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Team biographies
Bill Lyons
President & CEO
Executive biography
Bill Lyons, Founder, President & CEO
Founder-led leadership across specialized mortgage lending, real estate finance, mortgage technology, company growth, and customer experience.
Bill Lyons is the Founder, President and CEO of Griffin Funding, a direct-to-consumer mortgage lender founded in 2013. He leads Griffin Funding's strategy across mortgage lending, real estate finance, technology, growth, and customer experience, with a particular focus on serving self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, veterans, homeowners, and other clients whose financial profiles may call for specialized mortgage solutions.
Under Bill's leadership, Griffin Funding has built a lending platform spanning conventional and government mortgages as well as specialized Non-QM programs, including DSCR loans for real estate investors, Bank Statement loans for self-employed borrowers, Home Equity financing, and VA loans. His approach combines product breadth, direct-to-consumer distribution, disciplined mortgage operations, and technology-enabled decision support with experienced human judgment.
Executive leadership and documented recognition
HousingWire named Bill a Vanguard in 2020 and again in 2022, recognizing his executive leadership across mortgage, real estate, and financial technology. During his tenure, Griffin Funding has appeared on the Inc. 5000 six times—in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2026. Griffin's 2017 appearance reached No. 83 nationally after 4,473% three-year growth, and HousingWire identified the company as the fastest-growing mortgage-finance company on that year's Inc. list.
Griffin Funding has also received Inc. Best in Business honors in Financial Services, Inc. Best Workplaces recognition, an Inc. Regionals Pacific ranking, and a 2026 HousingWire Tech100 honor for LIA, Griffin's mortgage intelligence and decision-support platform. Experience.com's 2025 Top Performers also recognized Griffin among the Top 10 Mortgage Companies in the Small Division for customer satisfaction.
Mortgage technology, media, and entrepreneurship
Bill's perspective on mortgage lending, entrepreneurship, real estate finance, and company building has been featured across major business and housing-industry outlets. He has been profiled by a Forbes contributor, interviewed by HousingWire, quoted by WSJ Buy Side on mortgage options for self-employed borrowers, and has contributed commentary through Forbes Councils.
Earlier in his career, Bill founded Revestor, a real-estate technology company designed to help investors evaluate properties using cash-flow and investment-performance data, and appeared on ABC's Shark Tank. That background in real-estate technology and entrepreneurship informs Griffin Funding's continuing investment in mortgage technology and specialized lending.
Professional background and leadership philosophy
Bill is a licensed real estate broker and a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Forbes Real Estate Council, and Entrepreneurs' Organization. Griffin Funding's public biography also notes his studies at Arizona State University and Anthony Robbins' Mastery University. His operating philosophy is centered on building a durable mortgage company that combines flexible lending options, accountable teams, efficient technology, and a high-touch borrower experience.
As CEO, Bill's role is ultimately to align Griffin Funding's people, products, technology, and capital around a clear objective: helping borrowers and real estate investors identify financing that fits their circumstances while maintaining the execution standards required of a modern direct mortgage lender.
Full executive biographyScroll within bio
Colby Freer
Senior Loan Officer
Previously, Colby enjoyed a successful career as an account manager for San Diego Magazine and worked in private loan services for students. She’s been in the mortgage business for nine years. “Ten years ago, Bill Lyons and I were sharing a glass of wine with some friends, and he offered me the opportunity to come work for his newly-launched company, Griffin Funding,” Colby reflects. “I quickly found my wings in the industry and was given the tools to soar.” Colby is passionate about educating her clients. She has a love for saving clients money, and in some cases, their homes. Five years ago, she partnered up with Sarah Howell in order to better serve both of their client bases. She calls it one of the best decisions she’s made in her career. “Real estate agents team up, so why shouldn't mortgage advisors?” Colby asks. “We all have strengths and weaknesses in life, and Sarah and I are the perfect balance. We strive for excellence in five-star reviews, referrals, and always maintain a transparent, straightforward approach.” Outside of real estate, Colby and her husband Brad are the proud parents of two (Fletcher and Cosette). Additionally, she is deeply engaged in her local community, “I love the beautiful island of Coronado, and I am truly honored to call this my hometown.” https://youtu.be/gsT4_tSh_sUSarah Howell
Sr. Loan Officer
Sarah Howell is a Montana native and seasoned mortgage professional with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Montana. Since 2015, she has been a trusted advisor at Griffin Funding — and today stands as one of San Diego's most accomplished specialists in VA loans, DSCR financing, and Bank Statement loans. Her numbers and reviews speak for themselves: as of March 2026, Sarah has helped 655 families finance over $292 million in real estate — including more than 350 VA loans totaling $178.87 million, 65+ Bank Statement loans totaling $27.2 million, and 57+ DSCR loans totaling $13.92 million. Licensed in 28 states and counting, Sarah brings a consultative approach that goes beyond the transaction. Whether she's guiding a veteran through a VA purchase with zero down, helping a self-employed entrepreneur qualify using 12 or 24 months of bank statements, or structuring a DSCR loan for a real estate investor based on rental income rather than personal tax returns — Sarah focuses on the complete financial picture and the long-term outcome, not just the rate. Her clients range from active-duty service members and veterans to business owners and seasoned real estate investors. What they share is an appreciation for Sarah's ability to simplify complex loan structures, move with urgency, and deliver results when it matters most. Based in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, Sarah spends her free time outdoors, traveling, exploring the city's food scene, and catching films with friends. https://youtu.be/BqTGjWC_4awLien King
VP of Operations
Operational execution across the mortgage lifecycle.
Lien King serves as Vice President of Operations at Griffin Funding. Her public role spans processing, underwriting support, closing, post-closing, workflow design, pipeline execution, loan quality, and technology integration.
Lien's operating focus is practical: clearer ownership, more consistent handoffs, stronger file quality, and less friction as loans move toward funding.
More than a decade in mortgage operations.
Her background includes processing, underwriting support, training, and workflow development across traditional and Non-QM lending.
Workflow + turn-time discipline.
Embedding decision support without replacing judgment.
Lien supports the responsible integration of LIA and other operational tools into mortgage workflows. LIA provides decision support; loan professionals remain responsible for guideline review, accuracy, compliance, and final judgment.
Connecting Sales, Operations, and Capital Markets.
Her role helps create the operational consistency required to scale specialized lending while protecting quality and the borrower experience.
Kristi Manion
Sr. Loan Officer
Kristi Manion is a Senior Loan Officer at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California (NMLS #1314037), with more than a decade of experience in mortgage lending and financial services. Having spent most of her mortgage career with Griffin Funding, Kristi combines hands-on operations experience with loan origination expertise, giving her a detailed understanding of how a mortgage moves from application through underwriting, processing, closing, and funding.
From Operations to Lending
Kristi began her Griffin Funding career in Operations, where she developed a strong command of mortgage guidelines, loan structuring, processing, and closing execution before moving into sales. That foundation helps her identify issues early, explain financing options clearly, and structure loans with the full transaction in mind. Griffin Funding has recognized her for consistently strong closing performance, including the company's highest closing rate.
Traditional and Non-QM Mortgage Experience
Kristi works with a broad range of borrowers, including first-time homebuyers, self-employed clients, homeowners, and real estate investors. Her experience spans traditional mortgage programs and Non-QM financing, including solutions used by investors and borrowers whose income or financial profile may not fit conventional lending guidelines. She is also a Realtor with a background in property management, giving her perspective on both the financing and real estate sides of a transaction.
Life Outside of Work
Originally from San Diego, Kristi splits her time between Southern California and Martinez Lake, Arizona. Outside of mortgage lending, she enjoys spending time on the water, traveling, and planning her next adventure.
Kristie Lyons
Director of Client Retention
Morgan Lyons
Closing Manager
Morgan Lyons is the Closing Manager at Griffin Funding (NMLS #2087555) and a 2026 HousingWire Rising Star. Since joining Griffin Funding in 2018, she has grown from an entry-level support role into closing leadership, helping build and scale the processes that move loans from disclosure through document preparation, closing, funding, and post-closing.
2026 HousingWire Rising Star
HousingWire recognized Morgan for building Griffin Funding’s closing infrastructure, developing the team responsible for disclosures, document drawing, closing, and post-closing, and leading initiatives that improved warehouse-line economics and funding execution. The award profile reported that her department supported all 1,261 Griffin Funding transactions totaling $415 million in funded volume during 2025.
Building Griffin Funding’s Closing Operations
Morgan learned loan disclosures and document drawing early in her career and helped turn those responsibilities from a one-person function into a structured department. Today, she leads a team supporting disclosures, document drawing, closing, and post-closing, with a focus on reliable execution, clear ownership, and maintaining momentum as loans approach the funding stage.
Operational Leadership and Technology
Her work extends beyond day-to-day closing management into operational infrastructure and funding strategy. Morgan has contributed to warehouse-line initiatives and led the implementation of OptiFunder, a loan-origination technology integration designed to improve warehouse utilization and funding execution. She has also received internal Griffin Funding Rising Star and Leadership Awards.
Leadership Philosophy
Morgan’s approach reflects advice she has carried throughout her career: work hard, care about the quality of the work, and do not let down the people counting on you. That focus on quality, accountability, and reliability continues to shape how she leads Griffin Funding’s closing function.
Chloe Shubin
VP of Strategy
Chloe Shubin, Vice President of Strategy
Chloe connects company strategy, mortgage technology, performance visibility, and cross-functional execution. She led the rollout of LIA, Griffin Funding's mortgage intelligence and decision-support platform.
Recognized work
LIA rollout leadership2026 HousingWire Tech100 platformNon-QM strategyLoan-officer enablement
Featured or quoted in
HousingWireCredible
Turning company priorities into coordinated execution.
As Vice President of Strategy, Chloe supports company-wide planning, product positioning, performance visibility, market expansion, and alignment across Sales, Operations, Marketing, Capital Markets, and technology initiatives.
Her role is designed to keep priorities clear, connect owners to outcomes, and help Griffin's teams execute against a common direction.
Led the company-wide rollout of LIA.
HousingWire featured Chloe as the principal Griffin Funding source explaining LIA's development and rollout. The platform consolidates mortgage-product knowledge and provides source-supported guidance while preserving required loan-officer judgment and due diligence.
LIA and Griffin Funding were subsequently recognized in HousingWire's 2026 Tech100. That is a company and platform honor, not a personal award.
