Celebrating Excellence in the Mortgage Industry
On April 11, 2026, the Motto Mortgage network gathered for its ninth annual awards ceremony, a significant event held during the Motto Mortgage Innovation and Loan Excellence Summit (MILE) at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter. This prestigious event recognized the remarkable efforts of franchise owners, loan originators, and their dedicated teams who have made significant contributions to the mortgage industry across the country.
Vic Lombardo, president of mortgage services for Motto Franchising, LLC, expressed the importance of the ceremony, stating, "The Motto Mortgage annual awards ceremony celebrates the collective achievements of our franchise network nationwide and the unwavering commitment members show to their clients." In an impressive year, the Motto network closed over $2.5 billion in loan volume, helping more than 7,600 families achieve their dreams of homeownership.
Honor Roll of Award Winners
The 2025 Motto Mortgage Awards recognized a diverse range of individuals and offices for their outstanding achievements. A total of
233 awards were presented, acknowledging excellence in various categories:
- - Broker Owner of the Year: Nanci Denney and Todd Fahlman from Motto Mortgage Orca in Marysville, Washington.
- - Rookie of the Year: Cami Anthony, representing Motto Mortgage Collective in Everett, Washington.
- - Outstanding New Office: Motto Mortgage Source in Lincoln, Nebraska, led by Joe Kubick, Ryan Pierce, and Jordan Moehlenhoff.
- - Motto Mortgage Mission Against Hunger Community Champion: Lucas Adams from Motto Mortgage Aurora in Wasilla, Alaska.
Among the notable recognitions, the
Rising Tide award went to George El Abu of Motto Mortgage Charge On in Ponte Vedra, Florida, and the
Mottovated by Knowledge award recognized Alireza Partovi from Motto Mortgage VIP in Lake Mary, Florida.
Furthermore, the
Community Champion award was given to Chad Gilstad of Motto Mortgage Energy in Midland, Michigan. Multiple awards highlighted excellence in various metrics, such as loan origination and community engagement.
Acknowledging Longevity and Dedication
This year's ceremony introduced a new segment to honor broker owners and loan originators who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their communities over their long tenure with Motto Mortgage. Twenty-one exceptional individuals were recognized, including:
- - Stephen Gerding and Mark Snyder of Motto Mortgage Above and Beyond
- - Karma Herzfeld and Keith Pike from Motto Mortgage Alliance
- - Christiana Hill Hamlin of Motto Mortgage Mavens
The contributions of these individuals over nine years or more have helped shape the success of the Motto Mortgage network and enhance its community impact.
Innovative Support and Industry Insights
The evening was made possible by Total Expert, a leading fintech software company that partners with Motto Mortgage to enhance technology offerings across its offices. The MILE event featured several keynote speakers who offered valuable insights into the future of the industry:
- - Cheryl Braunschweiger, SVP of Residential Lending at NOVA® Home Loans
- - Stephanie Decker, inspirational speaker and founder of the Stephanie Decker Foundation
- - Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media
- - Sarah Wheeler, Editor in Chief of HousingWire
As Motto Mortgage continues to disrupt the traditional mortgage brokerage model, its commitment to providing a more transparent, consumer-friendly experience stands at the forefront of its operations. With over
170 offices spanning across
40 states, Motto Mortgage's unique franchise model empowers loan originators and real estate agents to connect effectively and provide seamless service to consumers in their homebuying journeys.
In conclusion, the Motto Mortgage annual awards ceremony not only recognized outstanding achievements but also celebrated the commitment to community service, innovation, and excellence within the mortgage industry. For more information about Motto Mortgage and its franchise opportunities, visit
www.MottoMortgage.com.