American Pacific Mortgage (APM) and Synergy One Lending announced a strategic merger that combines two retail mortgage lenders to create a larger national platform designed for the evolving mortgage market.
The transaction expands APM’s national footprint and increases combined annual loan production to approximately $14 billion, positioning the company among the top retail mortgage lenders in the United States based on Mortgage Executive Magazine’s 2025 rankings.
The merger also enhances APM’s leadership team. Synergy One Lending CEO Steve Majerus will join APM as president, subject to regulatory approvals. Majerus brings decades of industry experience and expertise in technology, artificial intelligence, platform innovation, and production strategy. Aaron Nemec will continue serving as president of Synergy One Lending, which will operate as a division of American Pacific Mortgage, overseeing operations and growth initiatives.
The combined organization aims to provide loan officers and referral partners with expanded product offerings, enhanced infrastructure, and increased investment in technology and AI. Synergy One Lending will maintain its brand identity while leveraging APM’s divisional model and national scale.
Founded with an entrepreneurial culture, Synergy One Lending operates 65 branches across the country, employs approximately 540 people, and is licensed in 49 states. The companies said the combination reflects a shared belief that scale, innovation, and investment will be increasingly important to compete in a rapidly changing mortgage market.
APM said the transaction reinforces its commitment to modernizing the mortgage experience while creating additional opportunities for employees, branch managers, originators, and referral partners across both organizations.
KEY QUOTES:
“This marks a defining moment for APM. Synergy One has built an exceptional culture and leadership team that aligns naturally with who we are and where we’re headed. This move strengthens our platform, expands opportunity for our people, and accelerates our vision for the future of retail lending.”
“Bringing Steve on as president accelerates our vision to modernize the mortgage experience through innovation, technology, and a relentless focus on people. Steve is a tremendous visionary and operator whose leadership and forward-thinking approach will help position APM for the next era of retail lending.”
Dustin Sheppard, CEO of American Pacific Mortgage
“APM has built an incredible platform and culture centered around empowering originators, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Scale is becoming essential to win and gives us the ability to invest aggressively in pricing, products, AI, technology, marketing, and customer acquisition. This merger gives us the platform to continue innovating and compete in a market shaped by evolving consumer expectations.”
Steve Majerus, Incoming President of American Pacific Mortgage and CEO of Synergy One Lending
“APM is a natural fit for S1L because of our shared vision for where the market is headed and our alignment around culture, innovation, and long-term growth. Protecting our entrepreneurial culture while gaining the scale and resources of the APM platform creates tremendous opportunity for our branch managers, originators, and referral partners.”
Aaron Nemec, President of Synergy One Lending
“We’re excited about the opportunities this creates for the employees of both APM and Synergy One Lending. Both organizations share a strong commitment to operational excellence, customer service, culture, and innovation. This alignment strengthens our platform, expands opportunity for our people, and positions us well for the future of retail lending.”
Ned Payant, Chairman of American Pacific Mortgage
