Reed R. Brunzell is a seasoned mortgage lending executive with over 36 years of experience in the banking, real estate, and financial services industries. Currently serving as a Mortgage Loan Officer at NEXA Mortgage, LLC, Reed has built an exemplary career centered on helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership and financial goals through tailored mortgage solutions. His unwavering commitment to service, financial literacy, and client success has established him as a trusted figure in the mortgage lending community.

Reed began his professional journey after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Real Estate, Economics, and Journalism from Indiana University Bloomington in 1988. His academic background provided a well-rounded foundation that blended market knowledge, analytical thinking, and communication skills—essential elements that have remained at the core of his career. Early in his professional life, Reed held impactful roles with several respected institutions including Chase, Wintrust, Fifth Third Bank, Hartford Financial, and Windsor Mortgage. These experiences refined his expertise in both federally chartered banking and mortgage brokerage operations.

In March 2024, Reed joined First Community Mortgage, where he continued his mission of educating clients, optimizing lending strategies, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards. His reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and market insight made him a standout in the Greater Chicago lending landscape. In 2025, Reed transitioned to NEXA Mortgage, LLC, bringing his extensive experience and client-first approach to one of the largest and fastest-growing mortgage brokerages in the country.

Reed’s strengths span a wide range of financial competencies, including loan origination, refinance planning, secondary market navigation, regulatory compliance, residential and construction lending, and credit analysis. He is widely recognized for his skills in sales processes, leadership, and client services, with a demonstrated ability to guide borrowers through complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. He has maintained active licensing with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS# 755917) since 1989.

Outside of his professional roles, Reed is deeply committed to community involvement and nonprofit leadership. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Board for National Covenant Properties, a position he has held since 1996, where he helps guide the organization’s financial strategy and governance initiatives. In addition, Reed is the President of the Glenview Optimist Club, an organization focused on youth development and local service. He has also served on various church committees, including nominating, outreach, and financial executive boards.

Reed’s public engagement includes speaking at the Youth Awards Breakfast annually, reflecting his passion for uplifting the next generation. He also brings valuable international exposure through past engagements in Germany and Tanzania, and he is conversational in basic German.

Reed is now actively pursuing board opportunities where he can bring his decades of expertise, leadership, and financial insight to mission-driven organizations. He is especially interested in working with companies in finance, real estate, banking, and automotive, and while he is open to travel, he prefers roles that are local to the Chicago area. Reed sees board service as both a professional calling and a platform to contribute at a higher strategic level, combining his operational experience with a deep sense of purpose and community service.

Throughout his career, Reed R. Brunzell has embodied the values of excellence, transparency, and empowerment. His ability to align client needs with market opportunities, his dedication to lifelong learning, and his leadership in both corporate and nonprofit sectors make him an exceptional candidate for board and advisory roles in today’s dynamic business environment.

Character: Reed R. Brunzell is known for his integrity, client-first mindset, and lifelong dedication to service and community leadership.

Knowledge: With over 36 years of experience in mortgage lending and financial services, Reed brings deep industry expertise and regulatory insight.

Strategic: He applies a forward-thinking, solution-oriented approach to lending, helping clients and organizations achieve long-term financial goals.

Communication: Reed excels at simplifying complex financial information and guiding clients with clarity, empathy, and educational support.