Meet Our Team

As Director of Loan Production, Emily plays a key role in managing the loan production for LendFriend Home Loans, managing over $100 million dollars in annual fundings each year. Emily has held positions as both a loan originator & processor over the course of her career in the mortgage industry since 2009. Her passion lies in solving complex loans & finding a solution to help every customer achieve their dream of homeownership. Emily is very patient and loves helping first-time home buyers.

“Buying a home is a very emotional experience for most people. Most of the time, buying a home comes with major life changes, whether that be a new job, a child, or moving across state lines. I love being a part of that person’s experience.”

Helping others has always been a passion of Drew’s. With an education background in occupational therapy and several years in the healthcare field, Drew has helped people going through major life moments. Though no longer in the medical profession, Drew still finds great joy in helping people through major life moments - purchasing or refinancing their home. As a Director of Production for LendFriend, Drew is committed to making the process from contract to close as smooth as possible, while providing valuable information along the way. When not working, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife, Shayna, and dogs, Oakley and Grizzly. Other interests include golfing, craft cocktail making, traveling, and anything outdoors.

“My favorite part about being a lender is client education and empowerment. I strongly believe that every client, whether they are making their first home purchase or tenth home purchase, should receive quality education along the way and have a full understanding of what goes into the lending process. Transparency is key, and that’s what we pride ourselves on.”

Katie prides herself in helping anyone and everyone, whenever she can! Her passion for the mortgage industry began in 2002 and she has been helping people become homeowners ever since. She takes the time to learn about each individual’s situation and curates a loan that turns their dreams into reality. Her approach is caring, listening, and educating her clients to make the best financial decision. What’s best for one family might not be the right fit for the next. During her consultations, she is methodical in using terms that ‘everyday’ people can relate to and understand. She is patient, compassionate, and always goes the extra mile. She enjoys working with first time homebuyers, move-up buyers, veterans and many more. Katie doesn’t shy away from tougher deals, and becomes even more determined to structure a file with her ‘outside-the-box’ thinking, looking at ALL possible angles. She handles Conventional, FHA and VA loans – AND is at your service!

“I’ve always been a believer in karma, and live by this day to day – Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.” It has served me well. I choose to practice it and teach it to my 2 young daughters. I am raising warriors that carry strength, kindness, and empathy. How can I help you?

Brooke is a bright addition to the LendFriend team of mortgage loan originators. As a psychology major turned mortgage loan originator, she attributes her success in business and in life to her ability to connect with people. She strives to build trust and genuine relationships with each of her clients and will spend the time to truly get to know you and your goals. Brooke’s midwestern hospitality is rooted in her small-town upbringing; a warm and positive attitude that is a direct reflection of her understanding that no single approach is “the right one” when it comes to the mortgage process.

“I believe a mortgage is about helping clients achieve their financial goals and building relationships – not just a transaction. Taking the time to learn about their goals and just being a part of the process from start to finish is incredibly rewarding.”

Randon comes to LendFriend with over a decade in loan origination experience. Randon’s ability to simplify the home loan process for his clients is why he’s been able to win the prestigious “Circle of Excellence” award each of the last 4 years. Randon prides himself on being able to structure loans in a way that other industry professionals may overlook, allowing him to help thousands of homeowners purchase and refinance homes.

“Buying or refinancing your home is a huge decision, and it’s my honor to help you make the process simple, no matter how complex your situation may be. Each of my customers receives the attention they deserve from start to finish.”

Brandon joined LendFriend in 2020 after working in sales and customer service in the oil and gas industry. He lives by a "customer first" mentality and dedicates his time to being a resource throughout the home buying journey for all his clients. Brandon is known in the industry for his work ethic, which he credits to the foundation instilled in him as a former NCAA collegiate athlete. When Brandon isn’t coming into the office before sunrise or leaving after sunset to help clients buy their dream homes, you can find him on the baseball field or the gym.

"I love being part of a team that shares my “people first” mentality. Whether you're working with myself, a production manager, processor or underwriter, everyone at LendFriend shares the same goal of putting our clients' needs first. "

Helgaard, a native of South Africa, came to the US to pursue his lifetime obsession with golf, but when he fell short of joining the tour, he realized a new passion - helping individuals achieve their dreams of homeownership. Helgaard took what he learned on and off the course, especially keeping your cool in the face of adversity, to help his clients to get the home they want with the mortgage they want. You will find that working with Helgaard is like working with a lifelong friend. Helgaard is personable, occasionally funny and loves educating his clients on available mortgage options that fit their personal needs.

“Buying a home is stressful enough without having to worry about your financing options. The most significant part of my job is to make the financing of your home stress-free, so you can focus on the fun stuff.”

Ashley comes to LendFriend with a background in event planning. Ashley leverages one of her greatest strengths, being able to bring people together, to help form partnerships between LendFriend and local realtors, builders, and organizations. As the wife of a veteran and firefighter, Ashley appreciates how LendFriend goes above and beyond to promote homeownership for veterans and community heroes.

Ashley is also involved in several real estate professional organizations. Through her work as Treasurer of the Women’s Council of Realtors Austin Network and her work in the AREAA Austin Chapter, she helps her realtor partners and other network members achieve their goals through community outreach and service.  

“Realtors love working with LendFriend because of the great service we provide our mutual clients as well as the commitment LendFriend has to helping grow their business. I love working for LendFriend because LendFriend is a company that cares about its clients, partners, community, and employees, which is extremely rare.”

Bailey joined the Business Development Team at LendFriend after a stint on the Houston Rockets Sales Team. Unfortunately, she can’t get you courtside tickets to the game, but she’s still a great resource to all her realtor partners in Houston and the surrounding areas. Bailey loves helping her current realtor partners grow their business, and she’s looking forward to building new relationships as well!

“I truly enjoy getting to connect with realtors all over Houston, and I cherish the business relationships that have blossomed into friendships.”

Sam enjoys getting to know people and helping learn their specific needs to work on a larger scale. Before working as a Customer Experience Specialist, Sam was a Production Manager at LendFriend, which gives her unique insight on how loans are qualified. Sam uses her knowledge of loan processing (and just how stressful that can be for the client) to provide an extra friendly and hands-on approach to the role of Customer Experience Specialist.

“I truly enjoy helping people turn craziness of purchasing a home into a stress-free experience. Making the journey as easy as possible for clients, realtors, and all parties involved so we can all win together!”

With over a decade of experience helping companies find creative ways to market themselves to the public, Rachel joined LendFriend in 2020 after working in the hospitality industry. Although newer to the mortgage industry, she brings years of creativity and top-notch customer service experience to LendFriend. She is passionate about sharing the importance of working with a lender who ensures that clients are educated and well taken care of every step of the way.

"I love being a part of a team that always puts their client's needs first. Purchasing a home can be intimidating, and our team will explain each step of the process so our clients feel comfortable and supported when making impactful decisions."