A Vision for the Future

BY NATHAN KNOTTINGHAM

The mortgage industry has been my professional home for many years, and throughout this journey, one thing has remained crystal clear to me: Education is the cornerstone of our profession. Usually, education comes in the form of On the Job Training (OJT) — at least that was the case until 2010 & the NMLS.

NAMB does an excellent job of filling in the gaps & partnering with companies like mine to ensure training is accessible, enjoyable & practical. Whether you're a seasoned loan o cer or a newcomer, continuing education (CE) isn't just a requirement — it's an opportunity to stay ahead, adapt to changes & serve your clients better.

When I started my career in 2007 in Oregon, I quickly realized that the regulations & demands in our industry constantly evolve. It's not enough to rely on past knowledge or experiences because, when we do, we fall behind & fall apart at the first signs of change.

This is the driving philosophy behind MLO Force, where NMLSapproved CE courses speak to the conditions & realities that mortgage loan officers face today. Our courses are more than a checkbox on your to-do list. They are an engaging & valuable learning experience, structured like a conversation podcast.

Say goodbye to those monotonous, dry CE formats that you’re used to! MLO Force makes CE more enjoyable & facilitates a deeper understanding of complex laws by exploring them through real-life, friendly conversations & fun stories from the industry.

As someone who has been fortunate enough to work with a diverse group of professionals from solo loan officers to large enterprises, I've seen firsthand the impact that quality education can have on a career. It's not just about compliance — it's about building confidence, competence & a competitive edge.

But education is only one piece of the puzzle. At MLO Force, we also recognize the importance of community & support. That's why we're committed to fostering a network where professionals can share their experiences, learn from one another & grow together.

Partnering with NAMB is key to our ethos & core beliefs. We don’t live on a bunch of islands doing our own thing; actions in one area a ect many other areas & states – none more true than as seen by the Multistate Mortgage Committee (MMC) set up by the CSBS for examinations & regulation.

Looking ahead, I believe the future of the mortgage industry will be shaped by those who invest in their education and continually seek out opportunities to learn & grow. As the industry evolves, so too must our approach to learning. At MLO Force, we're excited to be at the forefront of this evolution, offering innovative course content that empowers mortgage professionals to thrive. I encourage you to view your CE not as an obligation or chore, but as a powerful tool that can elevate your career & set you apart in this competitive industry.

Nathan Knottingham is the CEO of MLO Force & the COO of Vetted VA. With a deep passion for education & a commitment to empowering professionals through innovative learning experiences, Nathan has been a driving force in helping mortgage professionals to stay ahead of industry changes & excel in their careers. Visit mloforce.com to learn more!