About Us
CORE LENDING blends an efficient and productive strategy to provide the unmatched service and pricing our clients deserve. With a relentless focus on efficiency, CORE LENDING utilizes a fulfillment team to reduce overhead by minimizing variable operating costs and streamline processes. Instead of juggling multiple tasks and navigating through layers of unnecessary expenses, our seasoned Mortgage Professionals are more accessible and able to provide a higher level of service to meet the ever-changing needs of clients.
Why Us?
Client Centric
Increase service while reducing costs
Guaranteed lower rates and fees
Direct access to Underwriters
Accessible
Innovative process and technology
MEET THE CORE LENDING TEAM
Richard LaNasa
Director of Strategic Performance
Richard’s excitement and drive to open CORE LENDING cannot be measured. With over 30 years of experience in the Mortgage Industry, Richard’s vast amount of knowledge and servant leadership are respected by Industry Professionals nationwide. In 2000, Richard decided to leave Baton Rouge, where he grew up, and moved to the Northshore to open NOLA Lending Group.
Downtime and free time have always been foreign concepts to Richard. So, in true Richard fashion, immediately upon his move to the Northshore, he identified ways to be involved in the community. As if starting NOLA Lending Group, which morphed into a rapidly growing company exceeding over a billion in volume with 24 offices, wasn’t enough, Richard also played competitive tennis his first 10 years on the Northshore. While playing tennis, Richard created a network of great friends who he believes strongly contributed to his success. Chasing Realtors and Builders were not a “match” Richard made a priority. His love for life and people are Richard’s “ace.”
A famous tennis quote to describe Richard’s approach to business is, “Business is like tennis; those who serve well win.” Richard recognizes the importance of serving his clients and Team while capitalizing on available opportunities when the ball is on your side of the court. Once his boys were born, Richard hung up his racket and spent time focused on family. He spent years Coaching his three boys and loves sports, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and boys.
What has not ever changed is Richard’s love for serving his community and the immense joy he receives when helping others. Since selling NOLA Lending Group in 2014, the Mortgage Industry model Richard was instrumental in establishing, has never been the same. Over the last 10 years, Richard has learned a lot from mistakes made throughout the Industry which led him to open CORE LENDING.
“This industry has been overloaded with unnecessary waste for the past ten years or more. CORE LENDING’s platform collaborates with a fulfillment company and is equipped with seasoned Mortgage professionals who understand how to scale our model. This will allow us to underwrite our own files, close loans in our name, while guaranteeing our clients the best rate on the market...yes, we will match rates! CORE LENDING’s platform was difficult to implement on my last two platforms,” states LaNasa.
Ind. NMLS#: 52534
Kristen O’Keefe
Managing Director
Loan Originator, Mom, and Make It Happen Kind of Soul, Kristen O’ Keefe brings over 20 years of experience in the Financial Industry to the table.
As a Mortgage Professional, Kristen understands how vastly different each client is and what is important to them.
Kristen wants to make sure she understands her clients’ needs and provides them with a tailored mortgage program, perfect for them.
Kristen is a lifelong resident of St. Tammany Parish.
After high school, Kristen continued her education at Louisiana State University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in marketing, advertising, and business administration.
While in college, Kristen interned with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center where she found her love for helping others. After graduating, Kristen moved back home where she was a Partner in an advertising agency and later was hired by the Louisiana Heart Hospital to work in their Business Development and Community Relations.
In 2004, Kristen decided to change directions and move out of the Philanthropic Medical Industry and into the Financial Industry. During her career, she served as a Relationship Manager, Sales and Strategy Coach, and Financial Center Manager for large Financial Corporations.
Kristen currently serves on the board for New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center where she has been a member for over 12 years.
Fun Facts about Kristen:
In her spare time, her and her husband, Sammy, can be seen at various sporting or school events with their children - Can anyone relate???
Friday is her favorite “F” word.
Believes Italian should be declared its own food group.
Steel Magnolias is her favorite movie - Who doesn’t love Dolly?!
Travel enthusiast
Football, Baseball, & Cheer mom - Not necessarily in that order
Wife of one Lucky Man!
Ind. NMLS#: 690275
Bridget Rusche
Mortgage Loan Originator
Bridget Rusche is an experienced Mortgage Loan Officer who specializes in Conventional, FHA USDA, and VA Lending. Bridget is passionate about the home financing process and prides herself on being with the client every step of the way.
“I keep myself available to clients outside of ‘normal hours’ because I want to help every single step. This may be the most important decision of my client’s life and I want to be there to support their journey.”
When she’s not working, Bridget enjoys spending time with her two daughters and her grandchildren. She loves being around her family and watching movies.
Ind. NMLS#: 1682172
Ryan Schimpf
Mortgage Loan Originator
CORE LENDING is fortunate to have Ryan Schimpf on the CORE LENDING Team.
Ryan brings the same adversity, commitment, and tremendous work ethic to the CORE LENDINNG Team as he did during his climb to the top of professional sports.
In baseball, a good fielder needs to do more than just catch the ball. They need to be prepared to adjust to whichever way the ball is hit.
