Honoring Excellence in Mortgage Leadership & Lending Integrity
Recognized Leadership. Proven Performance.
At California Mortgage Direct, we believe that credibility is earned — and ours is backed by over two decades of results, innovation, and leadership. Joseph S. Restivo, our Founder and CEO, along with his national lending platform American Mortgage Network, have received numerous awards, media features, and professional recognitions for excellence in mortgage banking, ethical lending practices, and veteran advocacy.
🧑✈️ Awards & Recognition – Joseph S. Restivo
| 🏅 Award / Recognition | Organization / Publication | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Mortgage Originator in the U.S. | Scotsman Guide & National Mortgage News | Multiple Years |
| President & CEO of the Year | National Mortgage Executives Council | 2023 |
| Top Veteran Advocate in Lending | American Veterans Homeownership Initiative | 2022 |
| 40 Under 40 in Mortgage Banking | Mortgage Professional America | 2019 |
| Top Mortgage Innovator | Fintech Mortgage Awards | 2021 |
| Featured Mortgage Leader | Mortgage Banker Magazine, HousingWire, MPA, National Mortgage News | Ongoing |
Joseph has been consistently recognized not only for his production volume and leadership but for his hands-on dedication to personally helping borrowers—especially veterans, first-time buyers, and underserved communities across California.
🏛 Awards & Recognition – American Mortgage Network
| 🏅 Award / Recognition | Issued By | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Top 100 Mortgage Lenders in America | Mortgage Executive Magazine | Multiple Years |
| Best Places to Work in Mortgage | Mortgage Professional America | 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Most Ethical Mortgage Lender (National) | Lending Integrity Council | 2022 |
| Top VA Lender Nationwide | MilitaryMortgageReview.org | 2022, 2023 |
| Community Impact Award | Homeownership Alliance | 2021 |
| Top Direct Lender for First-Time Buyers | National Homeownership Initiative | 2022 |
As a national direct lender, American Mortgage Network is known for its mission-driven approach, employee ownership history, and commitment to transparency, innovation, and people-first lending.
🎙️ Media Features & Speaking Engagements
Joseph S. Restivo and his teams have been featured in:
- ✅ HousingWire
- ✅ National Mortgage News
- ✅ Scotsman Guide
- ✅ Mortgage Banker Magazine
- ✅ The VA Loan Guys Podcast
- ✅ Veteran Mortgage Leadership Summit (Keynote Speaker)
- ✅ Fintech Mortgage Panel – Mortgage Revolution
💬 What Industry Peers Say
“Joseph is one of the only mortgage CEOs in the country who still personally originates loans. That kind of direct involvement, paired with his real-world mortgage expertise, is exactly what sets him apart. It’s rare to see a national leader so hands-on with borrowers.”
— The VA Loan Guys
“American Mortgage Network has done more to empower veterans and first-time homebuyers than almost any other lender in the country.”
— National Mortgage Professional Magazine