Julie Fry is often asked why she works at Fairway Home Mortgage. After all, the mortgage industry isn't known for glitz, glamour and fun. But as the organization's Chief People and Engagement Officer, Fry explains that Fairway's almost indescribable company culture is one of the best.
"Within the walls of Fairway you have to feel the culture of Fairway," she says. And that culture is one of care, empathy and enjoyment.
Founded in 1996 in Madison, Wisconsin, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is a national mortgage lender specializing in conventional and FHA mortgage loans. The company additionally offers refinancing loans, USDA loans, VA loans and much more at over 500 branches spread across all 50 states.
Though mortgage loans may be their
primary offering, Fairway leaders say the work they do is actually about people, not just loans. And that focus on people is what makes Fairway a top place to work.
"[You have to] throw away the policies and procedures, and treat your employees as human beings," Fry says. "There is no script for how you're going to respond to somebody coming to you with a problem or a challenge. Just being empathetic and compassionate to employees is the difference-maker in how we — and others — can be a [top] workplace."
Fairway knows what it takes to be a top workplace better than most, as the organization was named one of USA TODAY's top workplaces for the sixth consecutive year.
Fry says being a top workplace also takes teamwork and prioritizing their shared goal of getting people into homes.
"We're a team; we work together," she says. "Everyone has the same vision in terms of what it takes to make our business happen to get that home to close."
As a "speed-to-respond" organization this means getting deals closed for customers quickly and efficiently, so they can get into their first home and start living their American Dream.
But beyond meeting team goals, Fry says leadership works hard everyday to ensure employees know they are supported, valued and have a voice in the organization.
Employees echo Fry's sentiments, furthering stating that Fairway founder and CEO Steve Jacobson makes them feel included in important decisions; he stays transparent about changes whether big or small, communicates regularly and faces issues head on.
It helps, Fry adds, that Jacobson spent the earliest years of his career as a loan officer himself.
"He really shares with our employees on the day-to-day what it means to be in sales ... in commission. He really takes the time to share with them the perspective of that."
It's helped establish a "culture of care" at Fairway that is extended to how customers are treated, too. Because according to Fry, "when you treat your employees well and when your employees are happy that just overflows to the customer."
It overflows to communities as well. Giving back matters to everyone at Fairway, which is why they frequently partner with local nonprofits. Most recently, Fairway partnered with Tellurian Behavioral Health in Wisconsin to open Jake's Place, a residential facility for those struggling with addiction, mental illness or facing homelessness.
"[Giving back] is ultimately what Steve wants to do; he wants Fairway to be a platform to give to our communities," Fry says.
What is USA TODAY Top Workplaces?
Each year, USA TODAY Top Workplaces, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, ranks organizations across the U.S. that excel at creating a positive work environment for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winners.
In 2026, over 1,600 companies earned recognition as top workplaces. Check out our overall U.S. rankings. You can also gain insights into more workplace trends and advice by checking out the links below.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a culture of care makes Fairway Home Mortgage a top workplace
