LEADERSHIP & VISION:
FREEDOM MORTGAGE STANLEY C. MIDDLEMAN
FREEDOM MORTGAGE
FREEDOM MORTGAGE
LEADERSHIP & VISION: FREEDOM MORTGAGE
STANLEY C. MIDDLEMAN
Project by: Malvern Kandemwa
Words by: Michelle Duncan
Stanley C. Middleman, President and CEO of Freedom Mortgage Corporation, is a widely respected figure in the U.S. mortgage and financial services industry. As the founder of one of the largest non-bank mortgage lenders and servicers in the country, Middleman’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Freedom Mortgage into a customer-focused, growth-driven organization with national influence.
Founded in 1990, Freedom Mortgage was built on a vision of expanding access to homeownership—especially for underserved segments of the American population. With over three decades of leadership experience in mortgage banking, Middleman has guided the company through some of the most turbulent periods in the financial services sector, including the 2008 housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
His steady, strategic leadership allowed Freedom Mortgage not only to weather those storms but to grow stronger and more resil-
ient. Today, the company is recognized as one of the top VA and FHA lenders in the U.S., servicing millions of loans across all 50 states and several U.S. territories.
Stan Middleman’s core vision revolves around empowering Americans through homeownership. This mission is more than just a business strategy; it reflects a deep belief in financial inclusion and long-term community investment. Freedom Mortgage has become a go-to lender for veterans, first-time homebuyers, and families looking for competitive and accessible mortgage options.
Under his leadership, the company has maintained a sharp focus on government-insured lending, allowing it to support borrowers who might not qualify for conventional loans. This approach has positioned Freedom Mortgage as a critical player in helping people achieve the American dream of homeownership.
PEOPLE-CENTRIC LEADERSHIP
One of his defining traits as a leader is his commitment to creating a strong organizational culture. He believes that employee empowerment and loyalty are the cornerstones of any successful company. At Freedom Mortgage,
this philosophy is embodied in the company’s values: loyalty, dedication, determination, and purposeful action.
He has consistently emphasized the importance of resilience, collaboration, and an enterprising spirit across the organization. His mantra “It’s us against the world” has become a unifying force that motivates employees to rise to challenges and find innovative solutions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Freedom Mortgage scaled operations rapidly while transitioning to remote work—growing its workforce to more than 15,000 employees at
its peak. His foresight in investing early in remote work capabilities ensured uninterrupted service to customers during uncertain times. Among the many transformations brought about by the pandemic, Stanley Middleman believes the most significant has been the empowerment of individual employees working remotely—without compromising the corporate responsibility for oversight and controls.
“I don’t think this level of remote autonomy would have been achievable if not for the remarkable advancements in broadband technology over the previous five years,” he explains. “The widespread acceptance, accessi-
bility, and socialization of broadband—not just in the U.S., but globally—enabled companies to become more agile and adaptive in their use of technology. It also empowered employees to fully embrace these tools. That, in my view, is the most profound shift.”
Despite the unprecedented challenges, Freedom Mortgage experienced two of its most successful years in 2020 and 2021—even while offering mortgage forbearance to many customers for extended periods, allowing them to remain in their homes during economic uncertainty.
Reflecting on the company’s resilience and performance during that time, Middleman acknowledges that a mix of preparedness and circumstance played a role in their success.
“Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good,” he says. “And occasionally, you get to be both. That is what happened to us.”
Over its more than 30-year history, Freedom Mortgage has cultivated strategic partnerships with a wide array of companies—ranging from large corporations to niche providers. Among its most enduring collaborators are CoreLogic, Matic Insurance, Proctor Loan Protector, Archwell, and Mortgage Connect.
“These strong, long-standing relationships allow Freedom Mortgage to operate more efficiently and, most importantly, to serve our borrowers better,” says President & CEO Stanley Middleman, emphasizing the word better with intention.
SOMETIMES IT’S BETTER TO BE LUCKY THAN GOOD.
AND OCCASIONALLY YOU GET TO BE BOTH.
THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO US.
Pellera Technologies
At Pellera Technologies, we empower businesses to unlock the full potential of IT and cloud solutions to achieve measurable, transformative results. As an industry-leading, services-led IT Solutions provider, our vision is to enable organizations to thrive through technology that drives performance, adaptability, and growth. We’re not just a service provider—we’re a strategic partner, focused on making a lasting impact.
Our mission is to help businesses move forward, evolve, and excel in a world defined by rapid change. With tailored solutions that combine cutting-edge technology and people-focused strategies, we streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation. Each partnership is met with creativity, precision, and a commitment to setting you up for success.
At the center of our approach is Pellera’s unique Advise, Implement, Manage (AIM) strategy. This end-toend solutions and services model delivers a blend of capabilities in AI & machine learning, business analytics & data visualization, data performing & integration, and financial & operational analytics – helping to simplify complex
challenges and drive scalable, future-ready solutions. Whether we’re optimizing IT systems, unlocking the potential of your data, or leading digital transformation, our focus is on providing the tools and guidance needed to thrive in a connected world.
We’re proud to partner with organizations like Freedom Mortgage, who share our dedication to delivering impactful solutions. Together, we’re helping businesses embrace technology that truly makes a difference.
What sets Pellera apart is our commitment to take the time to get to know your business. No two organizations are the same, so we don’t believe in one-sizefits-all solutions. By aligning our intelligent strategies with your specific goals, we become an extension of your team. We leverage both local resources and global expertise, ensuring every client—big or small—gets the attention and results they deserve.
Our core values — integrity, unity, commitment, and excellence— drive everything we do. We believe technology should make life simpler, not more complicated. That’s why we work closely with you to break down complex ideas, craft
bold strategies, and deliver results that truly matter.
From healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and beyond, we help businesses across industries tackle challenges with confidence and stay ahead of the curve. With a forward-thinking mindset and a focus on action, Pellera equips your business to grow and adapt in a world that’s constantly evolving.
For us, it’s not just about the solutions we provide—it’s about the relationships we build. Honesty, transparency, and a shared commitment to excellence are at the heart of every partnership we form. With a global reach and a passion for innovation, we’re the partner you can count on to future-proof your operations and accelerate your growth.
At Pellera, we help uncover new opportunities, accomplish meaningful goals, and create a brighter future. As your end-toend solutions partner, we ensure your systems continuously evolve to meet emerging demandsnever stagnant and enabling your organization to always see what’s around the corner.
Momentum builds here, with Pellera.
For Middleman, building enduring partnerships is rooted in a simple but powerful principle: give more than you take.
“Relationship building is about adding value,” he explains. “If you consistently leave your partners better off than before they collaborated with you, you’re going to create meaningful, lasting relationships.”
He draws on a familiar adage to illustrate the point: “A friend in need is a friend indeed. If you are consistently meeting others’ needs, you have earned their trust—and their friendship as well.”
This philosophy has become a foundational element of how Freedom Mortgage approaches business—not merely as a cultural practice, but as a strategic imperative.
“We don’t just do this because it’s part of our culture,” Middleman says. “We do it because it is the right thing to do. We act with intention—on purpose, with purpose.”
With that mindset, Freedom Mortgage has been able to unlock both vertical and horizontal growth opportunities, as well as forge connections beyond the company’s traditional operating scope. These “external silos,” as Middleman calls them, represent untapped potential that does not always fit neatly into day-to-day operations—but offer real strategic value.
“The best opportunities for growth and improvement often come from a deeper, more conscious understanding of the people you’re working with,” he notes.
Stanley Middleman’s leadership is a testament to what’s possible when visionary entrepreneurship meets steadfast commitment to purpose. His ability to lead with conviction, anticipate industry shifts, and inspire a high-performance culture has not only built a thriving company but also helped thousands of Americans find a place to call home.
As Freedom Mortgage continues to grow and evolve, Stan Middleman’s influence remains firmly embedded in its DNA—guiding the company toward a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and impact.