Nations Direct Mortgage has been recognized as the No. 1 2025 Top Workplaces in the midsize company category. It’s an honor presented by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Business Press in partnership with Philadelphia-based Energage.
The award highlights standout organizations with 150 to 499 employees that foster a positive work culture, as measured by employee feedback. This year, 23 midsize companies participated in the program, and 20 earned a place on the prestigious list.
Founded in 2007 in Santa Ana, California, Nations Direct Mortgage is a nationwide wholesale mortgage lender operating in 41 states. The company partners with mortgage brokers and non-delegated sellers and provides underwriting and funding services through its operations team. Nations Direct Mortgage offers a full suite of products, including conventional, FHA, VA and NonQM mortgage loans.
The company, which initially expanded its operations in Irvine, California, relocated its headquarters to Las Vegas three years ago.
Chief Operating Officer Michael D. Clary, based in Las Vegas, brings more than 30 years of mortgage industry experience to the organization. Clary began his sales career in Las Vegas in 1998, then moved to California and later returned to Southern Nevada to help lead Nations Direct Mortgage’s operations.
As for their work-from-home model, “At the outset of the COVID pandemic, we were forced into a remote workforce. However, at that time, we surmised that once we allowed Work From Anywhere (WFA), it might be difficult to get the workforce back to the office. We decided in March 2020 to announce that WFA would be permanent for the Nations team. We tracked performance and found no interruption in our service levels. Our staff was thrilled with the extra time this provided them for their personal lives. We were located in Orange County (California) at that time, and commute times were long. Most employees were commuting at least one hour each way daily, so we loved the fact that we could give our team the extra two hours in their lives to spend with their families and leisure time.”
Las Vegas was selected as the new home base for its favorable weather and strong business-friendly environment. When the company began exploring relocation options, the CEO expressed interest in states that offered both economic advantages and a supportive climate for growth. Clary, who had lived in Southern Nevada in the late 1990s, recommended the region for its welcoming business atmosphere and quality of life. Ultimately, the CEO and president decided that Nevada was the ideal choice, allowing the new office to be led and staffed by a trusted individual.
The staff is located throughout the country, but they are cohesive because “we make sure that our people stick together. We make sure our managers hold weekly huddles with their teams to stay in touch and discuss what’s going on, not only in their workspace but also in their personal lives. They try to keep it fun,” Clary said.
As for the present-day real estate market in Las Vegas, Clary noted that resales have remained relatively flat amid the continued influx of new construction in developments such as Cadence, Inspirada and Summerlin, which are contributing to the city’s growth. He added that while new construction prices may level off in the near future, resale activity is likely to see an uptick as market conditions balance out.
“I think what’s causing the big unaffordability is housing prices. It’s not so much the rate. Because if you look at our rates now, over a long history of rates, we’re in the affordable range. I think affordability nationwide is difficult. There are obviously pockets where things seem more affordable. Still, the wages are lower in those areas, so it’s not as affordable as you would think,” Clary said.
According to Clary, Californians will continue to move to Las Vegas because its market is more appealing.
“As long as someone can do remote work or they’re self-employed and their business moves with them, then I think that’s an easy move for them. This is true of many very high-priced areas, whether that’s Southern California, Northern California or the more expensive East Coast. I think everybody is going to find Las Vegas more affordable, plus our weather is great,” Clary said. He also believes that high-level professionals and gig workers are moving to Southern Nevada because of the favorable tax rates and mostly pleasant weather.
