Fairway Home Mortgage Clinches USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award for Six Years Running

Fairway Home Mortgage has once again made a significant mark in the corporate world by earning the esteemed USA TODAY Top Workplaces award for 2026. This achievement marks the sixth consecutive year that the company has been recognized for its exceptional workplace culture, which prioritizes its employees’ needs and experiences.

The award is a testament to Fairway's enduring focus on creating a work environment that embodies a people-first philosophy. This year, over 40,500 organizations participated, making the honor particularly noteworthy. Out of these, only a select few managed to embody the principles of engagement and satisfaction measured through employee feedback.

In a statement, Fairway's CEO, Steve Jacobson, expressed that the accolade reflects the company's long-standing commitment to fostering face-to-face interactions among employees. He emphasized, “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other, and they learn from each other. We’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Recently, Jacobson and Senior Vice President Dan Richards reinforced this commitment by visiting one of Fairway’s branches in Knoxville, Tennessee, where they engaged with local real estate partners and had in-depth discussions about market conditions. Richards remarked on the value of understanding real challenges and solutions jointly, stating, “It’s a reflection of the hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.” This visit serves as an example of how leadership at Fairway is actively involved in nurturing relationships within the market.

Julie Fry, Chief People and Engagement Officer at Fairway, noted the significance of the six-year streak in the Top Workplaces rankings. She attributed it to the company's leadership style and the empowerment initiatives for employees, highlighting, “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the commitment to daily interactions, valuing contributions, and fostering an environment where employees feel energized.”

The award winners are determined based on authentic employee feedback using confidential surveys conducted by Energage, a firm specializing in workplace research. The results focus on key indicators of employee engagement that directly correlate with high-performance environments. Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, explained, “Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture. This award, driven by real employee feedback, signals that the company values its people.”

Fairway Home Mortgage, located in Madison, Wisconsin, and Carrollton, Texas, is a rapidly growing full-service mortgage lender that operates across all 50 states. Currently ranked as the second-largest retail lender in the United States, the company continues to expand its footprint in the industry, driven by a commitment to a supportive work culture.

The recognition from USA TODAY not only enhances Fairway's reputation in the marketplace but also serves as a beacon for job seekers and clients alike, indicating a company that genuinely values its employees. As today's corporate environment becomes increasingly competitive, such accolades are vital in attracting top talent and reinforcing client trust.

As Fairway celebrates this remarkable achievement, it stands as a poignant example of how dedication to employee engagement and a strong organizational culture can lead to sustained success and recognition in the business landscape. Moving forward, the firm is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, fostering a work environment rooted in interaction, collaboration, and mutual respect.