FirstTrust Home Loans is the largest independent mortgage lender in the state of Arkansas. We have locations across 8 states and will celebrate 20 years in business in November of 2023. Let’s talk mortgage, the market, business tips, and bring on some really cool guests over the next 12 months. Podcasts will go live the 30th of every month!
January is here and so is the Mortgage Strong Podcast. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by his ride-or-die executive team — President Ben Paul, CFO Erika Martens, and COO Michelle Rocha — to recap a record-setting 2025 and talk about what’s ahead.
The team shares big wins across the company, including FirstTrust Home Loans ranking #2 overall in Arkansas mortgage production, year-over-year company growth, and what it takes to keep building as an independent lender. Ben brings the numbers — including more than 3,200 homes closed. Erika dives into the behind-the-scenes work that makes Construction-to-Perm possible and the advocacy work that protects borrowers. And Michelle highlights the operational shifts and teamwork that helped keep turn times strong, averaging just over 21.8 days.
They close with a forward-looking take on 2026: building momentum the right way, using AI to smooth workflows without losing the human touch, and a practical rate outlook heading into spring.
