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Thanks for your interest in writing for Scotsman Guide, the leading resource for mortgage originators. Becoming a published author in our magazine positions you as a thought leader to tens of thousands of highly motivated mortgage originators. Let everyone know you’re an expert in the industry and:

  • Share your knowledge and expertise with an unmatched audience of mortgage originators
  • Stand out as a thought leader in the mortgage industry
  • Appear in an iconic magazine that has held its top position for more than 25 years
  • Leverage your expertise across the Scotsman Guide ecosystem (print/digital magazine, website, social media, email)

Learn more about becoming a Scotsman Guide featured author

Publication MonthDeadline
January 2026Oct. 31, 2025
FebruaryDec. 2, 2025
MarchJan. 1, 2026
AprilFeb. 2, 2026
MayMarch 2, 2026
JuneApril 1, 2026
JulyMay 1, 2026
AugustJune 1, 2026
SeptemberJuly 1, 2026
OctoberJul. 31, 2026
NovemberSept. 1, 2026
DecemberOct. 1, 2026
January 2027Nov. 1, 2026

 

Who is Scotsman Guide’s audience?

Scotsman Guide is read primarily by mortgage brokers and loan originators, so we look for educational articles about issues and trends that face these specific groups. A common reason articles are rejected or sent back for revisions is because they are written for lenders or borrowers, who are not our audience.

Who can write for Scotsman Guide?

Scotsman Guide accepts articles from professionals in all parts of the real estate finance industry, including lenders of all sizes, mortgages brokers and third-party vendors, such as title-insurance and mortgage-technology companies.

Can I submit a previously published article to Scotsman Guide?

No, Scotsman Guide does not accept previously published articles. Articles should contain original content and should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length.

When should I submit my article?

Any time. Deadlines are generally six to seven weeks in advance of publication (e.g., April 1 for the June edition). Because editorial space fills up quickly, try to submit your piece as early as possible. We’re happy to provide authors with an editorial kit that includes our deadlines. Additionally, we accept articles on any relevant subject for each monthly edition.

What happens after I submit my article?

Scotsman Guide’s editorial committee will review the piece for approval. An editor will get back to you with the committee’s decision in a week or less. We will place accepted articles on the schedule for the next available issue.

What happens after my article is accepted?

It will be put on the schedule for the next available issue. We will send you an author contract to sign and return prior to the editing process. Our editors will then edit and fact-check the piece. We will contact you with any questions throughout the process. If we need to hold the piece for any reason, including space considerations, you will be notified immediately.

How do you choose the featured illustrations?

Our featured articles are what we consider the best of that month’s submissions. To be considered for an illustration, article submissions should be at least 1,200 words, concise and well-constructed. They also should be timely for the mortgage industry.

Can I republish my article elsewhere after it appears in Scotsman Guide?

You must wait three months after your print-publication date (i.e., Jan. 1 for our January issue) in Scotsman Guide before publishing it again. If your article appears in the January edition of Scotsman Guide, for example, you cannot republish it before April 1. Any third-party republication within 12 months of the print-publication date also is subject to terms specified in your Scotsman Guide author contract.

Can I submit more than one article?

Yes. However, we do not publish more than one article by the same author or company in the same edition. This includes multiple articles for both our residential and commercial magazines. We allow up to two authors per piece, if you wish to have a co-author.

Do you pay for articles?

We do not pay authors for articles, although we do offer exposure to our subscriber base of tens of thousands of mortgage originators, and we accept articles free of charge. We also share articles in our award-winning daily email newsletter, The Originator and through our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. We encourage authors to share their articles from their company and personal social media properties and to link to them on their company websites.

Can I submit a press release?

No, we do not publish press releases or report news from individual companies.

What is your digital magazine?

Our digital magazine is a vivid replica of our monthly print magazine. It is designed for online viewing, specifically on mobile devices.

I saw an article I like. Can I reprint and distribute it?

