Category Archives: Finance

SimpleNexus Named One of America’s 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies for Second Consecutive Year

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced it has been ranked in the top 500 on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for the second year running.

SimpleNexus' mobile-first mortgage platform is not only growing rapidly, it's also changing consumer behavior. Recently the firm released data indicating that the majority of borrowers applying for a mortgage loan now prefer a mobile-driven application process. As of May 2019, mobile applications account for more than 50% of all mortgage applications submitted through the SimpleNexus platform.

"SimpleNexus' growth is propelled by market demand for mobile-first origination tools that effortlessly move borrowers from applicants to homeowners," said SimpleNexus Founder and CEO Matt Hansen. "We're delighted that our passion for transforming the mortgage lending experience has landed us on the Inc. 500 for a second year."

To date, SimpleNexus has connected its 20,000 active loan originators with 1.1 million borrowers and 65,000 realtor partners to produce nearly five million loans totaling over $100 billion in volume. Last year the company added 60 clients to its roster, bringing the total number of enterprise lenders SimpleNexus empowers to "do more" to 223, including 15 of the top 25 retail lenders in the United States.

"The companies on this year's Inc. 5000 have followed so many different paths to success," said Inc. editor in chief James Ledbetter. "There's no single course you can follow or investment you can take that will guarantee this kind of spectacular growth. But what they have in common is persistence and seizing opportunities."

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database sortable by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:s

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

About Inc. Media:

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Inc. took home the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. The total monthly audience reach for the brand has been growing significantly, from 2 million in 2010 to more than 20 million today. For more information, visit https://www.inc.com/.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage @Inc #Inc5000

SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced it has been ranked in the top 500 on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for the second year running.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Take Three Technologies Selects Ruth Lee, CMB, as Executive Vice President

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- Take Three Technologies (Take3(TM)), a Denver-based FinTech startup focused on empowering mortgage lenders and loan originators with best-in-class technology solutions today announced its hiring of Ruth Lee as the organization's Executive Vice President.

"After a thorough and extensive search, we are pleased to announce Ruth Lee will take the helm at Take3," said Take 3 President and CEO Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald. "Ruth has an impressive track record of success in the mortgage banking and lending industries. Her experience, paired with her deep knowledge of innovative lending practices and technology, make her uniquely qualified to lead our technology expansion efforts. We are confident that we have selected the right person for the job, and we are delighted she has accepted the position."

In her new role with Take3, Lee will lead the startup's efforts to expand adoption of its proprietary software, TheRuleTool(TM). This SaaS solution provides originators with on-demand access to guidelines using a simple online and mobile-friendly interface. TheRuleTool improves efficiency and reduces operational drag early in the process for mortgage banking operations and executives.

"I am thrilled to join the Take3 team," said Lee. "Given the complexity of today's mortgage lending landscape, TheRuleTool simplifies access to information for originators, providing a common-sense platform focused on empowerment and education. TheRuleTool's - and Take3's - success potential is exciting for a mortgage industry entrepreneur like me."

About Take3 Technologies:

Take Three Technologies is a Denver-based technology and marketing firm for the mortgage industry. Since 2014, Take3(TM) has positioned itself as a leader in the fintech industry, passionately developing innovative solutions that allow mortgage industry lenders to produce loans in a more agile and compliant way. To start a free 30-day trial of TheRuleTool(TM), simply email support@theruletool.com.

For more on Take Three Technologies, visit https://www.take3tech.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0814s2p-ruth-lee-take3-300dpi.jpg

Take Three Technologies (Take3(TM)), a Denver-based FinTech startup focused on empowering mortgage lenders and loan originators with best-in-class technology solutions today announced its hiring of Ruth Lee as the organization's Executive Vice President.

Related link: https://www.take3tech.com/

KROST CPAs and Consultants Named Inside Public Accounting Best of the Best and Top 200 Firms

PASADENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Inside Public Accounting (IPA) named KROST CPAs & Consultants and its affiliated tax consulting practice Best of the Best and Top 200 Firms for the fourth year in a row. The firm placed 109th on the prestigious top 200 list, a substantial leap from 157th in 2016 when it first made the rankings.

Recipients of these distinguished awards will be highlighted in the August and September 2019 issues of IPA's monthly newsletter.

"We challenged ourselves again this year to meet and exceed our own expectations of what we could accomplish," remarked Greg Kniss, Managing Principal. "We've taken great efforts to seek out the most talented staff and show our appreciation to those who have been with us through it all. We are so passionate about our work and the industries that we serve. It is an honor to be chosen as a leader by IPA which is so highly regarded in our profession."

IPA is a highly regarded independent publication that produces one of the most comprehensive benchmarking reports in the profession. The independent and confidential report is a valuable tool to improve firm management, which is why firms across the country trust IPA with detailed financial information annually.

This is IPA's 29th annual independent ranking of top firms in the nation and is one of the highest honors in the industry today. Over 70 metrics are analyzed from more than 550 accounting firms across the nation to tally the results.

ABOUT KROST CPAS & CONSULTANTS:

Established in 1939 in Pasadena, California, KROST is a full-service certified public accounting and consulting firm serving clients across various industries such as manufacturing and distribution, financial services, sports and entertainment, real estate, grocery, hospitality, and restaurant/foodservice. For more information, visit: https://www.krostcpas.com/

Inside Public Accounting (IPA) named KROST CPAs & Consultants and its affiliated tax consulting practice Best of the Best and Top 200 Firms for the fourth year in a row. The firm placed 109th on the prestigious top 200 list, a substantial leap from 157th in 2016 when it first made the rankings.

Related link: https://www.krostcpas.com/

Bank of Southern California N.A. Names Joel Ewan Senior Vice President, Credit Administration

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has announced the appointment of Joel Ewan as Senior Vice President, Credit Administration. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for managing, implementing, and evaluating credit policy initiatives as well as analyzing and structuring commercial credit for clients across multiple industry sectors.

Mr. Ewan is an accomplished professional in the banking industry with nearly 40 years of experience in managing all aspects of commercial and consumer lending in the San Diego region. He brings a wealth of knowledge having held positions at different financial institutions across the region, most recently serving as Executive Vice President for Primary Funding Corporation. Involved in the community, Mr. Ewan served on the Board of Directors for the Risk Management Association and the Neighborhood National Bank Board of Directors. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree with distinction in Finance from the New York University.

"Joel is a strong addition to our underwriting and credit administration team," said Robert Marshall, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. "He has a long and distinguished career as an executive level credit officer and will play a significant role as we continue to expand our reach throughout Southern California and strategically position the bank for continued growth," concluded Marshall.

About Bank of Southern California:

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, CA, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production office in West Los Angeles. For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com/ or call (858) 847-4780.

*PHOTO link for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0812s2p-Joel-Ewan-300dpi.jpg

Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has announced the appointment of Joel Ewan as Senior Vice President, Credit Administration. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for managing, implementing, and evaluating credit policy initiatives as well as analyzing and structuring commercial credit for clients across multiple industry sectors.

Related link: https://www.banksocal.com/

Crown Financial Introduces More Value with Their New Invoice Factoring Calculator

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Crown Financial, a Houston-based business funding provider, has increased client insight into AP factoring with the addition of their powerful tool, the invoice factoring calculator. Companies seeking working capital can easily calculate costs associated with factoring, making the process more transparent and the decision to factor their accounts receivable much easier.

While invoice factoring is not a loan, Crown Financial charges a small factoring rate when advancing invoice funds to their customers. Crown's invoice factoring service is one of the most competitive in the industry as they save customers thousands by allowing a 2-week timespan between each rate assessment, compared to a 1% fee assessed weekly by their competitors.

With the addition of the invoice factoring calculator, customers can quickly see all fees associated with Crown's factoring service, and compare those rates to other factoring companies. Requiring only 3 numbers - the invoice amount, invoice percentage advanced, and number of weeks until invoice is paid - the calculator quickly provides the customer with a crystal-clear fee schedule and a preliminary factoring rate as low as 1.5%. The advantage of seeing all associated costs before making a decision to factor removes any pressure in the process and keeps the customer at ease knowing they decide if and when they are ready to move forward.

Crown's loyalty and devotion to customer satisfaction is proven in the introduction of the calculator and clear fee schedule it computes. Crown Financial account manager, Brandon Hooks said, "We'll do anything we can to make the factoring process easier and more stress-free for our clients."

With low factoring fees, the no term contract, and high advance percentages, Crown's factoring service is bar none. Add in the calculator and Crown has made a brilliant move for their business and their customers, shortening the factoring process, increasing customer trust, and converting many unhappy customers from other factoring companies.

Learn more about the invoice factoring calculator: https://www.crownfactoringservices.com/invoice-factoring-calculator

ABOUT CROWN FINANCIAL, LLC:

Crown Financial is a Houston-based business funding provider, specializing in accounts receivable factoring, government factoring, and invoice factoring for clients ranging from entrepreneurs to large corporations in a wide range of industries throughout the United States. Crown can factor lines up to 25 million in as little as one day and offers highly competitive rates.

For additional information visit https://www.crownfactoringservices.com/.

Media contact:
Brandon Hooks
Account Manager, Crown Financial
bhooks@crownfinancialhouston.com

Crown Financial, a Houston-based business funding provider, has increased client insight into AP factoring with the addition of their powerful tool, the invoice factoring calculator. Companies seeking working capital can easily calculate costs associated with factoring, making the process more transparent and the decision to factor their accounts receivable much easier.

Related link: https://www.crownfactoringservices.com/

FormFree Throws Its Support Behind California MBA’s Inaugural Mortgage Innovators Conference

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree(R) today announced its support as a premier sponsor of the California Mortgage Bankers Association's inaugural Mortgage Innovators Conference, being held August 11-13, 2019 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. FormFree will demo its Passport(R) all-in-one verification service, and attendees will have two opportunities to hear from the company's visionary Founder and CEO, Brent Chandler.

Chandler will speak in the panel session "Strategic Digital Trends for Lending," taking place Tuesday, August 13, from 8:30-9 a.m. Designed to equip mortgage lenders with effective strategies for leveraging digital mortgage technology, the panel will also feature Blue Sage CEO Joe Langner, Tavant CEO Sarvesh Mahesh and Avenu CEO Dave Zitting.

Chandler will again take the stage at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday to deliver a "Tech Talk" addressing the latest innovations in consumer credentials and the future of digital lending.

"Brent and FormFree have a great perspective on digital trends in the mortgage industry, and we're excited to add his voice to our conference agenda," said Chuck Iverson, California MBA conference chair and board member. "As lenders map out their strategy in an increasingly digital marketplace, it is crucial to get expert input from leaders like Brent."

"We welcome this opportunity to support the California MBA and contribute to an industry dialogue that helps lenders select the right digital mortgage strategy for advancing their business goals today and in years to come," said Chandler.

The California MBA Mortgage Innovators Conference will feature three days of high-energy content from mortgage executives and technology experts on topics including borrower experience, machine learning and technology disruption. Attendees will have the opportunity to view cutting-edge products demonstrations and network with influential industry professionals. To learn more, visit http://www.mortgageinnovators.com/.