Strategy + operating alignment.
Mortgage technology and borrower economics.
In addition to HousingWire's LIA feature, Credible quoted Chloe on the long-term cost differences between FHA and conventional mortgage financing.
Independent coverage and official recognition.
Molly Gregoire
Sr. Processor
Megan Thayer
Inside Sales Manager
Megan Thayer is the ISA Manager at Griffin Funding, a premier mortgage lender based in San Diego, California. With years of experience in the mortgage industry, Megan plays a key leadership role in helping Griffin Funding deliver a fast, high-quality experience from the very first conversation. She leads and supports the ISA team, ensuring every prospective borrower is guided with clarity, professionalism, and care—whether they’re a first-time homebuyer, a move-up buyer, or an experienced real estate investor.
Megan is known for her ability to simplify the mortgage process and set clear expectations early, helping clients understand their options and feel confident about their next steps. She brings deep knowledge of the local real estate market and a broad range of financing solutions, including conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and Non-QM loans. Her strong understanding of loan programs, borrower scenarios, and market conditions helps ensure clients are matched with the right strategy before entering the loan process.
With a commitment to excellence and a customer-first mindset, Megan helps create a smooth, seamless experience by ensuring borrowers receive quick answers, responsive communication, and guidance tailored to their goals.
If you’re looking for a team that will take the time to understand your needs and help you navigate financing with confidence, Megan Thayer and the Griffin Funding team are here to help.
Kimberly Weinberger
Human Resources Generalist
Kimberly Weinberger is a Human Resources Generalist at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California. Since joining Griffin Funding in 2021, she has progressed from office administration into human resources, supporting the people, policies, and processes that help the company operate effectively. Her work includes employee resources, workplace and policy support, conflict resolution, benefits and payroll administration, compliance support, and initiatives that help employees grow within the organization.
Human Resources at Griffin Funding
Kimberly focuses on creating clear, consistent HR practices while helping employees navigate both day-to-day questions and more complex workplace needs. She is known internally as a reliable resource for company and state information, employee guidance, and problem resolution. Her operating principle is straightforward: make other people's jobs easier by simplifying processes, providing useful resources, and pairing structure with empathy.
Certification and Education
Kimberly is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), a credential awarded by the Society for Human Resource Management that recognizes applied knowledge across core human resources responsibilities. She also earned a Bachelor's degree from San Diego State University, strengthening the communication, collaboration, and people-centered skills that support her HR work.
Life Outside of Work
Originally from Sacramento and now based in San Diego, Kimberly enjoys creative and community-focused pursuits outside of work. She also has a twin sister.
Nicholas Jeffrey
Sr. Processor
Ashley Torgerson
Lead Processor
Alexa Kaufman
Inside Sales Associate
Alexa Kaufman is a highly experienced and dedicated loan officer at Griffin Funding, a premier mortgage lender serving Maui, Hawaii. With a deep understanding of the mortgage industry and a passion for helping clients achieve their homeownership goals, Alexa is committed to making the loan process smooth, stress-free, and rewarding. Her clients appreciate her positive energy, personalized approach, and unwavering dedication to securing the best loan options available. Whether assisting first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or those seeking specialized financing, Alexa leverages her expertise in a wide range of loan products—including conventional, FHA, VA, Non-QM, and Jumbo loans—to tailor solutions that meet each client's unique needs. Staying ahead of industry trends and regulations, she provides expert guidance every step of the way, ensuring loans close on time with exceptional service. When she’s not helping clients finance their dream homes, Alexa enjoys deep-sea fishing and spending as much time outdoors as possible, embracing the beauty of Maui. Her enthusiasm, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make her the go-to loan officer for anyone looking to buy or refinance in Hawaii. If you're searching for a mortgage professional who truly cares, delivers results, and makes the process enjoyable, look no further than Alexa Kaufman. Reach out today and take the first step toward your homeownership journey with a trusted expert by your side.Cody Unger
Branch Manager
Cody Unger is the Branch Manager of Griffin Funding’s Scottsdale, Arizona office. With more than 12 years of mortgage industry experience, he works with borrowers and supports loan officers through complex financing scenarios. His background includes debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans for real estate investors and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Mortgage Experience and Loan Programs
Cody’s experience spans non-qualified mortgage (Non-QM), conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and hard money lending. He helps borrowers understand their financing options and the steps involved in the mortgage process, with particular experience in DSCR and bank statement transactions. Colleagues turn to him for help with loan guidelines and sales questions.
A Practical, Responsive Approach
Cody values Griffin Funding’s entrepreneurial culture and the opportunity to lead a team while working directly with clients. His approach centers on understanding the borrower’s goal, working through challenges, and keeping the next step clear. He stays available to answer questions, provide updates, and support clients and teammates throughout the loan process.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in Scottsdale, Cody continues to call the city home. Outside work, he enjoys sports, travel, festivals, hiking, camping, and fishing. Earlier in his life, he played professional poker.
Kayla Baucom
Operations Support Specialist
Adam Ruvelson
Branch Manager
Adam Ruvelson is a seasoned Senior Loan Officer at Griffin Funding, specializing in Non-QM loans, including DSCR and Bank Statement loans. Based in Laguna Niguel, California, Adam runs the Orange County branch as Branch Manager and has helped real estate investors, self-employed borrowers, and homeowners nationwide secure financing tailored to their unique needs. With over two decades in the mortgage industry, Adam’s career began in 2002, initially focusing on subprime lending. After the 2008 market shift, he returned to the industry, working alongside top-producing mortgage leaders. During his tenure at loanDepot, he played a key role in a nationally recognized sales team, earning multiple top sales awards. Now at Griffin Funding, Adam is recognized for his expertise in DSCR loans and Bank Statement loans, helping investors and self-employed borrowers access flexible financing solutions. His deep understanding of alternative loan programs and commitment to client success have made him a trusted resource for borrowers navigating the non-traditional mortgage landscape. As of 1/1/26, Adam has personally produced well over $35 million in home loans for over 115 families and investors. Since 2019, Adam has helped over 677 people finance more than $192 million. Adam prides himself on integrity, transparency, and results-driven service. He believes a mortgage transaction is more than just a deal—it’s about building relationships and helping clients maximize their financial potential. With a goal of increasing funding pull-through and consistently closing high-volume loans, Adam is dedicated to growing his expertise and providing best-in-class lending solutions. Adam is licensed in over 18 states across the country. Outside of work, Adam enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Sara, traveling, hiking, and exploring new restaurants. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he follows hockey, MMA, and football. For borrowers looking for a strategic, knowledgeable, and results-driven mortgage partner, Adam Ruvelson is ready to help navigate the path to successful homeownership and investment financing.Justin Guthrie
Loan Officer
Justin Guthrie is a Loan Officer at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California (NMLS #2328091), with mortgage experience focused on real estate investors, self-employed borrowers, and clients whose financing needs may require alternatives to traditional documentation. His areas of experience include DSCR loans, bank statement loans, and asset-based mortgage solutions.
Non-QM and Investment Lending Experience
Justin entered the mortgage industry in 2021 and became a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer in 2022. He has developed particular experience with DSCR loans for investment properties and bank statement financing for self-employed borrowers, helping clients understand how these programs evaluate income, property cash flow, and other qualifying factors differently from conventional lending.
A Resourceful, Client-Focused Approach
At Griffin Funding, Justin focuses on understanding each borrower's goals and then evaluating financing paths that fit the scenario. He values clear communication, practical problem-solving, and keeping the mortgage process approachable, whether he is helping an investor expand a portfolio, a self-employed borrower evaluate financing, or a homebuyer work toward a purchase or refinance.
Life Outside of Work
Originally from Fort Collins, Colorado, Justin is based in San Diego. Outside of mortgage lending, he enjoys traveling, basketball, camping, fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Deanna Griffin
Sr. Processor
Jack Iwamoto
Executive Loan Officer
Jack Iwamoto | Sr. Loan Officer at Griffin Funding
NMLS #2634018 | Direct: 619-625-5281
Serving clients nationwide | Licensed in 22 states
Jack Iwamoto is a Senior Loan Officer at Griffin Funding, where he specializes in Non-QM mortgages, including DSCR ( Debt Service Coverage Ratio ) Loans for real estate investors and Bank Statement Loans for self-employed borrowers and business owners. As of December 2025, Jack has personally funded 93 loans totaling $29.7 million in volume, helping clients nationwide secure innovative mortgage solutions that traditional banks often can’t offer.
With a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Utah, Jack brings a strong analytical and consultative approach to each borrower relationship. He focuses on understanding every client’s financial goals and tailoring mortgage strategies that maximize cash flow, preserve liquidity, and accelerate long-term wealth growth through real estate.
Jack is known for his clear communication, attention to detail, and deep expertise in non-QM lending - from structuring complex bank statement qualifications to optimizing DSCR ratios for investment property portfolios. He takes pride in guiding clients step by step, making even the most complex loan programs simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Outside of lending, Jack is passionate about community and environmental stewardship. He previously volunteered with the Surfrider Foundation - Newport Beach Chapter, supporting coastal cleanup and ocean preservation efforts.
Kari Krasovic
Post-Close/Servicing Specialist
Peter Chen
Mortgage Closer
Peter Chen is a Mortgage Closer at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, with experience spanning mortgage rate locks, pricing, operations, and loan closing. His work focuses on keeping files organized, identifying what is needed to reach the closing table, and coordinating across teams so each transaction can move efficiently from final preparation through closing.
Mortgage Operations and Closing Experience
Peter earned a degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University. He built his mortgage foundation on Griffin Funding's Lock Desk, where he developed hands-on experience with pricing and operational workflows before moving into Closing. That progression gave him a broader understanding of how the mortgage process fits together and how decisions made earlier in a file can affect closing execution.
A Proactive, Detail-Driven Approach
In his current role, Peter is focused on solving file-level issues before they become closing delays. He emphasizes organization, clear communication, and proactive follow-through, particularly when a transaction has multiple moving pieces or requires coordination between departments. He enjoys untangling complex files and seeing them through to a successful close.
Life Outside of Work
Peter has spent most of his life in San Diego. Outside of mortgage operations, he enjoys DJing around town, surfing, spending time with his dog, and collecting LEGO sets.
