United Wholesale Mortgage

Office address: 585 South Blvd E., Pontiac, MI 48341
Website: www.uwm.com
Year established: 1986
Company type: financial services
Employees: 7,000+
Expertise: conventional mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, CEMA loans, wholesale and correspondent lending
Parent company: N/A
CEO and key people: Mat Ishbia (CEO), Adam Wolfe (sr. VP, chief legal officer), Alex Elezaj (CSO), Sarah DeCiantis (CMO), Desmond P. Smith (CGO), Jason Bressler (chief digital officer), Laura Lawson (exec VP, chief people officer), Melinda Wilner (COO)
Financing status: N/A

United Wholesale Mortgage is a mortgage lender headquartered in Pontiac, MI, focusing on supporting independent mortgage brokers rather than directly servicing consumers. Their operational efficiency is highlighted by its turnaround times, with loan processes averaging just 17 days, instead of the industry average of 43 days. It is supported by over 7,000 employees, operating in all 50 states. 

History of United Wholesale Mortgage 

United Wholesale Mortgage began in 1986 when Jeff Ishbia founded the company, then known as Shore Mortgage, while he was still practicing as an attorney. Over the years, the company evolved from its original focus on conventional and FHA loans to become one of the largest mortgage solutions companies. It became publicly listed in 2021 via a record-setting SPAC deal, achieving the highest valuation for such a transaction. 

Products and Services of United Wholesale Mortgage 

United Wholesale Mortgage provides multiple different offerings, designed to meet its customers' lending needs. These include: 

• conventional loans: standard non-government backed loans for residential mortgages 
• FHA loans: government-insured loans with lower down payment requirements 
• VA loans: loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible military members 
• USDA loans: loans for rural property buyers, backed by the US Department of Agriculture 
• CEMA loans: specific loans that help reduce mortgage tax costs for New Yorkers 

Culture at United Wholesale Mortgage 

United Wholesale Mortgage looks after its employees by providing them with a work environment that has a variety of rewards and utilities. The company also provides an array of employee benefits including: 

• paid time off  
• medical, dental, vision, and life insurance 
• 401k plan with company match 
• paid training and opportunities for career advancement 
• parental and maternity leave benefits after 12 months 
• adoption reimbursement program 
• employee discounts 
• mortgage discounts for personal housing 
• discounts at local area businesses 

United Wholesale Mortgage promotes a corporate culture rooted in a set of six pillars that guide its operations and interactions. These pillars emphasize the importance of: 

• people 
• personal accountability 
• customer service 
• continuous improvement 
• relationship building 
• maintaining a fun and friendly work environment 

About United Wholesale Mortgage CEO Mat Ishbia and Key People 

Mat Ishbia has served as the CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage since 2013. Prior to being appointed as CEO, he was named president of the company in 2003. He has a business degree from Michigan State University.  

Supporting Ishbia in leading the company is a team of executives including: 

• Adam Wolfe, as the senior VP and chief legal officer, oversees legal compliance and corporate governance 
• Alex Elezaj, serving as the CSO, leads in shaping the company’s strategic initiatives 
• Sarah DeCiantis, as CMO, drives the company's marketing and branding efforts 
• Desmond P. Smith, CGO, is responsible for business development and expansion strategies 
• Laura Lawson, executive VP and chief people officer, leads human resources and employee engagement strategies 

The Future at United Wholesale Mortgage 

United Wholesale Mortgage is enhancing its digital platforms, including Blink+ and BOLT, to streamline processes for mortgage brokers. It has also invested in broker support through training programs and tools like Brand 360 and Success Track. The company continues to explore strategic acquisitions and partnerships to expand its capabilities, aiming to lead in wholesale mortgages and support brokers.