Champions Funding LLC: Company Profile

Background

Mission and Vision

Champions Funding LLC, established in 2021 and headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona, is a wholesale mortgage lender dedicated to serving underserved and underbanked borrowers. The company's mission is to provide loan options to borrowers who do not qualify for traditional agency loan programs, thereby addressing inequalities in homeownership.

Industry Significance

As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Champions Funding plays a pivotal role in generating economic growth in distressed communities. By offering Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) loan products, the company empowers mortgage brokers to serve a diverse clientele, tapping into a $1 trillion market of historically underserved communities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Champions Funding focuses on providing Non-QM loan solutions through wholesale broker and correspondent partnerships. The company aims to fill gaps in the mortgage industry by offering flexible and responsible lending solutions to borrowers with non-traditional credit profiles.

Areas of Specialization

The company's core business is exclusively Non-QM lending, offering a full suite of loan products designed for credit-worthy borrowers who do not fit traditional agency guidelines.

Key Technologies Utilized

To enhance service delivery, Champions Funding has integrated HubSpot as its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. This partnership enables seamless communication and support for mortgage broker clients.

Primary Markets Targeted

The company targets underserved and underbanked communities across the United States, focusing on borrowers who cannot obtain financing through traditional agency lenders.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Champions Funding has received financial assistance awards from the CDFI Fund:

2018: Awarded $200,000.

2021: Awarded $125,000.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital is intended to support the company's mission of serving low-income and underserved communities by providing flexible and responsible lending solutions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Champions Funding utilizes the HERO broker portal, an intuitive platform designed for ease of use and efficient loan processing.

Significant Scientific Methods

The company employs modernized underwriting processes to streamline loan approvals and enhance customer experience.

Leadership Team

Evan M. Stone

Position: CEO & Co-Founder

Background: Former Founder/CEO of Pacific Union Financial and owner of ClearVision Funding.

Key Contributions: Leads the company's strategic direction and growth initiatives.

Patty Arvielo

Position: Chairwoman of the Board & Co-Founder

Background: Co-Founder and CEO of New American Funding, the largest Latina-owned independent mortgage lender in the U.S.

Key Contributions: Advocates for diversity and inclusion in homeownership and supports the wholesale mortgage broker community.

Bryan Filkey

Position: President

Background: Experienced in mortgage lending with a focus on Non-QM products.

Key Contributions: Oversees company operations and product development.

Eric Lenarz

Position: EVP Correspondent Lending

Background: Nearly 24 years of experience in Correspondent Lending, including 14 years as VP of Sales.

Key Contributions: Leads the Correspondent Lending Division.

Brenda Reyes

Position: VP Correspondent Operations

Background: Known for building efficient, scalable operations that drive growth.

Key Contributions: Ensures high-quality, compliant loans and delivers exceptional customer service.

John Ball

Position: VP Correspondent Sales Manager

Background: Over 25 years of sales experience at Wells Fargo and Freddie Mac.

Key Contributions: Develops and manages client relationships.

Chrisi Gordon

Position: VP Client Experience Manager

Background: 27 years in the mortgage industry, specializing in Correspondent Lending.

Key Contributions: Enhances client satisfaction and drives strategic collaboration.

Annette Arevalo

Position: SVP of Operations

Background: A decade of Customer Support experience.

Key Contributions: Identifies opportunities for enhancing the customer experience.

Dalton Rucker

Position: SVP Capital Markets

Background: Over 15 years of expertise in financial analysis.

Key Contributions: Enhances strategic positioning in the Non-QM space.

Angela Castillo

Position: SVP, Talent Acquisitions

Background: Proven track record in full-cycle recruiting and strategic talent development.

Key Contributions: Expands the organization's footprint nationwide.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Non-QM mortgage market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for alternative lending solutions among borrowers with non-traditional credit profiles.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Non-QM lending space include:

Dolan Mortgage

Focus Areas: Mortgage lending services.

Technologies: Traditional mortgage processing systems.

Notable Achievements: Established presence in the mortgage industry.

Premjee Investments Inc

Focus Areas: Investment and mortgage services.

Technologies: Investment management platforms.

Notable Achievements: Diverse investment portfolio.

ProMortgage Associates Inc

Focus Areas: Mortgage brokerage services.

Technologies: Mortgage origination software.

Notable Achievements: Strong client relationships.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HubSpot Partnership

Champions Funding partnered with HubSpot to implement a CRM system, enhancing communication and support for mortgage broker clients.

Pyxis Growth Partners Collaboration

The company collaborated with Pyxis Growth Partners, a HubSpot Diamond Solutions Partner, to integrate the Loan Origination System (LOS) and maximize tools for scalability.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Champions Funding's CDFI designation provides a competitive advantage by allowing the company to offer unique loan products not available through traditional agency lenders.

Market Position

The company's focus on Non-QM lending positions it as a leader in serving underserved and underbanked borrowers.

Distinct Competitive Advantages

Exclusive Loan Products: Access to a suite of Non-QM loan products tailored for diverse borrowers.

Technological Integration: Utilization of advanced CRM and LOS systems for efficient operations.

Experienced Leadership: A team of industry veterans driving strategic growth.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Champions Funding plans to expand its correspondent lending operations, providing partners with greater flexibility and control.

Opportunities for Expansion

The company aims to tap into the growing demand for Non-QM loans by broadening its product offerings and enhancing technological capabilities.

Positioning for Future Objectives

By leveraging its CDFI designation and focusing on underserved markets, Champions Funding is well-positioned to achieve its mission of promoting financial inclusion and homeownership.