Profile
“No matter how many clients I have, I make sure to call each one personally every quarter. It’s a chance to not only update them on their portfolio, but also check on how they’re doing personally”
Kelvin Rampersad,
Carte Wealth Management
As co-founder, Tom Ahles has helped grow Edge Home Finance into the largest independent mortgage brokerage in the US, with over 1,500 employees and $7 billion in production.
He is a dedicated mortgage professional with a passion for helping clients navigate the often-complex world of home financing. Currently serving as a loan officer and co-owner, Ahles brings a wealth of expertise in the mortgage industry.
With a strong background in residential loans, conventional, and FHA programs, he is known for his client-first approach, taking the time to understand each individual’s financial situation and goals. His attention to detail, combined with a deep knowledge of the latest lending products and market trends, allows him to offer competitive rates and help clients make informed decisions.
“My career has been a mix of intentional planning and seizing opportunities as they came,” Ahles says. “Early on, I focused on building a strong foundation by learning the mortgage industry from the ground up, which gave me a deep understanding of consumer lending.
“I also knew I wanted to build something of my own, which led me to step into my first executive role in 2004 and eventually co-founding Edge Home Finance with Chantel Hacker after the 2008 financial crisis.”
Edge Home Finance enjoyed remarkable growth in 2024, doubling its production from $3.5 billion to $7 billion in the space of 14 months.
Ahles says, “One of the biggest challenges is managing rapid growth while maintaining the core values and flexibility that made us successful. It’s crucial to stay agile and uphold our relationship-based model even as we scale.
“I focus on building strong systems that support sustainable growth without sacrificing our low overhead and high take-home pay model. I also place a lot of emphasis on goal setting and accountability, both personally and for the team.”
Ahles also tracks daily activities that drive results, delegating non-customer-facing tasks effectively, and encouraging the use of AI and offshore support to streamline operations.
“It’s a balancing act, but by staying rooted in our values and being proactive about resource management, I’m able to meet these challenges head-on,” he says.
For Ahles, their recent exploits weren’t just about hitting numbers but building a resilient, relationship-focused business that offers loan officers and clients real flexibility and choice.
He says, “I communicate with clients in a clear, transparent, and relationship-focused way. I believe in taking the time to understand their unique needs and goals and then offering tailored solutions that work best for them. I’m always upfront about options, ensuring they feel informed and confident in their decisions.”
Ahles wants to leave a legacy of empowering others to succeed through collaboration, transparency, and a client-first approach.
“I don’t believe any of us are that unique, and I truly believe in the philosophy of “givers gain” – that the more you give, the more you receive, both in business and in life,” he says.
Ahles’ goal is to inspire others, lead with integrity, innovate continuously, and prioritize long-term success, ultimately shaping a more transparent, flexible, and client-focused mortgage industry. He hopes to be remembered for helping retail originators realize the power of the broker channel and for building a sustainable, relationship-driven business model.
He says, “Each day is an opportunity to improve, whether it’s by setting actionable goals, sharing insights, or finding new ways to bring value to our clients. In a dynamic industry like mortgage finance, this attitude has allowed me to guide Edge Home Finance through rapid growth while staying true to our principles. I believe in pushing forward, taking calculated risks, and staying grounded in the relationships and values that have brought us here.”
5868 Baker Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
216 630 4520
tahles@edgehomefinance.com
linkedin.com/in/tomthebroker
tomthebroker.com/tom-ahles
Tom Ahles
Broker Owner
Edge Home Finance
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“I strongly believe in working smarter, not harder. I think it’s one of the keys to living a great life, and I want to share that with as many people as possible”
Kelvin Rampersad,
Carte Wealth Management
2001
2004
2008
2023
2024
Entered the mortgage industry as a consumer direct mortgage loan officer, laying the foundation for a career in mortgage lending
2001
Took on first executive role, marking the beginning of an entrepreneurial journey in the mortgage industry
2004
Co-founded Edge Home Finance with Chantel Hacker, focusing on recession-proofing the business by emphasizing purchase transactions over refinancing
2008
Edge Home Finance – AIME's Brokerage of the Year
2023
Led Edge Home Finance to double its production from $3.5 billion to $7 billion over the past 14 months, demonstrating robust growth and setting new benchmarks in the industry
Scotsman Guide’s Top 100 Mortgage Brokers
2024
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE