Leadership Change at American Financial Resources After Record-Setting First Quarter Performance
American Financial Resources Appoints New CEO and COO
On April 16, 2025, American Financial Resources (AFR) declared significant changes in its leadership team, promoting Robert Pieklo to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Michael Brenning to Chief Operating Officer (COO). This transition comes on the heels of a remarkable quarter wherein AFR managed to nearly quadruple its loan origination volume compared to last year. The firm experienced an astonishing 700% surge in production within its wholesale channel alone.
This rapid growth reflects not just an increase in lending volume but also emphasizes AFR's strategic investment in scalable technology and operational efficiency. As the company enhances its focus on customer experience, its alignment with broker partners has never been stronger. Pieklo, who previously held the COO position since the acquisition of AFR in February 2024, has been key to reshaping the organization’s approach and is eager to spearhead its next phase of development.
In expressing his gratitude for the new role, Pieklo noted, "I'm incredibly grateful to step into the role of CEO and lead this great organization into the next chapter of this growth story. This industry is not for the faint of heart, and AFR's momentum reflects our team's alignment around a shared vision.” His enthusiasm for the company's direction indicates a hopeful outlook as AFR seeks to solidify its market position.
Brenning, who led production prior to his promotion to COO, has also played a vital role in streamlining operations. He aims to maintain focus on internal processes and long-term growth through constant innovation and collaboration. Brenning expressed, "It’s an honor to take on this role and continue working alongside such a passionate and committed team. Our growth is fueled by the trust our brokers and correspondents place in us. We’ll keep investing in ways to make their lives easier and their businesses stronger."
Both leaders attribute their success to the enhancements in pricing strategies, the introduction of new lending channels, and a reinforced focus on customer experience. With ongoing investments in technology and systems designed for efficiency, AFR is poised for continued success. Craig Cohen, the Managing Member of Proprietary Capital and Chairman of the Board at AFR, stated that "the growth numbers speak for themselves," underlining the necessity of Pieklo and Brenning in the company's transformation.
AFR, a nationally recognized mortgage lender, is committed to innovation and delivering broker-centric solutions to meet the evolving needs of today’s borrowers. By focusing on both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, American Financial Resources is not only setting a new standard within the mortgage lending industry but is also building a solid foundation for future expansion.
As the company progresses, the shared vision of its leadership, along with strong broker relationships, will play a pivotal role in navigating the complex landscape of mortgage lending. The success of AFR serves as a beacon in the industry, highlighting the significance of decisive leadership and a clear commitment to growth and excellence.
AFR operates under the motto of being an Equal Housing Lender and is recognized as an Equal Opportunity Employer. For further details about their offerings and services, interested parties can visit their official site.