CrossCountry Mortgage

Office address: 2160 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 
Website: www.crosscountrymortgage.com 
Year established: 2003 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 7,000+ 
Expertise: conventional mortgages, FHA loans, USDA loans, VA loans, jumbo loans, fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rates mortgages, 203k loans, refinancing 
Parent company: N/A 
CEO and key people: Ronald Leonhardt (CEO), Brett Schiffer (Chief Credit Officer), Lizy Hoeffer (Chief Experience Officer), Jennifer Stracensky (COO), Dean Thevaos (CTO), Glen Lemeshev (CRO), Charles Shackelford (EVP)
Financing status: corporate backed or acquired 

CrossCountry Mortgage is a mortgage lending company based in Cleveland, Ohio. It offers more than 120 loan solutions for buying homes, refinancing, and getting home equity and has branches in all 50 states. Employing over 7,000 employees to serve its clients, it has become one of the largest retail mortgage lenders in the country.   

History of CrossCountry Mortgage 

CrossCountry Mortgage was founded in 2003 in Cleveland, Ohio by its founder who was only a mortgage broker at the time. Now headquartered in downtown Cleveland, CrossCountry Mortgage operates nationwide with over 600 branches and 7,000 workers across the US. 

Since becoming an approved seller/servicer for Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae in 2012, CrossCountry Mortgage has broadened its offerings to include a variety of equity, home purchase, and refinance products. Licensed across all 50 states, the company has garnered several awards and recognitions over the years.   

Products and Services of CrossCountry Mortgage 

CrossCountry Mortgage distinguishes itself through a wide array of mortgage products aimed at fulfilling various client needs, including: 

• conventional loans: traditional home financing options for buyers with strong credit histories 
• fixed rate mortgages: offers stability with interest rates that do not change over the life of the loan 
• FHA 203(k) home loans: specialized loans for home purchases that also require renovation funds 
• VA home loans: tailored loans for veterans and service members featuring favorable terms 
• adjustable rate mortgages: loans with interest rates that may vary after an initial fixed period
• FHA home loans: government-backed loans with lower down payment requirements 
• USDA home loans: loans designed for buyers in rural and suburban areas 
• jumbo mortgages: financing for homes that exceed the conforming loan limits 
• manufactured homes: loans specifically for manufactured or mobile homes   

Culture at CrossCountry Mortgage 

CrossCountry Mortgage offers a comprehensive range of benefits and supports various initiatives for its employees. They seek to align their operations with their commitment to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. They place a strong emphasis on training and development, featuring a training center aimed at preparing participants for mortgage industry roles.  

CCM promotes taking care of employees’ wellbeing by providing an array of worker benefits. Such benefits include: 

• medical, dental, and vision benefits 
• cost-effective options: low contributions and premiums 
• competitive compensation 
• savings accounts: FSA & HSA 
• retirement planning: 401(k) with company match
• insurance: short- and long-term disability, term life, and AD&D coverage 
• ​​​​​​​time off: paid holidays and flexible PTO   

About CrossCountry Mortgage CEO Ronald Leonhardt, Jr. and key people 

Ronald Leonhardt, Jr. is the founder and CEO of CrossCountry Mortgage. He founded the company after years of experience as a loan officer and broker.  

Leonhardt leads the company along with other key people: 

• Charles Shackelford (EVP): oversees strategic planning and execution, ensuring business units meet objectives and performance target 

• Brett Schiffer (Chief Credit Officer): oversees credit policies and risk management 

• Lizy Hoeffer (Chief Experience Officer): responsible for enhancing the customer experience across all interactions 

• Jennifer Stracensky (COO): oversees the operational aspects of the company, ensuring that day-to-day activities align with strategic goals 

• Dean Thevaos (CTO): directs technology strategy, focusing on innovative solutions for mortgage processing, customer experience, and data security 

• Glen Lemeshev (CRO): drives revenue growth, developing market expansion strategies and overseeing sales and business development   

The Future at CrossCountry Mortgage 

CrossCountry Mortgage's strategy for the future focuses on expansion through mergers and acquisitions, while hiring more loan officers nationwide. A recent plan to acquire AmCap Home Loans, a smaller lending company, is aimed at enhancing its presence in Texas.  

Given CrossCountry Mortgage’s strategic direction, the coming months look promising for the company, filled with growth opportunities and anticipation.