Reprinting, republishing or redistributing Scotsman Guide articles in any form likely requires consent of the bylined author(s). Author contact information is included in the bio of each article. It is possible, however, to link to articles on scotsmanguide.com and to share using Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc., via our digital-magazine site. If you are the author(s), or are with the company represented in the byline, please refer to the specifications outlined in the contract the author(s) signed with Scotsman Guide prior to publishing.

Other questions?

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Learn more about becoming a Scotsman Guide featured author

Top Dollar Volume

Top FHA Volume

Top HELOC Volume

Most Loans Closed

Top Mortgage Brokers

Top Non-QM Volume

Top Purchase Volume

Top Refinance Volume

Top USDA Volume

Top VA Volume

Top Veteran Originators

Top Jumbo Originators

For Top Originators rankings going back to 2010, see the April editions of the magazine in our digital magazine library

Top Women Originators

Top Overall

Top Wholesale

Top Retail

Top Non-QM

Top FHA

Top VA

Top Correspondent

Top Bank Statement

Top DSCR

For Top Mortgage Lenders rankings going back to 2010, see the June editions of the magazine in our digital magazine library

Kurt Brandly | 36

Greenside Capital

Florida

11 years in business

President of Greenside Capital, a top boutique brokerage specializing in investor financing. Former top producer and leader at Rocket Mortgage who helped redevelop multiple client-facing roles, partnered with Morgan Stanley and American Express, and earned dual master’s degrees in Business and Finance while working full-time. Kurt is redefining the client experience around homeownership, wealth building, and financial literacy.

James Burton | 39

Southern Trust Mortgage

South Carolina

4 years in business

James Burton is a South Carolina mortgage loan officer known for Lending the Lowcountry. With over four years of experience and a proud family legacy in mortgage lending, James became a top producer early in his career. A Citadel graduate and avid outdoorsman, he’s recognized for his relentless dedication, five-star service, and commitment to being his clients’ lender for life.

JD Cutri | 34

Plaza Home Mortgage

California

11 years in business

JD Cutri is the VP of Non-Delegated Lending for Plaza Home Mortgage, where he is responsible for driving growth and expanding Plaza’s Non-Delegated Correspondent production nationwide. Throughout his career, Cutri has been recognized for his leadership and performance, earlier as Co-Founder of Plaza’s Young Mortgage Professionals Association and more recently earning Plaza’s Select Circle Award and ranking as one

Nate Clear | 36

FirstFunding Inc

City, TX

15 years in business

Nate Clear, President of FirstFunding, is transforming warehouse lending through innovation and disciplined execution. He has doubled monthly fundings, tripled sales, and launched new onboarding, training, and client service programs that improved efficiency, responsiveness, and client experience. Clear’s leadership drives agility, inclusion, and sustainable growth-fueling record performance.

Nick DeJesus | 38

Planet Home Lending

Pennsylvania

9 years in business

As a producing branch manager, DeJesus stands out for leadership, drive, and consistently exceptional results. Since opening Planet’s Bethlehem, PA branch in 2022, he’s built a high-performing team focused on affordability, personalized guidance, and lifelong relationships. A NAHREP and Planet President’s Club Top Originator, he also supports local animal shelters, helping families and pets alike find their forever homes.

Abbie Newell | 31

American Heritage Lending

Arizona

11 years in business

Abbie Newell is a seasoned Mortgage Closer at American Heritage Lending, bringing over a decade of experience; known for her precision, communication, and care, she ensures every deal, from purchase to refinance, closes smoothly. Her expertise across FHA, VA, USDA, and state housing programs strengthens AHL’s commitment to service and excellence.

Joseph Morley | 26

Park Place Finance

Texas

3 years in business

Joseph Morley is a Senior Account Executive at Park Place Finance, supporting lending operations and driving revenue growth. He specializes in building strong client relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and delivering consistent results through deep industry knowledge and proven sales expertise.

Allison Moore | 27

Leader Bank

Massachusetts

3 years in business

Alli joined Leader Bank after grad-school and immediately made an impact with creative solutions for connecting with real estate agents and educating homebuyers. Alli is dedicated to developing accessible educational tools, classes, and content for young homebuyers, and to empowering her generation to get access to powerful wealth-building tools. Her impact at Leader has been instantly positive, and we’re proud to have her on the team.

