Learn key trends and
best practices

BETH KECKLEY

CMO

CrossCountry Mortgage

Speaking in:  Chicago

DANIEL MIEDEMA

Product Manager

Guaranteed Rate

Speaking in:  Chicago

Daniel Miedema is Product Manager at Guaranteed Rate, where he manages the implementation and enablement of marketing technologies and productivity solutions. Daniel has a proven track record of success delivering scalable and efficient processes while managing and collaborating across cross-functional teams.

JEFF SMITH

Director, Marketing Operations

loanDepot

Speaking in:  Chicago

Jeff’s experience in the mortgage industry began in 2015 when he joined loanDepot. Today, as the Director of Marketing Operations for loanDepot’s retail division, he oversees the implementation, administration, and enhancement of all marketing systems. For the past 3+ years, Jeff has worked with Total Expert to help loanDepot’s Loan Officers improve how, when, and why they engage with their clients and partners.

Jelaire Grillo

Customer Relationship Manager

Prosperity Home Mortgage

Speaking in:  Chicago

Melissa Wright

EVP, Production and Marketing

American Pacific Mortgage

Speaking in:  Chicago

Creating Experiences that Matter. I’m a passionate leader that thrives on building effective teams and culture where people thrive. With over 20 years in the mortgage business, I have hired and trained hundreds of leaders, built teams from the ground up and inherited teams that became like family. My greatest reward is seeing individuals achieve their individual or personal goals. It’s also gratifying to see our customers realize their dreams of homeownership.

At American Pacific Mortgage, we are committed to creating experiences that matter. Focusing on the things that matter to our people, our community, and our customers. Great culture is built and sustained by knowing what matters, building strategies, processes, and interactions that put our people first.
Prior to joining American Pacific Mortgage, I was President and CEO of Utah-based Axiom Financial. After co-founding the company in 1996, Axiom grew to one of the largest and most respected mortgage firms in Utah—winning “Best in State” seven times.
I love my job and I love being with APM.

Joe Welu

Founder & CEO

Total Expert

Speaking in:  All cities

Joe Welu is the Founder and CEO of Total Expert, a venture backed Software-as-a-Service technology company based in Minneapolis, MN. Total Expert currently serves 8 of the top 15 lenders in the nation and was recently recognized as Minnesota’s Most Promising Startup by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Prior to starting Total Expert in 2012, Joe co-founded and led one of the top-selling real estate teams in the U.S., achieving over $1 billion in sales volume.

Brian Walerius

Chief Technology Officer

Total Expert

Speaking in:  All cities

Brian Walerius leads Total Expert's technology and product organizations, including software engineering, product management, and systems and security engineering. Brian joined Total Expert in November 2015 and his leadership and experience in enterprise technology has led to the quick expansion of Total Expert's acclaimed line of marketing, co-marketing, and sales products. He has been instrumental in growing the technology and product organization. Before Total Expert, Brian served as the director of software development for an industry leading power systems application company.

Sue Woodard

Chief Customer Officer

Total Expert

Speaking in:  All cities

Sue Woodard brings over 25 years of mortgage industry experience, strategic vision and leadership to her role as Chief Customer Officer. Her focus is on helping clients achieve greater productivity and long-term success. Sue started her career as a top originator, and then leveraged her knowledge to become a highly acclaimed industry speaker, subject matter expert and technology executive. In addition to having hosted a successful financial radio program and making guest appearances on CNBC, Sue has been awarded numerous industry honors, including the Mortgage Professional America HOT 100 list, the Housing Wire Vanguard Award, and the National Mortgage Professional Most Innovative Award. She also serves on the board of HOPE4Youth, a local non-profit working to end youth homelessness.

Jeff Walton

President

Total Expert

Speaking in:  All cities

Jeff Walton brings over 30 years experience in the banking and mortgage industries to Total Expert’s leadership team. Prior to Total Expert, Walton led several national platforms, most notably being president and CEO of Bear Stearns Residential Mortgage, and president and CEO of National Residential Mortgage. His initial interactions with Total Expert was as one of the first clients, where he used earlier versions of the product across his sales teams. Prior to the official launch of the enterprise offering, Walton announced his role as the president of Total Expert, where he focuses on growth initiatives across all solutions.