Brokers should revisit highlights and take learnings forward as they prepare for 2026
This article was produced in partnership with AIME
The theme of this year’s Fuse conference was “hustle now, honky tonk later” — and that wasn’t meant to apply solely to the three days in Nashville. If attendees didn’t start the ball rolling on lessons learned from the wider community immediately, “you’ve missed the point,” warned Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME) Chairman and CEO Jonathon Haddad. He added that Fuse is, at its foundation, about doing.
“If you don't take action, if you don't put together the steps that you need in order to be successful . . . you have wasted your time by coming to our event, and I genuinely mean that,” Haddad said during his Broker Power-Up Podcast episode, recorded live at Fuse. “If you don’t start implementing from here, I'm not sure when you will start implementing. And I know for a fact you learned at least one thing while you were here.”
His challenge captured the spirit of the weekend. Fuse has always been designed as a working conference — one where brokers show up not just to listen, but to sharpen skills and test ideas.
Fuse 2025: The highlight reel
This year’s edition underscored that mission. In its eighth year, Fuse brought together 1,129 independent mortgage professionals from across the country — nearly 40% of them first timers —for three days of learning, networking, and celebration. AIME’s mandate remains: help brokers close more loans. Fuse 2025 delivered on that goal once again, offering a lineup and an atmosphere that matched the urgency in Haddad’s message.
AIME revamped the Vendor & Lenders Relations Program, expanding to 42 vendor members and partners and 13 lender partners. Title Sponsor United Wholesale Mortgage welcomed to the sold-out exhibit hall representatives from 19 lenders, 16 vendors, and six processing companies. Attendees perused the latest technologies, tools, and services to help independent mortgage brokers grow their businesses.
Another area of change was the Breakout Sessions. Rolling out a new initiative this year, members and partners were encouraged to submit presentation proposals — a “by AIME’s partners and members, for AIME’s partners and members” experience. It proved a popular approach, and 22 presenters spoke to their unique experience and expertise, selected from over 60 submissions.
The keynote speakers are always a big draw, showcasing some of the biggest names and rising stars from across the industry. This year was no exception. The general session opened with a standout keynote from Barbara Corcoran of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” followed by insights from experts including UWM President and CEO Mat Ishbia.
Saturday’s mainstage included a Fireside Chat with Haddad and Mylo Draven, as well as presentations by senior executives from Cotality, EPM, MBS Highway, and Newrez. The Mortgage Idol competition, emceed by Windsor Mortgage Division CEO Chris Vinson, showcased leading mortgage coaches. Additional highlights included sessions on AI in lending and influential talks by best-selling authors and market leaders.
AIME also pulled off something unique: Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte dialed in to discuss with Haddad some of the most pressing concerns facing the mortgage industry today, including LLPAs.
Empowering women in mortgage and recognizing the best of the best
The latest Women’s Mortgage Network (WMN) event was a resounding success, with nearly 200 women filling the room and a waitlist behind them. Attendees reported that the energy and enthusiasm were unmatched, creating a powerful and inspiring atmosphere unlike any previous WMN events.
The Hall of AIME Awards Ceremony, honoring the best in the broker channel, showcased the accomplishments of exceptional leaders in the broker community. This year’s inductees were recognized for going above and beyond in service and dedication to the community. Not only did they excel in their respective careers, but their passion made a lasting impact.
The awards portion of Fuse recognized outstanding achievements across the industry. Some highlights include Darren Copeland of Summit Lending, who was named National Mortgage Broker of the Year, while Edge Home Finance earned National Brokerage of the Year. Melissa Rifai of Hyve Home Loans stood out, winning both Rookie of the Year and Women’s Champion. Other notable honors included eLEND as Lender of the Year and Thomas Sloan of GoRascal as People’s Champion.
AIME aims to give back — and Haddad looks ahead
Haddad presented attendees with a donation matching challenge for The Family Advocate and Management Liaison for Engagement Unit (FAMLE). He committed $10,000 on behalf of AIME if participants matched the donation.
The AIME broker community rose to the challenge, contributing more than $75,000 within ten minutes — a high note of the conference and a decisive example of AIME’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
To close out Fuse, Haddad took the stage one last time. Since stepping to the helm of the organization in early 2024, he’s driven significant progress in AIME’s commitment to greater transparency and accountability. AIME has strengthened its governance by holding regular board elections — the organization recently welcomed two new Directors of Membership, Samantha Shelton, Regional, and Melissa Rifai, Local, into the fold — updating its bylaws, approving a 2025 budget, and implementing best practices for fiscal responsibility.
Haddad reported that from 2023-2024, AIME implemented streamlined operations and improved bookkeeping practices that reduced its annual expenses to the tune of $3 million dollars. Ultimately, this translates to more resources behind AIME’s mission: supporting brokers and closing loans.
Thanking the AIME team and community, Haddad went out with a bang. He revealed an upcoming exclusive VIP self-development retreat in Puerto Rico and an in-house AI tool called The Architect, built around data from top producers and designed to identify proven techniques and growth strategies.
Haddad also announced that that Fuse 2026 will be hosted at the J.W. Marriott in Austin, TX, September 24-26, urging everyone to watch the space for updates.
Overall, the advice Haddad shared in the podcast episode echoes forward to 2026.
“This is about action; it’s about ripping off Band-Aids, being uncomfortable, and pushing yourself forward to help close more loans.”
Want more? AIME members can access all Fuse content, or sign up to check it out today.