About California Mortgage Bankers Association

For over 60 years, The California Mortgage Bankers Association (California MBA) has been the leading statewide advocate for the residential and commercial real estate finance industry, representing its members before all government and regulatory agencies. Headquartered in Sacramento, California, The California MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices through a wide range of educational programs, services and industry publications.

The California MBA provides its members a competitive edge by effectively aggregating political, economic and marketing power. Its membership of companies includes all elements of real estate finance-residential, commercial/multi-family, and industry service providers.

About FormFree(R)

FormFree is a fintech company whose market-leading AccountChek(R) Asset Reports are used by lenders nationwide to verify borrower assets, employment and income in minutes. To date, more than 1,000 U.S. lenders have ordered over 1.25 million AccountChek Asset Reports, delighting their customers with a paperless experience and reducing origination timelines by up to 20 days. FormFree offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and their investors using a secure ReIssueKey(tm). A HousingWire TECH100(tm) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Athens, Georgia.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Twitter: @RealFormFree #MortgageInnovators19 #digitalmortgage @CAMortgBankers

FormFree(R) today announced its support as a premier sponsor of the California Mortgage Bankers Association's inaugural Mortgage Innovators Conference, being held August 11-13, 2019 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. FormFree will demo its Passport(R) all-in-one verification service, and attendees will have two opportunities to hear from the company's visionary Founder and CEO, Brent Chandler.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

LBA Ware’s CompenSafe Finishes 2Q19 with $3.6B in Lifetime Compensation Calculations

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware(TM), provider of the leading automated incentive compensation and sales performance management platform for mortgage lenders, closed the second quarter of 2019 having completed $3,622,659,995 in lifetime calculations of origination commissions, management overrides and operational bonuses through its CompenSafe(TM) sales incentive platform.

2Q19 was an explosive quarter for new loan production overall, according to estimates published by Inside Mortgage Finance, and CompenSafe considerably outpaced overall industry growth, processing a daily average of $1.7 billion in new application volume and over $1.1 billion in funded loan volume (a 64.35% increase and 40.2% increase from 2Q18, respectively).

"CompenSafe has been gaining momentum with banks, credit unions and independent mortgage lenders eager to shed the inefficiency and headaches of manual incentive calculation and leverage their compensation data to make more incisive business decisions," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "The last quarter saw much-needed industry gains in loan production, and we are proud to have responded to the increased system demands of industry growth with continued service excellence."

About LBA Ware
Founded in 2008, LBA Ware's mission is to inspire opportunity by delivering solutions that are essential to the way mortgage companies operate. We are a trusted partner and play a key role in our clients' success by enabling them to motivate, incentivize and better leverage the human potential within their organizations. Our applications automate traditionally manual business processes for which an existing software solution does not exist, empowering lenders to create an integrated software environment that maximizes their productivity and operational efficiency. For more information about LBA Ware and our software solutions, visit https://lbaware.com.

Twitter: @LBAWare #mortgagebanking #digitalmortgage #CompenSafe @IMFpubs

LBA Ware(TM), provider of the leading automated incentive compensation and sales performance management platform for mortgage lenders, closed the second quarter of 2019 having completed $3,622,659,995 in lifetime calculations of origination commissions, management overrides and operational bonuses through its CompenSafe(TM) sales incentive platform.

Related link: https://lbaware.com/

IDS Signs on as Gold Sponsor for 2019 ACUMA Annual Conference

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has agreed to serve as a Gold Sponsor for the American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA) 2019 Annual Conference, to be held September 22-25, 2019 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

"As a sponsor for this year's ACUMA Annual Conference, IDS is pleased to assist credit unions in optimizing their mortgage operations to meet the challenges of today's lending environment," said IDS Vice President and General Manager Mark Mackey. "In fact, the idsDoc platform was born inside of a credit union, giving us additional perspective on the unique challenges and concerns credit unions face in providing mortgage products and services to their memberships."

"For example, credit unions typically offer custom home loan programs to better serve their members and often service those loans in-house. Therefore, for the digitally-minded credit union, having a system that can support this kind of specialized lending environment becomes even more important," Mackey added. "One of the hallmarks of the idsDoc platform is its ability to accommodate unique loan programs via customized documents and flexible workflows, thus enabling credit unions to stay true to their mission while also remaining competitive from both a service and technology standpoint."

ACUMA's mission is, "to be the complete 'source' for credit unions and their business partners, for information, networking and advocacy for mortgage lending and housing finance." The annual conference, which attracts approximately 500 mortgage leaders in the credit union space, is designed to educate credit unions on the rapidly changing landscape of mortgage origination.

"We're delighted to have IDS sponsoring the conference," said Bob Dorsa, president of ACUMA. "It's great to have a company with a history of serving credit unions supporting ACUMA."

About IDS, Inc.

IDS, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, was founded in 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a nationwide provider of mortgage documents and compliance. IDS services include eSignatures, closing documents, initial disclosures, document fulfillment and integration with leading loan origination systems and eClosing platforms. The IDS flagship doc prep solution, idsDoc, is recognized in the industry for its ability to be customized to meet specific lender needs, particularly in regards to major industry compliance changes. (https://info.idsdoc.com/)

Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has agreed to serve as a Gold Sponsor for the American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA) 2019 Annual Conference, to be held September 22-25, 2019 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

Related link: https://info.idsdoc.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants Acquires Trumark Insurance and Financial Services

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the acquisition of Trumark Insurance & Financial Services, a Pleasanton, CA-based Brokerage/General Agency specializing in the institutional financial advisory market.

The acquisition will bring Trumark into EPIC's growing Financial Services Practice and will complement the offerings of EPIC's Vanbridge business, which focuses on alternative asset management, corporate and individual high net worth clients, and solving risk related issues utilizing insurance and alternative capital.

"The addition of Trumark is an exciting step forward for EPIC's Financial Services business, and an excellent opportunity to mutually build on each other's success," said Peter Garvey, CEO of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants. "This transaction furthers our commitment to building our Financial Services Practice across the country, and we are delighted that the Trumark team has elected to join us on this journey."

"I'm very proud of the company we've built over the last 20 years and believe that joining EPIC is the ideal path forward," said Tim Bellig, Principal of Trumark.

Added Tom Bellig, also a Principal of Trumark, "Joining EPIC provides us with an extraordinary, complementary portfolio of products and services as well as a significant distribution opportunity."

"We are excited about what this acquisition means for our evolving Financial Services Practice," said Mitchell K. Smith, Managing Principal of Vanbridge, an EPIC company. "The addition of Trumark gives EPIC and the Vanbridge business greater depth, scale, and flexibility, allowing our team to further leverage the best-in-class solutions we continue to assemble for the benefit of our clients."

The transaction closed August 1, 2019 and terms were not disclosed.

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants and Vanbridge

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 2,000 team members operating from 65 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $575 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

Vanbridge is an insurance intermediary and program management business acquired by EPIC in 2018. Vanbridge focuses on alternative asset management, corporate and individual high net worth clients; solving risk related issues utilizing insurance and alternative capital.

Vanbridge's life insurance, executive benefit and financial advisory wholesale distribution business, consults for advisors and agents around the country. This operation is headquartered in Boca Raton, FL. For additional information about Vanbridge, an EPIC company please visit https://www.vanbridge.com/ or http://www.vbiservices.com.

About Trumark

Trumark's team of advanced point-of-sale specialists, forms strategic partnerships with institutional financial advisors, broker-dealers, P&C firms, RIAs and independent advisors. They implement risk management solutions for their high net worth individual and business clients using an array of insurance products. Trumark's team provides unparalleled expertise in the areas of product evaluation, product structuring, underwriting and case management to deliver professional, ethical solutions that enhance the advisor's relationship with their client. For additional information, please visit https://trumarkfinancial.com/.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the acquisition of Trumark Insurance & Financial Services, a Pleasanton, CA-based Brokerage/General Agency specializing in the institutional financial advisory market.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

EHOP Health Hires Baker Freiberg as Vice President of Sales

RALEIGH, N.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- EHOP Health(R), a chronic disease reversal company headquartered in the Triangle region, is proud to announce the hire of Baker Freiberg as Vice President of Sales. A veteran of the insurance industry, Freiberg brings extensive experience working with large employers that are looking for help reducing their healthcare costs.

"Our team has developed a deep respect for Baker over the years that we have worked with him, and are thrilled to have him join us. His passion for helping employers reverse chronic disease and create healthy cultures is perfectly aligned with our mission, and his extensive relationships with the best consultants across our region help us bring much-needed assistance to employers looking for better solutions," said William (B.J.) Lawson, CEO and co-founder of the Apex-based company with clients across the southeast.

A close-knit team of healthcare professionals, Freiberg was impressed by the passion the co-founders have for addressing an unmet need in the marketplace. "I'm excited to be part of the EHOP Health team in the Triangle," said Freiberg. "Large employers are desperately seeking help in not only controlling their healthcare costs, but also in reducing them. EHOP Health brings a unique approach to the market by seeking to reverse chronic disease and keep employees out of the health system. No one else in the industry is taking such a proactive approach to fighting medical trend, and I believe employers across the country will be excited to hear our story."

Originally from New Orleans, Freiberg and his wife live in Raleigh with their newborn son. He has spent over a decade in the insurance industry, with stints at Coventry of the Carolinas, Aetna and most recently Blue Cross NC. He received both his BA and MBA from UNC Chapel Hill, and he and his wife are both lifelong Tar Heel fans. Freiberg enjoys spending time outside, particularly riding his bike around Jordan Lake and running on the local Greenway trails.

EHOP Health is headquartered in Apex, NC and has clients across the southeast. The company anticipates rapid growth across the region as they scale operations. Those interested in joining the EHOP Health team may visit https://www.ehophealth.com/
for further information.

About EHOP Health:

EHOP Health helps employees reverse chronic disease and feel their best. It's flagship program, Journey 2 Health, offers personalized health coaching services and a science-based online curriculum. Clients lower healthcare costs while investing into their people and culture throughout the chronic disease reversal program.

Although the majority of Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease, conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and obesity can be reversible. Co-founders William (B.J.) Lawson, MD and Joe Jenkins, MD JD launched EHOP Health and the Journey 2 Health solution in 2016 after building a program and team to focus on disease reversal rather than disease management and compliance.

For more information about EHOP Health, visit https://www.ehophealth.com/.

Follow the company on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ehop-health/.

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EHOP Health(R), a chronic disease reversal company headquartered in the Triangle region, is proud to announce the hire of Baker Freiberg as Vice President of Sales. A veteran of the insurance industry, Freiberg brings extensive experience working with large employers that are looking for help reducing their healthcare costs.

Related link: https://www.ehophealth.com/

More than Half of Mortgage Loan Applicants Now Opting to Apply Using Their Mobile Device

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today released data indicating that, given the choice, a majority of borrowers now prefer a mobile-driven mortgage loan application process. Mobile applications accounted for more than 50% of the 37,157 mortgage applications submitted through the SimpleNexus platform in the month of May.