Andromeda Moreno
Mortgage Loan Partner Manager
Andromeda Moreno is the Mortgage Loan Partner Manager at Griffin Funding, where she leads Mortgage Loan Partners across multiple branches and focuses on borrower experience, loan-file execution, training, and team performance. Her work centers on creating the systems, expectations, and accountability that help Mortgage Loan Partners support loan officers and keep mortgage files moving efficiently from lock through closing.
Mortgage Operations and Team Leadership
Andromeda built her professional foundation in customer service and management within the transportation industry, where she developed a practical approach to communication, problem-solving, and service. After moving into mortgage lending, she advanced from Mortgage Loan Partner into a lead role and ultimately into management, combining hands-on loan-process experience with a focus on developing other mortgage professionals.
Strong Systems, Strong Borrower Experience
At Griffin Funding, Andromeda works to strengthen the people and processes behind mortgage execution. She emphasizes clear borrower communication, organized documentation, proactive follow-up, condition awareness, and consistent handoffs across the lending process. Her leadership philosophy is straightforward: strong systems create strong teams, and strong teams create a better experience for borrowers and loan officers alike.
Life Outside of Work
Based in Colorado, Andromeda enjoys spending time with her family, working out, getting outdoors, reading, and continuing to challenge herself personally and professionally. She is also an avid motorcycle rider and is always looking for an excuse to get out for a ride.
Brittney Waits
Lock Desk Analyst
KC Dirksen
Loan Officer
Jennifer Brinson
Sr. Processor
Joshua Miller
Sr. Loan Officer
Joshua Miller is a Loan Officer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, known for helping families and real estate investors navigate financing with clarity and confidence. He has been in the mortgage industry since 2019, with prior experience as a Mortgage Loan Originator at Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and Cardinal Financial.
Joshua joined Griffin Funding in January 2025 and has quickly made an impact—helping 87+ families and investors close over $20M in home loans as of January 1, 2026. He takes a consultative, solutions-first approach to every loan, ensuring clients understand their options and feel supported from start to finish.
NMLS #1640013
Adriana Perez
Lead Mortgage Loan Partner
Matt McCarthy
Loan Officer
DSCR-only lending support for real estate investors.
Matt McCarthy is a Griffin Funding Loan Officer in Irvine, California focused exclusively on DSCR lending. His public positioning is intentionally narrow, giving investors a direct route to a specialist in business-purpose financing for rental-property acquisition and portfolio growth.
Investor use cases
- Purchase financing for rental properties
- Portfolio expansion
- Borrowers seeking DSCR-specific guidance
Narrow specialty
Matt's value is his focused lending niche: DSCR loans for investors who want a specialist rather than a generalist.
What Matt can help clarify
Is Matt the right person for an investor loan scenario?
Yes, especially if your scenario centers on DSCR financing and rental-property cash flow qualification.
Can Matt help with portfolio growth?
His public profile emphasizes investor lending and a streamlined DSCR-focused process for acquisition and expansion scenarios.
Malcolm Cameron
Sr. Loan Officer
Malcolm Cameron is a Loan Officer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, with mortgage experience dating back to 2016. Licensed in 19+ states, Malcolm helps borrowers nationwide—specializing in Non-QM lending, including DSCR loans for real estate investors and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers who need flexible financing beyond traditional income documentation.
Before joining Griffin Funding in April 2025, Malcolm built a strong foundation in traditional lending as a Triple Crown Banker at Quicken Loans / Rocket Mortgage, where he originated a high volume of QM government loans such as VA and FHA. That experience gives Malcolm a unique edge—he can confidently guide clients through both conventional, government, and Non-QM loan options, helping them choose the best path based on goals, income type, and property strategy.
Since joining Griffin Funding, Malcolm has helped 46 families and investors finance over $10M in real estate as of January 1, 2026. An Arizona State University graduate, Malcolm is known for making complex lending simple through clear communication, fast execution, and a client-first approach from application to closing.
NMLS #1460681
Katherine Criger
Mortgage Loan Partner
Mallorie Faust
Mortgage Loan Partner
Mallorie Faust is a Loan Partner based in Scottsdale, Arizona, known for her positive energy, strong attention to detail, and client-first approach. Licensed in 19+ states, Mallorie brings valuable industry experience from JFQ Lending, Rocket Mortgage, and Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.
Mallorie joined Griffin Funding in April 2025 and now plays a key role in supporting Senior Loan Officers and clients throughout the mortgage process. As a Loan Partner, she acts as the central connection between borrowers, loan officers, and processors, ensuring communication stays clear and consistent. She reviews documentation for underwriting, gathers conditions, and guides borrowers through next steps while coordinating with all parties to keep files moving toward approval. Her role brings structure, transparency, and calm to the loan process—making the experience simple, efficient, and as stress-free as possible
With a shining smile and a consistently great attitude, Mallorie is committed to making every client experience smooth, clear, and stress-free.
NMLS #2125547
Nina Francini
Lead Mortgage Loan Partner
Steven Pintar
Sr. Loan Officer
Steve Pintar is a Loan Officer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, committed to helping clients navigate the mortgage process with clarity, speed, and confidence. He began his mortgage career in 2024 with loanDepot and joined Griffin Funding in June 2025, where he continues to build momentum by delivering a high-touch, client-first experience.
Steve earned his bachelor’s degree from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, bringing a strong business foundation and analytical approach to every loan strategy. He’s known for being responsive, detail-oriented, and focused on delivering excellent results—whether clients are purchasing, refinancing, or exploring the best way to structure their financing.
NMLS #2602592
Gabriel Salazar
Loan Officer
Barbara Alvarado
Office Manager
Andre Shmoldas
Executive Loan Officer
With more than two decades of experience in mortgage lending, Andre Shmoldas has established himself as a trusted advisor and top producer at Griffin Funding, where he leads with a consultative approach and a passion for problem-solving. Over the course of his career, Andre has successfully closed 700+ loans spanning both traditional and non-traditional programs — a figure sourced from RETR. Since joining Griffin Funding in 2025, he has funded 57 loans totaling $22 million, with particular strength in DSCR loans (27 loans, $7.7M), Bank Statement loans (9 loans, $5.3M), and home equity financing (16 loans, $3.9M). Today, he is recognized as a specialist in the non-QM products that matter most to real estate investors, self-employed borrowers, and equity-rich homeowners.
From UCSD Graduate to Mortgage Veteran
Andre entered the mortgage industry in 2003, shortly after graduating from UC San Diego. Drawn by the fast-paced nature of real estate finance and the opportunity to help people achieve homeownership, he quickly discovered a natural talent for guiding clients through complex decisions. His strong communication skills, coupled with an ability to simplify complicated lending concepts, made him a standout early in his career.
Before joining Griffin Funding, Andre gained deep experience with FHA, conventional, and VA loans, successfully funding more than 400 transactions in these traditional categories. Over time, he saw the growing demand for alternative lending solutions designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and property investors. That insight reshaped his career focus and paved the way for his specialization in non-QM products.
Specialization in DSCR, Bank Statement, and Home Equity Loans
Andre's reputation has been built on his ability to anticipate challenges and deliver solutions in areas where other loan officers might fall short. With DSCR loans, he helps investors leverage rental income to expand their portfolios — even when their tax returns don't tell the full story. With Bank Statement loans, he empowers self-employed clients to qualify using their real financial strength instead of outdated paperwork requirements. And with home equity financing, he helps equity-rich homeowners unlock capital for investment, debt consolidation, or major life goals — without disrupting a low first mortgage rate.
Clients turn to Andre not just for approval but for strategic guidance. Whether structuring financing to maximize cash flow or mapping out long-term portfolio growth, he ensures every borrower leaves with a clear plan that aligns with their goals.
Joining Griffin Funding
In 2025, Andre joined Griffin Funding's San Diego office, bringing 22 years of experience and a strong production record with him. He immediately found alignment with Griffin's mission: combining cutting-edge technology with specialized loan programs to deliver speed, flexibility, and transparency. As a Producing Sales Manager, Andre not only drives his own production but also plays a key role in shaping the client experience within the office.
Client Philosophy and Reputation
Andre believes that mortgages are more than numbers — they're strategies for building wealth, security, and opportunity. His clients appreciate his straightforward, no-pressure style and his commitment to mapping out "Plan A, B, and C" so they're never caught off guard. This proactive approach has earned him consistent referrals from past clients and long-term partnerships with real estate agents, brokers, and investors.
Continuous Growth and Market Insight
The mortgage landscape evolves constantly, and Andre takes pride in staying ahead of the curve. He invests in ongoing education, industry conferences, and market research to ensure his clients benefit from the latest non-QM programs, market shifts, and regulatory updates. His depth of knowledge allows him to deliver not just approvals, but the confidence that comes from knowing you made the best financing decision for your circumstances. Andre is currently licensed in 14 states and growing.
Beyond the Office
When he's not working with clients, Andre enjoys life in Encinitas with his wife and three children. He is active in his community, values time with family, and takes full advantage of Southern California's coastal lifestyle.
Chanel Lim
Mortgage Closer
Elizabeth Singer
Mortgage Loan Partner
Liz Singer is a Mortgage Loan Partner at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, with 23 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She supports borrowers and loan officers throughout the financing process, bringing extensive mortgage knowledge, strong communication skills, and a relationship-focused approach to purchase and refinance transactions.
Mortgage Industry Experience
Liz was drawn to mortgage lending by the opportunity to help people through major financial milestones such as purchasing or refinancing a home. Across more than two decades in the industry, she has developed broad experience supporting loan officers and borrowers through changing market conditions and evolving mortgage requirements. Her background also includes 10 years running her own business in a Mortgage Loan Partner role, supporting multiple loan officers and their clients.
A Team-First Approach
At Griffin Funding, Liz brings that experience to a collaborative, fast-moving mortgage team. She values clear communication, responsiveness, and strong coordination between borrowers and the professionals working on their loan. Her philosophy is straightforward: the best mortgage experience is built through teamwork, shared accountability, and keeping everyone aligned from one stage of the process to the next.
Life Outside of Work
A San Diego native, Liz is a proud mom and enjoys spending as much time as possible with her son. Her outgoing personality and sense of humor are as much a part of who she is outside the office as they are at work.
Ryne Sweeney
Sr. Loan Officer
Ryne Sweeney is a Loan Officer based in Irvine, California, specializing in Non-QM financing for borrowers who need flexible lending solutions. Licensed in 35+ states, Ryne helps clients nationwide—especially real estate investors seeking DSCR loans and self-employed borrowers using bank statement loans to qualify without traditional income documentation.
Ryne has been in the mortgage industry since 2022 and brings experience from Haven Home Equity, Loan Guys, and Carrington Mortgage. Known for his responsiveness and solutions-first approach, Ryne focuses on making complex loan scenarios feel simple—providing clear expectations and steady communication throughout the process.
NMLS #2415016
Steven Manas
Inside Sales Associate
Steven Manas is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, where he helps prospective borrowers navigate the first stage of the mortgage process. Known for making complex information easier to understand, Steven focuses on borrower engagement, initial mortgage questions, lead qualification, and creating a smooth handoff to Griffin Funding's licensed loan officers.
Real Estate and Mortgage Financing
Steven was drawn to mortgage lending through a long-standing interest in real estate, finance, and numbers. The more he learned about mortgage financing, the more interested he became in the role that lending plays in helping people pursue homeownership and other real estate goals. Joining Griffin Funding gave him the opportunity to build product knowledge and develop practical experience inside a national mortgage lender.
A 5-Star Service Approach
For Steven, strong service begins with listening. He enjoys answering questions, learning about each borrower's circumstances, and helping people understand what comes next. He approaches every interaction with patience, clarity, and a commitment to making borrowers feel heard while supporting an efficient path to the appropriate licensed mortgage professional.
Life Outside of Work
Based in San Diego, Steven enjoys trying new coffee shops, going to the beach, working out, and spending time with his cats. A fun fact about Steven: he was the backup speller for his sixth-grade spelling bee.
Meagan Scheiwe
Loan Officer
Meagan Scheiwe is a Loan Officer based in San Diego, California, with mortgage experience dating back to 2018. Licensed in 22+ states, Meagan helps borrowers nationwide—serving both families and real estate investors with a consultative approach and a strong focus on clear communication and a smooth lending experience.
Meagan is an expert in both QM and Non-QM lending, offering solutions that work for traditional borrowers as well as self-employed clients and investors who need flexible financing. Before joining Griffin Funding in 2025, she gained valuable experience with Orchard Mortgage and AIM Loan, building a reputation for delivering results and supporting clients through every step of the process.
As of January 1, 2026, Meagan has helped 800+ families and real estate investors finance over $300M in home loans throughout her career. Known for her responsiveness, precision, and dedication to client success, she is quickly becoming a rising star at Griffin Funding.
NMLS #1799239
Denise Tran
Sr. Loan Officer
Denise Tran is a Loan Officer based in Irvine, California, known for her sharp expertise, clear communication, and client-first approach. She joined Griffin Funding in 2025 and has quickly established herself as a rising star in Non-QM lending, helping borrowers navigate financing solutions that go beyond traditional guidelines.
Denise holds a Master’s degree in Management from Harvard University, bringing a strong strategic mindset and attention to detail to every loan. She is especially valued for how she supports her clients—taking the time to educate, set the right expectations upfront, and keep the process smooth from application to closing.
With a focus on transparency and long-term success, Denise helps clients feel confident in both their loan choice and the experience along the way.
NMLS #2652352
Noah Shapiro
Loan Officer
Shell Contizano
Mortgage Loan Partner
Shell Contizano is a Mortgage Loan Partner at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, with more than 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She supports borrowers and lending teams through complex mortgage transactions, including Non-QM loan scenarios, with a focus on clear communication, organized documentation, underwriting readiness, and efficient execution from application through closing.
25+ Years in Mortgage Lending
Shell began her mortgage career in the 1990s at Great Western Bank, where an entry-level receptionist role introduced her to the loan process and sparked a lasting interest in mortgage lending. What started with a willingness to ask questions and learn the business from the ground up became a career spanning more than a quarter century.
She joined Griffin Funding in 2025 and was drawn to the company’s focus on Non-QM mortgage lending, where complex borrower scenarios often require careful coordination, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of the loan process.
A Detail-Driven Approach to Non-QM Mortgage Loans
At Griffin Funding, Shell helps keep mortgage files organized and moving forward by staying close to documentation, borrower questions, underwriting preparation, and the details that can determine whether a loan progresses smoothly. Her approach is built on honesty, efficiency, responsiveness, and consistent follow-through.
Shell is especially motivated by challenging mortgage scenarios and the opportunity to help borrowers make progress toward homeownership, refinancing, investment, and broader financial goals. She brings a competitive, get-it-done mindset to each transaction without losing sight of the communication and service borrowers need along the way.
Life Outside of Work
Shell grew up in Sunnyvale in the San Francisco Bay Area and has lived in San Diego since 1999. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, following baseball and football, volunteering at a VA hospital, and visiting her son in Hawaii. She also played softball for 15 years before a knee injury ended her time on the field.
Joe Yaeger
Sr. Loan Officer
Joe Yaeger is a Loan Officer based in Sacramento, California, with mortgage experience dating back to 2004. With 20+ years in the industry, Joe helps borrowers across California and nationwide with a wide range of financing solutions—including QM government loans (VA, FHA, and USDA), home equity financing (HELOCs and home equity loans), and Non-QM mortgages for self-employed borrowers and clients with complex income scenarios.
Joe joined Griffin Funding in October 2025 after a long track record of success at respected organizations including Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company, GoodLeap, Voyage Financial Group, and Town and Country Credit, where he served as a top originator, branch manager, and sales leader. Known for his ability to simplify complex financing, Joe sets clear expectations and provides straightforward guidance—helping clients move confidently from application to closing.
As of 1/1/2026, going back to 2019 data, Joe has completed 1,264 total closings totaling $399.8M in loan volume.
NMLS #209681
Specialties: VA Loans • FHA Loans • USDA Loans • HELOCs • Home Equity Loans • Non-QM Mortgages • Purchase • Refinance • Cash-Out • Debt ConsolidationChylynn Wellman
Loan Officer Assistant
Michelle Holman
Processor
Selah Terwilliger
Director of Marketing
Selah Terwilliger is the Director of Marketing at Griffin Funding, where she combines data analysis, mortgage-industry experience, and cross-functional problem-solving to shape marketing strategy and support business growth. Her background spans sales, mortgage operations, and marketing, giving her firsthand understanding of how borrower-facing teams, loan operations, and growth initiatives connect.
Mortgage and Marketing Experience
Selah earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing. She entered the mortgage industry while still in college as an Account Executive, then moved into operations as a Processing Assistant and Processor. After college, she transitioned into marketing and progressed from Marketing Specialist to Senior Marketing Manager and ultimately Director of Marketing. That career path gives Selah a perspective that extends beyond traditional marketing and helps her understand the mortgage business from multiple sides.
She joined Griffin Funding for the opportunity to work in an entrepreneurial environment where marketing could be closely connected to business strategy, experimentation, and execution. Her role has continued to evolve as she contributes to projects that reach beyond the traditional boundaries of marketing.
A Data-Driven, Always-Improving Approach
At Griffin Funding, Selah uses data to identify patterns, troubleshoot challenges, and turn insights into practical strategies. She focuses on moving ideas from concept to execution, questions assumptions, and looks for better ways to solve problems rather than relying on how things have always been done. She is especially drawn to work that requires ownership, experimentation, collaboration, and measurable business impact.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Selah enjoys spending time with her family, whether fishing, visiting the park, swimming, traveling, or simply handling everyday errands together. A fun fact about Selah: she used to lift competitively.
Kent Garner
Sr. Loan Officer
Kent Garner is a Loan Officer based in Scottsdale, Arizona, with deep experience in both mortgage lending and sales leadership. Kent has helped hundreds of borrowers navigate home financing with clarity and confidence—bringing a consultative, high-performance approach to every client relationship.
Kent built a strong foundation at Quicken Loans as an Executive Mortgage Loan Officer and later advanced into leadership roles including Producing Sales Manager at Filo Mortgage and VP of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate. His background combines client-focused lending expertise with the structure and discipline of top-tier mortgage organizations.
As of January 1, 2026, Kent’s record since 2019 shows 671 loans closed totaling $222.8M in loan volume. Known for clear communication and strong execution, Kent helps clients move efficiently from application to closing with the right loan strategy for their goals.
NMLS #1262819
Christopher Garmon
Mortgage Project Manager
Chris Garmon is the Mortgage Project Manager at Griffin Funding and a hands-on AI product operator focused on mortgage technology, workflow automation, and loan officer productivity. Based in San Diego, he combines more than 23 years of experience across mortgage lending, mortgage operations, real estate, and technology-enabled business development with product management and AI development to turn complex mortgage workflows into practical systems for loan officers, processors, and borrowers.
Mortgage Operations & Product Experience
Garmon's background spans mortgage origination, production management, processing, closing, funding, risk management, business development, and project leadership. Before Griffin Funding, he held leadership roles at CMG Financial, Caliber Home Loans, and AmeriFirst Financial. At CMG, he managed operations for the Coronado branch, which produced $734 million across 1,357 mortgage loans in 2020, while overseeing a 10-person operations team and a 300+ loan pipeline. At Caliber Home Loans, he led Portfolio Smart Start, a company-wide decision-support system (DSS) risk-management platform for portfolio mortgage products, and supported portfolio lending across 78 Pacific Northwest branches. Earlier, at AmeriFirst Financial, he supported production across 11 California branches and helped standardize mortgage workflows, quality controls, and sales operations.
AI Product Leadership at Griffin Funding
At Griffin Funding, Garmon owns LIA (Loan Intelligence Agent), the company's AI decision-support platform for mortgage professionals, and leads the Griffin AI Discoverability Platform. LIA was initially spearheaded by Griffin VP of Strategy Chloe Shubin before Garmon joined the company, and the platform was highlighted in Griffin Funding's recognition as a 2026 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage honoree. Garmon's work spans Guided Loan Pricing, Non-QM mortgage product matching, document intelligence, mortgage workflow automation, and AI-assisted scenario support. LIA is designed to help licensed professionals place, document, and price loans more efficiently while preserving human judgment; it does not make credit decisions.
Execution & Impact
Working across executive leadership, mortgage operations, loan production, and engineering partners, Garmon combines product strategy with hands-on development and frontline adoption. His focus is measurable operating impact: increasing loan officer capacity, reducing manual handling, shortening application-to-funding timelines, improving decision accuracy, and proving where AI and automation contribute to better outcomes. His approach is grounded in a simple principle: use mortgage technology to give professionals more time for the work that requires their expertise and borrowers a clearer, faster path to financing.
