Working in the mortgage industry isn’t for the faint of heart. As Andy Byrd, a 13-year industry veteran, puts it, “it’s hard, but it’s rewarding.” What makes the job easier is working for a bank that aligns with your goals and gives you the tools needed to succeed.
Like many MLOs at Sunflower Bank, Andy’s goal is to help more people achieve their dreams of homeownership through a mortgage loan that fits them and their financial situation.
At the beginning of 2026, while working for an Oregon-chartered community bank, Andy started looking for new opportunities to achieve this goal. He was looking for a company that had more products and programs available to help meet more individuals' financing needs. He also wanted a large platform that would allow the process from loan application to closing to move smoothly, with a solid team behind it.
Gaining Goal Alignment
At Sunflower Bank, Andy found a company that shares his values and goals. Not only does the Bank have a comprehensive platform and product offering, but it also has a culture where individuals are celebrated, and teams work together to help everyone succeed. He joined the Bank in February 2026.
Within his first five months with Sunflower Bank, Andy has already been named one of our Mortgage Lending Top Performers for July 2026, with $4,989,579 in loans funded.
“I’d tell anyone looking to change mortgage companies to look for a company that aligns with their values and tries to grow through increased loan volume.”
Tools and Support for Growth
Andy credits his team, relationships, and the tools and resources provided by Sunflower Bank for helping him continue to serve clients and meet his career goals.
Specifically, Andy points to Sunflower Bank’s:
- Platform: Our platform utilizes the latest technologies to automate and streamline crucial processes. By connecting people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process through one comprehensive tool, we enhance the speed and efficiency of our lending services.
- Programs and Products: Sunflower Bank provides MLOs with a powerful suite of exclusive mortgage lending products designed to help them win more business and better serve clients. These programs are designed for first-time home buyers, high-net-worth clients, and borrowers with specialized needs.
Andy considers these products, and the flexibility they offer, a competitive advantage. “We provide clients with a broad range of exclusive programs and products that meet a wide range of borrower needs,” says Andy. “But we also offer traditional Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, along with some non-qualified mortgage loans underwritten in-house.”
- Technology: Our commitment to innovative technology goes beyond our platform and is another competitive advantage. Our robust tech stack includes our digital mortgage platform, a comprehensive CRM, and a self-serve marketing platform, making it easier for MLOs to promote themselves and manage high mortgage volumes.
- Underwriting: At Sunflower Bank, we underwrite our loans in-house. Our team of underwriters reviews loan applications, assesses risk, and ultimately decides if a loan is approved. What Andy loves is that they do it quickly and consistently.
“Some of my greatest accomplishments at the Bank involve helping homeowners close their loans quickly,” says Andy. “I’ve closed a loan in 10 days, and another loan in 14 days. Everyone on the team works together to get a loan to close. I appreciate how we’re all focused toward one goal—a great client and referral partner experience.”
Building a Future at Sunflower Bank
Andy is excited to continue growing alongside Sunflower Bank and helping more people create possibility through sound finances.
“I’ve found a place where my goals, the people, and growth all align,” says Andy. “I’m looking forward to closing more loans and helping more clients for many years to come.”