Academy Mortgage: A Giant In The Home Loan Industry

Academy Mortgage Corporation, now part of Guild Mortgage, has 310 locations across the country. The company has received recognition for its employee well-being, receiving the 2022 Gold-Level Healthy Worksite Award from the Utah Worksite Wellness Council. The company tailors mortgage solutions to fit the unique needs of its customers.

Academy Mortgage is now part of Guild Mortgage

Academy Mortgage's loan production represents a significant increase in annual origination volume for Guild, with an estimated 25% increase in the third quarter of 2023. This increase in volume positions the combined enterprises competitively within the retail market share among non-bank retail mortgage lenders, ranking eighth nationally.

The acquisition of Academy Mortgage by Guild Mortgage is a strategic expansion for Guild, which has purchased six mortgage shops since 2022. The deal includes the onboarding of nearly 200 branches and 1,000 new employees, including loan officers, sales operations staff, underwriters, and processors. Academy Mortgage's CEO, Adam Kessler, will join Guild's senior leadership team, and Academy branches will operate as a division within Guild, transitioning to the Guild brand.

The integration of Academy Mortgage into Guild Mortgage is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2024, with Academy Mortgage employees fully transitioning to Guild's platform and technology. This integration will bring together two companies with similar cultures and a shared commitment to serving their customers and communities.

It has 310 locations

Academy Mortgage Corporation has a large presence with 310 locations. This extensive network of branches showcases the company's significant reach and solid position in the mortgage industry. Having numerous locations allows Academy Mortgage to serve a diverse range of customers across different regions. Each branch is equipped with knowledgeable loan officers who are dedicated to understanding customers' unique situations and tailoring mortgage solutions accordingly. This personalised approach to financing dream homes is a key advantage of Academy Mortgage's broad network.

The company's vast network of 310 locations enables it to tap into varied local markets and build strong community connections. This local expertise is invaluable in the mortgage business, where understanding specific area dynamics and customer needs is essential. With so many branches, Academy Mortgage can offer a comprehensive suite of services, ensuring that customers' mortgage journeys are well-supported from start to finish. The company's size and reach demonstrate its ability to adapt to different markets and regulatory environments, a testament to its flexibility and commitment to serving customers effectively.

Academy Mortgage's size also brings economies of scale, allowing it to offer competitive rates and a diverse range of mortgage products. With a large customer base, the company can negotiate better terms with lenders, passing on benefits to its clients. Additionally, the company's extensive resources facilitate investment in technology and process improvements, enhancing the overall customer experience. This includes streamlined application processes, efficient loan approvals, and robust support systems for borrowers.

The company's large footprint also enables it to attract and retain top talent in the mortgage industry. With more locations comes the opportunity to offer diverse career paths and professional growth opportunities for employees. Academy Mortgage recognises the importance of employee well-being and has received the 2022 Gold-Level Healthy Worksite Award from the Utah Worksite Wellness Council. This focus on employee satisfaction and well-being contributes to a positive company culture, which, in turn, benefits customers through improved service delivery.

Overall, Academy Mortgage's 310 locations signify its strength, stability, and ability to cater to a wide range of customer needs. This extensive network empowers the company to offer personalised services, tap into local markets, and provide competitive rates. The size of Academy Mortgage's operations underscores its reputation as a trusted and reliable player in the mortgage industry, capable of guiding individuals and families towards achieving their dream of homeownership.

It has a non-profit charitable wing

Academy Mortgage, now part of Guild Mortgage, has a non-profit charitable wing called the Academy Foundation for the Future. This 501(c)(3) organisation provides financial resources, materials, and labour to disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities in need of assistance in the areas of infrastructure, education, and housing. All donations made to the foundation are tax-deductible.

The charitable work of Academy Mortgage extends beyond the scope of its non-profit wing. The company also offers a range of loans for low- and moderate-income households, underserved minority populations, people with disabilities, and the elderly. These include state housing loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans, and USDA rural housing loans.

Guild Mortgage, the parent company of Academy Mortgage, has a strong culture of giving and supporting various charitable causes. Guild Giving, the company's employee-matching program, contributes to approved 501(c)(3) charities affiliated with diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and other non-profit organisations. Guild Mortgage also fosters an inclusive workplace culture through employee-led internal communities (ERGs) that promote diversity, openness, understanding, and inclusivity.

The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its workforce demographics. Academy Mortgage has a diverse team, with 59% of its employees being women, and 34.4% belonging to ethnic minority groups. The company ranks highly as one of the best places to work in Utah, with employees praising its integrity, morals, and values.

It received a 2022 Gold-Level Healthy Worksite Award

Academy Mortgage is one of the largest and most respected independent mortgage lenders in the US. The company was founded in 1988 and has since been recognised for its commitment to responsible lending. In 2022, Academy Mortgage received the Gold-Level Healthy Worksite Award. This award recognises the company's dedication to fostering a healthy work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees.

The award acknowledges Academy Mortgage's efforts in creating a culture that supports and promotes the health and wellness of its workforce. The company's guiding principles, known as the 5 P's, emphasise building, nurturing, and protecting a culture that inspires hope and delivers dreams. Academy Mortgage understands that its people are its most valuable asset, and it strives to create a passionate and driven team that delivers exceptional experiences to homeowners.

The company's commitment to its employees' health and wellness is evident in its work culture. Academy Mortgage encourages a healthy work-life balance, flexible work hours, and supportive management. The company also provides resources and initiatives to enhance employees' physical and mental well-being, such as access to fitness programmes, wellness challenges, and mental health support services.

Additionally, Academy Mortgage offers comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off, ensuring that employees can take care of their health and well-being. The company also prioritises continuous improvement and accountability, fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to develop personally and professionally.

The Gold-Level Healthy Worksite Award serves as a testament to Academy Mortgage's dedication to creating a healthy and supportive work environment. By prioritising the well-being of its employees, the company has cultivated a passionate and engaged workforce, which, in turn, contributes to its success and positive reputation in the mortgage industry.

Kristi Pickering is President

Academy Mortgage Corporation, a Utah-based company now part of Guild Mortgage, recently appointed Kristi Pickering as its president. Pickering's role as president involves overseeing the implementation of strategies that support the company's long-term vision. She works closely with the executive team to lead the operations of the organisation and optimise efficiencies, continuing to streamline and elevate the way Academy Mortgage does business.

Pickering's appointment as president allows the company's CEO, James Mac Pherson, to focus more on strategic growth opportunities. As president, Pickering concentrates on the day-to-day operations of the company. During her tenure as chief operations officer, she developed a dynamic operations team, expanded the company's technology landscape, and implemented several operational process improvements.

Pickering's 28 years of experience in the mortgage industry, serving in every operations role, has provided her with invaluable knowledge and experience. This enables her to see the bigger picture in her role as president. Her commitment to helping Academy Mortgage inspire hope, deliver dreams, and build prosperity is evident in the launch of the company's social impact programme. The programme equips team members with the tools and resources to inspire hope within their communities by serving in meaningful ways.

Pickering's leadership has been praised by Mac Pherson, who described her as "an incredible leader and an inspiration to many". Her trustworthiness, confidence, and servant leadership qualities make her a valuable asset to the company. With her extensive experience and proven track record of success, Pickering is well-positioned to guide Academy Mortgage towards achieving its long-term goals and elevating its business practices.

Frequently asked questions