Ryan applies this principle to the way he approaches each situation with his clients. He analyzes all options in his “wheelhouse” to make sure he is providing his clients with the best loan options available to them.
He is skilled at adjusting to any curveballs thrown his way during the loan process. Ryan is accustomed to being under pressure and holding it all together when the pressure is on to get the job done. Ryan will go into extra innings and knock the cover off the ball to make sure his clients and business partners receive the exceptional service they deserve.
Upon retiring from baseball in 2019 where he finished with 150 career minor league home runs and 35 Major League Home Runs, Ryan knew he wanted to pursue a career as a Mortgage Loan Originator.
Over his 10-year baseball career, Ryan and his family moved over thirty times!
Throughout his moves, he became interested in real estate and finance, which is why it was only natural for Ryan to pivot from the “field of dreams” to helping clients obtain the home of their dreams.
A few interesting facts about Ryan:
-He fulfilled his childhood dream and played baseball for the LSU Tigers from 2007-2009, won a National Championship in 2009, and went on to play in the MLB.
-While at LSU, he earned academic honor roll from 2007-2009, second-team All-SEC, and named Hitter of the Year in the state of Louisiana.
-Ryan completed his LSU career ranked No. 7 on the all-time LSU triples list with seven and 38 home runs.
-He is one of 4 players in MLB history to hit more home runs than singles in a season.
Ryan and his wife Felicia are Louisiana natives. They live in Covington, LA with their three beautiful children. Connect with Ryan through Facebook, Twitter @Ryan_Schimpf and Instagram @_ryan_schimpf_
Ind NMLS ID# 1867952
Heather Braiwick
Mortgage Loan Originator
Heather brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the CORE LENDING Team. A seasoned Mortgage Professional since 2006, Heather is dedicated to finding financing solutions for all her clients.
She has a wide array of experience in mortgage lending origination and a passion for striving to understand her client’s financial goals to be able to pair them with the best loan program for their unique situation.
Heather graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Prior to entering the mortgage industry, she worked in advertising in both the buying and selling of media space. After Hurricane Katrina, Heather made the move to Financial Services and joined Richard LaNasa’s team. She has been a resident of the Northshore for 20+ years. Married to her best friend and mom to two fur babies, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors and boating.
“I am so fortunate to work for a local mortgage company that is dedicated to customer service and understands the time sensitive nature of the loan process.”
Reach out to Heather at HB@CORELendingTeam.com for her to help you with all of your mortgage needs.
Ind. NMLS # 96999
Leanne Castleman
Strategic Performance Coordinator
Introducing Leanne, a seasoned professional in the mortgage industry with over 13 years of experience. As a dedicated liaison, she guides clients seamlessly through the home buying or refinancing journey, ensuring a smooth transition from application to closing. Leanne's wealth of knowledge expedites the process, allowing homeowners to achieve their goals efficiently.
Beyond her expertise, she's a loving mother of three and a devoted spouse to her high school sweetheart. Leanne finds joy in traveling, reading, cherishing moments and making memories with her family, whether it's cheering on her kids in sports or supporting the Saints at games.
Ind NMLS ID# 1867952
Jeanette Funck
Mortgage Loan Originator
As a seasoned professional in the mortgage industry, Jeannette has always been driven by a passion to help others achieve their dreams of homeownership. Her journey in mortgage lending began in 2009 when her best friend invited her to join as a Loan Officer Assistant. It was here that Jeannette learned the intricacies of the application and qualifying process, laying the foundation for her career in the industry.
With over 15 years of hands-on experience, Jeannette has served in various operational roles, from Quality Assurance Disclosure Manager to Operations Trainer. Through these diverse roles, she has gained invaluable knowledge of the mortgage loan process from start to finish, empowering her to navigate complexities and deliver exceptional service to clients.
Jeannette's motto, "Work hard. Be kind," reflects her commitment to professionalism and empathy in every interaction. She believes that by combining dedication with compassion, she can make a meaningful difference in the lives of homebuyers.
Jeannette brings passion and expertise together to transform the homebuying journey, turning aspirations into reality one homeowner at a time.
Ind. NMLS
Jenny Goodrow
Marketing/ Mortgage Loan Originator
I started my career in banking and lending in 1974. The long- term friendships and relationships from my services are invaluable to me.
I have enjoyed helping several generations of families. I started my adventure into Residential Mortgage Lending in 2003 and have continued to help
families purchase or refinance their dream homes. Core Lending Team only intensifies this enormous opportunity.
Please call or email at any time to get your future started.
Ind NMLS ID# 90579
Shelby Stumpff
Mortgage Loan Originator
Shelby really is a people-person. After having grown up in Covington, he decided to attend Louisiana State University. Upon graduating with a degree in Marketing and Sales, he knew that he had a passion for sales, and he enjoys the process of listening to his clients' goals and needs while finding the most financially sensible path to help them get to the finish line.
Outside of work, Shelby enjoys playing the guitar, spending time outdoors, and socializing with his friends and large network.
Whether you are buying your first home or if you have been through the home loan process several times before, Shelby is a great asset and genuinely wants to see his clients succeed.
Ind. NMLS #1950488