Meet Our Team

Gustan Cho NMLS 873293 is in charge of the operations and personnel of Gustan Cho Associates Empowered By NEXA Mortgage LLC,  Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois Branch. Gustan Cho Associates is a dba of NEXA Mortgage LLC (not a dba in the state of Georgia). Gustan’s email is gcho@gustancho.com and his cell number is 262-627-1965.

Alexander Thomas Carlucci is one of three regional managing directors at Gustan Cho Associates Alex Carlucci’s duties as a regional managing director are being an advisor between Gustan Cho Associates  Group, Inc. and corporate headquarters at NEXA Mortgage LLC in Chandler, Arizona. Alex is also a top-producing mortgage loan originator.

He is an expert in helping borrower qualify and gets approved for home loans with credit scores down to 500 FICO. Alex is an expert on all non-QM and non-prime mortgage loan programs at Gustan Cho Associates Alex helps with training experienced and new loan officers onboarding to Gustan Cho Associates Alex’s number is 630-915-7550. For a faster response, text Alex Carlucci.  Alexander Carlucci can be reached at alex@gustancho.com.

Mike Gracz is a seasoned veteran licensed mortgage loan originator as well as a loan officer assistant to Gustan Cho NMLS 873293. Mike Gracz NMLS 1160212 is also an associate contributing editor at Gustan Cho Associates Mike’s expertise is being able to do FHA and VA loans with credit scores down to 500 FICO, manual underwrite, and helping borrowers who could not qualify at other mortgage companies. Mike is also a team leader and former National Sales Manager at Gustan Cho Associates.

As a loan officer assistant to Gustan Cho NMLS 873293, Michael Gracz is able to assist Gustan Cho with originating loans in 48 states, including DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Mike’s contact information is mike@gustancho.com. You can reach Michael Gracz on his cell at 630-659-7644. Text Michael for a faster response.

Dale Elenteny is one of three regional managing directors at Gustan Cho Associates Dale is a top-producing mortgage loan originator. Dale brings almost 30 years of experience in the mortgage business to Gustan Cho Associates.  A mentor to Gustan Cho NMLS 873293 when he first got started in the mortgage business in April 2012, Dale has mentored hundreds of loan officers throughout the years. Dale’s passion is to help clients who recently got denied a mortgage due to the lender having overlays.

Dale Elenteny will analyze the client, look at all angles, and if he believes the borrower has the ability to repay their mortgage and meets the minimum agency guidelines, Dale will find a way to make it work. Dale’s expertise in tough deals comes naturally because he has first-hand knowledge of difficult deals through his many years as a wholesale rep for multiple wholesale mortgage lenders. Dale can be reached on his cell at 630-479-2719. Text Dale Elenteny for a faster response. Or email Dale at dale@gustancho.com.

Sapna Sharma is Gustan Cho Associates’s Chief Technical Officer and Website Designer and Developer for all of the Gustan Cho Associates websites and affiliate media marketing platforms. Sapna is responsible for third-party contractors and vendors involved with the front-end and back-end technical aspects of all of Gustan Cho Associates digital media technology and systems.  Ms. Sharma heads all of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of our internal and external IT systems and has an integral role as a team leader in our mortgage and real estate news division. Sapna Sharma’s contact information is sapna@gustancho.com.

Marga Jurilla is the Executive Assistant for Gustan Cho and Eric Jeanette. Margarett Jurilla is the eyes and ears of the operations at Gustan Cho Associates  Marga is the go-to person if any licensed and/or support personnel has a problem that needs to get resolved or answered. Marga knows how to navigate the water at both Gustan Cho Associates headquarters as well as corporate headquarters.

Margarett strongly believes knowledge is king. Even though she has expertise in every single aspect at Gustan Cho Associates Oakbrook Terrance, Illinois regional headquarters, Marga feels getting her NMLS license will further her career in the ever-regulated and often confusing mortgage industry.  Marga is currently studying to get her NMLS license and should be licensed in a matter of a few months. Her duties also include being the personnel director of all third-party contract employees, loan officer assistants, and virtual assistants.

Instead of listing her duties and scope of work, it is easier to post what she does not do. Marga assists the branch manager and senior managers at Gustan Cho Associates in running the branch and is the ambassador between the branch and corporate headquarters in Chandler, Arizona.  Marga can be reached at marga@gustancho.com.

Charlotte Hopper has a four decade history of teaching the English language at all levels and to all nationalities, both inside and outside of the United States. Starting  in the 70's, Charlotte began studying teaching, was credited with a degree in Montessori Early Learning and began setting up small schools in Latin  America, where she lived for 30 yrs. While in Brazil, she was a contributing editor for an international subscription magazine, Contato. She worked in various English language schools both in Brazil and Tampa. At Tampa Language Center, she taught adults from all nationalities to speak, read and write the English language. Along with writing for Gustan Cho Associates various websites, updating and enhancing necessary documentation, and contributing as an associate editor and blog writer, Charlotte’s aspirations are to grow as quickly as possible in the real estate/mortgage field, with a goal of Chief Editor. By taking advantage of her wealth of knowledge and experience in the English language, Charlotte will go far in Gustan Cho Associates.