Spencer Cutler
Inside Sales Associate
Spencer Cutler is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding with more than 10 years of experience across sales, entrepreneurship, and client-focused financial services. His background in business ownership, financial technology, and real estate-related services gives him a practical perspective when speaking with self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and other clients exploring mortgage financing.
Business and Financial Services Background
Before joining the mortgage industry, Spencer built and operated multiple businesses, including ventures in the financial technology space. He also developed experience in real estate equity recovery, helping property owners and families navigate the process of recovering surplus equity following foreclosure sales. Those roles strengthened his skills in financial problem-solving, negotiation, client communication, and managing complex situations.
A Consultative Approach
At Griffin Funding, Spencer focuses on understanding the broader financial picture behind each client's goals rather than treating every conversation the same way. His background helps him ask better questions, communicate complex ideas in straightforward terms, and connect clients with the appropriate next step in the mortgage process. He is particularly interested in working with entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed clients whose circumstances may require a more flexible approach to financing.
Communication Style
Spencer is known for responsiveness, direct communication, and a service-based approach to sales. He believes strong client conversations begin with understanding what someone is trying to accomplish and why before discussing potential financing paths.
Elia Felgines
Mortgage Loan Partner
Taylor Romero
Lock Desk Manager
Jamie Rigoulot
Loan Officer
James Rigoulot is a seasoned mortgage executive and the Branch Manager for Griffin Funding in Charlotte, North Carolina, with over 15 years of experience across leading institutions including SoFi, Redfin Mortgage, and Wells Fargo. Throughout his career, James has built a reputation for building elite sales teams and simplifying the path to homeownership. Currently, he focuses on expanding Griffin Funding’s footprint by delivering specialized loan products—including DSCR loans, Non-QM loans, VA loans, bank statement loans, and jumbo financing—tailored to the needs of self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and veterans. He is especially skilled at helping clients who face challenges with traditional lending guidelines, complex income, or investment-focused financing needs. Outside of his primary role, James serves as a Board Advisor for MyHomePathway, reflecting his deep commitment to financial literacy and expanding access to the American dream. Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or scaling a real estate portfolio, James and his team provide personalized guidance and flexible solutions every step of the way.Geoffrey Watrous
Loan Officer
Luke Shaia
Inside Sales Associate
Luke Shaia is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding with seven years of retail banking experience and a career built around helping people navigate important financial decisions. His background in customer service, banking operations, training, and branch leadership gives him a strong foundation for helping clients understand the next steps in the mortgage process and connect with the right resources.
Retail Banking Experience
Before joining Griffin Funding, Luke held roles as a Teller and New Accounts Representative, Operations Trainer, and Retail Branch Manager. Those positions gave him experience with financial products, day-to-day banking operations, team leadership, client service, and understanding the different needs people bring to financial conversations. Luke has also passed the NMLS exam, adding mortgage-specific knowledge as he continues developing his career in the industry.
A Client-Centered Approach
Luke brings a relationship-first approach to every conversation. Whether he is speaking with a first-time homebuyer, an experienced homeowner, or a real estate investor, his goal is to understand what the client is trying to accomplish, communicate clearly, and make the financing process feel more manageable. His banking background helps him translate financial concepts into straightforward information while keeping the client's goals at the center of the discussion. Luke is especially interested in helping people who may be new to mortgage financing understand what information matters, what comes next, and how to prepare for the mortgage application process.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Luke enjoys staying active and spending time on his interests, including working on cars, playing golf, and baseball. He brings the same curiosity and hands-on mindset to learning the mortgage business and building long-term relationships with clients.
Samara Lobato
Sr. Processor
Binta Hidra
Marketing Systems Manager
Mikayceonnia Kirk
Disclosure Desk Specialist
KiAn Azarpay
Inside Sales Associate
Trey Bedard
Loan Officer
Trey Bedard is a Loan Officer at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, with more than six years of mortgage lending experience spanning loan origination, sales leadership, specialized VA lending, and Non-QM and government loan programs. He works with borrowers ranging from first-time homebuyers and veterans to self-employed clients and real estate investors, helping them understand their financing options and identify a practical path forward.
Mortgage Experience
Trey began his mortgage career at Veterans First Mortgage, where he spent more than four years originating loans for military members and veterans and building deep experience with VA loan products. He later joined M5 Financial, progressing from Mortgage Loan Originator to Sales Director before returning to a client-facing lending role. Trey joined Griffin Funding in 2026, bringing both hands-on origination experience and a broader understanding of mortgage sales strategy to his work with borrowers.
A Solutions-First Approach
Trey focuses on making complex mortgage scenarios easier to understand. He takes the time to explain available options clearly, identify potential obstacles early, and help borrowers evaluate solutions that fit their individual goals. He is especially motivated by scenarios where a borrower may believe traditional financing options are limited.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in San Diego, Trey enjoys spending time with his family, catching Padres games, and exploring the local food scene. A fun fact: Trey and his father share the same birthday.
Jaimee Castillo
Compliance Analyst
Tayler Roark
Processor
Jessie Kemer
Mortgage Loan Partner
Jessie Kemer is a Mortgage Loan Partner at Griffin Funding with more than 22 years of mortgage-industry experience. She began her career in 2004 and has built her experience from the ground up, developing a practical understanding of the communication, coordination, follow-up, and attention to detail required to move a mortgage from application through closing. Based in Winchester, Virginia, Jessie supports borrowers and loan officers by helping keep loan files moving and clients informed throughout the mortgage process.
22+ Years of Mortgage Experience
Jessie has worked in the mortgage business since 2004. Over more than two decades in the industry, she has developed a hands-on understanding of the people, documents, timelines, and follow-through that help keep a mortgage transaction organized. At Griffin Funding, she works as part of the Mortgage Loan Partner team, supporting loan officers after the application is completed and helping maintain consistent borrower communication and coordination through the next stages of the loan process.
A Dependable, People-First Approach
Jessie is known for being someone clients and colleagues can count on when questions come up or a loan needs extra attention. She values responsiveness, organization, and finding solutions quickly while keeping the borrower experience as smooth as possible. Her approach is grounded in treating people with honesty, respect, and consistency and in doing what she says she will do.
Life Outside of Work
Jessie has lived in Winchester, Virginia, for more than a decade after spending most of her life in Bayonne, New Jersey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and children, hiking, gardening, and being outdoors. A fun fact: Jessie, her fiance, and her daughter all share the same birthday.
Jeffrey Elizalde
Loan Officer
Jeffrey Elizalde is a Loan Officer with Griffin Funding in Orange County, California (NMLS #375393). He works with borrowers across a wide range of financial and employment situations, with a focus on understanding each client's goals, explaining available mortgage options, and helping identify a practical path forward.
Military Background and Mortgage Lending
Before entering the mortgage industry, Jeffrey served in the United States Navy. That experience shaped the disciplined, service-oriented approach he brings to his work with borrowers today. At Griffin Funding, he works in a lending environment that includes traditional and Non-QM mortgage options, and Griffin Funding also identifies Jeffrey as a loan officer serving real estate investors through DSCR financing in multiple states.
A Straightforward, Client-First Approach
Jeffrey enjoys working with people from different backgrounds and with borrowers whose income, employment, or financing needs may not fit a single standard profile. He takes the time to understand the situation first, communicate clearly, and help clients evaluate the options available to them. His professional philosophy is simple: do what's right. That principle guides how he approaches every client conversation and mortgage scenario. Jeffrey values the variety of working with borrowers around the country and the problem-solving required when income, employment, or property circumstances are more complex than a standard transaction.
Life Outside of Work
Based in Irvine, California, Jeffrey enjoys snowboarding, spending time with his family, and putting his skills to work at the backyard grill. His military background and client-first approach remain central to how he represents Griffin Funding in every borrower interaction.
Micah Morgan
Loan Officer
Brandon O'Brien
Sr. Processor
Deborah Darroch
Inside Sales Associate
Valerie Zatarain
Loan Officer
Valerie Zatarain is a Loan Officer at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, with 10 years of mortgage industry experience. NMLS #1507400. She works with homebuyers, homeowners, self-employed borrowers, and real estate investors, helping clients evaluate mortgage financing options and move through purchase and refinance decisions with clarity and confidence.
Traditional and Non-QM Mortgage Experience
Valerie joined Griffin Funding to expand beyond traditional lending and work with a broader range of borrower scenarios. Her experience includes conventional mortgage lending as well as Non-QM financing, including bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers and DSCR loans for real estate investors. She is especially drawn to challenging scenarios that require careful listening, product knowledge, and a clear understanding of the borrower's goals.
A Client-First Approach
Valerie focuses on making the mortgage process easier to understand without oversimplifying important decisions. She listens closely, communicates clearly, and works to help borrowers understand the financing path in front of them. Her approach is built around honesty, patience, and consistent communication so clients feel informed and supported from the initial conversation through the mortgage process.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Valerie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, staying active, exploring new restaurants, and training on local trails for her next half-marathon.
Nicholas Criger
Inside Sales Associate
Sasha Champion
Operations Specialist
Dylan Sudeck
Inside Sales Associate
Leticia Dalton
RVP of Sales
Regional sales leadership built on repeatable systems.
Leticia Dalton serves as Regional Vice President of Sales at Griffin Funding. She leads regional sales production, develops loan officers and branch leaders, and builds operating rhythms designed to improve consistency and funded-volume execution.
17+ years in mortgage origination and sales management.
Her career spans consumer-direct production, branch leadership, executive coaching, and frontline mortgage origination.
Cardinal Financial, Mr. Cooper, and Bank of America.
Prior roles include Vice President of Production, Consumer Direct Sales Manager, Assistant Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer Sales, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer, and AVP Sales Manager.
Clear standards, disciplined coaching, and manager development.
Leticia combines operational discipline with executive coaching. Her focus is to create repeatable sales frameworks, raise production standards, and help loan officers develop into future managers.
Scottsdale-based leadership supporting Griffin's direct-to-consumer platform.
