Kind Lending Bets on Leadership Shakeup to Navigate Volatile Mortgage Market

IRVINE, CA – November 11, 2025 – Kind Lending, a rapidly growing wholesale mortgage lender, announced the promotion of Delfino Aguilar to Chief Production Officer this week, a move industry analysts say underscores the company’s ambition to scale its operations and navigate an increasingly challenging market. The promotion comes at a pivotal time for the mortgage industry, marked by persistent interest rate volatility, shrinking refinance volumes, and intense competition.

Aguilar previously led Kind Lending’s Third-Party Origination (TPO) division, and the company credits his leadership with significant growth in that area. While specific, independently verifiable data on the TPO division’s exact ranking remains elusive, internal sources suggest a trajectory toward becoming a significant player. The promotion signals a vote of confidence in Aguilar's ability to replicate that success across the entire organization.

“This is about positioning ourselves for sustainable growth in a market that’s undergoing significant transformation,” said one anonymous Kind Lending executive. “Delfino’s experience and vision are crucial to executing our strategy.”

A Shifting Mortgage Landscape

The mortgage industry has faced significant headwinds in recent months. After a period of historically low rates fueled a refinancing boom, rates have climbed sharply, dampening demand for new home purchases and significantly reducing refinance activity. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.87% as of October 19, 2024, well above the levels seen in 2020 and 2021.

This environment has intensified competition among lenders, forcing them to innovate and streamline operations to attract borrowers and maintain market share. “Lenders are really feeling the pinch right now,” explains a market analyst who requested anonymity. “Everyone is fighting for a smaller piece of the pie.”

Beyond interest rates, housing affordability remains a key concern. High home prices, coupled with rising mortgage rates, are pricing many potential buyers out of the market. Limited housing inventory further exacerbates the situation. “It's a perfect storm of challenges,” the analyst adds. “Lenders need to be nimble and offer compelling solutions to overcome these hurdles.”

Kind Lending’s Strategy: A Focus on Growth & Kindness

Founded in 2020 by Glenn Stearns, a veteran of the mortgage industry, Kind Lending has positioned itself as a disruptor in the wholesale lending space. Stearns, known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including the reality TV show “Undercover Billionaire,” aims to create a company that combines innovation with a commitment to customer service and ethical practices.

“We’re not just about processing loans; we’re about building relationships and providing exceptional value to our brokers and borrowers,” said a Kind Lending spokesperson. “Kindness is at the core of everything we do.”

However, entering a mature, competitive market requires more than just a good culture. Kind Lending must demonstrate its ability to scale operations, offer competitive rates and products, and attract and retain top talent. The promotion of Aguilar to Chief Production Officer is seen as a key step in that direction.

Challenging the Giants

Kind Lending faces formidable competition from established players like United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), Rocket Mortgage, and other large non-bank lenders. UWM, in particular, dominates the wholesale lending market, consistently ranking as the top wholesale lender in terms of volume. In 2023, UWM funded $108.5 billion in loans, a testament to its scale and market power.

“Breaking into the top tier of wholesale lenders is no easy feat,” says an industry insider. “UWM has a well-established network of brokers, a robust technology platform, and a deep pool of capital.”

Kind Lending’s strategy revolves around offering a streamlined origination process, competitive pricing, and a strong focus on broker relationships. The company is also investing in technology to automate key processes and improve efficiency.

“We’re committed to providing our brokers with the tools and support they need to succeed,” said the Kind Lending executive. “We want to be their partner of choice.”

Looking Ahead

The coming months will be crucial for Kind Lending. As interest rates remain elevated and the housing market remains uncertain, the company must navigate these challenges while continuing to execute its growth strategy.

The promotion of Aguilar to Chief Production Officer is a bold move that signals Kind Lending’s ambition to become a leading player in the wholesale mortgage market. However, success will depend on the company’s ability to differentiate itself from the competition, adapt to changing market conditions, and deliver exceptional value to its brokers and borrowers.

“It’s a tough market, but there’s still opportunity for companies that can innovate and provide a superior experience,” says the anonymous market analyst. “Kind Lending has the potential to be a disruptor, but they need to execute flawlessly.”

The industry will be watching closely to see if Kind Lending can live up to its promise and establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of wholesale mortgage lending.