Tracy Mock | 37

Gateway Mortgage

Texas

10 years in business

Tracy Mock, is a Mortgage Sales Manager for Gateway Mortgage based in San Antonio with a decade of industry experience. She focuses on helping first-time buyers navigate FHA, VA, conventional, and down-payment assistance programs with straightforward guidance, proactive updates, and disciplined loan management. Tracy’s approach combines clear budgeting, realistic timelines, and consistent communication to minimize surprises and keep transactions.

Rocco Mandarino | 28

Maverick Lending NYC

New Jersey

1 year in business

Rocco Mandarino, Branch Manager of Maverick Lending NYC, is one of private lending’s fastest-rising leaders. Specializing exclusively in DSCR and investor financing, he partners with top brokers, luxury SFR investors, and build-to-rent developers nationwide. Having surpassed $100M in his first year, Rocco is redefining speed, precision, and execution as the new gold standard in private lending.

Bryan Lovern | 37

CrossCountry Mortgage

Maryland

11 years in business

Bryan Lovern is an Originating Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage. Since joining the mortgage industry in 2013, Bryan has used his years of experience as a sales manager to become an expert in FHA loans, refinances, and the local market, providing exceptional customer service to his clients. Bryan is based in Crofton, Maryland.

Andy Levison | 38

Groundfloor Lending

Georgia

5 years in business

Andy Levison is the Associate Director of Retail Originations at Groundfloor Lending. Since joining in 2020, he is the company’s top producer. Fluent in Spanish, he drives growth among the company’s Spanish speaking demo. In 2025 alone, he is projected to originate more than $110 million in loan volume. In 2023, he was tasked with expanding Groundfloor’s presence in Nashville, which has since become a key growth area. He also mentors new hires.

Christopher Leon | 39

CrossCountry Mortgage

Arizona

13 years in business

Chris Leon is a Regional Vice President and Originating Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage. Based in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Chris has been recognized as a Scotsman Guide Top Originator since 2016 and as the #1 Latino Mortgage Originator in the Southwest by National Association of Real Estate Agents. Chris is dedicated to serving his borrowers as a loan officer, bringing the dream of homeownership to members of community.

Eric Krattenstein | 37

American Heritage Lending

New Jersey

10 years in business

Eric Krattenstein is the Managing Director of American Heritage Lending, leading national sales, marketing, and growth for one of the nation’s premier Non-QM and private lenders. With over a decade of executive experience in real estate finance, he drives scalable growth through data-driven strategy, innovation, and leadership that continues to redefine Non-QM lending nationwide.

Abdel Khawatmi | 35

PRMG

New Jersey

7 years in business

Abdel Khawatmi is the Branch Manager at PRMG & a President’s Cabinet Member recognized among the nation’s top 1% mortgage originator. A visionary leader known for scaling teams through technology, automation, and culture, he’s redefined what modern lending looks like. From national stages to mastermind events, Abdel empowers loan officers to systemize success, serve with impact, and build sustainable growth through innovation reshaping the modern

Victoria Kammer | 38

CrossCountry Mortgage

Pennsylvania

15 years in business

Victoria Kammer is an Originating Branch Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage, specializing in first-time homebuyers, jumbo loans, non-QM loans, purchase, and refinance. With a passion for the mortgage industry, Victoria has dedicated the past 15 years to supporting clients through the loan process and helping them find the home of their dreams. She recently earned recognition on Scotsman Guide’s 2025 Top Originators list. Victoria is a graduate of Lafayette College and resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Ryan Kearns | 37

Kearns Mortgage Team, LLC

Florida

4 years in business

In just four years, Ryan Kearns has grown Kearns Mortgage Team from a solo start into a six-member brokerage known for client-first service and steady year-over-year growth despite challenging market environments. By blending education with technology, he creates clarity and confidence for families navigating the mortgage process. He serves on Hillsborough County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board, shaping initiatives that expand opportunity.

