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.
DIRECT MORTGAGE LOANS HISTORY
2004
Mike Naylor and Ashley Mills met.
2005
DirectMortgageLoans.com was launched.
2006
Mike and Ashley became Branch Managers.
2007
Mike and Ashley opened and ran a top branch.
2011
Direct Mortgage Loans, LLC opened.
2016
DML broke the $1 billion in lending mark.
WHAT SOME OF OUR HAPPY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
Simplify the loan process and get expert advice
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.