Closer to the people making decisions.
Closer to the support behind your business.
Closer to the company you want to help build.
You’ve built a business on trust. Your lending partner should earn it, too. Explore the people, support, and opportunities behind Benchmark.
The Benchmark Way puts integrity, relationships, and doing the right thing at the center of the business. For producers and leaders, that connection matters every day.
Stewart sat me down. He had just finished with a consultant, putting his heart on paper into this thing called Core Values, and that turned into something that matched mine. And from there, we really set a focus on how do we shift Benchmark to a true relationship company based on making a difference that lasts.
Benchmark has always been a company about core values… It has been the way that you get in. It’s the way that we celebrate. It’s the way that we correct.
Build trust through honesty, empathy, loyalty, and commitment.
Bring belief, enthusiasm, and confidence to the work.
Pursue knowledge, efficiency, growth, and thoughtful execution.
Use creativity, innovation, and adaptability to move forward.
Align teamwork, planning, and clear goals with sustainable results.
Marketing tools that actually help you grow your business: tell your story, build your reputation, and give clients and referral partners more reasons to connect.
A library of branded, ready-to-customize marketing materials lets you tailor flyers and social content to your market. New-product launches come with coordinated flyers and social posts, so you can bring relevant lending opportunities to clients and referral partners.
A weekly marketing newsletter adds education, practical tips, and vendor guidance to help you put those resources to work.
Access ready-made content, schedule social posts, and turn educational scripts into videos in your own voice.
Record from your phone or desktop with a built-in teleprompter, adjust the script to fit your message, and use available video editing services to polish the result. You can also create one-to-one videos for a client or referral partner, keeping your outreach personal as your business grows.
Online reputation management with automated review requests helps you collect more reviews from the clients you serve and keep your online reputation working for you.
A fully integrated website experience gives you a professional online home that works alongside your other marketing tools. It’s built to help you show up where clients search today, including AI-powered search, so clients and referral partners can find you, learn about you, and reach you.
Growth with a clear purpose. Work through your goals with business development: where you want to grow, who you want to serve, and what support will help.
How Biz Dev works ↓Benchmark pairs modern systems with in-house marketing support, designed to help your team spend more time with borrowers and referral partners. Here’s how that translates to your daily workflow.
Our goal is to overall enhance the borrower’s experience through automation, transparency, but even more so, a level of personalization.
Review the application, document collection, and communication experience with the team. See how it fits your borrowers.
Our nCino point of sale keeps the application, disclosures, and closing e-signatures in one place, so borrowers move through the process without juggling logins.
AI-assisted document indexing helps identify borrower documents and route them to the right place in the loan file, so your team can spend less time filing and more time with the borrower.
Your loan files live in Encompass, a single, proven loan origination system. Role-based workspaces bring loan information, transaction details, notes, and key actions together in one place, so your team spends less time navigating between screens.
Pricing and locking run on Optimal Blue, available through both nCino and Encompass, with pipeline visibility and standard and customizable reporting to help you manage your business.
Income and asset analysis tools let loan officers run scenarios up front and work with more certainty from day one. Automated fee and disclosure tools help reduce manual setup and keep files moving.
Branches can use enterprise-supported CRM connected to Encompass, so your team spends less time on duplicate entry and manual updates and more time staying connected with past clients and referral partners at the moments that matter.
We start with a supported default platform and review approved alternatives with you, looking at compatibility and integration needs so you can build around the tools and workflows that work for your business.
Identify what your team needs to learn, how support works, and where the platform can give you time back.
New branches receive systems training built around how your team works, with role-based training materials and videos and hands-on support from our project team as you launch.
Bring your borrower profiles and referral strategy. Let’s evaluate the lending fit with real scenarios.
Benchmark’s published loan lineup includes conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and Non-QM financing, along with affordable conventional options such as Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible. Review the current options against the borrowers and price points in your market.
Explore Benchmark’s builder platform and how it may fit the builders, communities, and buyers in your market.
See builder ↓Specialty options include Non-QM lending, renovation financing, buydown options, and down payment assistance programs. Availability and eligibility vary; review scenarios with the team.
Explore Benchmark’s builder platform and how it may fit the builders, communities, and buyers in your market.
Benchmark Mortgage brings nearly two decades of experience working with homebuilders, including established builder partnerships and joint ventures. We understand the importance of financing options that help builders move inventory and buyers move into their homes.
For originators with established builder relationships, that experience provides a knowledgeable team to help evaluate the products, support and business structure needed to serve those relationships.
VA expertise, hands-on scenario review, and a Veteran mission that extends beyond the loan.
Honor your veterans and the fallen in how you live your life.
Straightforward loans tend to move through most lending platforms. The challenging files reveal the depth of a team’s experience—and its willingness to help find a solution.
At Benchmark, serving Veterans and their home financing needs is a priority. Producers have access to VA expertise and hands-on scenario review to work through the details, understand the requirements, and explore available options.
When a loan appears to fall outside standard guidelines, bring the scenario. Get experienced people involved before assuming there isn’t a path forward. Every file deserves thoughtful consideration, especially when a Veteran’s opportunity to own a home is on the line.
For loan officers serving military families, that commitment means support where it matters most: helping you navigate the loans that require more knowledge, more attention, and more persistence.
At Benchmark, serving Veterans extends beyond the closing table. Through fundraising supporting Valor Mission Project, Brain Treatment Foundation, and Third Option Foundation, the Benchmark community helps support Veterans, intelligence professionals, and their families.
Since inception, these fundraising efforts have raised more than $13 million, with 96 cents of every dollar going toward Veteran support.
For producers and branch leaders, this is a mission you can help carry forward—bringing Realtors, builders, clients, and colleagues together to make a difference beyond the transaction.
Explore the Veteran mission ↗Your reputation travels with every loan. Get to know the operational relationships that will support your clients and partners.
Your branch works with dedicated underwriters who also serve as your local scenario desk. They help you work through the scenario up front, then underwrite the loan, with coverage across conventional, government, bond, and jumbo lending.
Operations leaders stay closely involved, with daily communication and regular workload reviews. When a file needs a decision, you have direct access to leadership, including by cell phone, with few layers between you and an answer.
Underwriting targets 24–48 hours on submissions and resubmissions, and 72 hours on bond loans.
After clear-to-close, the closing team targets same-day final documents and works proactively to keep closings on schedule.
Branch managers can request rush handling, so time-sensitive purchases move up when needed.
Seasoned underwriters and closers, ongoing coaching, and post-closing feedback keep service consistent from file to file.
Marshall Hunter and the capital markets team handle pricing escalations case by case. Your baseline is set during onboarding, with ongoing support when a scenario needs a closer look.
Extend locks only for the days you need, up to 45 days. Most products can be locked into the evening and on weekends; ARMs, jumbo, and Non-QM lock during standard hours. Construction loans can lock for up to 360 days, with an upfront deposit and a one-time float-down option.
Talk through your own loan scenarios with our team, including walkthroughs with Marshall Hunter, to see how pricing and compensation would work in practice.
You don’t have to recruit alone. Steve Rennie works alongside branch and sales leaders to identify the right producers, start conversations, and turn relationships into recruiting opportunities.
Use production data and market insight to build a focused target list.
Partner on calls, personalized messaging, and consistent follow-up.
Tag-team candidate conversations, bring in the right leaders, and work through next steps together.
You bring your local relationships and vision for the team. Steve brings recruiting experience and hands-on support to help you build it.
Talk with Steve about growing your team ↓Your next move should support more than your production. Benchmark offers benefits and resources to help you care for your health, plan for the future, and continue building your career.
Medical, dental, and vision options help eligible employees care for themselves and their families. Our HR team helps you understand your choices and navigate enrollment.
Benchmark’s 401(k) plan includes company matching contributions and traditional and Roth savings options. Manage your retirement savings through ADP, with HR support to help you understand eligibility and plan details.
Time to recharge and handle personal priorities matters. Our HR team walks you through the time-off, holiday, and leave policies that apply to your role, so you know what to expect before joining.
Role-based systems training, experienced leaders, and hands-on launch support help you get established. We’ll also review licensing and continuing education requirements with you as part of planning your transition and growth.
Additional benefits include telemedicine, a health savings account (HSA), employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and employee perks.
Explore Benchmark benefits ↗Benefits are subject to eligibility, applicable policies, and plan terms.
Meet the team working together to support your next chapter at Benchmark—from leadership and business development to marketing, onboarding, operations, and pricing.
Founding Partner
Read bioStewart helped establish Benchmark in 1999 and its commitment to relationships and local leadership. His involvement in Veteran fundraising reflects a mission that extends beyond mortgage lending.
Chief Executive Officer
Read bioNorm leads Benchmark’s next chapter of growth, with an emphasis on developing people and supporting production teams. His approach is direct: accessible leadership, open conversations, and a willingness to pick up the phone.
Executive Chairman and Partner
Read bioWith Benchmark since 2008, Jim brings a sales perspective to leadership and growth. He champions the relationships, people, and shared values that connect Benchmark’s branches across the country.
SVP, Business Development
Read bioSteve brings 25 years of experience recruiting mortgage producers and leaders. He combines relationship development, market data, and technology to help branches grow and professionals evaluate their next opportunity.
