizes listening to borrowers’ desires and asking the right mortgage planning questions. He says, “In our industry, many focus solely on selling a mortgage loan without truly understanding the borrower’s needs. We must craft mortgage solutions aligning with our client’s overall financial strategies, helping them achieve their short-term and long-term financial aspirations.” Born and raised in New Orleans, Wade came to Dallas in 1997 and attended Southern Methodist University (Pony Up!), earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. Wade enjoys spending time with his wife and two growing boys. He is also an avid Louisiana State University football fan. GEAUX Tigers!