Office address: 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718
Website: www.fairwayindependentmc.com
Year established: 1996
Company type: financial services
Employees: 10,000+
Expertise: first-time homebuyer loans, conventional loans, military mortgage specialists, VA loans, FHA loans, fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages
Parent company: N/A
CEO and key people: Steve Jacobson (CEO), Len Krupinski (COO), Scott Fletcher (CCO), Michael Blake (president of capital markets), Todd Gavinski (CFO), Paola Kielblock (president of retail products), Julie Fry (CHRO)
Financing status: formerly PE-backed
Fairway Independent Mortgage is a mortgage lending company that provides financial solutions to support homeowners and make housing simple and affordable. The company had $27.5 billion in loan volume in 2023, while also being recognized for exceptional customer satisfaction in mortgage origination by J.D. Power. Their nationwide operation is supported by over 10,000 employees in more than 345 branches.
Fairway Independent Mortgage was founded in 1996 by CEO Steven Jacobson and was named by his childhood best friend, Randy Cross. The company then became incorporated and was licensed across 50 states soon after.
The company founded two large charity organizations: Fairway Cares and American Warrior Initiative. In 2021, it had a record-breaking loan volume of $72.5 billion.
Fairway offers a wide array of mortgage products designed to meet the diverse mortgage-related needs of its customers:
fixed-rate mortgages: available in terms of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years, providing stability in payments over the life of the loan
physician loans: tailored for medical professionals, with features like ignoring student loans in DTI calculations, low down payments, and flexible closing dates
refinance loans: for homeowners looking to take advantage of improved property values or lower rates, with options to shorten loan terms or access home equity
renovation loans: combine the cost of home purchase or refinance with repairs into one loan, including HomeStyle Renovation and 203(k) rehabilitation mortgages
reverse mortgages, USDA, and VA loans: offer specialized options for retirees, rural homeowners, and veterans
Fairway Independent Mortgage's culture, marked by a dedication to exceptional service, is reflected in its exceptional client satisfaction and positive reviews nationwide. The company distinguishes itself with an employee-centric culture, emphasizing the importance of traditional and non-traditional benefits to ensure the overall well-being of its team. Among standard and comprehensive perks, other employee benefits include:
employee stock ownership program (ESOP)
employer contributions to health savings accounts (HSA)
fertility benefits
Fairway Independent Mortgage promotes a culture of inclusion, community engagement, and diversity, fostering an environment where teamwork and respect are important.
Steven Jacobson, the CEO, has set up the direction and vision of Fairway Independent Mortgage since its foundation. Before establishing the company, Jacobson worked for 12 years as a national sales director for Waterfield Financial Corp. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Personnel Management from the Wisconsin School of Business.
Supporting Jacobson in leading the company is a team of key executives:
Len Krupinski as the COO ensures operational excellence across the company
Scott Fletcher, the CCO, oversees credit policies and risk management
Michael Blake serves as the president of capital markets, driving financial strategies and market participation of the company
Todd Gavinski, the CFO, manages the financial health and planning of the organization
Paola Kielblock as the president of retail products leads product development and customer experience strategies
Julie Fry, the chief HR officer, is responsible for fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment
In 2024, the company made a business model shift where it will focus exclusively on retail originations. As a result, the Wholesale platform will no longer be operational. This aligns with their mission to focus on customer service while also adapting to the changing financial environment.
The company's investment in technology, highlighted by the FairwayNOW mobile app, is aimed at streamlining the mortgage application process and improving customer experience. Fairway's future appears bright, with strategic goals aimed at further enhancing their service offerings and expanding their footprint in the mortgage sector.
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