*Field Required
Roseville, California, October 2024—American Pacific Mortgage (APM), a nationally recognized top retail mortgage lender, is pleased to announce the strategic addition of three seasoned mortgage industry leaders: Balenda Hetzel as regional vice president, Brent Hicks as divisional president, and Justin Fitzhugh as divisional president. These positions are designed to bolster APM’s focus on expanding the company’s national footprint, providing transparency, and delivering unmatched value to producers and clients across the nation.
“We are excited to welcome these three exceptional leaders and their teams to our APM Family,” said Dustin Sheppard, president of APM. “Their impressive production and leadership bring significant value to our organization, further aligning with our core values, company culture, and strategic growth initiatives. With the addition of several new branches across our company footprint, we look forward to the contributions they will undoubtedly make.”
Balenda Hetzel
Regional VP, Leadership in Growth and Development
Balenda Hetzel joins APM as regional vice president, bringing over two decades of experience in mortgage operations, business development, and leadership, following a successful tenure at CrossCountry Mortgage. In her new role, Hetzel will oversee teams with a clear focus on driving growth while prioritizing excellence in customer service.
With a history of operational efficiency and team empowerment, Hetzel has built her career on mentoring loan officers and fostering lasting relationships with both her team and her clients.
“Supporting my team and ensuring an exceptional customer experience has always been at the core of what I do,” Hetzel said. “I’m excited to be aligned with APM, a company that not only values its people but is also committed to elevating the mortgage experience for every client.”
With her track record in recruitment, business development, and customer-centric operations, Hetzel is poised to lead her teams in delivering outstanding results and fostering long-term success.
Brent Hicks
Divisional President, Clear Modern Mortgage, a Division of APM
With a 27-year career as an independent mortgage banker, Brent Hicks is a passionate advocate for transparency in the mortgage industry. He founded Clear Modern Mortgage with a vision to eliminate the opaque practices often found in lending. And his decision to join American Pacific Mortgage is a testament to the company’s transparent, retail-focused model.
“At Clear Modern, we were committed to transparency for both our employees and partners,” Hicks said. “This made partnering with APM a natural fit. Their position as a top retail lender, combined with their employee-ownership offering, demonstrates their genuine dedication to creating experiences that matter for our customers and our employees.”
Justin Fitzhugh
Divisional President, True North Home Loans, a Division of APM
Justin Fitzhugh joins American Pacific Mortgage with over 23 years of experience in retail lending. Fitzhugh has worn virtually every hat during his successful career, from originator to company founder.
“The name ‘True North Home Loans’ was born from a deep conviction to never compromise on doing the right thing, no matter the cost,” Fitzhugh said. “Our moral compass will always point true north, guiding us to do what’s right for both our employees and our customers.”
Fitzhugh’s comprehensive knowledge of retail lending positions him to effectively mentor and support branch partners in achieving their fullest potential.
“I believe 100% in the retail model,” he said. “APM was a natural fit, as this is their only focus!”