Because SimpleNexus' mobile-native point-of-sale (POS) technology is used by more borrowers and loan originators than any other platform of its kind, its users' behaviors can indicate changing origination trends, such as borrowers' rising preference to complete mortgage applications from their mobile devices.

This finding comes as the firm is clocking record loan application submissions and growing at an unprecedented rate. To date, the SimpleNexus platform has connected its 20,000 active loan originators with 1.1 million borrowers and 65,000 realtor partners to produce nearly five million loans totaling over $100 billion in volume.

"Our triple-digit growth and enthusiastic adoption by loan originators, real estate agents and loan applicants shows how SimpleNexus is delivering on a market need for a mobile origination toolset that gets more loans to the finish line, faster," said SimpleNexus Founder and CEO Matt Hansen. "We are proud to be setting the bar for what a digital mortgage platform should be."

For two years running, SimpleNexus has ranked in the top 500 on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. In 2018 the company added 60 clients to its roster, bringing the total number of enterprise lenders SimpleNexus empowers to "do more" to 223, including 15 of the top 25 retail lenders in the United States.

For more information, visit https://simplenexus.com/domore.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage #mobileorigination #mortgagetrends #borrowertrends

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today released data indicating that, given the choice, a majority of borrowers now prefer a mobile-driven mortgage loan application process. Mobile applications accounted for more than 50% of the 37,157 mortgage applications submitted through the SimpleNexus platform in the month of May.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Memphis-based Venture Capital Firm Innova Announces Sale of Portfolio Company Arkis Biosciences to Integra LifeSciences

MEMPHIS, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Innova Memphis, a Memphis-based early stage venture capital firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of its portfolio company Arkis Biosciences. Knoxville-based Arkis, a neuro-surgical medical device company, has been acquired by Integra LifeSciences Holding Corporation, a leading medical technology company.

"The acquisition of Arkis Biosciences strengthens Integra's offerings in neurocritical care and Integra's position as the world leader in advanced catheter technology," according to a press release issued on July 29 by Integra; furthermore Dan Reuvers, president of Codman Specialty Surgical says: "Today's acquisition expands our leading portfolio to better treat patients and underscores our commitment to addressing unmet needs in patient care."

Innova was an early investor in Arkis and led the company's Series A round in 2016.

Ken Woody, Innova President and Arkis Board Chair says: "We were very impressed with the team, and technology from day one. I worked closely with Chad Seaver and the management team, and saw their daily commitment to product quality and compassion for the patients. This was a great outcome for Arkis, and we could not have picked a better company to acquire this lifesaving technology than Integra. I'm very proud of the Arkis team and thrilled with the outcome for our co-investors."

Jan Bouten, Partner at Innova further states, "This is a great win for Tennessee. Arkis was founded by a physician from UT Medical Center and an engineer with a PhD from UT. They got started in the UT Research Foundation Business Incubator. This outcome is a great demonstration of Innova's thesis: 1) invest local, 2) invest early, 3) invest in great teams, and 4) invest in promising technologies that fill a real customer need. From there, we work very closely with the Founders as they grow their business and we bring other investors along with us."

Innova led a strong syndicate of investors who believed in the Arkis team and mission, including Angel Capital Group, Lighthouse Fund, and several other Angel investors from Tennessee and across the U.S. We're grateful for the support these co-investors gave Arkis as they grew and commercialized their product line.

"Many of our investors have a background in healthcare and are passionate impact investors. Innova was an ideal partner for Arkis due to their extensive experience in MedTech and their relationships in the industry. I think it is important for investors of a Medical Device company to appreciate the regulatory hurdles, sales cycles, and other challenges often faced in the industry. I'm grateful for our investors' passion, dedication, and especially for their support and confidence in the team," said Chad Seaver, founder and CEO of Arkis Biosciences.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

About Innova Memphis:

Innova is a pre-seed, seed and early-stage investor focused on starting and funding high-growth companies in Life Sciences, Technology and AgTech fields. Innova links capital with great ideas to create groundbreaking products and services. With more than $35M deployed in over 100 companies, Innova is one of the most experienced investors in the Mid South and Southeast. The firm was started in Memphis in 2007 by the Bioworks Foundation.

For more information visit https://www.innovamemphis.com/

Innova Memphis, a Memphis-based early stage venture capital firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of its portfolio company Arkis Biosciences. Knoxville-based Arkis, a neuro-surgical medical device company, has been acquired by Integra LifeSciences Holding Corporation, a leading medical technology company.

Related link: https://www.innovamemphis.com/

MQMR Bolsters Executive Team with Addition of Mortgage Industry Veteran Stephen Sherman as COO

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage Quality Management and Research, LLC (MQMR) announced today that seasoned mortgage and real estate professional Stephen Sherman has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer. Sherman brings more than 30 years of experience in mortgage servicing, secondary marketing, warehouse lending, commercial real estate sales, corporate consulting and REO management services to his new role at MQMR, where he will be responsible for overseeing MQMR's day-to-day operations and managing the firm's long-term growth strategy.

"Helping our clients succeed in today's challenging mortgage environment is Priority No. 1 at MQMR, and doing so requires us to consistently produce best-in-class services and deliverables to ensure our clients can adequately address risk within their organizations - wherever it may lie," said MQMR President Michael Steer. "Having provided similar services to mortgage companies throughout his career, Stephen Sherman brings an intimate knowledge of the core services MQMR provides and is uniquely qualified to help us continually refine our internal processes and systems to achieve our desired service levels and outcomes."

Prior to joining MQMR, Sherman founded Sherman Consulting, a mortgage and real estate consulting firm that specialized in providing managerial coaching, risk assessment reviews and process improvement plans. A serial entrepreneur, he also co-founded Blueprint Asset Management, an REO asset management service dedicated to managing and liquidating high-value real estate. In addition, Sherman also formed and served as Chief Operating Officer of Green River Financial and Infinity Valuation Services, two sister companies of leading real estate service provider Green River Capital LC, a subsidiary of Radian Group, Inc. When not serving in permanent roles, Sherman also provided contracting services as an auditor in due diligence reviews to investors of bulk loan purchases.

"Accepting the role of COO was an easy decision after having worked with the incredible talent at MQMR and witnessed the priority placed on delivering meaningful results to clients and the firm's family-focused, supportive culture," Sherman said. "Moving forward, my goals as COO are very simple - support our internal divisions by advocating for the necessary resources, tools and training to deliver best-in-class service to our clients; infuse MQMR's corporate mission statement, vision statement and core values in the day-to-day operations of the company; and maintain alignment between internal operations and the needs of our current clients and prospects by working seamlessly with our sales team."

About Mortgage Quality Management and Research, LLC

MQMR helps its clients climb higher by bridging the gap between risk and compliance through its suite of risk-related services. MQMR provides mortgage compliance consulting throughout the origination process, conducting internal audit risk assessments and ongoing internal audit support, servicing QC and subservicing oversight to master servicers, and filling the void of meeting vendor management oversight requirements. With 2,000+ operational reviews of mortgage companies, subservicers, document custodians, and vendors annually, MQMR prides itself on being the mortgage industry partner of choice for audit, risk and compliance. To learn more, visit mqmresearch.com, subsequentqc.com, and hqvendormanagement.com.

Mortgage Quality Management and Research, LLC (MQMR) announced today that seasoned mortgage and real estate professional Stephen Sherman has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer. Sherman brings more than 30 years of experience in mortgage servicing, secondary marketing, warehouse lending, commercial real estate sales, corporate consulting and REO management services to his new role at MQMR, where he will be responsible for overseeing MQMR's day-to-day operations and managing the firm's long-term growth strategy.

Related link: https://www.mqmresearch.com/

Bank of Southern California NA Announces Justin Roscoe as AVP, Training Officer

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has named Justin Roscoe as Assistant Vice President, Training Officer. In this newly created role, he will lead all learning and development, and career pathing programs for the Bank. In addition, he will be responsible for developing a structured recruiting process and company-wide internship program.

Mr. Roscoe is an accomplished training professional with over a decade of experience coaching and developing employees to help them reach their full potential. Prior to joining Bank of Southern California, he served as the Learning and Development Supervisor for Zions Bancorporation, supporting the California Bank & Trust division. Mr. Roscoe is involved in the community and actively volunteers for Junior Achievement of San Diego County. He holds a bachelor's degree from University of San Diego.

"The Training Officer position is a new role for the Bank and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the continued professional growth of our employees. We remain focused on expanding our footprint and want to ensure that employees are achieving their career goals and are well equipped to serve the growing needs of our clients," said Tony DiVita, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. "Justin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Bank of Southern California and is a strong addition to our growing company," concluded DiVita.

About Bank of Southern California:

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, Calif., is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production office in Orange County.

For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com or call (858) 847-4780.

Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has named Justin Roscoe as Assistant Vice President, Training Officer. In this newly created role, he will lead all learning and development, and career pathing programs for the Bank. In addition, he will be responsible for developing a structured recruiting process and company-wide internship program.

Related link: https://www.banksocal.com/

NotaryCam Applauds Texas for Eliminating Roadblock to Recording Remotely Notarized Real Estate Transactions

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- NotaryCam(R) Founder and CEO Rick Triola today praised the Texas legislature for passing SB 2128, which will go into effect on September 1. The bill provides recording jurisdictions with additional clarity when conducting paper recordings of electronically executed documents.

This bill addresses several uncertainties previously acknowledged in regard to remote online notarization (RON) in Texas. Under this bill, a notary will be able to certify via an affidavit that a paper copy of a notarized electronic record is a true and correct copy, and county clerks will be required to record the transaction.

"Even though RON has been legal in Texas for nearly a year, nuances in the state's real estate laws legislation have created unforeseen roadblocks to adoption. However, the passage of SB 2128 should remove the final hurdle for RON adoption in Texas," Triola said. "By passing this bill, the Texas legislature has removed doubt that a properly executed RON transaction will be accepted by county recorders statewide, thus paving the way for mortgage lenders and title/settlement professionals to begin executing remotely notarized and closed Texas-based real estate transactions."

According to data from the Property Records Industry Association (PRIA), only 71 (*see note 1) of the 254 counties in Texas current offer eRecording. Thus, with the vast majority of counties lacking the capabilities to eRecord, the Texas legislature correctly recognized the current state of affairs and enacted a solution to allow RON transactions to move forward regardless of a particular jurisdiction's recording procedures.

"On a practical level, SB 2128 expands the definition of a paper document to include electronic records that have been 'papered out,' thus removing any doubt that these documents are eligible to be recorded in the state of Texas," said Celia Flowers, owner of East Texas Title. "After talking to my clerks after the original RON statute went into effect last year, I quickly discovered that many of them did not know about the bill, nor did they understand what RON was. As a result, many of them - especially those that did not eRecord - were not going to accept documents that had been electronically notarized. I think this bill resolves many of the concerns clerks had regarding RON by providing a legally accepted framework for converting electronic document into paper format for recording purposes."

Triola and Flowers, along with the Texas Land Title Association's Director of Government Affairs and Counsel Aaron Day and James Anderson from Championship Title, will be sharing lessons learned from Texas's roll-out of RON at the ALTA ONE conference in Austin.

The session, "Notable: Texas Title Agents are Rocking with RON," will take place on Wednesday, October 23 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT. For more information on the session and the conference, visit http://meetings.alta.org/one/.

(*Note 1: As of 5/31/19.)

About NotaryCam:

After pioneering the world's first multi-party/multi-state remote online notarization (RON), career real estate executive Rick Triola founded NotaryCam and completed the first mortgage remote online closing (ROC) in 2014. Today, NotaryCam is the leader in online notarization and mortgage eClosing solutions, having notarized documents worldwide for hundreds of thousands of customers in all 50 states and more than 146 countries. The company's patented eClose360(R) platform delivers the "perfect" online mortgage closing in every jurisdiction with a flexible workflow for document recording and unparalleled identity verification, security and customer convenience. NotaryCam also proudly maintains an industry-leading 99.8 percent customer satisfaction rating.

Visit https://www.notarycam.com for additional information or to get a document notarized today.

NotaryCam(R) Founder and CEO Rick Triola today praised the Texas legislature for passing SB 2128, which will go into effect on September 1. The bill provides recording jurisdictions with additional clarity when conducting paper recordings of electronically executed documents.

Related link: https://www.notarycam.com/

Successful Repayment of $27 Million to EB-5 Investors in New Commercial Enterprise Managed by A&J Capital, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- A&J Capital, Inc. (A&J), a financial services & advisory firm specializing in EB-5, private equity, and investment management, today announced its latest milestone of repaying $27 million of capital to EB-5 investors for one of its managed new commercial enterprises (NCE). A&J serves as a manager of the NCE and oversees its day-to-day activities, including the administration of the EB-5 loan.

The $45 million construction project of the 213,508 square foot mixed-use retail shopping center known as California Marketplace in the heart of Los Angeles' Koreatown commenced in 2013 and was completed in 2016. The final buildout of California Marketplace is comprised of 36,848 square feet supermarket, 44,603 square feet of retail and commercial space, and a parking facility. The key financing component of the project was a $27 million senior construction EB-5 loan which was structured and administered by A&J.

The 54 EB-5 investors who invested in the NCE were responsible for creating 592 new jobs, a key component of the EB-5 Program. The jobs were generated from both construction and operational activities of California Marketplace. The NCE is in the final phase of fulfilling its requirements of returning capital to those investors who have met their immigration objectives.

"There is no greater pride and accomplishment for us here at A&J to oversee this project from its infancy all the way to its operational phase, resulting in the creation of new American jobs, while at the same time satisfying EB-5 investor objectives of obtaining permanent green cards and recovering capital invested. This is exactly what the EB-5 investors, the development team, and the community bargained for from the outset," said H. Harry Aharonian, Vice President at A&J Capital.

A&J currently administers a number of NCE's that have EB-5 invested capital in EB-5 qualifying real estate development projects across the United States, including in California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. These projects at their respective completions are set to create over 15,000 new jobs for the US workforce and revitalize the communities in which they are located.

More information: https://www.ajcap.com/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.dropbox.com/s/befsiu8brucl2np/gaju.png?dl=0)

A&J Capital, Inc. (A&J), a financial services & advisory firm specializing in EB-5, private equity, and investment management, today announced its latest milestone of repaying $27 million of capital to EB-5 investors for one of its managed new commercial enterprises (NCE). A&J serves as a manager of the NCE and oversees its day-to-day activities, including the administration of the EB-5 loan.

Related link: https://www.ajcap.com/

OpenClose Bolsters Commitment to Software Innovation and Enhancement of Digital Mortgage Technology, Adds Experienced Technologist as VP of Innovation

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose(R), an industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced that Allen Pollack, a seasoned industry veteran that has been instrumental in the digital shift and transformation of the industry, has joined the company in the newly created position of vice president of product innovation. Allen will assist OpenClose in continuing to expand the level of innovation invested in its customers and the industry to deliver business-altering products and processes, which align to the ever-changing digital lending landscape.

"JP and I are delighted that Allen has joined the OpenClose team," said Jason Regalbuto, CEO and CTO at OpenClose. "We have competed and collaborated with Allen over the years. He has developed a reputation for innovative business and technology strategies in the fintech space. We are excited about working with him to grow and expand our product offerings and solutions into the future."

Allen has more than 15 years of industry experience developing and leading strategic initiatives and comes to OpenClose from Fiserv where he was responsible for multiple fintech initiatives focused on delivering omni-channel capability and personalized lending experiences, ranging from conversational AI to digital mortgage lending capabilities across online and mobile banking channels.

Allen was a co-founder of NYLX, serving as chief technology officer where he introduced new technology models that disrupted the mortgage lending space. He later continued as chief technology officer of LoanLogics, a new RegTech company created by NYLX that continued to introduce new technology and disrupt the old way of doing business further creating solutions to support loan quality, due diligence, and multi-channel loan delivery models.

"OpenClose has been a long-time innovator in our space, making multiple contributions to help grow the mortgage industry and continually developing products that empower lenders to help borrowers achieve the American dream," stated Pollack. "The company is well-positioned and strategically aligned to establish itself as one of the industry's leading disruptors that significantly advances the lending process. I am excited to play a key role in the focus that speaks customer experience and the commitment to innovation supporting lending and the industry's ongoing transformation."

OpenClose recently rolled out the its digital mortgage point-of-sale (POS) solution, ConsumerAssist(TM) Digital POS, which offers an integrated solution that marries its end-to-end multi-channel LOS, product and pricing engine (PPE), and state-of-the-art POS technology. The single-source solution dramatically reduces the cost to manufacture loans, heightens the borrower experience, and simplifies managing the entire lending process.

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose(R) is a leading enterprise-class, multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist(TM), is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up. The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence. For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ or call (561) 655-6418.

Media Contact:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

Twitter: @OpenCloseSocial #AllenPollack #DigitalMortgage #FinTech #LoanOriginationSoftware

OpenClose, an industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced that Allen Pollack, a seasoned industry veteran that has been instrumental in the digital shift and transformation of the industry, has joined the company in the newly created position of vice president of product innovation.

Related link: https://www.openclose.com/

Appraisal Institute (AI) forms affinity partnership with Anow to equip members with top-shelf appraisal office management technology

RED DEER, Alberta /ScoopCloud/ -- Anow, developer of appraisal firm management software that simplifies the way real estate appraisers manage their businesses, has formed an affinity partnership with the Appraisal Institute (AI), the largest real estate appraisal organization in the United States. The partnership makes Anow's core appraisal office management platform available to AI members ("AI Professionals") and affiliates at a reduced rate.

"AI's partnership with Anow is reflective of our larger strategy to foster innovation in the real estate valuation profession and promote savvy business practices across our membership base," said AI President Stephen Wagner. "Anow's intuitive appraisal office management platform will offer AI Professionals a one-stop solution for boosting productivity and heightening professionalism in the administration of their business."

"As a third-generation appraiser, I am personally committed to facilitating the success of independent real estate valuation professionals and am delighted to lighten the administrative burden for AI Professionals," said Marty Haldane, founder and CEO of Anow. "Anow's core platform will benefit AI Professionals by streamlining and automating time-consuming tasks that typically bottleneck the appraisal process, such as scheduling, appraisal file compilation, invoicing and record-keeping."

AI Professionals now have access to the following Anow benefits:
* 20% off an initial 12-month Anow subscription
* A dedicated line of contact for product feedback
* Early access to Anow's closed beta programs
* Complimentary product support and training
* Exclusive access to quarterly educational webinars highlighting best practices and emerging trends in appraisal technology

AI Professionals can access their reduced-rate Anow subscription by visiting https://anow.com/appraisalinstitute/.

ABOUT ANOW

Anow is an appraisal management software developer that simplifies the way real estate appraisers manage their businesses. Launched in 2011 by multi-generational appraisal professional Marty Haldane, Anow streamlines a wide range of everyday appraisal processes while offering unmatched business insights to help appraisers compete in today's digital environment. Powerful order tracking, job assignment, collaboration, and scheduling tools allow appraisers and administrative staff to save time, assign appraisals more easily and deliver exceptional service to clients and mortgage lenders from any web-enabled device. Advanced reporting enables business owners to manage fee competition and turn times with ease. Anow is headquartered in Red Deer, Alberta. For more information, visit https://anow.com/.

ABOUT APPRAISAL INSTITUTE (AI)

The Appraisal Institute is a global professional association of real estate appraisers, with nearly 18,000 professionals in almost 50 countries throughout the world. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies, and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide. Organized in 1932, the Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Individuals of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA, SRA, AI-GRS and AI-RRS designations. Learn more at www.appraisalinstitute.org.

Twitter: @AppraisersNow @AI_National #appraisaltech

Anow, developer of appraisal firm management software that simplifies the way real estate appraisers manage their businesses, has formed an affinity partnership with the Appraisal Institute (AI), the largest real estate appraisal organization in the United States. The partnership makes Anow's core appraisal office management platform available to AI members ("AI Professionals") and affiliates at a reduced rate.

Related link: https://anow.com/

SimpleNexus Partners with Informative Research to Expand Credit Integration Options for Its Mortgage Lender Customers

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced an integration with Informative Research (https://www.informativeresearch.com/), a Tier-1 CRA and fintech leader in delivering a range of origination solutions for the mortgage industry. The integration puts new credit solutions in the hands of loan originators using the SimpleNexus digital mortgage app.

SoftQual by Informative Research is a pre-qualifying solution that enables SimpleNexus users to collect credit data via a "soft" inquiry before extending a firm offer of credit to loan applicants. Each SoftQual report contains all the information lenders need to match applicants to the right loan options - including a complete FICO(r) score, high credit limits and current account statuses - but costs significantly less than a full credit report. And because SoftQual inquiries are not recorded in applicants' credit histories, they do not affect borrowers' FICO scores and cannot be seen by competing mortgage firms that might try to undercut the original lender's loan offer.

In addition to SoftQual, SimpleNexus customers can also order a full TriMerge Credit Report from Informative Research that consolidates data from all three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - and meets the underwriting requirements of Fannie Mae and other leading mortgage investors.

"Mortgage originators invest a great deal of time in cultivating relationships with their loan applicants, so the last thing they need is for competitors to start reaching out to their prospects with offers," said Renae Sherman, VP of business development at Informative Research. "SoftQual solves that problem and simultaneously helps lenders lower the upfront cost associated with qualifying borrowers."

"SimpleNexus is built to give lenders the flexibility they need to work with their preferred third-party service providers," said SimpleNexus COO Ben Miller. "We are pleased to enhance our lineup of credit integration options with trusted and cost-effective solutions from Informative Research."

