Premier Plus Lending Taps Chief of Staff to Manage Explosive Growth

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 10, 2026 – In a decisive move to manage its explosive growth, mortgage firm Premier Plus Lending has appointed Britton Ertman as its first Chief of Staff. The strategic hire signals a deliberate pivot towards institutionalizing the operational discipline needed to sustain its rapid expansion in a complex and evolving mortgage landscape.

Founded just four years ago in 2022, the Sherman Oaks-based company has charted a remarkable growth trajectory, reporting over $500 million in loan production in 2025. This appointment underscores the firm's commitment to building a durable infrastructure capable of supporting its ambitions to scale its platform, expand its national footprint, and deepen its operational capabilities without sacrificing service quality.

A Strategic Move for Disciplined Growth

The creation of a Chief of Staff role is often a pivotal moment for a high-growth company, marking a transition from entrepreneurial hustle to structured, scalable operations. For Premier Plus Lending, Ertman’s appointment is intended to be the linchpin connecting executive strategy to daily execution. He is tasked with driving strategic alignment across departments, refining internal processes, and ensuring the firm’s relationship-driven culture remains intact as it grows.

In this capacity, Ertman will act as a force multiplier for the executive team, streamlining communication and coordinating cross-departmental initiatives. This focus on internal mechanics is critical for a company that saw its loan volume surge by 70% year-over-year in 2025. Such rapid growth, while desirable, can strain resources, dilute focus, and lead to operational bottlenecks if not managed proactively.

“As we grow, alignment becomes just as important as production,” said Artin Babayan, Founder and CEO of Premier Plus Lending, in a statement. “Britton brings a thoughtful, steady approach to leadership and execution. He will help ensure that our teams, priorities, and internal operations remain tightly aligned as we continue to scale.”

Ertman brings a background in supporting leadership teams within fast-growing organizations, specializing in operational strategy and organizational efficiency. His role will be central to translating Babayan’s vision into actionable plans, ensuring that the company's aggressive growth targets are matched by a robust internal framework.

Charting Success in a Turbulent Market

Premier Plus Lending's rapid ascent is particularly noteworthy when set against the backdrop of a challenging mortgage market. The industry has been navigating a period of significant fluctuation, characterized by elevated interest rates and persistent housing affordability concerns. While mortgage rates have shown signs of stabilizing and are forecasted to hover in the low-to-mid 6% range through 2026, they remain a significant hurdle for many homebuyers.

Furthermore, the housing market continues to grapple with constrained inventory, partly due to the "lock-in effect," where existing homeowners with low-rate mortgages are hesitant to sell. Despite these headwinds, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) projects a modest 8% rise in total single-family mortgage origination volume for 2026. Premier Plus Lending’s reported 70% growth in loan volume in 2025 vastly outpaces these industry-wide projections, highlighting the effectiveness of its unique market approach.

The company’s performance suggests it has found a successful formula to thrive even as competitors struggle. By investing in its operational backbone with the addition of a Chief of Staff, the firm is preparing not just to continue its growth but to do so efficiently and sustainably, mitigating the risks that often accompany rapid scaling in a volatile economic environment.

The 'Boutique Precision' Advantage

The company attributes its success to a differentiated model that merges “big-bank efficiency with boutique-level precision.” This philosophy translates into a focus on attracting top-tier talent, including experienced loan officers and seasoned processors, and empowering them with robust support systems. The firm has made significant investments in its infrastructure, including in-house underwriting expertise, which allows for greater control, speed, and clarity in the loan process.

This approach has allowed Premier Plus Lending to build a reputation for transparent communication, rapid pre-approvals, and genuine underwriting insight—qualities that resonate strongly with both clients and referral partners in a crowded marketplace. By cultivating a relationship-driven culture, the company has become a magnet for industry professionals seeking a more thoughtful and supportive lending platform.

This strategy has also fueled its expansion into new market segments. In 2024, the company launched a Retirement Mortgage Solutions division to cater to the specific needs of senior homeowners, demonstrating an ability to identify and serve niche markets. The recent opening of a new headquarters in Palm Desert in January 2026 further signals its commitment to expanding its physical and operational footprint.

The Road Ahead: Scaling with Intention

The appointment of Britton Ertman is more than just a personnel announcement; it is a clear statement about Premier Plus Lending's future. It reflects a mature understanding that long-term success is built not only on impressive production numbers but also on a foundation of operational excellence. As the mortgage market enters a new phase of stabilization, the companies that will lead the industry are those that can combine aggressive growth with disciplined execution.

With a Chief of Staff now in place to orchestrate its internal operations, Premier Plus Lending is better positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the coming years. This includes capitalizing on the projected increase in purchase and refinance originations while maintaining the high-touch service that has become its hallmark. The move reinforces the company’s long-term vision: scaling with intention, protecting service quality, and building a durable organization designed not just to grow, but to endure.