Building a Top 100 Lender through Culture ft. Keith Canter

The MikedUp Show

This week on The MikedUp Show, we sit down with Keith Canter, CEO of First Community Mortgage (FCM), a mortgage industry leader known for combining growth with a commitment to people. Keith shares invaluable insights into the journey of evolving from a small mortgage brokerage to one of the most respected mortgage lenders nationwide. With over 25 years of experience, Keith has steered FCM from its roots in the Southeast to a nationwide footprint, all while focusing on the development and potential of his team. He believes in building an environment where each person can thrive, nurturing a "community within a community" that drives the success of the company.

At FCM, Keith champions a culture that goes beyond transactions, seeing the company’s achievements as a testament to both vision and values. From their fully approved Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae lender status to their strong balance sheet as a bank-owned entity, FCM is positioned to lead and grow even in turbulent market conditions. In this episode, Keith describes how FCM’s leaders are given the freedom to innovate, expand, and contribute meaningfully, making FCM a place where autonomy and advancement are not just buzzwords but daily realities. He explains how FCM’s emphasis on autonomy and personal growth enables their retail, wholesale, and correspondent channels to flourish, adding that the company’s dedicated in-house marketing team amplifies each team member’s work.

Keith's approach to leadership is underscored by a focus on gratitude, a trait that has shaped FCM’s ethos. Reflecting on the challenging times of 2007 and the recent rate fluctuations, he notes that gratitude remains a cornerstone, carrying them through periods of hardship and growth. As Keith discusses on the podcast, the company’s core values aren’t just posters on the wall; they manifest in FCM’s recognition of team members who embody these values every day. For Keith, true leadership also involves proactively seeking “the absence of value”—identifying areas where values are lacking and addressing these challenges openly, which fosters a transparent, conflict-positive environment. Keith believes that transparent communication and constructive conflict are essential for creating a robust company culture that not only thrives internally but also extends its positive impact to the communities they serve.

The episode also touches on recent insights from Nick Saban's "Nothing Speech" on The Pat McAfee Show, which Keith connects to the discipline required in the mortgage industry. For Keith, past successes don’t entitle a loan officer to future achievements. Without consistent discipline and effort, "Nothing" is earned—a philosophy that resonates with the core mission at FCM. Keith believes in staying committed to the fundamentals, and FCM is designed to support loan officers with a lean, yet deeply supportive infrastructure that promotes meaningful growth and success.

As we journey through Keith’s career insights, you’ll learn how FCM’s dedication to values and personal growth led them to earn accolades like the "Best Place to Work" and "Top Workplace USA" awards, as well as recognition for ethics from the Better Business Bureau. FCM is also a two-time Mortgage Bankers Association DEI Leadership Award Winner, reflecting their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These recognitions reflect a workplace that’s not only high-achieving but also deeply values its people. Keith’s leadership shines through as he discusses FCM’s dedication to building a strong, value-centered mortgage company that grows alongside its community.

Tune in to learn from Keith’s wisdom and understand why First Community Mortgage is a beacon in the mortgage industry, setting a high standard in leadership, integrity, and service.