SimpleNexus empowers more than 20,000 loan officers to "do more" while serving more than 220 mortgage companies, including 15 of the top 25 retail lenders in the United States. For more information, visit https://simplenexus.com/domore.

About Informative Research

Informative Research is a fintech leader that offers lenders a wide range of solutions for each step in the loan cycle. Their solutions include the TriMerge Credit Report, Trended Credit Data, CreditXpert Solutions Suite, Flood Certifications, 4506-Ts, and their cost-effective SoftQual solution, which has been proven to save lenders up to 70% on credit report costs. As the only company in their market space with 3 security certifications, IR is committed to protecting consumer data and the lenders' process so you can maximize your time and profits. Go to https://www.informativeresearch.com for more details on how you can simplify your success with one vendor, less fees, and better service.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage #FICO #creditscore #prequalification #InformativeResearch

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced an integration with Informative Research, a Tier-1 CRA and fintech leader in delivering a range of origination solutions for the mortgage industry.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Reconciled named one of the 2019 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for

BURLINGTON, Vt. /ScoopCloud/ -- Reconciled, an online bookkeeping firm headquartered in Burlington, was recently named as one of the 2019 Accounting Today's Best Accounting Firms to Work for. Accounting Today has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees.

This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the accounting profession, benefiting its economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 100 firms.

To be considered for participation, firms had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be an accounting firm.
- Have a facility in the United States;
- Have a minimum of 15 employees working in the United States;
- Must be in business a minimum of 1 year

Firms from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine Accounting Today's Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation.

The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.

"The firms on this list represent the best workplaces in the accounting profession," said Accounting Today Editor-in-Chief Daniel Hood. "They are outstanding places to build a career."

"We are honored to receive this award," said Reconciled CEO Michael Ly. "We could not have built such an amazing place to work without the engagement of all of our employees and amazing work they do for our customers."

Reconciled has been nationally recognized for their innovative approach to accounting services, including a focus on remote workers and providing flexible work from home opportunities that allow their team members to live their best lives.

For more information on Accounting Today's Best Accounting Firms to Work for program, visit http://www.bestaccountingfirmstoworkfor.com/.

About Reconciled:

In 2015, Reconciled opened in Burlington, VT using the most innovative, best-in-class digital tools to provide online bookkeeping services to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the U.S. and beyond. Reconciled's dedication to innovative technology use made them Intuit's 2018 U.S. Firm of the Future. Our team of U.S.-based accounting professionals have a broad range of proven industry experience. Reconciled now employs a growing team of 20+ dedicated professionals, and has offices in Burlington, VT, Charlotte, NC, Denver, CO and Los Angeles, CA.

Learn more at: https://getreconciled.co/

Reconciled, an online bookkeeping firm headquartered in Burlington, was recently named as one of the 2019 Accounting Today's Best Accounting Firms to Work for. Accounting Today has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees

Related link: https://getreconciled.co/

New API Enables Real-Time Data Transfers Between SimpleNexus, Mortgage Lenders and Third-Party Systems

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced the availability of an application program interface (API) and webhooks that enable mortgage lenders to establish real-time data syncing between SimpleNexus and non-integrated third-party systems, including customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and loan origination systems (LOSs).

Lenders can leverage the API to instantly relay loan application data collected by the SimpleNexus digital mortgage app to a CRM for use in automated marketing campaigns. The API may also be used to automatically update SimpleNexus with organizational changes made in the lender's LOS or other system of record as well as syncing loan activity data for LOSs not currently integrated with the SimpleNexus digital mortgage platform.

Additionally, SimpleNexus customers may now leverage webhooks to trigger data sharing whenever a specific event occurs within the SimpleNexus platform. Trigger events include the creation, update or deletion of a user.

"Staying hyperconnected with borrowers and partners is critical to boosting closed loan rates and reducing closing times," said SimpleNexus Founder and CEO Matt Hansen. "Our newly introduced open API and webhooks give lenders the freedom to optimize connectivity with any number of preferred third-party systems. That data connectivity is exactly what lenders need to expedite origination times and deliver a superior borrower experience."

SimpleNexus empowers more than 20,000 loan officers to "do more" while serving more than 220 mortgage companies, including 15 of the top 25 retail lenders in the United States. To begin streamlining your origination processes with the SimpleNexus API or webhooks, contact us here: https://simplenexus.com/sn/contact-us/.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage #API #webhooks

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced the availability of an application program interface (API) and webhooks that enable mortgage lenders to establish real-time data syncing between SimpleNexus and non-integrated third-party systems.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Bank of Southern California N.A. Announces Second Quarter 2019 Results

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL) today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019. Total assets were $767 million for the second quarter of 2019, a 47% increase compared to the second quarter of 2018. Quarterly net income increased 20% to $1.57 million compared to $1.31 million in Q2 of 2018. Total loans ended the quarter at $623 million and total deposits were $632 million.

Second Quarter 2019 Highlights
* Enhanced market presence in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties, including the addition of seasoned, relationship-focused bankers
* 2019 loan growth slows, despite new production, primarily driven by higher loan prepayments and real estate secured loan payoffs
* Repositioning of deposit portfolio focused on lower cost and noninterest-bearing core deposits
* Year over year comparisons are affected by the acquisition of Americas United Bank ("AUB") on July 31, 2018.

Nathan Rogge, President and CEO of Bank of Southern California said, "We remain focused on executing our strategy, achieving long-term growth and supporting Southern California's business community. During the second quarter, we expanded in Orange County with the opening of a regional office and full-service banking center in the City of Orange."

"This strategic commitment to the region is further supported through the hiring of several relationship-focused Bankers in key markets in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. The Bank has built a strong foundation to support its efforts to become a leading community business bank in Southern California, and is well-positioned for growth," concluded Rogge.

The Bank continues to emphasize core banking products and services while delivering upon an enhanced customer experience. Organic noninterest-bearing demand deposit growth increased $6.8 million during the quarter, and a $20.3 million increase since December 2018. John Farkash, Chairman of the Board said, "Overall, the Bank reported meaningful results for the second quarter. The Bank continues to have a strong and well-capitalized balance sheet positioning the Bank to deliver greater value to our shareholders and achieving long-term growth."

Additional Financial Highlights
* Total Loans declined $5 million during the quarter to $623 million at quarter end, primarily driven by higher loan prepayments and real estate secured loan payoffs. Total loans paid were $32 million during Q2 2019, and total $62 million year-to-date. Despite the decline in loans outstanding, new C&I loan commitments increased $17 million year-to-date, from $160 million at December 31, 2018 to $177 million at June 30, 2019.
* The Bank has been focused on repositioning its deposit portfolio mix toward more core deposits. While total deposits have been flat since December 2018, noninterest-bearing deposits have grown by 12%, offset by a decline of 12% in more costly time deposits. The Bank will continue to reposition and improve the deposit portfolio with the longer-term goal of protecting net interest margin.
* Nonperforming assets were 0.27% of total assets at June 30, 2019, compared to 0.60% at December 31, 2018. The allowance for loan losses (ALLL) was 0.78% of total loans at June 30, 2019, up from 0.69% at December 31, 2018. When including $2.2 million in loan fair value credit marks (LFVCM), the ALLL and LFVCM represent 1.14% of total loans versus 1.10% at December 31, 2018.

[Quarterly Financial Highlights Table Follows]

More details about our quarterly results are available on our website and through the following link to our most recent quarterly results and trends: https://www.banksocal.com/about-us/financials.

About Bank of Southern California
A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, CA, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients. The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production office in West Los Angeles. For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com/ or call (858) 847-4780.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain comments or information that constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and Bank of Southern California intends for such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of that Act.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. Future events are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, in this news release. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Bank to successfully execute its business plan; changes in interest rates and interest rate relationships; changes in demand for products and services; the degree of competition by traditional and non-traditional competitors; changes in banking legislation or regulation; changes in tax laws; changes in prices, levies and assessments; the impact of technological advances; the outcomes of contingencies; trends in customer behavior as well as their ability to repay loans; and changes in the national and local economy.
Bank of Southern California undertakes no obligation to update or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact:
Amanda Conover
Bank of Southern California
aconover@banksocal.com
858.847.4762

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Bank of Southern California Quarterly Financial Highlights(Unaudited)
		Quarterly					6 Months YTD
($$ in thousands except per share data)		2019	2019	2018	2018	2018
		2nd Qtr	1st Qtr	4th Qtr	3rd Qtr	2nd Qtr	2019	2018
EARNINGS
Net interest income	$	7,625	7,698	8,031	6,736	5,282	15,323	10,133
Provision for loan losses	$	200	300	450	450	400	500	700
NonInterest income	$	519	420	526	577	602	939	1,701
NonInterest expense	$	5,705	5,198	5,279	5,587	3,652	10,902	7,705
Income tax expense	$	667	771	823	401	526	1,438	1,050
Net income	$	1,572	1,849	2,005	875	1,306	3,421	2,378

Basic earnings per share	$	0.19	0.22	0.24	0.11	0.19	0.41	0.39
Average shares outstanding		8,410,522	8,409,272	8,402,251	7,689,827	6,991,327	8,409,897	6,136,312
Ending shares outstanding		8,410,522	8,410,522	8,408,022	8,398,092	6,998,750	8,410,522	6,998,750

PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets		0.82%	0.99%	1.07%	0.52%	1.00%	0.91%	0.95%
Return on average common equity		6.02%	7.30%	7.91%	3.77%	6.85%	6.65%	7.52%
Yield on loans		5.59%	5.66%	5.63%	5.30%	5.38%	5.63%	5.26%
Yield on earning assets		5.24%	5.36%	5.40%	4.87%	4.78%	5.30%	4.78%
Cost of deposits		0.98%	0.96%	0.84%	0.72%	0.62%	0.97%	0.58%
Net interest margin		4.28%	4.41%	4.59%	4.23%	4.22%	4.34%	4.25%
Efficiency ratio		70.05%	64.03%	61.70%	76.40%	62.06%	67.04%	65.11%

CAPITAL
Tangible equity to tangible assets		11.62%	11.29%	11.01%	11.14%	14.54%	11.62%	14.54%
Book value (BV) per common share	$	12.56	12.30	12.06	11.77	11.00	12.56	11.00
Tangible BV per common share	$	10.34	10.07	9.81	9.49	10.81	10.34	10.81

ASSET QUALITY
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)	$	(9)	(7)	(0)	(29)	341	(15)	333
Allowance for loan losses (ALLL)	$	4,888	4,679	4,373	3,922	3,443	4,888	3,443
ALLL to total loans		0.78%	0.74%	0.69%	0.65%	0.83%	0.78%	0.83%
Loan fair value credit marks (LFVCM)	$	2,249	2,479	2,594	2,834	681	2,249	681
ALLL and LFVCM to total loans		1.14%	1.14%	1.10%	1.11%	0.99%	1.14%	0.99%
Nonperforming loans	$	2,033	3,298	4,574	3,733	2,747	2,033	2,747
Other real estate owned	$	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.27%	0.43%	0.60%	0.51%	0.53%	0.27%	0.53%

END OF PERIOD BALANCES
Total loans	$	623,424	628,538	634,651	606,753	414,925	623,424	414,925
Total assets	$	766,730	768,823	767,948	734,923	521,437	766,730	521,437
Deposits	$	632,246	635,676	627,816	632,803	442,046	632,246	442,046
Loans to deposits		98.60%	98.88%	101.09%	95.88%	93.86%	98.60%	93.86%
Shareholders' equity	$	105,619	103,481	101,360	98,865	77,006	105,619	77,006
Full-time equivalent employees		100	96	94	94	65	100	65

AVERAGE BALANCES (QTRLY) \| \| (YTD)
Total loans	$	623,541	629,799	627,544	540,165	407,779	626,653	405,747
Earning assets	$	714,889	707,920	694,190	632,508	501,776	711,296	481,320
Total assets (net of AFS valuation)	$	766,960	755,842	741,463	670,942	525,934	761,432	505,395
Deposits	$	633,478	628,950	626,433	569,424	446,815	631,226	436,287
Shareholders' equity	$	104,745	102,707	100,500	92,091	76,440	103,731	63,782

Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL) today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019. Total assets were $767 million for the second quarter of 2019, a 47% increase compared to the second quarter of 2018. Quarterly net income increased 20% to $1.57 million compared to $1.31 million in Q2 of 2018.

