On this episode, we sit down with Steve Thomas — a veteran mortgage executive, Navy officer, and now the visionary behind FutureWave Finance, a newly launched minority-owned national correspondent lender. With nearly 30 years in residential mortgage, capital markets, and inclusive financial leadership, Steve brings a perspective rooted in innovation, community empowerment, and bold transformation. From his early days at Fannie Mae and Countrywide to leading roles at CastleOak Securities and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, Steve’s journey is a masterclass in leadership through changing market tides. Now, as CEO and President of FutureWave, he’s building a company aimed at addressing the next great shift in lending: from a rate-driven market to a product-driven one. In this episode, we explore: How FutureWave Finance is designing the next-gen correspondent model What it takes to lead during market shifts, downturns, and reinvention The lasting impact of capital markets experience in retail innovation Steve’s take on DEI, supplier diversity, and what real inclusion means in lending Lessons from a career that spans Wall Street, government-backed institutions, and the Navy The strategic shift toward product-focused lending, and why it matters more now than ever With deep insights into liquidity strategy, pricing execution, and economic change, Steve outlines what lenders need to thrive — not just survive — in today’s mortgage environment. Meet the Guest: Steve Thomas is the President & CEO of FutureWave Finance, a new national correspondent lender. Previously, he served as Senior Managing Director at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, where he led mortgage capital markets and co-directed the bank’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. He has held senior roles at CastleOak Securities, Fannie Mae, and Countrywide, and began his professional journey as a Naval Officer. Steve is also a Board Member and Treasurer of Mercy Housing Lakefront, advancing affordable housing and economic equity. Episode Sponsors Mortgage Connect: A leading national mortgage services provider delivering customized solutions that elevate the consumer experience across the mortgage life cycle. mortgageconnectlp.com Aidium: Modern CRM and mortgage growth platform helping lenders close more deals by turning pipeline chaos into clarity. thinkaidium.com Floify: The industry's leading point-of-sale system, helping loan officers streamline workflows and elevate borrower satisfaction. floify.com Subscribe now to get every insight, every strategy, and every guest dropping knowledge to move the industry forward.