President and Chief Operating Officer
Read bioJim brings more than 30 years of mortgage banking experience and has been with Benchmark since 2008. His background spans underwriting and operations, with a focus on helping teams deliver a consistent borrower experience.
Chief Marketing Officer
Read bioClay leads marketing resources that help producers build their presence and strengthen referral relationships. His team supports branded content, social media, and video tools that branches can put to work in their markets.
VP Direct & Enterprise Solutions PM
Read bioAli helps teams connect technology with daily loan production. Her work includes borrower-facing systems, role-based training, and hands-on project support to help new branches get established.
SVP Operations
Read bioWith Benchmark since 2013, Brandon supports the operational teams behind the loan process. His role connects producers with the people and processes needed to move files forward and work through challenges.
VP Pricing and Rate Lock
Read bioWith Benchmark since 2011, Marshall supports producers with pricing and lock expertise. His team helps branches evaluate scenarios, navigate pricing questions, and understand available lock options.
Chief Human Resources Officer
Read bioTraci has led Benchmark’s human resources team since 2017, supporting recruiting, employee development, benefits, and company culture. She brings extensive mortgage industry HR experience and a focus on helping employees build lasting careers.
Benchmark offices across the country, from our Plano, Texas headquarters to branches coast to coast. Select a highlighted state to see its office locations.
Branch leaders and executives on what makes Benchmark the place it is.
“…what appealed to me about being a part of Benchmark is the direct line of communication between the owners and upper management.”
“Benchmark has always believed that strong relationships, supported by strong operations, are what create lasting success.”
“Benchmark gave me the opportunity to grow, and I’ve never taken that for granted. My commitment is simple: build and lead world-class teams, drive operational excellence, support and empower our branches, and always show up for the families who count on us.”
“…remove friction from the loan process so our teams can spend more time delivering the exceptional experience our borrowers and partners deserve.”
“Go deeper in great markets. You go wider in tougher markets. So we help our people learn the balance of go wide or go deep.”
“The sincere trust and entrepreneurial spirit that the ownership team exudes is second to none in our business…”
“I enjoy helping my clients strategize through their short term and long term goals, maximizing all benefits from having a home loan.”
“…who’s on your team matters. Your teammates matter… you spend more time with them sometimes than you do your own family members. So… you better make sure that they are the right teammates.”
“Then, finally, the timing was right and I made the best decision of my 19 year mortgage career!”
“Overcoming an obstacle like this one makes it even more worthwhile to do what we do at Benchmark!”
“It’s the relationships, the family feeling. Feels like everybody at corporate cares about us…”
“I love the support that I receive from my underwriters, closers, everyone involved at Benchmark… I never feel like I’m out here on an island. Everyone’s always eager to help…”
“I love the family part of Benchmark. I love that relationships is one of their core values because that means so much to me.”
“…everybody’s just very close knit. And if we need anything, we know we can always ask.”
The right conversation starts with your goals.
…what matters even now more than anything, it’s collaboration, it’s community, it’s grace, it’s clarity, it’s innovation, it’s accountability, and those words, they will define Benchmark’s next chapter.
Your first chapter starts with a plan built around your role, whether you’re joining as a loan officer, bringing a branch or sales team, or building a new market.
Experienced leaders provide mentorship from day one. Connect with Ali to plan your onboarding, systems training, and transition priorities, with role-based training materials and hands-on support from our project team as you launch.
Branch and team leaders can also plan around flexible branch structures and business development resources to help you grow.
From yes to your first closings, here’s what to expect and who’s with you along the way.
Your first chapter starts with a plan built around your role. Connect with Ali to plan your onboarding, systems training, and transition priorities.
We’ll also review licensing and continuing education requirements with you as part of planning your transition.
Systems training is built around how your team works, with role-based training materials and videos and hands-on support from our project team as you launch.
Your pricing baseline is set during onboarding, with a direct line to Marshall Hunter and the capital markets team when a scenario needs a closer look.
Your growth engine is ready to personalize from the start: branded content, social and video tools, reputation management, and a fully integrated website.
Your dedicated underwriters also serve as your local scenario desk. They help you work through the scenario up front, then underwrite the loan.
Underwriting targets 24–48 hours on submissions and resubmissions, and the closing team targets same-day final documents after clear-to-close.
When a file needs a decision, you have direct access to leadership.
Experienced leaders provide mentorship from day one.
Branch and team leaders can plan around flexible branch structures and business development resources, including recruiting support from Steve Rennie.
Timing and details vary by role, state, and branch.
Start a confidential conversation ↓No production promises. No one-size-fits-all pitch. A direct discussion about your business and whether Benchmark is the right fit.