Related link: https://www.banksocal.com/

CMG Financial Accelerates Loan Originator Compensation and Delivers Loan-Level Insights to Management with LBA Ware’s CompenSafe

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware(TM), provider of the leading automated incentive compensation and sales performance management platform for mortgage lenders, has partnered with CMG Financial to streamline incentive compensation for the lender's more than 500 loan originators (LOs) and other commission- and bonus-based employees.

"As our retail business volume grew, it was important to find a technology to automate compensation calculations for commissions, bonuses and overrides," said CMG Financial Vice President of Human Resources Melissa Harbourne. "The implementation of CompenSafe has not only alleviated the strain of manual calculations, allowing us to strategically reallocate resources, but also opened a window of real-time visibility into compensation and bonus earnings. Providing that visibility not only to our retail employees, but also to our cross-functional departments such as our compensation team, HR business partners and payroll staff allows these support functions to resolve compensation disputes from the business unit in a timely and efficient manner."

Branch and senior managers at CMG Financial have also begun leveraging CompenSafe's reporting capabilities to improve pipeline management and monitor expenses. Built-in reports make it easy for managers to compare current production to historical trends, and they now know exactly how much the company is paying out in commissions and bonuses at the individual loan level.

"A critical aspect of developing and retaining LO talent is building trust, transparency and accountability into the fabric of daily operations," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "CompenSafe helps CMG Financial deliver on its commitment to these values and delivers efficiencies and business insights that scale with the company's growth."

About CMG Financial

CMG Financial is a well-capitalized, privately held mortgage-banking firm founded in 1993. The company makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels, including Retail Lending, Wholesale Lending and Correspondent Lending.

CMG Financial currently operates in all states, including the District of Columbia, and holds federal agency lending approvals with HUD, VA, RHS, GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC. Throughout the mortgage banking and housing markets, CMG Financial is widely known for responsible lending practices, industry and consumer advocacy, product innovation and operational efficiency. More information: https://www.cmgfi.com/.

About LBA Ware

Founded in 2008, LBA Ware's mission is to inspire opportunity by delivering solutions that are essential to the way mortgage companies operate. We are a trusted partner and play a key role in our clients' success by enabling them to motivate, incentivize and better leverage the human potential within their organizations. Our applications automate traditionally manual business processes for which an existing software solution does not exist, empowering lenders to create an integrated software environment that maximizes their productivity and operational efficiency. For more information about LBA Ware and our software solutions, visit https://lbaware.com.

Twitter: @LBAWare @CMGFI #mortgagebanking #digitalmortgage #CompenSafe

LBA Ware(TM), provider of the leading automated incentive compensation and sales performance management platform for mortgage lenders, has partnered with CMG Financial to streamline incentive compensation for the lender's more than 500 loan originators (LOs) and other commission- and bonus-based employees.

Related link: https://lbaware.com/

Lang Capital Group Presents an Exquisite Dinner Cruise on The Odyssey Lake Michigan with IMAG

CHICAGO, Ill. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Lang Capital Group announces the International Multicultural Awards Gala (I.M.A.G) on August 9, 2019. The Gala will raise funds for IMAG of Greater Chicago's programs to build and repair hope, families, and resources in the greater Chicago communities.

The IMAG celebration is their one and only fundraising event for the year and will include a special collaborative service project with nonprofits, a VIP reception with participants and fellow VIP's, a gourmet feast by Chicago's premier caterer, lively entertainment, a high-end Live Auction, mingling with fellow leaders and community influencers.

Join IMAG of Greater Chicago' and over 600 of Chicago's ambassadors, influencers, and business leaders for our premier fundraising event on Friday, August 9th at Chicago's most exclusive and evanescent event venue - the Odyssey Cruise Vessel. Attendees are expected to include a high-profile group of top philanthropists, business leaders, elected officials, and media representatives.

"We invite you to attend, sponsor, and be recognized as we showcase the collaborative efforts of 7 prestigious nonprofit organizations, for an evening to remember to help change lives and build a better community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive," says Dr. Stacee Lang of Lang Capital Group.

This event is being hosted by comedian Damon Williams who has been seen on BET's "Comicview," Comedy Central's "Premium Blend," "The Joyner Sky Show" on TV-ONE and HBO's "P Diddy's Bad Boys of Comedy."

Friday, August 9, 2019 at 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Odyssey Chicago River
455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60611

For more info visit
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-multicultural-awards-gala-imag-tickets-64334381868

About Lang Capital Group:
Lang Capital Group, NFP (LCG) is an advisory firm that specializes in grant writing, partnerships, business development, and growth strategies for nonprofits and small and mid-sized businesses. LCG concentration is on federal funding, government contracts and forming connections of commerce between public and private sectors for clients. Learn more: https://www.langcapitalgroup.org/

The Lang Capital Group announces the International Multicultural Awards Gala (I.M.A.G) on August 9, 2019. The Gala will raise funds for IMAG of Greater Chicago's programs to build and repair hope, families, and resources in the greater Chicago communities.

Related link: https://www.langcapitalgroup.org/

Small Business Grant Offering to Inspire New Entrepreneurs to Get into The Game and Start Their Own Business

COLUMBIA, S.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- Horizon Commercial Leasing hopes to inspire new entrepreneurs to get into the game and start their own business. The property leasing experts have launched its first ever Small Business Grant offering up to $2,000 to potential and existing businessowners. The financial incentives provided by Horizon Commercial Leasing will inspire two lucky local residents to make their business dream a reality.

The grant was set up to enable aspiring entrepreneurs to take that extra step in the creation of a new business. The Small Business Grant is also available to existing businessowners looking to relocate to a new premise to grow their brand. The unique grant will make it possible for two different entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals.

More than 620,000 businesses open in the United States each year. Yet, the number of potential businessowners left on the side-lines range in the millions. The grant was set up to enable aspiring entrepreneurs to take that extra step in the creation of a new retail location. The Small Business Grant is also available to existing businessowners looking to relocate to a new premise with Horizon to grow their brand in Columbia, Lexington or Spartanburg of South Carolina.

Horizon Commercial Leasing is a Columbia-based small business working with other small businesses around the area. The Small Business Grant is a chance for Horizon Commercial Leasing to give back to the community and help it grow and prosper.

According to the company, it wants to give talented people that extra nudge they need to take the next step in creating a business. The Small Business Grant may help a company buy new equipment, hire staff, secure a location, or advertise, three areas that can cut into a new business's finances quickly.

Aspiring small businessowner and existing businessowners can call Horizon Commercial Leasing owner Micky at 803-810-0800 to outline their ideas. Interested parties can also visit https://horizoncommercialleasing.com/blog/limited-time-small-business-grant-3.aspx for more information on the Small Business Grant.

About Horizon Commercial Leasing:

Horizon Commercial Leasing is based in Columbia, South Carolina and caters to the needs of small businesses in the Columbia, Lexington, and Spartanburg areas. Horizon Commercial Leasing specializes in leasing office space for retail, medical, restaurants, and warehouses needs. Horizon Commercial Leasing aims to help businesses find afford locations to grow and prosper.

Contact details:
Company: Horizon Commercial Leasing
Website: https://horizoncommercialleasing.com/
Telephone: 803-810-0800

Horizon Commercial Leasing hopes to inspire new entrepreneurs to get into the game and start their own business. The property leasing experts have launched its first ever Small Business Grant offering up to $2,000 to potential and existing businessowners.

Related link: https://horizoncommercialleasing.com/

EPIC adds Surety Specialists Eric Feighl and John Hohlt in Houston Texas

HOUSTON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Eric Feighl has joined the firm as a Principal and Southwest Region Surety Practice Leader.

He is joined by Principal and Client Advocate John Hohlt. Both will specialize in providing surety and bonding solutions for the firm's property & casualty and risk management clients across a range of industries, with a particular emphasis on clients in the Energy and Construction sectors.

Based in EPIC's Houston, Texas office, Feighl and Hohlt will report to KJ Wagner, EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region.

Both join EPIC from Marsh Wortham in Houston, where Feighl spent more than 20 years as a Managing Principal and a Surety Bond and Executive Liability Broker. Hohlt spent the past four years serving clients as a Surety Bond Producer/Broker and he began his insurance industry career building a strong technical foundation as a Surety Program Underwriter.

Feighl and Hohlt have extensive knowledge of both contract and commercial surety underwriting obligations and requirements. With a strong knowledge of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regulations, they have helped numerous clients with their complex offshore surety bonding needs.

Feighl attended the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a minor in Business.

Hohlt attended Fordham University in New York, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and playing varsity football.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our operations in the Southwest with the additions of Eric and John, said KJ Wagner. Both are well-respected, creative, highly consultative surety specialists who will deliver great value to our clients and to other EPIC team members. I could not be more excited to have Eric and John join our growing EPIC team."

Eric Feighl can be reached at eric.feighl@epicbrokers.com or (713) 557-9830.

John Hohlt can be reached at john.hohlt@epicbrokers.com or (949) 417-9109.

About EPIC

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,800 team members operating from 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $575 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*IMAGE link for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0723s2p-epichires-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Eric Feighl has joined the firm as a Principal and Southwest Region Surety Practice Leader.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

ReverseVision Taps Sunny Mahdii as Vice President of Operations

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- ReverseVision, the leading provider of technology and training for the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) industry, today announced it has appointed Sunny Mahdii to the position of vice president of operations. In this role, Mahdii will work with ReverseVision's professional services, training, implementation, document management and customer success teams to execute a holistic operations strategy.