Julian Zimmerman | 29

Groundfloor Lending

Kansas

6 years in business

Julian Zimmerman is the Director of Lending Operations at Groundfloor, where she has transformed the company’s lending infrastructure and operational efficiency since joining as a processor in 2020. In 2023, she built Groundfloor’s Loan Origination System and Borrower Portal from the ground up, doubling originations and improving compliance. In 2024, she launched the servicing platform, unifying and modernizing the borrower experience.

Daniel Norris | 33

American Heritage Lending

California

4 years in business

Daniel Norris is a Sr. Relationship Manager at American Heritage Lending, where he builds and maintains strong partnerships with brokers and clients nationwide. With over four years at AHL, Daniel is known for his responsiveness, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering the speed and service that define Non-QM lending redefined.

Phi Nguyen | 30

American Heritage Lending

California

5 years in business

Phi Nguyen is a Senior Loan Processor at American Heritage Lending, bringing over four years of Non-QM experience and a unique background in education. Her strong communication and problem-solving skills help guide clients through each step with care and precision. Known for her balance, empathy, and dedication, Phi embodies AHL’s people-first approach to lending.

Kylie Raffi | 28

Southern Trust Mortgage

Virginia

6 years in business

A top-producing loan officer with six years of experience at Southern Trust Mortgage, Kylie Raffi is dedicated to helping Hampton Roads families achieve homeownership. In 2024, she earned the Virginia Housing Bronze Award for assisting 23 families and securing $380,000 in grants, a testament to her commitment to affordable lending, community impact, and unwavering dedication as a trusted advocate for her clients and partners.

Brandon Reilly | 30

Southern Trust Mortgage

Virginia

8 years in business

A Hampden-Sydney College graduate with a background in construction and eight years of mortgage experience, Brandon Reilly is a trusted leader in Richmond, VA. Specializing in first-time, jumbo, and construction loans, he guides clients with patience and expertise. Brandon’s consultative style and community focus reflect his belief that every client deserves personalized care and attention.

Charles Ryan | 35

PRMG

Georgia

13 years in business

Charles Ryan is a top-producing Account Executive celebrated for his unwavering dedication, professionalism, and passion for helping clients succeed. With multiple 5-star reviews, Charles has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional service, clear and confident communication, and personalized lending solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals.
 

Jordan Saceda | 38

E Mortgage Capital

California

8 years in business

Born in Juneau, Alaska, Jordan Saceda learned early that smart financial decisions matter more than income. After moving to California, he found his calling in mortgages-helping families and investors navigate real estate with clarity. Jordan treats every client like family because he knows what’s at stake when financing a home.

Milad Shamoun | 29

Loan Goat

California

4 years in business

Milad Shamoun, Founder of Loan Goat, is a dominant force in California’s real estate finance world. A former U.S. Marine Sergeant, he transformed military precision into business excellence. Today, he stands as one of the top residential & commercial hard money lenders in the state. Known for creative marketing, funding large loans, deep market expertise, & relentless drive, Milad has made Loan Goat a gold standard in trust, speed, & results.

Kayla Tarabay | 32

Novus Home Mortgage

Massachusetts

3 years in business

With a kind-hearted approach and strong work ethic, Kayla Tarabay guides clients through every step of the mortgage process with clarity and care. Kayla’s dedication and commitment to building her personal brand have taken her business to new heights this year. Outside of work, Kayla is a proud mom, dog lover, and fitness enthusiast who believes life should be filled with energy, purpose, and a little fun.

Chaim Weiser | 30

The Leopard Group

New York

6 years in business

Chaim Weiser, Loan Officer at The Leopard Group, is rapidly earning recognition in the mortgage industry. Specializing in QM, Non-QM, bridge, HELOC, and commercial financing, he is known for precision, responsiveness, and strategic deal structuring. With strong relationships and a results-driven approach, Chaim delivers high-impact solutions and stands out as a true Top Emerging Star.

