The Origin Pride Lending
At Pride Lending, we’re committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and empowerment. We’re on a mission to empower underserved communities and help them achieve homeownership through accessible and equitable mortgage solutions. If you're passionate about making a real impact, we’d love to have you on our team.
What is the CEO origin story, the origin of Pride lending?
In 2015, Andrew began his mortgage career as a front desk receptionist, handling entry-level tasks like organizing, printing, and faxing hundreds of document files. This was during a transformative period in the industry with the introduction of TRID, which replaced HUD-1s and GFEs with loan estimates and closing disclosures, making compliance processes far more rigorous. From there, he progressed to a junior processor role, assisting with appraisals, title insurance, and internal tasks, which allowed him to gain foundational experience in mortgage operations.
Eventually, Andrew transitioned to a processing role, where he calculated income, submitted files, and learned extensively from a knowledgeable underwriter. She encouraged him to consult guidelines independently, significantly enhancing his expertise. He was also fortunate to work with two exceptional processors, Shannon Hittner (now married) and Casey Lacerte, who mentored him and deepened his operational knowledge.
From there, Andrew moved into a Loan Officer Assistant (LOA) position, where he engaged more directly with clients, working for top-producing loan officer Brent Phillips. Brent, who had previously sold Acopia Financial and later founded Colton Mortgage, provided valuable exposure to high-volume transactions and new construction business. In 2019, he asked Andrew to move to Las Vegas to open a branch, which Andrew managed until COVID impacted support resources. This pivotal moment inspired him to start his own business, Pride Lending.
Initially, Pride Lending began as a team with a brand identity aimed at the LGBTQIA community, focusing on empathy and alignment with clients who share similar values. After extensive planning and licensing in 2022, Pride Lending became an independent entity, growing from one state to seventeen and expanding the team to nine people. The company has also earned two Broker of the Year awards (2022 and 2024) and the National Mortgage Professional’s Prism Award alongside major industry players for its commitment to LGBTQ representation.
Over the years, Andrew’s mission evolved as he recognized the unique challenges LGBTQ individuals face in securing mortgages. Many clients have shared experiences of discrimination, leading them to seek out lenders who genuinely support and understand their needs. Pride Lending has become a sanctuary for those who feel marginalized, providing personalized solutions and fostering a sense of community.
Today, Andrew envisions Pride Lending as a platform to drive positive change not only in the mortgage industry but also in underserved communities. His focus has shifted toward philanthropy, supporting causes he believes in, and potentially exploring political aspirations in the future. While he values the hands-on work with clients, Andrew is dedicated to scaling Pride Lending as a vehicle for broader impact—helping people achieve homeownership while advocating for inclusivity across the industry.
The Story Behind the Pride Lending Logo
The Pride Lending logo is a carefully crafted symbol that embodies the brand’s purpose, values, and commitment to community. From the outset, Andrew envisioned a lion as central to the logo—not only as a play on "Pride" but also for the strength and unity it represents. The original concept, designed on Fiverr, needed refinement, and once Crystal joined the team, she transformed it into the iconic logo it is today.
Andrew wanted the logo to serve as a subtle yet powerful nod to the LGBTQ+ community without being overt. It’s designed almost like a “positive dog whistle,” allowing those who recognize it to feel a sense of belonging, while others see it as a symbol of strength, pride, and unity. For example, Andrew frequently wears a shirt with the trans pride logo variation—a small but significant touch that speaks volumes to those who understand its meaning.
The lion represents pride in several ways: pride in the quality of work, evidenced by meticulous compliance and respect for clients and agents; pride in the sense of community, like a "pride of lions"; and, of course, pride in inclusivity and advocacy. Crystal’s design beautifully captures these layers, creating a logo that is subtle, meaningful, and emblematic of Pride Lending’s values—something Andrew is truly proud to stand behind.