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.
