News

Total Expert Founder and CEO named a recipient of the illustrious mortgage industry award, recognizing the most influential executives

DALLAS—September 2, 2025—Total Expert Founder and CEO, Joe Welu, was announced today as a HousingWire Vanguards award winner. Now in its 11th year, the prestigious list recognizes the housing industry’s most influential executives. Welu joins 100 mortgage and real estate industry leaders, underscoring their exceptional leadership and impact on the housing economy.

Joe has revolutionized mortgage lending by championing technology that strengthens human engagement and customer relationships at scale. At the center of that technology this year has been the development and launch of Total Expert’s AI Sales Assistant, a human-like Agentic AI that improves lead conversion and prioritizes high-value opportunities for loan officers. His visionary leadership has driven measurable success for major financial institutions, powering billions in loan volume growth and earning Total Expert industry-leading recognition.

The 2025 Vanguards were carefully chosen by HousingWire’s editorial team in collaboration with a panel of respected industry professionals. Winners were selected for their vital contributions to company success, industry innovation, and market influence, with honorees representing executives who have guided their organizations through market headwinds while delivering transformative results.

“The 2025 HousingWire Vanguards exemplify what it means to lead with vision and resilience,” said Sarah Wheeler, Editor-in-Chief of HousingWire. “These leaders aren’t just driving growth within their organizations, they’re shaping the future of housing itself. Their achievements reflect the innovation, adaptability, and commitment required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving market.”

The 2025 class joins an elite group of housing leaders who have earned the Vanguard title over the past decade—a recognition that has become a career-defining honor for executives in mortgage and real estate.

"A select group of leaders is emerging in the housing economy. These leaders haven't been sitting idly. They haven't been waiting. And they aren't fearful or undercapitalized," said Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire. "These individuals have faced the dual challenges of high interest rates and low sales volumes, yet they have turned these obstacles into opportunities. HousingWire Vanguards have a relentless focus on strengthening their organizations. While others stand still, HousingWire Vanguards are moving forward, crafting a legacy of growth and innovation."

For a complete list of the 2025 Vanguards honorees, visit www.housingwire.com.

About Total Expert

Total Expert is the purpose-built customer engagement platform trusted by more than 200 financial enterprises. Total Expert unifies data, marketing, sales, and compliance solutions to deliver the perfect customer journey across every financial milestone—in any market. Total Expert turns customer insights into actions that increase loyalty and drive growth for modern banks, lenders, credit unions, and insurance companies.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data and research, respected business journalism and must-attend events for housing leaders to use to advance their understanding and business outcomes. Our vision is a world in which housing leaders have a complete view of the housing market, and a broad community of peers with whom they can connect. We are committed to delivering the data, analytics, media, and events that advance this vision.  

Because housing is too important for narrow perspectives and missed connections. Informed housing leaders are better housing leaders. A connected housing industry is a better housing industry. And the full picture always reveals new opportunities.

Explore more at www.housingwire.com.

‍