UWM Vows No Layoffs, But There Will Be Dancing, Yoga, Zumba

As customers complain about lack of flexibility with their mortgages and unresponsive customer service, United Wholesale Mortgage vowed Thursday that there would be no layoffs at the company amid the coronavirus pandemic.

UWM made the announcement in an unusual press release:

PONTIAC, Mich., April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), the #1 wholesale mortgage lender, spoke to the 5,800 team members in an emotional all company address reminding them they are family, he is here for them and their jobs are safe during these very uncertain times.

“Our neighbors, family and friends are getting sick and losing their jobs at a staggering rate while facing incredible stress about their finances in the middle of this global crisis,” said Ishbia. “This is a scary time but we are going to get through this as a team and as a family. Being a family company is not just a nice thing to say when it is convenient; it is the core of who we are. When times are tough, that is when family steps up for each other and carries one another through. Every single member of this family is equally important and I can’t think of a better way to let 5,800 people know we’ve got their back than giving them job security at a time like this. I will sleep on their couch before I lay anyone off.”

In addition to job security, UWM is offering the following benefits to help team members stay connected, help their families and help their communities:

Training: For the past three years, thousands of UWM’s partners have traveled to UWM’s headquarters to attend its popular Success Track courses that combine UWM’s comprehensive mortgage expertise and award-winning training methods dedicated to championing the success of brokers everywhere. All classes are free to UWM clients and in order to adjust to changes resulting from COVID-19, they are available online with opportunities for attendees to ask questions and collaborate. 

Culture: UWM is maintaining its strong culture by going online with its 3 o’clock dance parties, company contests, theme dress days and virtual workouts like yoga and Zumba. 

Perks: UWM provides team members with, “UPerks,” or discounts and offers made by partnering with businesses. Currently team members have offers that include 20 percent off purchases at Rite Aid and a complimentary DashPass membership with Door Dash offering team members free food delivery from local restaurants. Team members are also all offered telemedicine services through our onsite provider, SALTA and waiving the fee.

“I am proud of what our team has been able to accomplish leading up to and during this time from setting records to the way we care about each other and our clients” said Ishbia. “Together we can accomplish anything and when we are all able to be back together under one roof we will be stronger than ever.”

UWM provides tools and training to independent mortgage brokers to help brokers grow their business. For more information on how to sign up as a broker with UWM, visit www.UWM.com.

Other companies, including Redfin and Compass, have announced furloughs during the pandemic, in response to a downturn in the housing market.

One note: Ishbia’s Bloomfield Township dream home does not appear to be on the market, so he won’t be needing any couches just yet.