Planet adds Greg Thomas to expand Midwest retail sales

Planet has named Greg Thomas as area sales manager in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the mortgage company pushes deeper into distributed retail across the Midwest. The hire adds a veteran lender with experience in government, renovation, construction and self-employed borrower loans.

Why it matters: - Planet is adding sales leadership in the Midwest as it works to grow its distributed retail mortgage platform. - The hire brings more than two decades of mortgage experience to a region where Planet wants to expand borrower reach and loan originator support. - Thomas’s background in harder-to-place loans could help Planet compete for borrowers with complex financing needs.

What happened: - Planet appointed Greg Thomas, NMLS #138839, as area sales manager in Fort Wayne, Indiana. - Thomas and his team will operate as GO Home Mortgage. - The team is licensed in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. - Planet said the move reinforces its commitment to expanding its distributed retail platform across the Midwest.

The details: - Thomas has more than 20 years of mortgage industry experience. - He has specialized in government lending, renovation financing, new construction and self-employed borrower solutions. - Thomas entered the mortgage industry in 2005 after a career transition. - His career has focused on borrowers who were turned away elsewhere. - Thomas said challenging files often require deeper analysis, stronger communication and a willingness to explore every available option. - Thomas cited Planet’s servicing platform, broad product lineup and operational support as reasons for joining. - He also pointed to Planet’s renovation, construction and government lending capabilities. - Thomas’s team also brings VA lending expertise. - Planet Home is a DBA of Planet Home Lending, LLC, NMLS #17022. - Planet Financial Group, LLC is the parent company of Planet Home Lending, LLC.

Between the lines: - Planet is betting that specialized lending expertise can help it win business in a competitive retail mortgage market. - The company is also signaling that operational infrastructure and product depth are part of its recruiting pitch. - Thomas’s comments suggest Planet wants originators who can build long-term businesses, not just close one-off loans.

What's next: - Thomas will help expand Planet’s Midwest presence from Fort Wayne and support loan originators in the region. - His team will likely lean on Planet’s renovation, construction and government lending products as it builds volume. - Planet is likely to keep adding distributed retail talent if the Midwest growth strategy continues to accelerate.