building strong communities one home at a time.
GEM Mortgage, a division of Golden Empire Mortgage (GEM), has been helping people achieve their homeownership dreams for nearly 30 years. More than mortgages, we’re about people, building lasting relationships through integrity, trust, and exceptional service. With expert guidance and innovative tools, we make the lending process clear, simple, and centered around you.

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Funded
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Advisors

be your
trusted guide
Our mission is simple: empower people on their journey to homeownership. We provide trusted guidance, personalized mortgage solutions, and the tools to make smart financial choices, all with a focus on creating a smooth, transparent, and supportive experience.
- trusted guidance
- smart financial choices
- personalized solutions
- homeownership focus
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Transforming lending through trust and care.
At GEM Mortgage, we envision a future where every individual and family has the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership with confidence and peace of mind. We strive to be the most trusted name in home lending, recognized not only for integrity and innovation, but for building relationships that last a lifetime. By combining personalized solutions, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering care, we aim to redefine the mortgage experience and create a legacy of stronger communities and brighter futures for generations to come.

Helping families thrive with integrity and expertise.
For nearly 30 years, GEM Mortgage, a division of Golden Empire Mortgage (GEM), has been more than a lender—we’ve been a trusted partner in helping people achieve homeownership. By putting people first, providing accessible credit, and delivering exceptional service with integrity and expertise, we’ve built lasting relationships and empowered thousands of families to make smart financial choices and create a foundation for their future.

Driven by people, guided by integrity.
Our culture is built on people, integrity, and excellence. We believe in putting our clients first, fostering lasting relationships, and supporting one another with knowledge, collaboration, and cutting-edge tools. Every team member is empowered to deliver exceptional service, making the lending process clear, confident, and centered on the people we serve.

Driven by Values. Focused on You.
At GEM Mortgage, a division of Golden Empire Mortgage (GEM), our values guide everything we do: from how we serve our clients to how we collaborate as a team. They reflect our commitment to people, integrity, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that every interaction builds trust, empowers smart decisions, and supports lasting relationships.
Core Values:
- People First: Our clients and team members are at the heart of every decision.
- Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and fairness in all we do.
- Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in service, knowledge, and results.
- Trusted Guidance: We provide the expertise and support clients need to make smart financial choices.
- Innovation: We embrace technology and creative solutions to make the lending process seamless.
- Relationship Focus: We build lasting connections that go beyond transactions.
- Empowerment: We give clients and employees the tools and confidence to succeed.
leadership TEAM

Howard Kootstra
CEO

Joe Ewens
President

Rebecca Wegman
EVP/Operations

David Chesney
EVP/CFO

Robert Satnick
EVP Secondary Marketing

Madison M. Christian
General Counsel/EVP – Legal and Compliance
why our clients
love us
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”
AMBER CAMPBELL
Highlight Park, Il
“Working with A and N Mortgage was a seamless experience. Their team was professional, efficient, and helped us secure our dream home with ease. Highly recommend!”