Julia Willetts | 27

Merchants Mortgage

Colorado

9 years in business

Julia Willetts began her career at Merchants in 2016 and has since earned two promotions, now serving as Vice President of Loan Originations. Over the past year, she has funded more than $108M in loans across 15 states, helping real estate investors finance both rehab and new construction projects, while leading a team of loan originators that deliver exceptional service from start to finish.

Matthew Ziegert | 35

CrossCountry Mortgage

New Jersey

9 years in business

Matthew Ziegert is a Divisional Sales Manager at CrossCountry Mortgage specializing in purchase and refinance. He built his business around helping clients achieve homeownership by finding the ideal loan for their unique circumstances. Matthew has ranked in the top 1% of loan officers nationwide for the last eight years. He resides in Rockaway, New Jersey, with his wife and children. 

Nate Clear | 36

FirstFunding Inc

Texas

15 years in business

Nate Clear, President of FirstFunding, is transforming warehouse lending through innovation and disciplined execution. He has doubled monthly fundings, tripled sales, and launched new onboarding, training, and client service programs that improved efficiency, responsiveness, and client experience. Clear’s leadership drives agility, inclusion, and sustainable growth-fueling record performance.

Allison Moore | 27

Leader Bank

Massachusetts

3 years in business

Alli joined Leader Bank after grad-school and immediately made an impact with creative solutions for connecting with real estate agents and educating homebuyers. Alli is dedicated to developing accessible educational tools, classes, and content for young homebuyers, and to empowering her generation to get access to powerful wealth-building tools. Her impact at Leader has been instantly positive, and we’re proud to have her on the team.

Andy Levison | 38

Groundfloor Lending

Georgia

5 years in business

Andy Levison is the Associate Director of Retail Originations at Groundfloor Lending. Since joining in 2020, he is the company’s top producer. Fluent in Spanish, he drives growth among the company’s Spanish speaking demo. In 2025 alone, he is projected to originate more than $110 million in loan volume. In 2023, he was tasked with expanding Groundfloor’s presence in Nashville, which has since become a key growth area. He also mentors new hires.

Brent Hoffman | 36

PRMG

Ohio

14 years in business

Brent Hoffman made a bold move to give clients and partners the best. For nine years at PRMG, he’s built success on transparency, efficiency, and genuine care. As a Branch Manager and President’s Cabinet member, he delivers competitive loans with fast approvals and smooth closings. His independent structure ensures personalized service, and his passion shines through in every transaction.

Peter Jose | 35

PRMG

Maine

10 years in business

Peter Jose is a dynamic Branch Manager with a finance degree and a passion for helping people achieve homeownership. Known for his professionalism, enthusiasm, and creative problem-solving, he ensures borrowers feel informed and supported. A member of PRMG’s President’s Cabinet, he brings energy, expertise, and genuine care to every loan.

Kevin Victoria | 30

CV3 Financial Services

Arizona

7 years in business

In 7 years, Kevin has risen from Sales Associate to VP of Sales. He led his team of 11 originators to break company records, funding $800M/1,500 units in 2 years. A transformative leader with exceptional sales acumen and relentless work ethic, Kevin’s impact reaches far beyond his own production of $100M+. Balancing scale with personalized service, he has built systems, launched initiatives and solidified partnerships to drive enduring success.

Lauren Robert | 35

Leader Bank

Massachusetts

5 years in business

In 2023, Lauren helped launch Leader Bank’s Cape Cod Mortgage Office and has spent the time since helping to build the Leader Cape Team from the #11 to the #2 Purchase Lender in the area. Her personal expertise and experience has seen her own volume rise over 40% to $40 million and counting in 2025. In the last few years she has successfully built her own business, helped build a whole new loan office, and raise 3 children. She is a rock star!
 

Andres Saias | 32

RBI Private Lending

Florida

15 years in business

Andres Saias, Chief Lending Officer & founding Board Member at RBI Private Lending, is a seasoned real estate finance expert in real estate investment finance. With degrees from Georgetown (M.S. Real Estate) & Boston U, he’s driven RBI’s growth since 2015.