"Seniors have a strong appetite for flexible financial products capable of catering to their varied, aging-related needs, yet the vast majority loan officers will never present aging borrowers with a HECM or proprietary reverse product," said ReverseVision CEO John Button. "We've brought on Sunny to help us bridge the current forward-reverse technology gap that stymies loan officers from offering senior lending products to the very borrower population those products are designed to serve. We are thrilled to bring on a dedicated staff resource to help our clients uplift senior lending products into operational and technological coexistence with forward loans."

Before joining ReverseVision, Mahdii was director of operations and business development at American Reverse Group, where she directed lending team operations, budgeting and marketing functions. Prior to that, Mahdii was branch manager at Security 1 Lending, where she oversaw the company's two most profitable branch locations, which produced $20 million in monthly volume. Mahdii also launched a reverse mortgage division during her tenure at Omni Home Financing.

"ReverseVision is a leader in digital mortgage technology and am excited to help them equip mortgage lenders with strategies and tools that yield successful business outcomes in today's competitive marketplace," said Mahdii.

About ReverseVision:

ReverseVision, Inc. is the leading software and technology provider for the reverse mortgage industry, offering products and services focused exclusively on the home-equity conversion mortgage (HECM) and related reverse mortgage programs. With nearly 10,000 active users, ReverseVision technology is used by 10 out of 10 top reverse mortgage lenders and supports more reverse mortgage transactions than all other systems combined.

The company's comprehensive product suite also includes reverse mortgage sales and education tools and a dedicated professional services team. ReverseVision partners with some of the finest and fastest-growing banks, credit unions and lending organizations in the United States to provide its reverse mortgage technology to brokers, correspondents, lenders and investors.

A four-time HousingWire TECH100(TM) company, ReverseVision has also been recognized in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500(TM) listing. The company continues to build on its technology's pioneering capabilities with frequent enhancements aimed at boosting users' reverse mortgage volume, workflow efficiency and data analysis capabilities.

For more information, visit https://www.reversevision.com/.

Twitter: @ReverseVision #HECM #DigitalMortgage

ReverseVision, the leading provider of technology and training for the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) industry, today announced it has appointed Sunny Mahdii to the position of vice president of operations. In this role, Mahdii will work with ReverseVision's professional services, training, implementation, document management and customer success teams to execute a holistic operations strategy.

Related link: https://www.reversevision.com/

Former IRS Executive, Mark Bodenstab, Joins KBKG as Director of Research and Development Tax Credits

PASADENA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG adds another former IRS manager to their team of experts. Mark Bodenstab joins as the firm's Director of Research & Development Tax Credits with over 30 years combined at the IRS and in the private sector.

Mark joined the IRS as a general engineer to provide technical and valuation support in the examination of large corporate tax filings. While with the IRS, he served as a manager to a team of IRS engineers and appraisers, as well as Staff Assistant to the National Director of Field Operations. Prior to the IRS, Mark worked over 20 years in the industrial gas industry gaining hands on experience testing and improving products and processes.

With his extensive experience surrounding the research credit and other KBKG offerings, Mark's addition to the KBKG team will further reinforce KBKG's reputation as a leader in the R&D space and will provide additional value to KBKG clients and CPA partners.

"Our objective is to deliver value to our clients and stakeholders. Mark's insights and experience will assist us in achieving this goal. His expertise will further enhance the quality of the studies performed by KBKG and allow our clients to focus on the day-to-day of running their respective businesses. It's truly a difference maker for us and we are honored to have him as part of the team," remarked Kevin Zolriasatain, Principal at KBKG and leader of the firm's Research and Development Tax Credit practice.

About KBKG:

Established in 1999 with offices across the US, KBKG provides turn-key tax solutions including research and development tax credits, cost segregation, and green building tax incentives, and more to CPAs and businesses nationwide. Learn more: https://www.kbkg.com/

*PHOTO link for media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-0722s2p-mark-bodenstab-300dpi.jpg

Nationwide tax specialty firm KBKG adds another former IRS manager to their team of experts. Mark Bodenstab joins as the firm's Director of Research & Development Tax Credits with over 30 years combined at the IRS and in the private sector.

Related link: https://www.kbkg.com/

New Capital Partners Invests in ARMCO

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. /ScoopCloud/ -- New Capital Partners (NCP), a private equity firm in Birmingham, Ala., today announces that it has partnered with Pompano Beach, Fla.-based ACES Risk Management Corp. (ARMCO), the leader in web-based quality assurance software for the financial services industry.

ARMCO provides a wide range of mortgage quality control (QC), compliance and transaction risk management technologies. Their product line includes loan quality enterprise software, services, data and analytics, and their flagship product, ACES Audit Technology(tm), is used at virtually every point in the mortgage life cycle, setting the industry standard for user definability.

Adam Cranford, Managing Director of New Capital Partners, said, "We are excited to partner with the outstanding team at ARMCO. The team has done a tremendous job building a market-leading product suite and providing best-in-class service and support to their customers. Broad use of ACES by top banks, lenders and servicers in the country attests to the strength of the product and the ARMCO professional team. We are looking forward to working with the team to drive continued growth and innovation."

Avi Naider, CEO of ARMCO, said, "We are excited to begin our relationship with New Capital Partners. Their operational experience and track record of creating value with growth-stage companies was a perfect fit for ARMCO's current growth phase. The team members at NCP are thought leaders and industry experts in banking technology, and we look forward to continuing to build a great company through this partnership."

Berkery Noyes served as exclusive financial advisor to ARMCO.

About New Capital Partners:

New Capital Partners (NCP) is a private equity firm comprised of former operators headquartered in Birmingham, Ala. NCP makes investments in niche, tech-enabled services companies in the healthcare, financial and business services industries. Leveraging its extensive operational experience, NCP helps create significant value in portfolio companies by cultivating true partnerships with management teams and focusing on one core goal: Building Great Companies. For more information, please visit https://newcapitalpartners.com/.

About ARMCO:

Over half of the top 20 mortgage lenders in the U.S. choose ARMCO as their provider for transaction risk management software. ARMCO's product line includes loan quality enterprise software, services, data and analytics. Its flagship product, ACES Audit Technology(tm), has set the bar for user definability in its category. It is used at virtually every point in the mortgage lifecycle, as well as for a wide range of risk-prone business operations outside traditional mortgage origination and servicing.

ARMCO's consultative approach to customer relationships leverages 25 years of mortgage risk intel, assuring that its clients are using the most effective risk mitigation strategies, and are using the fastest, most reliable, most efficient means for preventing risk-related loss. ARMCO distributes the ARMCO Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report, a free quarterly analysis of industry-wide mortgage loan quality. For more information, visit http://www.armco.us/ or call 1-800-858-1598.

New Capital Partners (NCP), a private equity firm in Birmingham, Ala., today announces that it has partnered with Pompano Beach, Fla.-based ACES Risk Management Corp. (ARMCO), the leader in web-based quality assurance software for the financial services industry.

Related link: https://www.armco.us/

Anow Enterprise lets lenders and appraisal firms tap into the industry’s first peer-to-peer appraiser network

RED DEER, Alberta /ScoopCloud/ -- Anow, developer of appraisal firm management software that simplifies the way real estate appraisers manage their businesses, today announced the release of Anow Enterprise, a cloud software suite that connects individual appraisal companies to form service networks that can efficiently provide localized service at scale.

Designed to help individual appraisers meet the capacity needs of mortgage lenders, large appraisal firms and appraisal management companies (AMCs), Anow Enterprise is now widely available following a successful beta period during which thousands of appraisals passed through the system.

"Anow Enterprise can build appraiser networks of any size, from linking a handful of independent firms that want to better serve their local market to connecting tens of thousands of appraisers across North America with the appraisal management systems used by larger firms and AMCs," said Anow Founder and CEO Marty Haldane.

Anow Enterprise's first-of-its-kind order management framework enables a true peer-to-peer system, where any participant in the network can originate an appraisal order and route it to others.

"Anow Enterprise is allowing us to grow by bringing appraisers into our team from locations outside our central service area," explained Jeff Morley, partner at Accurity Valuation franchisee Morley and McConkie Appraisal. "Even if they're working in other states, we can integrate them into our office process and provide the same level of service as though they were working in the office next door."

"The combination of Anow Enterprise with our core Anow platform gives appraisers the most sophisticated tech stack in the valuation industry, enabling rapid order completion and unprecedented levels of appraiser productivity," added Haldane. "Anow Enterprise's ability to adapt to the service needs of the local market within a national framework of performance-enhancing tools represents a huge leap forward in innovation for appraisers and their customers."

The maiden release of Anow Enterprise is comprised of four "modules" or toolsets:

* Automated scheduling based on an appraiser's office location, existing appointment route and real-time GPS location

* Service Network tools designed to help clients build appraiser panels, intelligently distribute appraisal orders, manage users and payments, monitor compliance and produce financial and coverage reports

* Performance & Communication tools for monitoring and managing the performance of network appraisers, including individual performance scorecards, customized workflows for any order type and multiple messaging channels

* Review Management tools for interfacing with the client's review desk, including automated rules and custom review workflows for individuals and teams

Anow Enterprise is built to accommodate plug-and-play API integrations with third-party ordering and finance systems. In addition, all Anow Enterprise users will receive gratis multi-user access to the forthcoming Anow NEXUS report-writing, quality control and risk management suite.

"Anow Enterprise is the ultimate platform for managing teams of appraisers, from advanced order assignment based on real-time availability to customizable scorecards and QC checklists," finished Marty Haldane. "Anow's core platform has been radically simplifying life for appraisers since its debut. Now lenders, commercial and residential appraisal firms, and AMCs can experience appraiser network management technology that brings outdated legacy process into the digital age."

For a demo of Anow Enterprise, visit https://anow.com/enterprise/.

ABOUT ANOW

Anow is an appraisal management software developer that simplifies the way real estate appraisers manage their businesses. Launched in 2011 by multi-generational appraisal professional Marty Haldane, Anow streamlines a wide range of everyday appraisal processes while offering unmatched business insights to help appraisers compete in today's digital environment. Powerful order tracking, job assignment, collaboration, and scheduling tools allow appraisers and administrative staff to save time, assign appraisals more easily and deliver exceptional service to clients and mortgage lenders from any web-enabled device. Advanced reporting enables business owners to manage fee competition and turn times with ease. Anow is headquartered in Red Deer, Alberta. For more information, visit https://anow.com/ or call (800) 403-7121.

Twitter: @AppraisersNow #appraisaltech #digitalmortgage #AMCs #mortgagelending

VIDEO (YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbX7bgjkdxg&feature=youtu.be

Anow, developer of appraisal firm management software that simplifies the way real estate appraisers manage their businesses, today announced the release of Anow Enterprise, a cloud software suite that connects individual appraisal companies to form service networks that can efficiently provide localized service at scale.

Related link: https://anow.com/

Bank of Southern California NA Names Ian McKay Managing Director

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has expanded its business development team with the hiring of Ian McKay as Managing Director of Business Banking. He will focus on developing and managing a portfolio of small to medium sized businesses located throughout Orange County.

