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ABOUT DIRECT MORTGAGE LOANS Since 2007, Direct [...]
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 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 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 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 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
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 Sales 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 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 MIKE
Meet Mike Naylor, CEO and co-founder of Direct Mortgage Loans (DML), a full-service lending company. Mike’s journey began after completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Communications at the College of Charleston. It was during his initial days working for a mortgage company in Maryland that he crossed paths with Ashley Mills, who would become his future business partner.
Driven by his hunger for success, Mike quickly climbed the corporate ladder, transitioning from telemarketer to Vice President of Sales by the age of 25. In 2007, Mike and Ashley started a branch under a national lender, with the goal of becoming a full-scale mortgage lender within five years. Witnessing steady growth and achieving an annual volume of $150 million, they recognized the need for a different approach to better serve clients and employees. This led to the birth of DML in 2011, driven by a mission to provide exceptional mortgage solutions and foster lifelong relationships.
Mike’s leadership at DML is rooted in core values such as proactive communication, accountability, transparency, and a solution-focused positive attitude. He excels at coaching branch managers, emphasizing the significance of personal goals and clarity in achieving success. As a partner, he guides DML’s strategic direction, fosters growth, develops leadership, cultivates a positive culture, and oversees marketing. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by loan officers and branch managers, Mike is dedicated to DML’s originator-friendly business model. He believes it is essential to equip sales with the tools for success, including efficient processes, technology, work-life balance, and unwavering transparency.
In 2017, Mike expanded his philanthropic efforts by co-founding the Home Plate Project, supporting underprivileged children and veterans, further fueling his desire to make a lasting impact. Beyond work, Mike finds joy in sports, exploring new destinations, and embarking on exciting adventures with his wife, Erin, and their three daughters.