Contributing Author
A primer for success by empowering your lending team
Planning for the long game demands courage in the short term
Planning for the long game demands courage in the short term
For Top Originators rankings going back to 2010, see the April editions of the magazine in our digital magazine library
For Top Mortgage Lenders rankings going back to 2010, see the June editions of the magazine in our digital magazine library
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 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 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, 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.
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 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 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.
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, 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, 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
