Aimee Quinn, president of Nations Direct Mortgage, oversees the company’s day-to-day operations and leads all sales, operations and corporate functions. Under her steady leadership over the past 15 years, Nations Direct Mortgage has more than quadrupled in size, expanded its footprint from 14 to 41 states, originated more than $32 billion in loan volume, and now services a portfolio of more than 108,000 borrowers.
With more than 30 years of banking experience specializing in operations and capital markets, Quinn has held executive positions with several major institutions, including New Century Mortgage, Nova Star, Pacific Union and the FDIC. The Las Vegas Review-Journal recently spoke with Quinn.
Q: Congratulations on winning the third Woman-led Company Award. How have things changed for women in the banking industry in the past 30 years?
A: Historically, the industry was male-dominated. However, more women hold key decision-making positions now than ever before, including senior executives and board members. Technological advancements, such as cloud-based systems and remote work, have leveled the playing field, enabling women to work more flexibly and overcome traditional barriers. These changes have been pivotal in challenging outdated norms and opening doors for women at all levels of mortgage banking. I’ve seen the traditional office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. change drastically, and that has helped everyone, especially parents, have a happier work-life balance.
Q: Your company information says more than 60 percent of its management team are women, and 62 percent of associates are women. How have you encouraged this?
A: Over the past 10 years, our company has increased the number of women in management and across all other areas of our business. Rather than pursuing a top-down mandate, we’ve hired more women organically as we’ve built a workplace where women feel empowered, supported and encouraged to apply for roles at all levels. Our company has focused on creating an environment that emphasizes work-life balance and training opportunities, making us more attractive to talented women seeking a place where they can thrive, professionally. Word of mouth and referrals from current female employees also have played a key role in bringing in more women. The gender diversity within our team has grown naturally, reflecting the inclusive, values-driven culture we’ve worked hard to cultivate.
Q: Did you have a mentor?
A: I did not have a formal mentor. Most of the guidance and knowledge I’ve received has been from my male leaders. I was lucky that one of my first jobs in mortgage was in a department full of males, yet I was treated equally. I never even gave it a second thought. We were a team-driven department, and we all worked long and hard hours to do whatever it took to succeed. I lead with a commitment to dedication, loyalty and a fierce protection of the company’s bottom line. All my bosses, male or female, have appreciated that and entrusted me to make decisions that have been best for the company.
Q: Overall, what changes have you seen in the United States banking industry in the last three decades, and where do you think it is going in the next 10 years?
A: I’ve seen technology truly transform our business. When I first got into banking, we only used spreadsheets and email. Loan documents were sent exclusively by mail. We did not even have imaged files. We had huge rooms, known as vaults, for mortgage loan documents. I’ve been fortunate to witness and participate in the digitalization of almost every aspect of the mortgage origination process and the elimination of mailed documents. We are seeing the use of AI in our industry, but it has a way to go. There are so many specific guidelines, regulatory forms and processes with timelines that AI is not accurately there yet. Cybersecurity is a concern for everyone, and people are nervous about trusting more technology. This is a customer- and human-based business and will continue to be. Purchasing or refinancing a home mortgage is usually the most important financial transaction of someone’s life. People still like talking to people, not a chatbot.
Q: Is there anything about Las Vegas that makes it a unique market?
A: The labor market for banking in Las Vegas is ideal, shaped by the city’s rapid growth. Unlike traditional banking hubs, where financial services may be the main economic driver, Las Vegas has a distinct mix of industries, with hospitality, entertainment and many small businesses serving the residents. The area’s cost of living and competitive job market have attracted professionals looking for growth in the financial sector. We’ve had many associates leave California and move to Nevada. It was a key factor in our decision to move our corporate office to Henderson.
Q: We hear you are a ‘fun ambassador.’ What is that?
A: Closing mortgages can be an intense process, with many tight deadlines and hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars at stake in each transaction. Customers demand quick answers and quick turnarounds. I’ve tried to bring levity to crisis situations and to adopt a leadership style of “hunkering down” and working together to find solutions. I’ve always believed that a smile and a positive attitude are the foundation for any solution. My humor has been a way to be relatable and real in a sometimes-stuffy industry. It’s important, especially for women, to know that you can be both smart and assertive, yet still fun and likable in the workplace. You don’t have to choose.
Nations Direct Mortgage, founded in 2007 in Santa Ana, California, is a nationwide wholesale mortgage lender that partners with mortgage brokers and non-delegated sellers, providing underwriting and funding services through its operations team. The company offers a comprehensive suite of mortgage products, including conventional, FHA, VA, and Non-QM loans.
Further reflecting its strong leadership and employee-focused culture, Nations Direct Mortgage was recently named one of the 2025 Top Workplaces in the midsize company category—an honor presented by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Business Press in partnership with Philadelphia-based Energage.
