Equity Prime Mortgage's chief TPO lending officer was well known throughout the industry
Kevin DeLory, partner and chief TPO lending officer at Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM), died at age 53 following a battle with cancer, the company confirmed. DeLory held over two decades of experience in wholesale lending and was widely regarded for his leadership during times of strategic transformation.
DeLory joined the mortgage industry in 2001 as an area sales manager at New Century Mortgage. He later advanced into senior roles at EquiFirst and other national lenders. At EPM, he helped shape the company’s third-party origination (TPO) platform, eventually serving as chief lending officer and partner. In 2023, DeLory led EPM’s shift from a hybrid model to a wholesale-only mortgage lender after the departure of the chief retail officer. CEO Eddy Perez credited DeLory with guiding the organization during a period marked by market volatility and internal transition.
“Our partnership was rooted in trust. We challenged each other, pushed each other, and supported each other through every high and every hardship,” Perez said. “Kevin made me a better leader, and more than that, he made me a better man… His loss is a shock to our system—and to our hearts. But the best way we can honor him is to carry his legacy forward.”
Born and raised in Rhode Island, DeLory graduated from Rhode Island College with initial plans to become a teacher. He transitioned into sales early in his career, combining his instructional abilities with business development skills.
He frequently referenced the overlap between education and leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, accountability, and team development. Over the years, he trained and managed multiple high-performing teams while maintaining a leadership approach grounded in what EPM called a “bottom-up” philosophy.
DeLory was known within the industry for his emphasis on relationships over transactions and for supporting professional growth within his teams. His leadership model included active involvement in daily operations and hands-on collaboration with colleagues.
DeLory is survived by his wife, Dana, and their daughter, Brooklyn. The team at Mortgage Professional America send our deep condolences to his family and friends.
Do you know any other contributions that De Lory had been a part of? Share your comments below.
