Professional Summary
Dynamic and results-driven mortgage industry veteran with over 30 years of comprehensive experience spanning sales, origination, processing, underwriting, operations, wholesale account management, and senior pipeline oversight. Owner of CJ Rhodes Ranch MT LLC and Managing Partner of BlackMarket Mortgage & Contract Processing, delivering full-spectrum mortgage solutions to Montana homebuyers, investors, ranchers, and real estate professionals. A natural relationship-builder and trusted sales partner to Realtors and loan officers — known for turning referral relationships into consistent, long-term business through integrity, deep product knowledge, and a genuine commitment to client success. Recognized nationally as one of the Most Powerful Women of Mortgage Banking (National Mortgage Professional Magazine, 2022).
A dedicated partner to Montana's real estate community, CJ brings a collaborative, service-first approach to every Realtor relationship. She understands the pressure agents face to close on time, communicate clearly, and protect their clients — and she takes that responsibility seriously. From first contact to clear-to-close, she works alongside Realtors as a true business partner: responsive, knowledgeable, and committed to making every transaction as smooth as possible. Her goal is simple — to be the mortgage professional Realtors trust, refer, and call first.
Professional Experience
CJ Rhodes Ranch MT LLC / BlackMarket Mortgage & Contract Processing · Bozeman, MT
- Sales & Business Development: Prospect, cultivate, and close new business relationships with Realtors, real estate agents, and loan officers across Montana; build referral pipelines through consistent outreach, community presence, and trusted industry partnerships that drive consistent loan volume and long-term client loyalty.
- Partner with Eric Cheng, Owner of BlackMarket Mortgage & Contract Processing and former Chief Financial Officer at LoanDepot Wholesale, combining 50+ years of mortgage and finance expertise to serve Montana homebuyers, investors, ranchers, and real estate professionals.
- Evaluate applications and documentation to ensure correct placement and qualification of mortgage loans across all loan types; maintain direct relationships with AMCs, lenders, and escrow and title services to expedite turn times.
- Dedicated to supporting the Realtor–client relationship at every stage of the transaction; serves as a reliable, communicative lending partner so agents can focus on their clients with full confidence the loan is being handled with expertise and care.
- Pre-underwrite initial loan files including review of credit reports, debt ratios, LTV, and credit criteria; review lender guidelines to determine optimal loan program and investor fit for each borrower's situation.
- Prepare loans for submission; review loan approvals for accuracy; collect all prior-to-doc and prior-to-funding conditions directly from borrowers; coordinate with all entities to satisfy loan conditions and ensure prompt funding and closing.
- Oversee all business operations, compliance, marketing, client communications, and strategic growth initiatives.
Parkside Lending, LLC · San Francisco, CA
- Responsible for communicating loan status and assisting Wholesale Account Executives in maintaining ongoing business relationships with mortgage brokers in assigned territories (New York and California).
- Assisted and trained new and existing brokers on the company broker portal; managed and maintained a high-volume pipeline while consistently exceeding Account Executive goals and expectations.
- Applied working knowledge of CEMA processes to support broker transactions in applicable markets.
LLD Wholesale · Costa Mesa, CA
- Managed and maintained high-volume wholesale mortgage pipelines while serving as a key liaison between Account Executives, mortgage brokers, and internal operations teams.
- Provided timely loan status updates, resolved escalations, and supported Account Executives in strengthening broker relationships and achieving production goals.
- Performed final review and signoff of loan documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with underwriting requirements.
- Consistently exceeded performance expectations through exceptional relationship management, operational efficiency, and proactive pipeline oversight.
CashCall Inc. · Anaheim, CA
- Funding: Completed review of executed loan documents for accuracy and correctness; performed final funding condition sign-off and concise balancing; worked directly with escrow for review of Closing Statements/HUDs and investor warehouse lending wire requests.
- Processing: Completed full processing of Conventional refinance and purchase mortgage loans submitted by loan agents; managed communication between loan agents, borrowers, title/escrow/signing companies, underwriting, and appraisal departments.
- Pre-underwrote initial loan submissions; reviewed credit reports, calculated income and debt ratios, reviewed loan products, ran DU/LP, and evaluated credit criteria.
- Followed up on title reports, appraisal reports, payoff demands, hazard insurance loss payee requests, subordination requests, and third-party verifications; drew loan documents, proofed and reviewed signed documents, and submitted for clear-to-close and funding.
- Managed pipeline with accurate monthly projections and daily reports; consistently exceeded monthly goals and projections.
TW Holdings, Inc. · Laguna Hills / Irvine / Encinitas, CA
- Sales & Revenue: Maintained and exceeded departmental and company goals while increasing monthly revenue; kept payroll costs within corporate targets; developed, trained, and motivated Customer Service and sales associates through goal-setting and daily game planning; established corporate accounts; held planned monthly and quarterly staff meetings.
