Guest article by Ryan Grant, President of NEO Home Loans powered by Better.
In today’s mortgage landscape, discussions about mortgage company culture are abundant, yet few organizations take the necessary steps to cultivate and sustain it. At NEO Home Loans powered by Better, we don’t just talk about culture—we build it, nurture it, and live it every day. We believe in something greater than just making money. It’s a great feeling to work in an organization where we’re all in it together, united by a shared mission to transform the mortgage industry and the lives of our clients.
A New Beginning in Mortgage
The name NEO means “new,” and that’s exactly what we set out to create—a fresh approach to the mortgage industry. Founded in late 2020, in the midst of global uncertainty, NEO Home Loans recognized that homeowners and mortgage professionals alike needed something different: a company that valued people over profits, purpose over transactions, and long-term success over short-term gains.
Reflecting on our journey, I often say, “Logistically, it was challenging because of COVID and travel restrictions, but mortgage rates were at the lowest they have really ever been, so we started with the wind on our backs.” Despite market downturns in 2022 and 2023, our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation have allowed us to thrive.
More Than Just a Workplace—A Culture That Inspires
At NEO Home Loans, we believe that a thriving mortgage company culture is the foundation of success. Inspired by Simon Sinek’s “The Infinite Game,” we focus on long-term impact rather than short-term gains. Our goal is for every team member to:
- Wake up inspired about the work they’re doing.
- Feel safe, confident, and secure in their roles.
- Go home fulfilled, knowing they are making a meaningful contribution.
This isn’t just a philosophy—it’s woven into every aspect of our company. We don’t just create jobs; we cultivate careers that inspire, empower, and elevate our people.
Empowering Through Leadership Development
At NEO Home Loans, we recognize that leadership isn’t an innate trait—it’s a skill that must be cultivated. That’s why we’ve invested in weekly leadership training for our production teams. This level of professional development is rare in the mortgage industry, where many organizations prioritize short-term transactions over long-term growth.
Our approach is different. We believe that when you invest in your people, you build stronger professionals who are more confident, competent, and driven to serve. By fostering leadership at every level, we’re not just helping our employees grow—we’re raising the standards of the entire mortgage industry.
Prioritizing Employee Well-being & Work-Life Balance
A mortgage company’s culture is only as strong as its people. That’s why we make employee well-being a top priority. We’ve developed policies that allow our team to work in ways that best suit their lifestyles, including:
- Unlimited PTO to prevent burnout and encourage a balanced life.
- Remote work options because we value output over hours.
- Comprehensive benefits packages that support our employees’ health and financial well-being.
As I often emphasize, “We would much rather have somebody work the hours that are appropriate for them and take the time off that they want.” When employees feel valued and trusted, they perform better, innovate more, and stay with the company longer—creating a workplace that truly thrives.
Fostering Financial Literacy and Growth
We believe that financial literacy is the foundation of financial freedom—not just for our clients, but for our employees as well. That’s why, in 2024, we launched NEO Capital, an internal initiative designed to empower our team with financial knowledge. Through monthly classes on:
- Budgeting
- Investing
- Retirement planning
We ensure that our employees are equipped to build their own financial future while guiding our clients toward generational wealth. A company that invests in its employees’ financial education doesn’t just create better professionals—it creates stronger individuals, families, and communities.
Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword at NEO—it’s a core value. We are committed to building one of the most diverse organizations in the country, and that commitment starts with leadership. Our leadership team represents a balanced mix of genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
As I often say, “Our mission is to impact all the communities we serve in a way they are not expecting.” To do this, we must reflect the communities we serve, embracing different perspectives and experiences that drive innovation and inclusivity.
A Scalable and Efficient Organization
The mortgage industry is notorious for its inefficiencies—companies constantly hiring and firing based on market trends. At NEO Home Loans powered by Better, we take a different approach. By distributing workflow across our organization, we’ve built a model that minimizes the need for layoffs and maximizes scalability and stability.
This collaborative structure allows us to adapt to market fluctuations while maintaining a consistent level of service and support for our clients. Instead of reacting to industry changes, we proactively prepare for them—ensuring long-term success for both our team and the homeowners we serve.
A Unified Vision for the Future
At NEO Home Loans, we are more than just a mortgage company—we are a mission-driven organization that prioritizes people, purpose, and impact over everything else. As we’ve grown—experiencing a 22% increase in our sales force over the past year—our core values remain the same:
- We don’t just process loans; we build financial futures.
- We don’t just hire employees; we invest in leaders.
- We don’t just talk about culture; we take action to create it.
In an industry where many companies are simply looking to make money, we are here to make a difference. By turning conversations about culture into concrete actions, we are setting a new standard for what a mortgage company can and should be.
At NEO, we’re all in this together—not just as colleagues, but as a family working toward a common goal: to empower, inspire, and transform lives.
Read more about Ryan Grant’s perspective on what it takes to be one of the Best Mortgage Companies to Work For in the USA, in his feature article found in Mortgage Professional of America.
