Missed the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts' Fuse 2024? Here's a recap
The Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME) hosted its seventh annual Fuse National Conference in New Orleans, drawing more than a thousand of mortgage professionals from across the US for two days of learning, networking, and celebration.
Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Francine, the event proceeded successfully, including a rescheduled Women’s Mortgage Network (WMN) Summit.
The association said this year’s event was especially notable for several reasons, including the introduction of new leadership under Jonathon Haddad.
"My first Fuse as CEO was an unforgettable experience,” Haddad, who took the helm as chairman and CEO, said during his keynote speech. “The energy, collaboration, and commitment from our broker community was unparalleled.”
Haddad also introduced AIME’s revised slogan, evolving from “Brokers Are Better” to “Brokers Are Best.”
With the theme CommUNITY, the conference focused on strengthening the bond within the broker industry, particularly in navigating a challenging mortgage landscape.
Notable speakers
Fuse 2024 featured a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, including motivational talks by Ed Mylett, renowned mindset coach, and Barry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway. Mylett delivered an energizing address, while Habib provided critical insights into mortgage-backed securities and economic forecasting.
Leadership expert René Rodriguez also spoke, delivering practical advice for brokers on leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.
Mat Ishbia, CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), unveiled BrokerX, a loan originator training program designed to help brokers take their businesses to the next level.
The conference also featured a vibrant Exhibit Hall with more than 40 exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and services for independent mortgage brokers. The conference agenda was packed with workshops and breakout sessions on topics like AI services, personal branding, and market navigation post-NAR settlement, providing actionable strategies for brokers.
Hall of AIME
One of the standout events was the Hall of AIME awards ceremony, which recognized top achievers in the broker community.
Honorees included Tom Ahles, Rylan Maddox, and Corrina Carter, among others, showcasing excellence in various categories like "National Broker of the Year" and "VA Champion."
The Hall of AIME inductees included:
- Tom Ahles (Broker owner of Edge Home Finance)
- Rylan Maddox (Sr. mortgage broker at HI FIVE Team)
- Samantha Shelton (Broker owner of Align Lending)
- Elizabeth Cassidy (Broker at Future Home Loans)
- Corrina Carter (Owner and CEO of CMS Mortgage Solutions)
- Chris Vinson (CEO of Mortgage Division, Windsor Mortgage, and Plains Commerce Bank)
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The winners in various categories:
- Local Broker of the Year: Surag "Rocky" Billore (Broker owner of Rockwood Mortgage)
- Regional Broker of the Year: Armen Manokian (Mortgage loan originator at Coastline Mortgage)
- National Broker of the Year: Major Singleton (Broker owner of Major Money Matters powered by Edge Home Finance)
- Local Brokerage of the Year: Left Coast Leaders
- Regional Brokerage of the Year: Grow Mortgage
- National Brokerage of the Year: CMS Mortgage Solutions
- Rookie of the Year: Tony Zerwas (Mortgage broker at Edge Home Finance)
- Women's Champion: Elizabeth Cassidy (Broker at Future Home Loans)
- VA Champion: Susan Wiesner (Mortgage broker at Edge Home Finance)
- People's Champion: Russell Petty (Broker owner of Grow Mortgage)
- Vendor Partner of the Year: Advantage Credit
- Lender Partner of the Year: UWM
The event also raised over $114,000 for charity, supporting Charlie Rocket’s Dream Machine, an organization dedicated to helping children in need. AIME matched the community's donations with a $25,000 pledge.
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