Culture
& Community
A culture of Respect.
A practice of Transparency.
A Scrappy drive to succeed.
Proud to be
Employee-Owned
In 2021, APM formed the largest Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) in the industry, giving 49% of the ownership back to the employees.
The mortgage industry isn’t known for their retirement plans, and it was important for us to not only address that, but also to give every single employee some “skin in the game.” The fact that all employees are owners of the company means that everyone is pulling on the same rope at the same time, working towards the success of the company.
Living Our Core Values Everyday
Whether you are ready to expand your business, launch a new branch, or build your empire from the ground up, we provide the support and freedom to fuel your entrepreneurial drive. Guided by respect, transparency, and a scrappy spirit, our culture empowers you to take bold steps while knowing you have a team that is behind you every step of the way. Here your ambitions are the foundation of everything we do.
Show You Care
We understand that what we do matters. We serve our teammates and customers with our full attention, intention, and purpose at all times. Sensitive matters will always be treated with sensitivity, and we will always exercise good judgement to make the honorable choice.
Straight Talk
We communicate clearly, completely, and relevantly. We deliver information that you need when you need it, and are willing to have the difficult conversations. We will always responsibly share information and earn our customer’s and teammate’s trust.
Unwavering Resolve
We are relentless in our approach to serve our customers and are willing to fight for what is right. We proactively seek solutions and will not quit. We do what it takes to allow us to go for the win in any situation, and will always stand behind our team and our clients.
CREATING EXPERIENCES
THAT MATTER ™
Frequently Asked Questions
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APM’s culture is entrepreneurial, supportive, and collaborative. We have a culture built on three core values: Respect, Transparency, and Scrappy. These guide how we treat one another, our clients, and our communities. As a 49% employee-owned company, APM fosters an entrepreneurial environment where every employee has a stake in the company’s success. This ownership mindset drives collaboration, accountability, and long-term commitment.
Our rallying cry throughout the organization is that we remain 100% focused on making our loan officers and branch managers look good. At the end of the day, if they look good, then we all look good and enjoy the success together.
Beyond business, APM’s culture emphasizes community and inclusion through initiatives like APMCares, the company’s nonprofit, as well as our multiple advisory committees. Employees are encouraged to share ideas for continuous improvement, celebrate wins together, and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. This creates a workplace that’s purpose-driven, people-first, and built to last.
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APM gives back through APM Cares, an employee-funded and run nonprofit that supports local communities with grants, volunteer programs, and fundraising initiatives.
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APM has been recognized as a “Top Mortgage Lender” by Scotsman Guide. In 2025, Scotsman Guide also named APM one of its Top Workplaces, highlighting its employee-ownership model and a workforce of about 2,600 employees
Top Emerging Stars by Scotsman (Samantha Lindley (Production Manager) & Kyle Wright (Branch Manager)) for 2025.
#9 Retail lender 2025 by Scotsman Guide
Brock Homer (SVP Capital Markets) Finance Leaders by HousingWire
Marty Allred (Chief Compliance Officer) Women of Influence by HousingWire
Lesley Haskell (VP Operations) Mortgage Insider by HousingWire
Michael Guidotti (Chief Performance Officer) Rising Star by HousingWire
Michele Buschman (Chief Information Officer) Women of Tech by Mortgage Women Magazine (National Mortgage Professional)
Michele Buschman (Chief Information Officer) Powerful Women of Mortgage Banking by NMP
JJ Mack (Branch Manager) Top 100 Originators by NAMMBA (National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America)
APM Lending Excellence Award by MortgagePoint
Christina Payero (Branch Manager), Donnersson Penna (Branch Manager), Bernie Flores (Branch Manager) Gabriela Villafranco (Sales Leader) Top 250 originators by NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals)
America’s Best Midsize Employer (Forbes)
Best Employers for Company Culture (Forbes)
America’s Best Employers for Women (Forbes)
APM Most Loved Mortgage Employer (National Mortgage Professional)
Dustin Sheppard (CEO & President) Best of Finance by Inman/Mortgage Banking Magazine
APM is an approved lender with the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), which allows it to originate CalHFA-backed first-mortgage and down-payment assistance loans. In fact, one of our loan officers, Jason Mata, has been listed by CalHFA as a “Top Lending Hero” for his work helping California homebuyers access CalHFA loan programs
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APM strikes a unique balance between independence and corporate support by empowering branches and loan officers to run their businesses their way, while providing the tools, technology, and resources of a top national lender. Branch managers have local decision-making authority and flexibility in branding, staffing, and marketing, but they’re backed by APM’s comprehensive operations, compliance, technology, and marketing infrastructure.
This “best of both worlds” model allows loan originators to stay entrepreneurial and community-focused without the burdens of building everything from scratch. APM’s support teams, training programs, and technology stack handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes so that producers can focus on relationships, growth, and Creating Experiences that MatterTM.
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At APM, alignment and collaboration are core to how we operate. Our leadership team conducts strategic planning sessions throughout the year to review priorities, evaluate what is working, and ensure we are all moving in the same direction as one company. We also invite our top-performing loan officers and branch managers to participate in the APM Advisory Council. This council meets twice a year and plays a key role in shaping the direction of the company by providing direct input, insights, and feedback from the field. This two-way partnership helps keep our strategy focused, relevant, and aligned with the needs of the people who serve our customers every day.
A Workplace Worth Celebrating
Giving Back Because People Matter
That’s why we created APMCares—our employee-driven nonprofit making a real difference. From lending a hand in tough times to supporting local causes, we come together to give back. It’s not just what we do—it’s who we are.
Our Culture in Action
Make a Local Impact
Through our Employee Volunteer Program, you’ll have opportunities to support your local community, whether through individual efforts or team events. We partner with APMCares to provide essentials like shelter, food, and clothing to those in need. It’s a meaningful way to connect, give back, and be part of something bigger.
Give Back Where It Matters Most
We’re invested in your professional growth. Each year, APM sponsors two employees to join the California MBA Future Leaders Program, a respected training experience with hands-on leadership development. Through academic sessions and real-world learning, you’ll build the skills and confidence to lead the future of our industry.
You Matter Here, Every Day
We call it People First because that’s exactly what it is. At APM, we prioritize our team’s experience by creating a culture of recognition, support, and appreciation. In a fast-changing industry and world, we make it a priority to ensure our people feel valued, seen, and appreciated—every single day.
Thrive in Every Way
We believe well-being fuels performance. Our Health & Wellness program is here to support your full journey, physical, mental, and emotional. Whether you're just starting out or continuing healthy habits, APM provides tools, resources, and encouragement to help you live a balanced, fulfilling life.