Jocelyn Mack
Inside Sales Associate
Anthony Brienza
Loan Processor
Anthony Brienza is a Loan Processor at Griffin Funding in Orange County, California, with a reputation for working through complicated mortgage files and finding practical solutions. He brings an investigative mindset to mortgage loan processing, combining close attention to detail with a willingness to dig into the documentation, conditions, and file-level issues that can affect a loan's path to funding.
From Technology Troubleshooting to Mortgage Operations
Anthony entered the mortgage industry after repeatedly helping a small mortgage brokerage solve computer, network, and printer problems. His problem-solving ability caught the owner's attention and led to a full-time opportunity, giving Anthony the chance to learn mortgage operations from the ground up.
A Detail-Driven Processing Approach
At Griffin Funding, Anthony focuses on building clean loan files, identifying issues early, coordinating across teams, and helping loans move through processing, underwriting, and closing with greater accuracy and efficiency. He enjoys the investigative side of mortgage processing and the challenge of understanding why a file is not moving as expected, then working through the details needed to get it back on track.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in Orange County, Anthony still calls the area home. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing music, traveling, woodworking, painting, sketching, and fixing things.
PJ Vinal
Loan Officer
PJ Vinal brings nearly a decade of real estate experience to every loan he originates. Before joining Griffin Funding, he worked as a Mortgage Loan Originator at Sage Home Loans and Guild Mortgage, and spent time as a Real Estate Operations & Acquisition Analyst at Legacy Wealth, where he sharpened his skills in financial analysis, deal structuring, and risk assessment. He got his start in the industry as an Assistant Property Manager with Greystar, giving him firsthand knowledge of single-family and multi-family property management that still shapes how he advises clients today. PJ holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Data Analysis from Liberty University. That background in numbers shows up in how he works: methodical, detail-driven, and focused on finding the loan structure that actually fits the borrower's goals, whether that's a first home, an investment property, or a commercial acquisition. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, PJ is licensed across eleven states and works with borrowers on everything from residential purchases to real estate investment financing. Outside the office, he's a dad, a die-hard sports fan, and always up for talking real estate with anyone who'll listen.Andrew Logan
Mortgage Talent Acquisitions Specialist
Andrew Logan is a Mortgage Talent Acquisitions Specialist at Griffin Funding, based in Arizona, with experience connecting mortgage professionals to new career opportunities. His recruiting approach centers on candidate experience, relationship building, and clear communication throughout the hiring process.
Mortgage Industry Background
Andrew's connection to the mortgage industry began in high school, when the business became his first professional work experience. That early exposure gave him a long-running familiarity with the industry and ultimately created a strong foundation for recruiting within mortgage lending.
A Candidate-First Recruiting Approach
At Griffin Funding, Andrew focuses on building genuine relationships with candidates and creating a positive experience from the first conversation through the recruiting process. He believes each interaction should help a candidate understand the opportunity, feel respected, and know what to expect next. That relationship-driven approach supports Griffin Funding's efforts to identify and attract mortgage talent that aligns with the company's needs and culture.
Life Outside of Work
Originally from Chicago and now based in Arizona, Andrew enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family. He is also a proud grandfather of two.
Emily Mager
Onboarding and Systems Specialist
Michael Sluja
Loan Officer
Kelsey Garrett
Loan Officer Assistant
Kelsey Garrett is a Loan Officer Assistant at Griffin Funding in Orange County, California, with 15 years of mortgage-industry experience. She brings a research-driven, problem-solving approach to loan support, helping investigate complex questions, organize information, and assist borrowers and lending teams throughout the mortgage process.
Fifteen Years in Mortgage Lending
Kelsey entered the mortgage industry immediately after high school and has continued building her experience for the past 15 years. Alongside her mortgage career, she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Social Work, adding formal study in human behavior and support services to the client-focused skills she has developed professionally.
A Research and Problem-Solving Approach
Kelsey is especially energized by challenging scenarios that require deeper research or a less obvious solution. She enjoys helping clients work toward goals such as purchasing a home, reducing financial pressure, or evaluating ways to use home equity. Her service philosophy is to look at each situation from the client's perspective and ask what information, communication, or support she would need in the same position.
Life Outside of Work
Based in Orange County, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her children at museums, arcades, and other family activities. She also has a background as a professional tap dancer.
Alicia Almonte
Mortgage Loan Partner
Mayra Moreno
Mortgage Loan Partner
Sara Brooks
Inside Sales Associate
Sara Brooks is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, where she helps create a clear and efficient first experience for prospective mortgage clients. As part of Griffin Funding's inside sales team, Sara connects with borrowers, gathers initial information, helps them understand next steps, and supports a smooth handoff to a licensed loan officer.
Education and Mortgage Focus
Sara is completing her undergraduate degree in General Business at San Diego State University. Her interest in homeownership and real estate investing drew her to mortgage lending, where she is building firsthand experience with the financing questions that homebuyers and real estate investors may encounter.
A Clear and Confident Approach
Sara focuses on making early mortgage conversations simple, timely, and easy to understand. She values genuine client connections, clear communication, and following through quickly so borrowers know where they stand and what comes next. Her approach is guided by three principles: keep things clear, keep things simple, and guide people with confidence.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in San Diego, Sara enjoys board games, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family. A fun fact about Sara: she won her fifth-grade spelling bee.
Sydney Etherington
Inside Sales Associate
Sydney Etherington is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding in Arizona, where she focuses on building meaningful client relationships and helping make the early stages of the mortgage process clear and approachable. She joined Griffin Funding in 2026 and works with prospective borrowers as they begin exploring home financing and identifying the next steps toward their goals.
A Client-Focused Approach
Sydney emphasizes straightforward communication, responsiveness, and a positive client experience. She is committed to helping borrowers feel comfortable asking questions and understanding where they are in the process, while continuing to expand her own knowledge of mortgage lending and Griffin Funding's financing solutions.
Growing in Mortgage Lending
As she builds her career in the mortgage industry, Sydney is focused on learning, developing strong client relationships, and supporting borrowers as they work toward homeownership. Her goal is to make each interaction useful, organized, and easy to navigate.
Phuong Lee
Underwriter
Frank Payne
Inside Sales Associate
Summer Castillo
Mortgage Loan Partner
Ashley Barnett
Processor
Ashley Barnett is a Loan Processor at Griffin Funding in Arizona, where she supports mortgage files through organization, detailed review, research, and consistent follow-through. She focuses on keeping information accurate, answering file-level questions, and helping transactions continue moving through the loan process.
Mortgage Processing Background
Ashley grew up around the mortgage industry and later returned to it professionally after studying criminal justice and nursing in college. That early familiarity with lending, combined with a strong interest in learning and problem-solving, ultimately led her back to mortgage operations and processing.
A Never-Stop-Learning Approach
As a processor, Ashley is especially focused on the details that can affect a loan file and on finding answers when a scenario requires additional research. She enjoys helping borrowers and lending teams navigate financing options, whether the goal is homeownership or real estate investment. Her approach is grounded in continuous learning because mortgage programs, guidelines, and individual borrower situations constantly create new questions to solve.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in Arizona, Ashley remains based in the state. Outside of work, she spends time with her family and pets, supports her children's sports, helps with a nonprofit serving local high school athletes, and enjoys baking.
Tara Arghavani
Inside Sales Associate
Tara Arghavani is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, where she helps create a clear, responsive first point of contact for prospective mortgage clients. She brings a strong background in marketing, business strategy, communication, and phone-based client service to conversations with borrowers exploring their financing options.
Education and Business Background
Tara graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in December 2025 with a 3.98 GPA. She completed a double major in Marketing and Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, along with a minor in Creative Writing. That combination of business, strategy, and communication training gives her a strong foundation for understanding client needs, organizing information, and explaining next steps clearly.
Phone-Based Client Experience
Before joining Griffin Funding, Tara gained phone-based client experience at a criminal defense firm. The role strengthened her ability to listen carefully, communicate with people in high-stakes situations, and keep conversations organized and productive. It also confirmed that she performs well in roles built around direct client interaction.
A People-First Approach
At Griffin Funding, Tara focuses on making each initial client interaction informative, efficient, and comfortable. She enjoys learning what someone is trying to accomplish, keeping track of important details, and helping move the conversation toward the appropriate next step. Her approach combines attention to detail with an energetic communication style, helping prospective borrowers feel heard and informed from their first conversation with the company. Tara takes particular pride in staying organized, following through on details, and making sure information moves efficiently so the client experience starts on the right foot.
Life Outside of Work
Originally from Crystal Lake, Illinois, Tara now lives in San Diego. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, going to the beach, and exploring local acai spots around the city. Her interest in people, communication, and new experiences carries naturally into a role centered on building connections and helping prospective borrowers take the first step in the mortgage process.
Scot Zwonitzer
Inside Sales Associate
Scot Zwonitzer is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, NMLS #421812, with a background in personal financial planning and mortgage lending. He works with borrowers across a wide range of financial profiles, from first-time homebuyers using down payment and closing cost assistance to high-net-worth clients seeking customized financing for home purchases, refinances, and home equity needs.
Financial Planning and Mortgage Experience
Scot attended the University of Missouri, where he studied Personal Financial Planning. That background shaped his approach to mortgage lending: understand the borrower’s full financial picture, evaluate the available financing structures, and explain how a mortgage decision fits within the client’s broader goals.
At Griffin Funding, Scot was drawn to the company’s forward-looking approach to Non-QM mortgage lending and its ability to work through financing scenarios that may require more flexibility than a standard mortgage solution.
Customized Mortgage Strategies
Scot focuses on structuring mortgage solutions around each borrower’s goals, financial profile, and risk tolerance. His experience includes first-time homebuyer financing, down payment and closing cost grant programs, purchase loans, mortgage refinances, home equity needs, and customized lending strategies for affluent and complex borrowers.
Known for quickly working through the numbers and finding creative paths through difficult scenarios, Scot combines mortgage strategy with clear communication and a disciplined, client-first approach. His guiding principles are straightforward: do the right thing, keep learning, treat people with respect, and bring professionalism to every transaction.
Life Outside of Work
Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Scot is based in San Diego and spends his time outside of work with his family and dog. He also enjoys college football, yoga, golf, nature, and travel. A fun fact about Scot: his parents met in a bowling alley.
Charles Aaronson
Inside Sales Associate
Sabrina Urzua
Mortgage Loan Partner
Sabrina Urzua is a Mortgage Loan Partner at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, with experience across both real estate and mortgage lending. She brings a detail-oriented, client-focused approach to loan coordination, helping keep files organized, communication clear, and deadlines on track throughout the mortgage process.
