Going On Your Own — But Not Alone
National Mortgage Professional
Telling the Mortgage Industry's Story of Success
For mortgage banking MLOs eyeing the broker world, one of the most significant driving forces is the freedom to operate their business as they want.
Leaving retail mortgage banking for the broker model provides autonomy, better pricing in many cases, and fewer layers of management. But, what if you could have all that — without the headaches of building an operation from scratch?
That’s precisely the opportunity being created by today’s mega brokers — large-scale brokerage platforms that give MLOs the flexibility to run their own business while providing critical support.
Instead of struggling with compliance, technology, marketing, and operations, originators can focus on what they do best: closing deals.
A Broker-in-a-Box
Pablo Martinez , CEO and founder of Equity Smart Home Loans , sees his platform as the perfect stepping stone for originators who want to go independent but aren’t ready to take on the full burden of running a brokerage.
“You get all the benefits of being a broker — access to multiple lenders, better pricing — but with the infrastructure of a correspondent lender,” Martinez explains. “We provide the back-office support, compliance, and training, so the only thing you’re really focusing on is loan origination.”
The setup allows loan officers to build their own teams, recruit nationally, and even establish virtual branches without being bogged down by the operational challenges that can sink new brokerages.
Martinez also acknowledges that for some, the dream is to eventually go fully independent.
“I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t allow people to grow and go out on their own,” he says. “As long as it’s done transparently, I support it.” But in most cases, he’s found that once MLOs see the benefits of a platform like Equity Smart, they stay. “They realize they don’t need to reinvent the wheel.”
Freedom to Build at Scale
Al Bennett , a vice president and team leader at West Capital Lending , was just featured in the Masters of Tomorrow NMP story and took a different path — one rooted in creativity and leadership.
A former photographer and videographer, Bennett saw the power of authentic social media in building a mortgage business. Now, he leads a team of 47 agents, funding over $312 million in 2024.
“What really sets West Cap apart? Freedom,” Bennett says. “I get to run my business my way, make decisions that actually move the needle, and work in a culture where ideas aren’t just heard — they’re backed. There’s no red tape, no micromanagement — just pure execution.”
That independence comes straight from West Cap’s leadership. “Daniel Iskander and Eric Hines aren’t just running a business; they’re playing the long game,” Bennett explains. “They’re not in it to take the biggest cut — they make sure the loan officers win first. And that changes everything.”
By operating within a mega broker structure, Bennett has been able to scale his business quickly, leveraging the platform’s resources while maintaining control over how he builds and leads his team.
“Every VP has the freedom to build, innovate, and execute in a way that makes sense for their team,” he says. “There’s no cookie-cutter system — just a collaborative, high-performance environment that lets you win on your terms.”
A New Way to ‘Go Broker’
For originators weighing the move to the broker side, today’s landscape offers a compelling alternative: Go out on your own — but not alone.
Platforms like Equity Smart and West Cap provide the autonomy of a brokerage with the resources and support of a national player. Whether it’s operational support, access to exclusive lender pricing, or the ability to scale a team without the overhead, these firms are redefining what a mortgage entrepreneur can be.
For many, it’s the best of both worlds — freedom, backed by firepower .
— Andrew Berman , Head of Engagement and Outreach
CATCH UP QUICK
领英推荐
Pursuing a multi-channel strategy has seemed to be working for the lender, which also experienced strong servicing portfolio growth last quarter.
No big product announcement yesterday, and nothing to address those pesky lock-in effects. But, Rocket did double-down on a message of inclusivity that most of the rest of corporate America is deserting.
NMP WEBINAR
Join us on the next OriginatorTech DeepDive to see how you can flood the new year with new business! We’ll show you how AngelAi is invested in, and committed to, their partners’ growth. Learn about the Ai-powered marketing materials that will help you grow your business while costing you less time, money, and frustration! Register now.
Starting a business doesn't have to be daunting. Build-A-Broker??is a half-day bootcamp designed to help you establish the solid foundation?needed to launch your business, or streamline and strengthen your existing one.
?? Irvine, CA
California Mortgage Expo — Irvine | May 7, 2025 Register to attend
?? New Orleans, LA
Ultimate Mortgage Expo | July 9, 2025 Register to attend
?? Las Vegas, NV
Originator Connect | August 14, 2025 Register to attend
?? BUILD-A-BROKER: THE JOURNEY
Tyler Flora, The Thinker, And The Mortgage Broker Turned Mortgage Banker
Tyler Flora , CEO & Mortgage Advisor at SunnyHill Financial NMLS #1708856 , began his mortgage career as a broker before he switched tracks to grow his business. Hear the details of how Tyler’s plan was executed and what led to the decision to become a mortgage banker.