AJ Franchi is President and Chief Operating Officer at Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group - a visionary leader recognized as a 2022 HousingWire Vanguard for developing and executing strategic plans that drive operational improvement and innovation. His industry-leading initiatives automate workflows across the company, delivering off-the-charts gains in efficiency while keeping borrower service and staff retention at the highest level - even through rapid growth and natural industry downturns without workforce reductions.
Accomplishments
Innovation That Scales - And Leadership That Keeps People First
2022 HousingWire Vanguard
Honored for visionary leadership in operational improvement, workflow automation, and guiding Gold Star through growth cycles without sacrificing borrower experience or staff.
Workflow Automation
Built industry-leading automated workflows that improved operations across Secondary Market execution, branching, recruiting, and marketing.
ConnectGS & GS+ Mobile Platform
Pioneered one of the first customer-facing mobile apps for mortgage lending - now part of the ConnectGS Platform used nationwide.
Youngest Board Member
A Michigan State honors graduate, AJ joined Gold Star in 2008 as an intern at 22 and within four years was Director of Retail Operations for 400 loan originators - then appointed to the board, where he remains the youngest member of record.
VETLIFE Board Service
Hands-on board member for a veteran nonprofit focused on sustainable solutions and a safer, healthier civilian lifestyle for former service members.
People-First Leadership
“Focus on how you make people feel” - decisions are based on feelings, so leading with empathy is essential to building lasting teams.
Industry Recognition
Ellie Mae Hall of Fame, Tech Savvy Lender, Mortgage Professional Young Guns & Hot 100, and National Mortgage Professional 40 Under 40.