Ami Thakkar is the Veteran Mortgage Processor for Gustan Cho Associates who truly takes her job personally and who cares about the mortgage loan applicants assigned to her. Ami is a mortgage professional with years of extensive experience in originating, opening, processing, and pre-processing government, conventional, and non-QM/alternative loan products. Ami can handle a mortgage file from gathering docs to prep to clearing conditions and assisting with our closing department and funding.

Ami Thakkar plays a key role in getting the processing complete without any errors to make the file completely comprehensible to the mortgage loan underwriter. Ami has extensive experience in government and conforming loans, non-QM loans, and other alternative mortgage loan programs. Ami is familiar with both broker and banking platforms and is an expert in manual underwriting. Ami can be reached at ami@gustancho.com.

Ronda Butts is a licensed NMLS mortgage loan originator and licensed real estate agent in Florida. Ronda has extensive experience in helping homebuyers find the special home of their dreams. As a veteran real estate agent, Ronda has extensive knowledge and experience in many counties in Florida.

Ronda is well connected with local home builders and knows how to negotiate for her clients on the real estate side as well as prepare her client for a smooth mortgage loan process as a mortgage loan originator. Ronda Butts can be reached at ronda@gustancho.com. Ronda’s cell number is 407-460-7999. Text Ronda for a faster response.

Beth has been a Loan Processor Assistant for more than 2 years. She is in charge of gathering the necessary paperwork and documentation required for someone to apply for a loan. Her duties include carefully reviewing mortgage applications to confirm that all essential fields have been filled out, organizing additional application materials and submitting applications on schedule.Beth also provides in depth research and top to bottom assistance, helping the Loan Officer with requests and tasks needed to complete and process applications.

Paulyn is a skilled Marketing Assistant with a special focus on content creation and graphic design. Her expertise extends to crafting various marketing materials, such as engaging infographics and compelling blog articles. She is also responsible for co-managing the social media accounts of Gustan Cho Associates, ensuring high levels of engagement and lead generation. As a team player, Paulyn is always ready to lend a hand with other administrative duties whenever necessary.

John has over three decades of experience that he loves to apply to each transaction, which translates into incredible guidance in the loan experience. As much as he truly enjoys the mortgage origination process, nothing is better than the great feeling of co-creating a great memory during the buying or refinancing journey. His success comes from exercising a high level of due diligence upfront that allows him to carefully consider all of your options. He looks forward to guiding you through your financing journey!
Phone: (630) 292-0226

Ethel Matthews is a licensed NMLS mortgage loan originator and a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina. Ethel has extensive experience in helping homebuyers find and purchase the home of their dreams. She is well connected in the real estate industry and knows how to negotiate for her clients on the real estate side as well as prepare her clients for a smooth mortgage loan process as a mortgage loan originator. Ethel Matthews can be reached at ematthews@nexamortgage.com. Ethel’s cell number is 843-356-5381. Text Ethel for a faster response.

As an MLO/Realtor  I establish my services on a foundation of integrity, honesty and a whole lot of passion. I’m a respected real estate and mortgage professional who aims to make home financing fun, seamless and cordial for everyone involved.

I am a licensed Real Estate Agent as well as a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator.  I have extensive and unique experience in several fields including law, mediation, negotiations, contracts, and real estate investing.  This experience has been invaluable to all of my clients in both the real estate and mortgage loan career.  To be able to understand both sides of the transaction is truly unique.   I enjoy every moment of leveraging that experience to ensure my clients succeed as they navigate home ownership. It is my passion to make people’s homeownership dreams come true. When you work with me, you’ll receive high-touch service with education and communication throughout the entire home financing process.

As a professional driven by mission excellence, nothing makes me happier than delivering my clients the  support, service, and results they innately deserve. I have a genuine passion for ensuring those who work with me gain the best options possible and to ultimately be an unbiased advocate that positions them to succeed. I’m committed to going above and beyond for my customers and exceeding expectations every time.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. We enjoy boating, four wheeling, camping, swimming, hiking, coaching basketball, and watching the kids play sports.

Hi! I’m Angela Canady, an experienced Real Estate Professional with 29+ years in the industry, with the most recent as a Realtor in Real Estate Sales. I am currently enjoying serving clients in Nashville and the surrounding Market. Prior to moving to the area, I served clients in the South Florida Market where I am still licensed as Real Estate Sales Agent. My personal and professional goals are to continue to improve upon my skills and knowledge as I complete the requirements for my RE Broker and Mortgage Broker licenses.

My industry background has afforded me the opportunity to develop an extensive skillset to better understand and serve my clients in all aspects of customer service, communication, follow through, and to navigate through some tough negotiations, creating a WIN WIN outcome!

I model my business around the mindset of not helping people buy or sell real estate, but just helping people achieve their goals, whatever those goals may be within the real estate sector, all while building some long lasting friendships along the way.
As a Wife, Mom to 6 Kids (including 3 fur babies) and a Grandma to 5 grandbabies, when I’m not working you can usually find me reading, spending time with my family, fishing, kayaking or doing absolutely anything outdoors.
So if your buying, selling, or investing I am here to partner with you, answer your questions, and work to help resolve any problems that may arise in your transaction.