Mr. McKay is a seasoned and accomplished banking professional, bringing over a decade of experience in portfolio management, financial advising, and commercial business lending. Prior to joining the Bank, he most recently served as Relationship Manager for City National Bank. Mr. McKay is involved in the community and serves as a Board Member for the OC Phillies Philanthropy Organization. Additionally, he volunteers with the Special Olympics and The Autism Community in Action (TACA). He holds a bachelor's degree from California State University Chico and a professional certificate in financial planning from University of California, Irvine.

"Ian is a well-established and experienced banker with deep roots and a track record of successful performance in his market," said John Chung, Group Managing Director. "The addition of Ian to our business banking team will be integral to strengthening and growing Bank of Southern California's regional presence," concluded Chung.

About Bank of Southern California:

A growing community bank, established in 2001, Bank of Southern California, N.A., with headquarters in San Diego, CA, is locally owned and managed, and offers a range of financial products to individuals, professionals and small-to-medium sized businesses. The Bank's solution-driven, relationship-based approach to banking provides accessibility to decision makers and enhances value through strong partnerships with its clients.

The Bank currently operates eleven branches in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, as well as a production office in Orange County.

For more information, please visit https://www.banksocal.com/ or call (858) 847-4780.

Tickers: OTC Pink:BCAL / OTC:BCAL / OTCMKTS:BCAL / OP: BCAL

Bank of Southern California, N.A. (OTC Pink: BCAL), a community business bank headquartered in San Diego, has expanded its business development team with the hiring of Ian McKay as Managing Director of Business Banking. He will focus on developing and managing a portfolio of small to medium sized businesses located throughout Orange County.

Related link: https://www.banksocal.com/

Ward Henderson Management – Germany’s Economic Gloom Could Continue

TAIPEI, Taiwan /ScoopCloud/ -- Ward Henderson Management - German economy shows signs of weakening further due to downside risks. In May, an important indicator of overall economic health, declined by more than expected. Germany's manufacturing industry reported poor growth, prompting concerns about the Eurozone's economic wellbeing.

Ward Henderson Management analysts say a sharp decline in foreign demand is affecting factories throughout the Eurozone, prompting speculation that the European Central Bank may be forced to resort to stimulus befitting a financial crisis. Germany in particular is experiencing the manufacturing downturn with new orders falling by 2.2% on a monthly basis in May, down 8.6% from the same time last year.

Earlier this month, Germany's 10-year Bund yield reached an almost historic low point of minus 0.4% as many analysts predict that the European Central Bank will opt to deliver more stimulus to cope with the slowdown.

Analysts at Ward Henderson Management say the recent data does not spell good news for Germany's short-term economic outlook. Germany's economy likely contracted in the second quarter of this year and the chances of making a recovery in the third quarter seem to be diminishing.

While much of Europe has dealt well enough with the manufacturing slowdown, Germany is showing signs of strain. Germany's labor market is weakening and Ward Henderson Management analysts believe that that, combined with major downside risks including global trade tensions, geopolitical concerns and the fallout from Brexit will likely cause Germany's economy to weaken further in the coming months.

More information: https://www.wardhenderson.com/

Ward Henderson Management - German economy shows signs of weakening further due to downside risks. In May, an important indicator of overall economic health, declined by more than expected. Germany's manufacturing industry reported poor growth, prompting concerns about the Eurozone's economic wellbeing.

Related link: https://www.wardhenderson.com/

Level One Bank Enlists CompenSafe to Automate Incentive Compensation After Doubling Its Mortgage Division

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware(TM), provider of the leading automated incentive compensation and sales performance management platform for mortgage lenders, announced today that Level One Bank (NASDAQ: LEVL) has chosen CompenSafe(TM) to automate incentive compensation for mortgage loan originators and support staff across the community bank's mortgage loan center and branch locations.

The decision to move from manual, spreadsheet-based commission calculation to a full-featured compensation management platform was spurred in part by the bank's rapid growth. After acquiring several banks and absorbing MB Financial Bank's mortgage division in July 2018, Level One's own mortgage team effectively doubled in size. The increased number and complexity of compensation plans made the calculation of commissions earnings and periodic bonus payouts more time-consuming .

"CompenSafe created significant efficiencies for our payroll department, saving countless hours of manual labor and eliminating the risk of human error," said Level One Bank Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking Officer, Timothy R. Mackay. "Additionally, it has improved compensation transparency with our loan originators who now have the ability to login and view their pipeline and payroll information at any time."

"Before CompenSafe, I spent a full day running commissions every two weeks," said Level One Bank Senior Accountant Christen Inchaustegui. "Now it takes me 10 minutes to pull together my reports. CompenSafe has also made incentive compensation more transparent for loan originators, who can log in and look at their pipeline and payroll snapshot at any time."

"As a community bank that embraces technology and always looks for ways to do things better, Level One Bank saw right away how CompenSafe could improve both routine commissions processes and long-term compensation plan management," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "We were proud to help Level One manage its growing pains by getting CompenSafe up and running in a matter of just a couple months."

About Level One Bank

Level One Bank (NASDAQ: LEVL) is a full-service, 5-star BauerFinancial rated commercial and consumer bank headquartered in Michigan with assets of approximately $1.5 billion. It currently operates eleven full-service banking centers located throughout Southeast Michigan and West Michigan. Level One Bank's success has been recognized both locally and nationally as the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 'Community Lender of the Year' and 'Export Finance Lender of the Year', one of S&P Global's Top 10 'Best-Performing Community Banks' in the nation, and one of American Banker Magazine's 'Best Banks to Work For'. Level One's Commercial Division provides a complete menu of products including lines of credit, term loans, leases, commercial mortgages, SBA loans, Export-Import Financing, and a full suite of Treasury Management and Private Banking services. The Consumer Division offers personal savings and checking accounts and a complete array of consumer loan products including residential mortgages, home equity, auto, and credit card services. Level One Bank offers a variety of online banking services and a robust mobile banking application for individuals and businesses. Level One Bank offers the sophistication of a big bank, the heart of a community bank, and the spirit of an entrepreneur. For more information, please visit www.levelonebank.com.

About LBA Ware

Founded in 2008, LBA Ware's mission is to inspire opportunity by delivering solutions that are essential to the way mortgage companies operate. We are a trusted partner and play a key role in our clients' success by enabling them to motivate, incentivize and better leverage the human potential within their organizations. Our applications automate traditionally manual business processes for which an existing software solution does not exist, empowering lenders to create an integrated software environment that maximizes their productivity and operational efficiency. For more information about LBA Ware and our software solutions, visit https://lbaware.com.

Twitter: @LBAWare @LevelOneBank #mortgagebanking #digitalmortgage #CompenSafe

Ticker: NASDAQ:LEVL / NQ: LEVL

LBA Ware(TM), provider of the leading automated incentive compensation and sales performance management platform for mortgage lenders, announced today that Level One Bank (NASDAQ: LEVL) has chosen CompenSafe(TM) to automate incentive compensation for mortgage loan originators and support staff across the community bank's mortgage loan center and branch locations

Related link: https://lbaware.com/

NRL Mortgage Now Offering FormFree’s AccountChek Automated Asset Verification to Borrowers Nationwide

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree(R) today announced that loan originators and support staff at NRL Mortgage are now offering AccountChek(R) automated asset verification to loan applicants nationwide. AccountChek gives borrowers a convenient and secure way to verify their assets without having to print, scan or fax bank statements.

Houston-based NRL Mortgage selected AccountChek for its streamlined borrower experience, off-the-shelf integration with the Ellie Mae(R) Encompass(R) loan origination system and participation in rep and warrant relief initiatives offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The lender's growth over the last year makes it a standout in the mortgage industry, which experienced an overall decline in year-over-year volume.

"NRL Mortgage prides itself on bringing our customers reliability and excellence in the residential lending experience, and to that end we are always looking to align ourselves with like-minded mortgage service providers like FormFree," said NRL Mortgage Chief Operations Officer Kevin Murphy.

"FormFree is proud to support a thriving company like NRL Mortgage with verification services that make the lending experience smoother and more secure for both originators and borrowers," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler.

NRL Mortgage employs nearly 200 loan officers and serves borrowers in 46 states coast-to-coast. Recognized by the Houston Chronicle as a top workplace for four years in a row, NRL is Houston's highest-ranked employer in the financial services segment.

About FormFree(R):

FormFree is a fintech company whose market-leading AccountChek(R) Asset Reports are used by lenders nationwide to verify borrower assets, employment and income in minutes. To date, more than 1,000 U.S. lenders have ordered over 1.25 million AccountChek Asset Reports, delighting their customers with a paperless experience and reducing origination timelines by up to 20 days. FormFree offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and their investors using a secure ReIssueKey(TM). A HousingWire TECH100(TM) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Athens, Georgia.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

About NRL Mortgage:

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, NRL Mortgage is currently licensed in 48 states and the District of Columbia. We specialize in the origination of residential mortgage loans across the United States. These loans include conforming conventional loans, jumbo loans, loans guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration and loans backed by Rural Housing Department/ USDA. NRL has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, the Houston Chronicle's Top Workplaces, and the Houston Business Journal's Fast 100. For more information: https://nrlmortgage.com/

Twitter: @RealFormFree @NRLMortgage #AccountChek #digitalmortgage #mortgagelending

Instagram: @NRLMortgage

FormFree today announced that loan originators and support staff at NRL Mortgage are now offering AccountChek automated asset verification to loan applicants nationwide. AccountChek gives borrowers a convenient and secure way to verify their assets without having to print, scan or fax bank statements.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

EPIC Insurance Brokers Further Expands Southwest Operations into Arizona

PHOENIX, Ariz. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the expansion of their operations in the Southwest with the hiring of Client Manager Luke Aschermann, Property & Casualty Claims Manager Norma Brehm, and Principal/Senior Client Advocate Belinda Lopes. All join EPIC from Willis Towers Watson.

The new EPIC Phoenix team forms the firm's foundation in yet another key regional market, under the leadership of KJ Wagner, EPIC Managing Principal and Director of the Southwest Region, where they will focus on the needs of both middle market, and large, complex accounts.

"We are thrilled to continue the growth of our Southwest operations into Arizona with the additions of Luke, Norma, and Belinda," said KJ Wagner. "They are all well respected industry professionals who will provide a strong foundation as we rapidly build our EPIC presence in this important market. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!"

In the Southwest, EPIC now has offices in Austin, TX; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; and Phoenix, AZ in addition to nearly 80 other locations across the country.

Luke Aschermann can be reached at luke.aschermann@epicbrokers.com or 602-622-0360

Norma Brehm can be reached at norma.brehm@epicbrokers.com or 469-270-6773

Belinda Lopes can be reached at Belinda.lopes@epicbrokers.com or 623-826-0161

About EPIC

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence.

EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 1,800 team members operating from 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

With run rate revenues greater than $575 million, EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com.

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property and casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today the expansion of their operations in the Southwest with the hiring of Client Manager Luke Aschermann, Property & Casualty Claims Manager Norma Brehm, and Principal/Senior Client Advocate Belinda Lopes. All join EPIC from Willis Towers Watson.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/