Real Estate and Mortgage Background
Sabrina studied Sociology and Organizational Studies at the University of California, Davis, with a minor in Law and Policy. She began her career as a real estate agent in Northern California's Bay Area and later spent more than four years helping buyers and sellers in San Diego. Her interest in the financing side of real estate eventually led her into mortgage lending, where she built two years of industry experience before joining Griffin Funding.
A Balance of People and Precision
Sabrina's background gives her perspective on both the client relationship and operational sides of a real estate transaction. As a Mortgage Loan Partner, she focuses on organization, proactive communication, dependable follow-through, and keeping the many moving pieces of a loan coordinated. Her goal is to make the process easier to understand while helping clients and colleagues know what comes next.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in Calistoga in Napa Valley, Sabrina now calls San Diego home. She enjoys dancing, working out, the beach, soccer, pickleball, and music. Sabrina is trilingual and speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Jacquelyn Mossman
Inside Sales Associate
Jacquelyn Mossman is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding's Irvine, California office. With a background in business, finance, and real estate, she supports prospective borrowers at the beginning of the mortgage process by listening to their goals, gathering key information, answering initial questions, and helping create a clear handoff to Griffin Funding's licensed loan officers.
Mortgage Guidance and Borrower Engagement
Jacquelyn works with prospective homebuyers and real estate investors exploring mortgage financing. Her role requires familiarity with Griffin Funding's broad lending platform, including conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and Non-QM mortgage programs. She focuses on helping borrowers understand the next steps in the financing process while making sure each conversation is organized, personal, and responsive to the borrower's individual situation.
A Personalized, Service-First Approach
Jacquelyn brings positive energy, empathy, and follow-through to each borrower interaction. She values clear communication and meaningful client relationships, and she stays engaged with mortgage and real estate trends so she can better support borrowers and the loan officers who advise them. Her goal is to make the earliest stage of the mortgage journey feel informed, efficient, and approachable.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of the office, Jacquelyn enjoys seeking out new experiences, spending time with her family, and taking advantage of the Southern California outdoors.
Cristin Nicholson
SVP of Operations
From underwriting management to senior leadership
Before joining Griffin Funding, Cristin spent 18 years at North American Savings Bank (NASB), building a career across underwriting and mortgage operations.
She served as Underwriting Manager from June 2008 to November 2022 before advancing to Senior Vice President of Mortgage Operations.
Grit, growth, and long-term relationships
Cristin values the colleagues and business partners she has worked with throughout her mortgage career. Reflecting on her years at NASB, she credited both the rewarding and challenging parts of the industry with helping her grow professionally.
When she joined Griffin Funding in 2026, she highlighted the company’s core value of grit as a personal fit and expressed excitement about contributing alongside her new team.
Business administration at Baker University
Cristin studied business administration and management at Baker University from 2001 to 2005.
Professional background and career updates
Nikolas Contreras
HELOC & HELOAN Loan Officer Specialist
Justin Ferrara
Loan Officer
Justin Ferrara is a Loan Officer with Griffin Funding in Arizona with mortgage lending experience dating to January 2020. His background spans purchase and refinance transactions, Qualified Mortgage (QM) and Non-QM lending, and financing strategies for real estate investors and self-employed borrowers. He focuses on structuring mortgage options around each client's financial profile, property, and long-term goals.
Mortgage Lending Experience
Justin earned his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University and previously worked at Rocket Mortgage, where he was a Presidents Club Banker. That experience gave him a strong foundation in borrower qualification, mortgage underwriting guidelines, purchase and refinance lending, and managing loan scenarios across a range of financial circumstances.
Non-QM, DSCR, and Bank Statement Lending
In 2022, Justin expanded his focus into Non-QM mortgage lending, including DSCR loans for real estate investors and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers. This experience helps him evaluate situations where traditional income documentation may not tell the full financial story. Whether a client is financing an investment property, expanding a real estate portfolio, or qualifying through business cash flow, Justin works to identify potential issues early and explain the available financing path clearly. He emphasizes transparency throughout the process so borrowers understand how their documentation, property, and loan structure affect the options available to them.
Life Outside of Work
Originally from Long Island, New York, Justin now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. Outside of mortgage lending, he enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with his family. He brings the same goal-oriented approach he developed in competitive lending environments to helping clients navigate both traditional and alternative mortgage scenarios.
Synthia Pacheco
Mortgage Loan Partner
Synthia Pacheco is a Mortgage Loan Partner at Griffin Funding in Arizona with a background in financial services and a strong focus on organization, mortgage guidelines, process efficiency, and client support. She works behind the scenes to keep loan files structured, resolve operational obstacles, and help borrowers move through the mortgage process with clear expectations.
Financial Services and Mortgage Experience
Before entering the mortgage industry, Synthia spent five years in the credit union industry, building a foundation in financial services and customer support. She later transitioned into mortgage lending, where her attention to policies, guidelines, and workflow details became a natural fit. She continues to expand her mortgage knowledge with a long-term interest in underwriting.
Clarity and Structure as Support
At Griffin Funding, Synthia focuses on keeping complex files organized and workflows moving efficiently. Colleagues rely on her detailed knowledge of guidelines and policies, while borrowers benefit from the structure and communication she brings to the process. Her approach is grounded in the belief that clarity, organization, and consistent follow-through are practical forms of client support.
Life Outside of Work
Synthia was born and raised in Arizona and grew up in Phoenix and Litchfield Park. Outside of work, she spends time with family and friends and her two dogs, Lenny and Pepino. She has also trained in dance since childhood and previously performed professionally with Disney Cruise Line.
Rob Rodriguez
Loan Officer
Rob Rodriguez is a Loan Officer at Griffin Funding in Irvine, California, with 20 years of experience in mortgage lending. With a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and two decades of borrower-facing experience, Rob focuses on helping clients understand their financing options, evaluate practical solutions, and move through the mortgage process with greater clarity.
Two Decades of Mortgage Experience
Rob entered mortgage lending because of the opportunity to help people navigate one of their most important financial decisions. Over the course of his career, he has developed a consultative approach centered on borrower education, problem-solving, and structuring financing around each client's goals and circumstances. His finance background gives him an additional lens for explaining the financial tradeoffs behind mortgage decisions.
A Clear, Accountable Approach
At Griffin Funding, Rob combines mortgage experience with a strong emphasis on communication and ownership. He works to make complex lending scenarios easier to understand, identify potential paths forward, and keep clients informed throughout the process. His professional philosophy is built around hard work, accountability, and taking responsibility for the details of every transaction.
Life Outside of Work
Based in Irvine, Rob enjoys golf, walking his dogs, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time outdoors. He is always interested in exploring somewhere new.
Victoria Serna
Mortgage Loan Partner
Victoria Serna is a Mortgage Loan Partner at Griffin Funding. She supports borrowers and loan officers through proactive communication, organized file coordination, and consistent follow-through. Her approach combines attention to detail with personal service, helping make a complex mortgage process easier to navigate.
Mortgage Education and Professional Development
Victoria has expanded her industry knowledge through specialized loan and mortgage coursework. She has also earned a Notary Public commission and is pursuing a real estate license. The variety of mortgage work drew her to the industry: each file brings new details, questions, and opportunities to solve problems.
People, Precision, and Follow-Through
Victoria values Griffin Funding’s focus on borrowers and its collaborative team culture. She approaches her work with two priorities: supporting the people involved and keeping the details organized. Proactive updates and streamlined processes are central to how she helps borrowers and colleagues stay informed as a file progresses.
Life Outside of Work
Outside work, Victoria enjoys hiking, road trips, and live music with her boyfriend and children. Exploring new places and spending time with family are favorite ways to recharge.
Jeremy Stanton
Lock Desk Analyst
Jeremy Stanton is a Lock Desk Analyst at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, where he supports the accuracy and execution of mortgage rate locks. His role combines analytical review, responsiveness, and attention to detail, helping ensure lock information is accurate, status questions are answered quickly, and key details are accounted for throughout the process.
Education and Financial Analysis
Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Accounting and is currently pursuing a Master of Accountancy in Financial Reporting. That academic background supports the analytical and detail-oriented work required on a mortgage lock desk, where precision and consistency are essential.
A Detail-Driven Approach
Jeremy approaches lock desk work with a simple operating principle: double- and triple-check the details. He values accurate information, clear status communication, and dependable follow-through so colleagues can make decisions with confidence. He also appreciates the collaborative environment at Griffin Funding and the opportunity to support teams across the mortgage process.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in San Diego, Jeremy enjoys bowling, escape rooms, movies, and spending time with his partner outside of work.
Megan Molkenbuhr
Inside Sales Associate
Ricardo Landeros
Inside Sales Associate
Jacob Chough
Inside Sales Associate
Jacob Chough is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding in San Diego, California, with mortgage-industry experience and a service-focused approach to borrower communication. He is known for attention to detail, responsiveness, and staying engaged with clients while helping them move toward the next step in the home financing process.
Mortgage and Client Service Experience
Jacob entered the mortgage industry through a personal connection and found a role that matched his background in service and client care. He was drawn to Griffin Funding by the opportunity to build on that mortgage experience within an organization supported by structured systems and a collaborative team.
A Grounded, People-First Approach
Jacob enjoys meeting new people and creating a positive experience through the details of each interaction. He focuses on listening carefully, communicating clearly, and following through on what is within his control. His approach is intentionally grounded: stay focused, use sound judgment, and continue moving the client experience forward without being distracted by outside noise.
Life Outside of Work
Jacob has lived in five cities across three states and has called San Diego home since age 12. Outside of work, he enjoys skateboarding, golf, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.
Larry Victor Jr
Inside Sales Associate
Larry Victor, Jr. is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a background in business management, operations, and military service. NMLS #2733581. Known for a solution-first mindset, Larry helps borrowers work through mortgage scenarios with an emphasis on accountability, clear communication, and practical financing strategies.
Business, Operations, and Mortgage Lending
Larry holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Undergraduate Certificate in Operations Management from the University of Phoenix. He was drawn to mortgage lending by the opportunity to combine business, finance, and critical thinking with work that can materially affect a borrower's financial future.
