ARDRI Appoints Industry Veteran Steve Nadon as President
ARDRI, an emerging leader in intelligent non-QM lending solutions, has officially launched, marking a significant milestone in the mortgage industry. With a commitment to transforming the sector through technology and transparency, the company is poised to set new standards under the leadership of Steve Nadon, an industry veteran with over four decades of experience. Nadon steps in as President, bringing a wealth of expertise to guide ARDRI’s strategic growth and operational excellence.
Brian O’Shaughnessy, CEO of ARDRI, expressed his enthusiasm about the new leadership: “We are excited to announce Steve Nadon as President to lead ARDRI’s launch in the non-QM lending market. We have assembled the strongest talent and the most powerful and user-friendly technology solution in the industry. Our mission is to simplify non-QM lending. Steve Nadon is the best person to lead what will be an efficient, focused ramp-up to leadership in this market.”
A Veteran Leader with a Proven Track Record
Steve Nadon’s extensive career spans the evolution of the lending industry, from traditional finance to subprime lending and now to the modern landscape of non-QM loans. His leadership roles at various top financial institutions make him uniquely qualified to steer ARDRI’s entry and expansion into the market.
“I am thrilled to be joining ARDRI,” said Nadon. “I am eager to work alongside Brian O’Shaughnessy, Brent Houston, Yvonne Brumett, and the exceptional ARDRI team to drive a culture of ownership, transparency, and excellence. Our people, technology, and customer service are all unsurpassed in today’s industry. By aligning these superior resources, we will enable mortgage brokers and independent mortgage banks to deliver the most outstanding financial solutions to their clients.”
A Storied Career in Mortgage and Financial Services
Steve Nadon began his career in the mid-1970s at Transamerica Financial Services, when lending was primarily dominated by large banks. Early in his career, he gained valuable experience working with unsecured personal loans and fixed-rate second mortgages, building a strong foundation in lending and risk management.
In 1984, Nadon played a key role in launching Nova Financial Services as a subsidiary of First Interstate Bancorp. Under his leadership, Nova expanded to 70 branches across three western states, achieving the highest return on assets within the group.
Nadon’s career took a major turn in 1992 when he co-founded Option One Mortgage. Over 15 years, he helped transform the company into a powerhouse with over 6,000 employees. Under his leadership, the firm originated more than $40 billion per year across wholesale, retail, and correspondent channels. His extensive experience in mortgage banking continued with leadership roles at O2 Funding (which later merged with New Penn Financial), Emporium TPO (which he co-founded), and Plaza Home Mortgage.
Vision for ARDRI: A New Standard in Non-QM Lending
As President, Nadon is committed to building upon ARDRI’s mission: to serve mortgage brokers and independent mortgage banks by deploying the best technological tools available and delivering an unparalleled customer experience.
Nadon emphasizes that exceptional customer service begins with a strong company culture, where every team member operates with an ownership mindset. “We are not in business to be just another mortgage lender,” he noted. “We are here to set ourselves apart by ensuring every interaction—internal and external—is marked by fairness, transparency, and excellence.”
ARDRI’s technology-driven approach seeks to eliminate traditional inefficiencies in non-QM lending, providing streamlined processes, robust analytics, and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of brokers and mortgage banks. By leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, ARDRI aims to enhance decision-making, reduce risk, and improve loan origination speed, all while maintaining compliance and regulatory standards.
Driving Industry Innovation Through Culture and Leadership
Steve Nadon’s leadership style is built on collaboration, adaptability, and innovation. Throughout his career, he has attributed his success to working alongside talented individuals, continuously learning, and fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute their best work.
His approach to leadership is grounded in humility and honesty—values that have shaped his career since his early days at Nova Financial Services and Option One Mortgage. These principles will continue to guide his efforts at ARDRI as he builds a company that prioritizes long-term value for clients, investors, and stakeholders.
One of ARDRI’s key differentiators is its emphasis on transparency. By providing clear, data-driven insights and fostering an open communication culture, the company seeks to redefine industry standards. ARDRI’s platform is designed to offer a seamless, user-friendly experience, ensuring brokers and lenders have access to the information they need to make informed financial decisions.
Personal Insights and Values: Beyond Business
Outside of his professional endeavors, Steve Nadon and his wife, Elizabeth, share a deep passion for wine. For nearly three decades, they have enjoyed wine-tasting trips to Napa Valley and have curated an impressive collection of Cabernet and Bordeaux wines. This passion for collecting fine wines reflects Nadon’s philosophy of patience, craftsmanship, and long-term vision—values that translate seamlessly into his approach to business and leadership.
His personal interests also underscore his belief in maintaining a balanced life, where professional achievements are complemented by meaningful personal experiences. This perspective informs his leadership style, fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to find fulfillment both inside and outside the workplace.
ARDRI’s Future Under Steve Nadon’s Leadership
With Steve Nadon at the helm, ARDRI is positioned for a dynamic future in non-QM lending. The company’s launch comes at a critical time when the mortgage industry is seeking innovative, technology-driven solutions to meet the evolving needs of borrowers. ARDRI’s commitment to simplifying non-QM lending, improving transparency, and delivering superior customer service will set it apart in the competitive landscape.
Under Nadon’s leadership, ARDRI is expected to:
- Expand its market presence by attracting top mortgage brokers and lenders
- Invest in advanced technology to streamline lending processes and enhance efficiency
- Foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and excellence
- Maintain strong regulatory compliance while improving lending accessibility
As the mortgage industry continues to evolve, ARDRI aims to be a trailblazer, redefining how non-QM lending is approached and executed. With a visionary leader like Steve Nadon guiding the way, the company is well on its path to becoming an industry powerhouse.
The appointment of Steve Nadon as President of ARDRI marks a transformative moment for the company and the non-QM lending industry as a whole. With a strategic vision, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and a leadership style rooted in experience and integrity, Nadon is set to drive ARDRI toward a future of growth and innovation.
With a world-class team, cutting-edge technology, and a mission to elevate non-QM lending, ARDRI is not just entering the market—it’s redefining it.