With over two decades of experience in the real estate and property management industry, David is dedicated to helping his clients navigate the complex world of home buying and real estate investment. He understands that purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make, and he works tirelessly to ensure that every client receives the personalized attention they deserve.

As a licensed Designated Managing Broker in Illinois and loan originator (NMLS #1833314), David has the expertise to help you find the perfect home and secure the best financing options available. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, David will guide you through the entire process, from the initial search to the final closing.

What sets David apart from other realtors and loan originators is his unwavering commitment to his clients. He takes the time to understand their unique needs and goals and then works tirelessly to help them achieve their dreams of homeownership. So, if you’re ready to buy a new home or refinance your existing mortgage, don’t hesitate to contact David Marden. With his knowledge, experience, and dedication to his clients, he is the perfect partner to help you achieve your real estate goals.

Experienced Multi-State licensed Loan Originator with NEXA Mortgage on the Gustan Cho Associates team, versed in all residential mortgage loan products available to the public, including… FHA/Conventional/VA/USDA – Purchase, Refinance, 2nd Mortgage, DSCR (Investor) & many more.
Let’s Make Your Mortgage Work For You!TM 

Tim Lucas spent more than a decade helping families buy and refinance real estate. He is the former senior editor of The Mortgage Reports and has been featured in MyPerfectMortgage.com, Time, U.S. News and World Report, MSN, Scotsman Guide, and more. Tim now runs his own mortgage advice site ThisIsMortgage.com.

Meet Joe Betro, aka “The Above Average Joe,” the mortgage industry maven with over eight years of experience. He won’t claim to be perfect, but he sure knows how to keep those loans moving, drop mortgage knowledge bombs, and respond like a champ. He’s so dedicated, he’ll work until his phone dies from exhaustion.

Joe cut his teeth as a retail loan officer for the biggest mortgage lender in Detroit, but he came to his senses and moved to the wholesale channel, where he’s been crushing it for the past four years. And he’s got brains to boot – he’s married to a corporate finance attorney at a big three auto company, so he’s definitely not winning any arguments with the Wife, but he’s probably smart enough to close your loan.

Oh, and did we mention he’s got a boat and lives on a lake? If you’re ever in “The Mitten,” make sure you swing by during summer and get ready to hit the lake with Joe. He’s the man with the plan and the boat.

Wendy Lahn has been in this industry for 3-1/2 decades, working with Buyers and Sellers to help them realize their homeownership goals and dreams, as a real estate salesperson and real estate broker. Wendy decided to broaden her knowledge base and enter the mortgage lending field, and is in her third year of brokering mortgage loans. Wendy is licensed in 25 states, but has access to 48 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, being brokered by Gustan Cho Associates (powered by NEXA Mortgage, LLC). Rejoining GCA is a very exciting move for Wendy, as she will be involved in more than just brokering mortgages, as she contributes to the Broker Development Program, GCA Heroes Program, For Sale By Owner Program and applies her legal degrees, to deploy legal oversight as GCA’s General Legal Counsel. This role, by far, will be the most diverse and engaging of Wendy’s career, utilizing all facets of Wendy’s background and education.

Hi! My name is Alaina, I’m a licensed NMLS loan originator and licensed real estate agent in Florida. I have experience as a loan officer assistant and processor in the mortgage industry. I have assisted with home loans such as FHA, VA, but mostly foreign national loans. My personal and professional goals are to be as knowledgeable and supportive as I can while helping you with your home loan.

Mike Burnett has over 20 years experience in the real estate industry. Mike started as a Realtor in Utah and then branched out and got licensed in Idaho too. In 2017 he decided to expand his reach to include originating mortgage loans. He is currently a licensed MLO in Utah and Idaho. His biggest joy in the real estate industry is walking away from the closing table with a satisfied buyer or seller. Along with helping others attain their real estate goals, he and his wife have owned numerous rental properties, a golf course, an international resort/hotel, ski in ski out property in Deer Valley Utah as well as other commercial and development properties. He is always looking for opportunities to invest or joint venture and help others to achieve their goals in the real estate market.

Phone: 801-885-5526
Email: mikeb@gustancho.com

Sarah is the visionary founder of Jade & Sterling, a boutique digital marketing agency based in London. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional results, the agency specializes in various areas such as performance-based SEO & web design, lead generation, and comprehensive lead management solutions. Alongside her role as the agency’s founder, Sarah has also served as an associated content producer for Gustan Cho NEXA Mortgage, where she demonstrates unwavering dedication to elevating the company’s online presence and brand visibility through high-quality content marketing and effective keyword strategies.

Hey friends my name is Coker Phillips, I’m a business owner helping my customers solve their property-related problems. I have extensive experience in commercial, industrial, and residential construction and renovation. I love to get my hands dirty and I’m just really passionate about helping people in a way that is so tangible. I am the undefeated Diy champion, king of resourcefulness, and the master of overkill. I am an associate contributing editor and you can contact me at coker@gustancho.com