Planet names Ted Newton as Oklahoma area sales manager

Planet has hired mortgage veteran Ted Newton as an area sales manager in Oklahoma to expand the company's presence and support loan originators and borrowers across the region. Newton brings nearly 31 years of experience and a team that has helped build mortgage operations in the state.

Why it matters: - Planet is adding a seasoned mortgage executive to grow its Oklahoma footprint. - Newton’s hire is aimed at strengthening support for loan originators and borrowers in a key regional market. - The move gives Planet a manager with deep local experience and a track record of building production from the ground up.

What happened: - Planet appointed Ted Newton (NMLS #194023) as area sales manager in Oklahoma. - Newton is based in Norman, Oklahoma, and is licensed in Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama. - His team includes Mortgage Loan Officer Greg Nurse (NMLS #233681), Mortgage Loan Officer Patricia Howard (NMLS #1890038) and loan assistant Lacey Brown (NMLS #1807835). - Planet said Newton will help expand its presence in Oklahoma and support loan originators and borrowers throughout the region.

The details: - Newton brings nearly 31 years of mortgage industry experience to Planet Home. - He previously worked at Union Home Mortgage for 11 years. - At Union Home Mortgage, Newton helped establish the company's Oklahoma presence and grew his group from zero to nearly $100 million in annual production. - Before that, Newton was president and co-owner of Capital Mortgage, which was purchased by First Oklahoma Mortgage. - Newton also helped build a mortgage operation in Oklahoma from the ground up earlier in his career. - Matt Payan, SVP of national production for distributed retail, said Newton has built teams and served borrowers through challenging cycles in the industry. - Payan said Newton’s leadership will be part of Planet’s growth in Oklahoma. - Newton said he was drawn to Planet’s combined origination and servicing structure and its broad product offering. - Newton said he wants more time to counsel borrowers and find the right solution by using more tools and specialized support.

Between the lines: - Planet is betting that local relationships and experienced leadership will matter as it competes for mortgage business in Oklahoma. - Newton’s background suggests Planet wants a manager who can both recruit and develop talent while also producing at scale. - The company is positioning its vertically integrated model as a selling point for both borrowers and originators. - Planet's social media presence, Instagram account and Facebook page were listed in the announcement.

What's next: - Newton is expected to help grow Planet’s Oklahoma business and deepen support for the company’s loan originators and borrowers. - Planet will look to build on Newton’s existing team and his relationships in the state. - The company’s broader mortgage platform and product set will likely be central to that expansion.

The bottom line: - Planet is using a veteran hire to push harder in Oklahoma, with Newton’s local ties and production background giving the company a ready-made growth play.