- Staff Development: Enforced and modeled 5-Star Customer Service standards; maintained payroll and scheduling for Customer Service, childcare, and housekeeping associates; covered all open shifts and remained on-call during all operating hours; performed effective performance appraisals, administered progressive disciplinary actions, and processed terminations and new hires; implemented and administered employee incentive programs.
- Administrative Operations: Ensured use and maintenance of all required company paperwork and procedures including daily accounting, cash deposits, sales agreements, physical training agreements, and daily corporate reports; maintained all employee phone lists, vendor lists, inventory, and schedules; recorded repair and maintenance of the entire facility and equipment; participated in annual budget preparation and attended all operational meetings with Sales & Operations Directors and Leadership team.
- Client Relations & Collections: Maintained an active presence and remained available to all staff and clients regarding issues and concerns; maintained accurate records of client concern transactions; collected past-due accounts — awarded and recognized for highest company-wide percentage of collected dollars.
CJ Processing, Inc. · Lake Forest, CA
- Founded and operated an independent mortgage contract processing company; evaluated applications and documentation to ensure correct placement and qualification of mortgage loans across all paper types including conventional, sub-prime, and FHA.
- Maintained direct relationships with appraisers, lenders, and escrow and title services to expedite turn times; provided direct AE support from nationwide lenders to price and pre-qualify loans; worked with mortgage brokers and real estate agents as an independent contracting loan processing office.
- Pre-underwrote initial loan files including review of credit reports, debt ratios, LTV, and credit criteria; reviewed lender guidelines to determine optimal loan program and investor fit; packaged loans for submission to investors and lenders.
- Reviewed approvals for accuracy and correctness; collected all prior-to-doc and prior-to-funding conditions directly from borrowers; coordinated with title companies, attorneys, and investors/lenders to satisfy all funding conditions and ensure prompt closing.
- Managed all business operations including organizational strategy, profitability, and human resources functions — recruiting, hiring, employee development, counseling, and terminations.
Earlier Career History
| The Mortgage Bank, Inc. · Irvine, CA |
Senior Loan Processor / Office Manager |
01/2004 – 02/2005 |
| Encore Credit Corporation · Irvine, CA |
Senior Account Manager |
09/2003 – 01/2004 |
| Option One Mortgage Corporation · Irvine, CA |
Account Manager III |
10/2001 – 09/2003 |
| Finance America, LLC · Irvine, CA |
Senior Client Manager |
09/2000 – 09/2001 |
| Centex Home Equity · Laguna Hills, CA |
Senior Underwriter |
07/1998 – 09/2000 |
| Pacific Shore Funding · Lake Forest, CA |
Underwriter / Funder |
07/1997 – 06/1998 |
| Long Beach Mortgage · Orange, CA |
Account Executive / Account Manager / Underwriter |
03/1996 – 06/1997 |
| Classic Financial Corporation · Tustin, CA |
Underwriter |
11/1995 – 03/1996 |
| Citizens Thrift & Loan Association · Tustin, CA |
Personal Lending Officer / Notary Public |
04/1995 – 11/1995 |
| Long Beach Mortgage · Orange, CA |
Underwriter I — Non-Conforming, Non-Agency Conduit |
04/1994 – 03/1995 |
| Western Financial Savings Bank · Irvine, CA |
Loan Processor / Underwriter |
01/1991 – 03/1994 |
Professional Qualifications
Committed to protecting and strengthening the Realtor–client relationship at every stage of the transaction. Understands that a Realtor's reputation is on the line with every referral — and takes that trust seriously. Communicates proactively, sets clear expectations, and keeps all parties informed so agents can focus on their clients with full confidence the loan side is handled.
Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, dependability, and sound decision-making while thriving in both independent and collaborative environments.
Extensive underwriting and operational expertise across Conventional (FNMA/FHLMC), Non-QM, Jumbo, HELOC, FHA, VA, Reverse Mortgage, and Debt Consolidation loan products. Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state mortgage regulations, compliance standards, government monitoring requirements, and investor-specific underwriting guidelines nationwide.
Experienced in analyzing and documenting Net Tangible Benefit (NTB) requirements for refinance transactions in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
Proven leader in developing and delivering training programs for Underwriters, Processors, Funders, and Operations staff to improve efficiency, quality, and compliance. Skilled in creating, implementing, and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to promote operational consistency, workflow optimization, and regulatory compliance.
Recognized for technical aptitude and the ability to quickly master new systems, technologies, and evolving industry guidelines. Adept at identifying process improvements, streamlining operations, and implementing best practices that enhance productivity and customer satisfaction.
Strong working knowledge of nationwide state-specific lending requirements, investor overlays, and evolving mortgage industry regulations.
Trusted business partner with a reputation for taking initiative, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to organizational success through strategic thinking and operational excellence.
Industry Recognition
Voted one of 2022's Most Powerful Women of Mortgage Banking by National Mortgage Professional Magazine — featured in the October 2022 print and digital issue alongside the nation's most influential women in the mortgage industry. This recognition reflects a career built on expertise, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to clients, partners, and the communities she serves.