Erica LaCentra | 35

RCN Capital

Connecticut

13 years in business

Erica LaCentra, CMO at RCN Capital, has transformed the brand into a national leader. Her fearless leadership, strategic vision, and mentorship drive award-winning campaigns and industry innovation. Honored by MPA, NMP and more, she’s earned widespread recognition for her impact, with multiple industry accolades celebrating her innovation and influence. Erica is a trailblazer in private lending and a role model for women in marketing.

Kyle Johnson | 32

CrossCountry Mortgage

Washington State

10 years in business

Kyle Johnson is a nationally ranked Branch Manager and Mortgage Advisor with CrossCountry Mortgage, leading a top-performing team based in Lacey, WA. Helping families across the country, he’s guided over 2,000 families nationwide with a concierge-level approach rooted in clarity, care, and expertise, specializing in VA loans and relocations for military families.

Chania Ford | 28

Groundfloor Lending

Georgia

1 year in business

Chania Ford is a Business Development Manager at Groundfloor Lending. A first-generation Caribbean-American from New York City, she transitioned from product development to real estate finance, quickly excelling in investor relations. Known for her confidence and relationship-building skills, she’s a trusted partner to both new and experienced investors.

Alec Finn | 33

American Heritage Lending

Illinois

6 years in business

Alec Finn is a Producing Sales Manager at American Heritage Lending, helping real estate and mortgage professionals grow their referral networks and expand their Non-QM business. Based in Chicago, he drives Midwest market growth through creative lending solutions, strong partnerships, and a results-driven approach that reflects AHL’s mission to redefine Non-QM lending nationwide.

Daniel Halvorsen | 36

LoanPeople

Florida

14 years in business

Daniel is a Scotsman Guide Top Originator and 40 Under 40 winner. Through a referral-driven approach, he has personally funded over $1 billion in volume. Halvorsen is Northeast Florida’s #1 retail originator (CoreLogic) and a leading originator for loans utilizing Florida Housing Corp. DPA programs. He champions accessible homeownership, enjoys guitar and family time, and supports Clarke Schools For Hearing & Speech and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Travis Harris | 36

Southern Trust Mortgage

Virginia

13 years in business

A James Madison University graduate who began his career in mortgage marketing, Travis Harris has spent over a decade redefining community service through lending. Since 2012, he’s helped hundreds of Hampton Roads families achieve homeownership through creativity, education, and strong builder and Realtor partnerships. Known for his sharp mind and local heart, Travis builds lasting relationships through exceptional service.

Connor Donovan | 26

Park Place Finance

Texas

4 years in business

Connor Donovan serves as Chief Revenue Officer at Park Place Finance, leading the sales team and managing lending operations nationwide. With his experience in mortgage and financial services, he drives revenue growth, builds strategic partnerships, and leads high-performing sales teams through expert leadership and industry insight.

Thomas Evans | 31

Acadia Lending Group

Maine

8 years in business

Tom Evans combines industry expertise with genuine enthusiasm for helping people reach their homeownership goals. He works with everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned investors and those seeking second homes in Vacationland. Known for his quick thinking, strong problem-solving skills, and client-first approach, Tom delivers thoughtful lending solutions designed to fit every borrower’s needs.

Justin Margolis | 35

PRMG

Florida

13 years in business

Justin Margolis is a top 1% Originator and PRMG President’s Cabinet member known for his leadership in Non-QM lending. As VP of Non-QM Business Development and Branch Sales Manager, he drives growth, optimizes operations, and supports partners across Retail, Wholesale, and Correspondent channels. A Scotsman Guide Top Originator, Justin brings expertise, energy, and a results-driven focus to every transaction.

Daniel Lemeshev | 29

CrossCountry

Mortgage

New Jersey

3 years in business

Daniel Lemeshev is the SVP of Mortgage Lending at CrossCountry Mortgage, specializing in purchase, refinance, and first-time homebuyers. He has earned recognition as a Top 40 loan originator in the U.S., according to Scotsman Guide. Daniel is based in Hoboken, New Jersey.

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