Lock In Buffalo Ep. 8 | Ryan Brandenburger: Building a Mortgage Career & Bringing CCM to WNY

What does it actually take to build a successful career in the mortgage industry—and continue producing at a high level through constantly changing markets?In Episode 8 of Lock In Buffalo, Michael Nanula sits down with Ryan Brandenburger, Senior Vice President at CrossCountry Mortgage, for an honest conversation about success, persistence, leadership and the evolution of the mortgage business.Ryan’s story began in Buffalo, where he entered the real estate industry before relocating to South Florida and building his career in mortgage lending. His journey was not an overnight success. Ryan discusses the difficult early years, the lessons he learned while trying to establish himself, and the persistence required to eventually become one of CrossCountry Mortgage’s leading producers.The conversation also explores Ryan’s connection to Buffalo and the story behind CrossCountry Mortgage’s entrance into the Western New York market. Ryan shares what attracted the company to the region, how the Buffalo operation was built, and how that vision has continued expanding throughout Western and Central New York.In this episode:• What separates successful mortgage professionals from everyone else• Ryan’s transition from Buffalo real estate into mortgage lending• The struggles and setbacks he faced at the beginning of his career• Why consistency, personality and relationship-building still matter• The evolution of the mortgage industry• How technology has changed—but not replaced—personal service• The creation of CrossCountry Mortgage’s Western New York presence• Building and expanding teams across Western and Central New York• Recruiting, developing and retaining talented mortgage professionals• What loan officers need to succeed in today’s competitive environment• The importance of leadership, accountability and company culture• Ryan’s outlook on the future of the mortgage and housing industriesABOUT RYAN BRANDENBURGERRyan Brandenburger is a Senior Vice President at CrossCountry Mortgage and a nationally recognized mortgage professional with more than two decades of experience in real estate and residential lending.Ryan began his career in real estate in Buffalo in 2003 before relocating to South Florida and entering the mortgage business. After overcoming the challenges of establishing himself as a new loan officer, he built a successful lending operation centered around persistence, availability, relationship-building and high-level customer service.Ryan later helped lead CrossCountry Mortgage’s entrance into Western New York, including the opening of its first regional branch in Williamsville. He continues to help grow CrossCountry Mortgage’s presence while mentoring loan officers, developing teams and helping homebuyers navigate the financing process.Ryan BrandenburgerSenior Vice PresidentCrossCountry MortgageNMLS #358278ABOUT LOCK IN BUFFALOLock In Buffalo takes you inside the people, businesses, developments and decisions shaping Buffalo and Western New York.Hosted by Michael Nanula and powered by CrossCountry Mortgage Buffalo, the show features candid conversations with the region’s business leaders, developers, real estate professionals, entrepreneurs and community decision-makers.Buffalo is changing. Stay informed. Stay involved. Stay locked in.Subscribe to Lock In Buffalo and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.Comment below: What do you believe is the most important quality someone needs to succeed in the mortgage business?CrossCountry Mortgage, LLCNMLS #3029Equal Housing OpportunityThis program is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice or a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to application, underwriting, qualification and approval.#LockInBuffalo #RyanBrandenburger #CrossCountryMortgage #MortgageIndustry #BuffaloRealEstate #WesternNewYork #CentralNewYork #MortgageLeadership #BuffaloBusiness #HomeLoans