ABOUT DIRECT MORTGAGE LOANS
When Co-Founders Mike Naylor and Ashley Mills founded Direct Mortgage Loans in 2007, they wanted to create a company on the values of accountability, transparency, and teamwork. Their goal was to lead through growth, passion, and by making DML’s employees successful.
Today, the DML family stretches across 29 states, and has funded over 15,000 loans for more than $4 billion in volume since 2012*. Through teamwork and solution focused attitudes, DML has driven extraordinary results for our clients, industry partners and each other.
OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES
“We wanted our Mission, Vision and Values to be real statements that we actually could live by – inside of DML, and really, outside of DML. They’re how we measure all of our decisions and a part of everything that we do every day.”
-Mike Naylor
DIRECT MORTGAGE LOANS’ EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
GET TO KNOW MIKE
Mike Naylor co-founded Direct Mortgage Loans (DML) in 2011 with business partner, Ashley Mills. After graduating from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Business Communications, Mike accepted an entry-level position for a mortgage company in Maryland. It was on the first day of this role he met his future business partner, Ashley Mills.
Always hungry for success, Mike quickly climbed the corporate ladder from telemarketer to top producer to Vice President of Sales by age 25. In 2007, Mike and Ashley started a branch, under another national lender, with the goal of becoming a full-scale mortgage lender within 5 years. After a few years of growth, and $150M in annual volume, Mike and Ashley discovered there was a better way to serve their clients and their employees. In 2011, DML was launched with a Mission to provide outstanding mortgage solutions and create lifelong relationships. Mike leads through DML’s core values of Proactive Communication, Accountability, Transparency, and a Solution-Focused Positive Attitude.
Mike enjoys coaching branch managers and believes the key to success lies in starting with your personal goals while being clear on what you want out of life. As partner, Mike’s role revolves around DML’s strategic direction, growth opportunities, leadership development, culture, and marketing. Mike knows the challenges faced by today’s loan officers and branch managers. He is committed to DML’s originator-friendly business model and is passionate about equipping sales with everything needed for success – efficient processes, technology, work-life balance, transparency, and more.
In 2017, Mike co-founded the Home Plate Project to help underprivileged children and veterans with the passion to touch more lives in the communities DML serves. Outside of work, Mike enjoys sports, traveling and experiencing life’s adventures with his wife, Erin, and their three daughters.
GET TO KNOW ASHLEY
In 2003, after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh – Johnstown with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Ashley Mills moved to Baltimore and accepted an entry-level sales position at a local mortgage company. It is in this role that he met his future business partner, Mike Naylor.
Ashley quickly built his foundation for success from hard-work, compassion, and doing what is right for the customer. Humble in nature, yet hungry for success, Ashley and Mike started their entrepreneurial journey in 2007. They opened a branch under another national lender with the goal of becoming a full-scale mortgage lender within 5 years. After a few years, the branch grew to $150M in annual volume. In 2011, Ashley and Mike founded Direct Mortgage Loans with the same values that Ashley found successful from the very beginning: effective, proactive, and respectful communication that fosters teamwork, transparency and accountability to our clients, partners and each other.
Always listening and problem-solving, Ashley’s attention to detail and thoughtfulness have helped Direct Mortgage Loans navigate the dynamic mortgage industry. His characteristics shine through his coaching and strategic decision making. He believes the key to success lies in continuing to provide the best customer service for our clients, while creating a culture that fosters balance and stability for DML’s employees.
In 2017, Ashley co-founded the Home Plate Project to help underprivileged children and veterans. Outside of work, Ashley loves being a dad to his two daughters and spending time with his wife, Alyson, of 15+ years. He’s a big believer in keeping things simple and trying to enjoy the most of every day.
GET TO KNOW MARY
Mary joined DML in 2013 as Chief Administrative Officer. With over 20 years of experience in the Financial Service Industry, Mary has experience in managing complex organizations with a focus on consumer credit underwriting, service, collections, and project management. She currently oversees the Executive Leadership Team, IT, Facilities, and Human Resources. In her spare time, Mary can be found golfing or traveling.
GET TO KNOW STEPHANIE
Stephanie joined team DML after working in public accounting for CliftonLarsenAllen and various insurance, finance, and service industries. She graduated with a MBA with a specialization in Finance from the University of Baltimore in 2019, passed the CPA exam in May 2016, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Baltimore with a specialization in accounting in 2004. As DML’s Chief Financial Officer, Stephanie is involved in all things financial: from forecasting and budgeting to monthly financial statements, taxes, audit, and payroll. She enjoys being active with her daughter, whether that’s hiking locally or taking weekend trips to the beach.