Non-QM and DSCR Lending
At Griffin Funding, Larry has focused on expanding his expertise in Non-QM and DSCR mortgage lending. His work includes financing scenarios for real estate investors and borrowers whose needs may fall outside traditional lending guidelines. He approaches complex loan scenarios by identifying the key constraints, explaining available paths clearly, and staying focused on the details required to move a file forward.
Service, Discipline, and Accountability
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Larry brings discipline, integrity, curiosity, and continuous improvement to his work. Originally from New Orleans and now based in Charlotte, he enjoys family time, travel, music, football, grilling, and learning about new subjects whenever something catches his interest.
Melda Alsamman
Inside Sales Associate
Caleb Matthies
Inside Sales Associate
Caleb Matthies is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding serving the Orange County team. He helps prospective borrowers navigate the first stage of the mortgage process by listening closely to their goals, answering initial questions, gathering key information, and helping create a clear handoff to Griffin Funding's licensed loan officers. Known for strong communication and an ability to connect with people, Caleb focuses on making the early mortgage conversation straightforward, useful, and borrower-focused.
Real Estate and Mortgage Financing
Caleb was drawn to mortgage lending through his interest in real estate, finance, and the role property can play in long-term financial goals. He especially enjoys the analytical side of mortgage and real estate conversations - understanding what a borrower is trying to accomplish, organizing the relevant details, and helping identify the next step in the financing process. Joining Griffin Funding gave him the opportunity to build mortgage knowledge and practical experience inside a growing mortgage lender.
A Help-First, Solutions-Driven Approach
Caleb's philosophy is simple: help first, close second. Rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all solution, he focuses on listening, clarifying the borrower's priorities, and helping people understand what comes next. He values authentic conversations and believes strong service starts with making clients feel heard before connecting them with the appropriate licensed mortgage professional.
Life Outside of Work
Born and raised in Ladera Ranch, California, Caleb now lives in Mission Viejo. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends, catching new movies, playing ice hockey, working on cars, and running his own car detailing company along with other business ventures. A fun fact about Caleb: he had owned 19 BMWs by the time he turned 19.
Jason Marshall
Inside Sales Associate
Jayden Brown
Loan Officer Assistant
Guy Troxler
Executive Loan Officer
Guy Troxler: DSCR, Bank Statement, and Non-QM mortgage expertise.
Guy Troxler is an Executive Loan Officer with Griffin Funding in San Diego, California (NMLS #1642169). He entered the mortgage industry in 2017 and joined Griffin Funding in 2020. Griffin's current public profile identifies Guy as a consistent top producer with more than 800 career loans funded, verified by RETR. His practice combines broad traditional mortgage experience with specialized DSCR and Bank Statement lending for real estate investors, self-employed borrowers, business owners, homeowners, and homebuyers.800+ career loans
More than 800 funded loans across Guy's career, with the count identified by Griffin as verified by RETR.500+ FHA, VA & conventional
Before specializing in Non-QM, Guy built substantial experience across traditional FHA, conventional, and VA lending.Documented DSCR and Bank Statement production through March 2026
253+DSCR loans funded through March 2026.
$85M+DSCR funded volume through March 2026.
162+Bank Statement loans funded through March 2026.
$86M+Bank Statement funded volume through March 2026.
Production metrics retain the public March 2026 as-of date.
Borrower fit
- Real estate investors seeking DSCR financing
- Self-employed borrowers using Bank Statement documentation
- Business owners with non-traditional income
- First-time and repeat homebuyers
- Real estate agents, brokers, and referral partners
Broad foundation, specialized focus
San Diego-based, national reach
Guy works out of Griffin Funding's San Diego office. His current Griffin profile states that he is licensed to lend in 32 states and can close DSCR loans in all 50 states.2026 Scotsman Guide Top Private Originator
Guy's current Griffin bio reports a national ranking of #28 for DSCR loans and #30 for top dollar volume in the 2026 Scotsman Guide Top Private Originator rankings.Transparent, consultative, no-pressure
Guy's public profile emphasizes clear explanations, personalized guidance, and long-term relationships rather than a transaction-only approach. His business includes repeat borrowers and referrals from clients and real estate professionals.Staying current as lending changes
His public bio describes ongoing continuing education, industry conferences, and market and regulatory learning, with particular attention to the evolution of Non-QM lending.Common questions about Guy Troxler
Does Guy Troxler specialize in DSCR loans?
Yes. Guy Troxler is an Executive Loan Officer at Griffin Funding whose public profile highlights DSCR lending as a core specialty for real estate investors. His Griffin bio reports 253+ DSCR loans and more than $85 million in DSCR volume through March 2026.Does Guy Troxler work with self-employed borrowers?
Yes. Guy specializes in Bank Statement and other Non-QM lending scenarios for self-employed borrowers and business owners whose income documentation may not fit a standard W-2 profile.How many loans has Guy Troxler funded?
Griffin Funding states that Guy has funded more than 800 loans during his mortgage career, with that career count verified by RETR. His public bio also reports more than 500 traditional FHA, VA, and conventional loans.How much Bank Statement lending has Guy Troxler done?
Guy's current Griffin profile reports 162+ Bank Statement loans totaling more than $86 million through March 2026.What states can Guy Troxler lend in?
Guy's current Griffin Funding bio states that he is licensed to lend in 32 states and can close DSCR loans in all 50 states. Specific eligibility, property, and program requirements still depend on the individual scenario.What national recognition has Guy Troxler received?
Griffin Funding reports that Guy was named a 2026 Scotsman Guide Top Private Originator, ranking #28 nationally for DSCR loans and #30 for top dollar volume.When did Guy Troxler join Griffin Funding?
Guy entered the mortgage industry in 2017 and joined Griffin Funding in 2020, where his public bio describes him as a consistent top producer.How do I start a mortgage application with Guy Troxler?
Use the Start Application button on this profile if you are ready to begin, or choose Book Consultation to discuss your DSCR, Bank Statement, Non-QM, traditional mortgage, or investment-property scenario first.From traditional lending to Non-QM specialization
Guy began his mortgage career after working in home improvement sales. His early lending work built experience across FHA, conventional, and VA loans. As demand grew among investors, self-employed borrowers, and business owners, his practice increasingly shifted toward DSCR, Bank Statement, and other alternative mortgage solutions.Family, travel, and community
Outside mortgage lending, Guy's public bio highlights time with his family, travel, and participation in local charity and community initiatives.Roberto Mercado
Realtor Partner
Roberto Mercado is a Sr. Loan Officer with Griffin Funding San Diego. Mr. Mercado is a real estate professional and is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate as a Real Estate Broker. Roberto has been in the housing industry for over 20 years and has helped 100s of clients successfully purchase and refinance their property. Roberto and his wife live in East Lake San Diego with their two children. Roberto Mercado is a dedicated mortgage professional based in East Lake, California. With years of experience in the industry and a deep understanding of the local market, Roberto is committed to helping his clients finance the perfect home or investment property. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or refinance, Roberto is ready to work with you every step of the way, providing expert advice and guidance every step of the way. With a commitment to excellence and a track record of success, Roberto is the go-to loan officer for anyone looking to make a move in the greater San Diego area.Quiana Wright
Non-QM Underwriter
Quiana Wright is a Non-QM Underwriter at Griffin Funding. Based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she works remotely and brings a detail-oriented approach to non-qualified mortgage underwriting. She is known for straightforward answers and clear communication that help colleagues understand what a loan file needs next.
Her Path into Mortgage Underwriting
Quiana entered the mortgage industry after being recruited by a family member who worked as a broker. She joined Griffin Funding for the opportunity to help build something new and contribute her skills to the team.
Working Through the Details
The variety of underwriting is what keeps Quiana engaged. Each file presents a different combination of details to work through, and she enjoys the careful attention that process requires. Her working style emphasizes precision, consistency, and communication as files move through underwriting.
Life Outside of Work
Quiana enjoys traveling, especially by cruise ship. She tries to take several cruises each year, making time to explore new destinations outside her day-to-day work.
Joe Campo
Branch Manager
Joe Campo is Branch Manager for Griffin Funding’s Charlotte, North Carolina office. His background spans mortgage origination, sales leadership, and broker partnerships, with a focus on developing loan officers and improving how lending teams work together.
Mortgage Leadership and Team Development
Before joining Griffin Funding, Joe held leadership roles at Sage Home Loans, NBI Financial Group, and Homepoint. At Sage, he built and coached a team of new loan officers. As Chief Sales Officer at NBI, he developed sales training and referral relationships. At Homepoint, he led partner acquisition and activation, helping mortgage brokers move from onboarding to their first funded loans.
Technology and the Lending Process
Joe’s experience includes collaborating with technology teams on AI-assisted sales workflows and connecting sales with operations. That work focused on giving loan officers more capacity and reducing friction throughout the lending process.
Professional Foundation
Joe began developing his mortgage origination skills at Reliance First Capital, working with borrower consultations, financial information, and loan applications. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Social Sciences from Winthrop University.
Caitlin Garner
Mortgage Loan Partner
Caitlin Garner is a Mortgage Loan Partner at Griffin Funding.
Oscar Valenzuela
Inside Sales Associate
Oscar Valenzuela is an Inside Sales Associate at Griffin Funding based in Scottsdale, Arizona. His background includes residential refinancing, and he is expanding his knowledge of non-qualified mortgage (Non-QM) lending. He was drawn to the mortgage industry by the opportunity to help people work toward homeownership.
Mortgage Background and Continued Learning
Residential refinancing has been a central part of Oscar’s mortgage experience. He joined Griffin Funding to broaden his loan knowledge and continue developing his understanding of Non-QM lending. In his inside sales role, he brings that background to early conversations about borrowers’ goals and mortgage needs.
A Clear, Calm Approach
Oscar’s approach is to make complicated topics easier to understand and stressful conversations feel more manageable. He enjoys helping people recognize possibilities they had not considered and values a thoughtful, solution-oriented conversation. His work emphasizes listening, clarity, and helping borrowers understand the next step.
Life Outside of Work
Oscar enjoys making memories with his children, family, and friends. Music has been a longstanding interest: he taught himself to write, mix, and master music and has written more than 300 songs.
Travis Butler
Talent Acquisition Specialist- Remote
Dana Lenoir
Mortgage Loan Partner - San Diego, CA
Marina Keselman
Loan Officer - Irvine, CA