Key facts
- West Capital Lending hired Michael Cecero and a 33-person team.
- The addition brings approximately $325 million in annual production to West Capital Lending.
- The move expands West Capital Lending's presence in Franklin, Tennessee, and Columbia, Missouri.
- The team includes mortgage professionals and a training program for loan officers.
West Capital Lending (WCL) announced Tuesday the hiring of mortgage producer Michael Cecero and his 33-person team, a move expected to add approximately $325 million in annual production. The acquisition expands WCL's footprint into Franklin, Tennessee, and Columbia, Missouri. It also establishes a direct-to-consumer operation aimed at recruiting, licensing, and developing loan officers.
Daniel Iskander, co-founder of WCL, stated that Cecero is not only a strong producer but has also built a scalable business. Cecero, who began his mortgage career after college football, previously spent eight years at Veterans United Home Loans, participating in over 3,000 VA purchase closings. He later joined loanDepot, where he closed nearly 1,500 loans in under four years, funding 706 units totaling more than $242 million in 2021. Most recently, Cecero was a top originator at E Mortgage Capital, leading one of the company's highest-producing branches.
Cecero cited people, process, and production as key factors in his decision to join WCL. He noted that West Capital Lending stood out in the current market, and he was familiar with its leadership and people. The new team includes experienced mortgage professionals and trainees in Cecero's development program. This program aims to guide new workers into the mortgage industry, assist with licensing, and train them as producing loan officers. The team will leverage WCL's wholesale platform, technology, and lender network. Eric Hines, co-founder of WCL, highlighted the importance of Cecero's development program, emphasizing the creation of an environment for loan officer growth. Cecero also cited WCL's culture and growth trajectory in a market where other companies are contracting as reasons for the move.