GET TO KNOW ERIN
Erin joined DML in 2013. She previously worked as the Director of Mortgage Fraud for the State of Maryland with the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation. In that role, she prosecuted mortgage fraud from under a Department of Justice Grant. Prior to that, she served as an Assistant States Attorney in Baltimore City. She attended the University of Maryland for her undergraduate and graduated from the University of Baltimore, School of Law in 2007. As DML’s Chief Operating Officer, Erin is responsible for the management and oversight of the following departments: Disclosure Desk, Processing, Underwriting, Closing, Post-Closing and Compliance. In addition, she enforces compliance policies within the office. Erin is also the lead of the DML Pride Committee which focuses on Employee Recognition, Morale and Community Involvement.
GET TO KNOW CHRIS
Chris has been a vital part of DML since the beginning. He has over 13 years of sales and sales management experience. Chris oversees the Customer Experience and Innovation committee and is a decision-maker in the strategic direction and financials of DML with Partners, Mike Naylor and Ashley Mills. Chris also manages DML’s programs and pricing. Outside of work, Chris can be found traveling, golfing, or testing new recipes in the kitchen.
GET TO KNOW DEAN
Dean Johnson is a respected leader in the mortgage industry with more than two decades of experience. Specifically, throughout his career, he has built a division that closed as high as $1.4 billion in production. Dean has a wide network across our industry and the real estate community. His appreciation for lifelong relationships has been a key driver of his success professionally and personally. As Chief Production Officer and a member of the Executive Leadership Team, Dean’s responsibilities consist of sales leadership and training, business development initiatives, branch strategy, and coaching; community impact projects, and recruiting/ sourcing candidates. Moreover, Dean serves as the brand ambassador for the company by enhancing, building and maintaining opportunities for sales collaboration
GET TO KNOW JAN
Jan Ozga began his career in the mortgage industry 28 years ago, after spending more than 15 years working in hospitality. Despite transitioning to a new and unfamiliar industry, he was able to draw upon the skills he had developed in hospitality and applied them to his work in the mortgage world. Throughout his career Jan has championed cultures that make work environments fun and inclusive, and by nurturing relationships he helped exponentially increase sales in his previous positions. Specifically, as Chief Strategy Officer and a member of The Executive Leadership Team, Jan’s responsibilities include assessment and implementation of strategic initiatives; growth-based special projects; recruiting and sourcing candidates for employment; assessment and recommendations regarding branch architecture; deal structuring; acting as a brand ambassador for the company; full member of the Executive Leadership Team; and advisor to the CEO and President.
“None of the numbers and “successes” along the way can hold a candle to my greatest success of all. My greatest success and my only measurement in life are when years later I get approached by someone who thanks me for taking my time to believe in them, pour my heart over them, and genuinely care about their success over my own.”- Jan Ozga
DIRECT MORTGAGE LOANS HISTORY
Ashley Mills and Mike Naylor, co-founders of Direct Mortgage Loans, met while working as entry-level sales representatives at a local mortgage company. Their mutual commitment to delivering exceptional mortgage solutions and building lasting relationships laid the foundation for their successful business partnership. Drawing on their extensive experience as Branch Managers in the mortgage industry, Ashley and Mike have utilized their skills and dedication to establish Direct Mortgage Loans as a leader in the industry. Through hard work and perseverance, they have created a company that is committed to providing exceptional service to its clients and making a positive impact in the lives of its DML employees.
2011
Direct Mortgage Loans, LLC officially opened.
2012
Direct Mortgage Loans relocated headquarters to its current location in Hunt Valley, Maryland.
2013
Underwent rapid growth and achieved $150 million in yearly volume.
2014
Created and implemented branch model and became a sponsor of the Baltimore Orioles.
2015
The infamous magnetic DML koozies were released.
2016
DML switched business focus from mainly refinance to purchase and was named as one of Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.
DML conducted an organizational assessment which resulted in the development of the Mission, Vision, and Values of the company, and the creation of DML’s Pride and Customer Experience & Innovation committees.
- DML broke the $1 billion lending mark and became an industry leader in the mortgage industry.
2017
Direct Mortgage Loans was awarded the Ellie Mae Hall of Fame award for Excellence in Compliance Automation.
2018
DML rehabilitated the Loving Arms shelter in Baltimore, Maryland; Partnered with Simple Nexus and launched our DML app to provide an on-the-go, and secure mortgage experience for clients and partners.
2019
The Partner’s Club benefits expanded to include an exclusive trip for Partner’s Club members.
2020
DML became an exclusive lending partner of the National Fraternal Order of Police.
2021
Received Fannie/Freddie Mac direct seller approval.
2022
Received Freddie Mac servicing approval and was awarded Top Workplaces USA (#5 ranking) for the first time. Launched the online DML swag shop and hosted our first DML Fest, a company-wide celebration of learning, volunteerism and comradery.
WHAT SOME OF OUR HAPPY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
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Join our team of solution-focused individuals. Our DML family shows up every day ready to hustle, have fun, and make a difference in our clients’ lives. We are focused, driven, and have high expectations for ourselves and each other, because we are always delighted, and never satisfied.