Latest news with #MBA
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Is Housing So Expensive? It All Comes Back To Workforce
At a recent Achieve team dinner, the discussion turned to someone's friend, a recent business school graduate, who was raising a search fund in a bid to acquire multiple heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installation and maintenance businesses. Oddly, several colleagues also knew other recent MBAs who were attempting similar 'HVAC rollups.' Coincidence? An HVAC rollup is a long way from the well-traveled B-school path of joining an investment bank or consulting firm. The conversation pursued whether this was, in fact, a trend. Search funds are by no means new, although it appears they've become more popular for new MBAs. But all agreed on one thing: if there was a meme about new business school grads attempting HVAC rollups, it was indisputable. I doubted it and bet Achieve Principal Cassidy Leventhal $10. Well, the meme-savvy Gen Z analysts began looking and, within seconds, found this one. I paid Cassidy her $10. And although I conceded the trend (and would never underestimate the tendency of MBAs to follow one), the affair of the HVAC rollup meme led me to suspect there's a meme for pretty much everything. Turns out it's not limited to HVAC. New business school grads are also attempting to roll up roofing, plumbing, and landscaping companies. These businesses are easy to understand. So it could be a reaction against complex tech and AI. But it's also because no matter what happens in the economy, 330 million of us need a place to live, and tens of millions are having an extraordinarily hard time. America is missing between four and eight million homes. As in any shortage, prices rise. Adjusted for inflation, new homes cost twice as much as they did in 1960. So the existing housing stock is increasingly out of reach for low- and middle-income families, particularly in coastal states. The shortage of affordable housing is a gargantuan problem that limits quality of life and economic opportunity in nearly every community while leaving nearly a million Americans – including 150,000 children – without a home. The only solution is to build more new houses and apartments. With a shortage of around a million units, California is Ground Zero of the housing crisis. Homes in California cost more than twice the national average. So six million Californian families rent rather than own with two million spending more than half their monthly income on rent. So far California has attempted to tackle the problem by forcing cities and towns to allow apartments in neighborhoods of single-family homes and threatening to strip land-use authority from municipalities that don't approve new housing more quickly. Nonetheless, California's housing crisis continues to grow. What we need more of. getty The fundamental problem is that it's more expensive than ever to build new homes. The cause isn't tariffs on Canadian steel and lumber, at least not yet. It's labor. There are about 250,000 unfilled jobs in the construction sector. Builders can't find enough carpenters, plumbers, or electricians. Without enough new tradespeople, the workforce is aging; since 2018, there's been a 6% drop in the percentage of construction workers below the age of 55. To replace laborers who've labored long enough, builders need to recruit nearly 750,000 new workers each year. And that number is from the Biden years, before the country decided illegal immigrants were the cause of all our problems. (Immigrants – legal and not – constituted over 40% of California's construction workforce.) It's not only building new homes; it's maintaining existing homes. Every year America needs to produce over 40,000 new HVAC technicians. If we don't, things might get uncomfortable. And some recent business school grads might find their rollups at risk. When there aren't enough workers, builders pay more. When Engineering News-Record initiated its construction cost index for non-residential buildings, labor was 38% of total construction cost. Today it's 81%. For housing, Procore, the leading SaaS platform for construction management, reports labor is as much 60% of total cost. And when builders don't have available crews, they turn down projects. The result is that new houses and apartments don't get built and the ones that do get built cost a lot more. Builders aren't totally helpless. Their ability to find new workers isn't limited to driving their F-150s to the Home Depot parking lot to see who happens to be standing around. They can also drive to the nearest high school and try to sell students on a future in home construction. The problem is that students won't be productive on day one, or maybe in year one. They need apprenticeships, internships, or similar earn-and-learn pathways to make the trades attractive: jobs that pay a living wage from the drop, with the promise of making much more as they master the trade. But these programs are expensive to set up. Builders need to invest in recruiting as well as developing and delivering training, both formal and on-the-job. Which means convincing experienced workers to play ball. And finding and paying someone to manage it all, not to mention mentoring. While trade unions help, they don't address builders' biggest constraint: paying workers who aren't going to be productive for months, and maybe much longer. Also, unions are disincentivized to increase the supply of new workers, which could depress the wages of their members. It turns out homebuilders are singularly ill-suited to make these investments. My friend Bob Lerman, co-founder of Apprenticeships for America, alerted me to a new paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research which surfaces a remarkable fact: 40% of single-family housing employees work in firms with fewer than five employees and 63% work for companies with fewer than 10 employees. This means two things: first, an opportunity for recent business school grads to roll them up; second, a constitutional inability to invest in earn-and-learn pathways. Homebuilding may be America's last mom-and-pop business. The NBER paper identifies the culprit: local land-use regulation and permitting. Each city and town sets its own ground rules (and its own revenue-generating permitting fees), making it prohibitive for builders to undertake bigger projects or operate across jurisdictions. Many communities require builders to engage in outreach to neighbors to gain approval, or at least quiet critics likely to attend a planning meeting. Whereas communities organize to protest big construction projects orchestrated by big, bad, out-of-town developers, critics are less likely to show up for small-scale projects or go against small, local builders. The result is small projects built by small builders. Various studies have documented a decline in productivity in the building sector since 1970 – a dramatic reversal from the prior 30 years. Not coincidentally, 1970 marked the beginning of the local land-use regulation boom. The paper finds a strong correlation between areas with stricter, iconoclastic rules and smaller, less productive builders. Smaller builders are less productive because they don't invest in new technologies or new and more efficient building methods. And they don't invest in apprenticeships, internships, and other earn-and-learn pathways. Which means they don't have enough workers. Which means they end up spending more on labor for each project. Hence a recent Wall Street Journal article on Father Judge, a Catholic high school in Philadelphia where companies are actively recruiting students into entry-level jobs in the trades. These include the local transit system, submarine manufacturers, an operator of nuclear power plants, a defense contractor, and a chain of auto body shops. But nary a homebuilder. Why is America capable of manufacturing pretty much everything except homes? Because the vast majority of homes are custom-built on site – 'stick-built'– vs. mass produced or prefabricated. Prefabricated homes are built in factories, then transported to the site and assembled. More than a century after the assembly line revolutionized manufacturing, large manufacturers of durable and consumer goods capture 80%+ market share; in housing, it's only 13%. One reason is lack of competition: shipping costs make it prohibitive to offshore homebuilding. But domestic prefabrication – bringing the assembly line to housing – is possible and reduces labor costs. Canada, which is experiencing an even greater housing shortage, is making a big bet on prefabrication. The newly elected Liberal government has promised $25B in loans to prefab housing manufacturers. If the U.S. made a comparable investment, millions of new houses and apartments would be prefabricated and builders with sufficient scale to invest in factories would be able to invest in apprenticeships, internships, and other earn-and-learn pathways rather than putting together a crew from whomever happens to be standing around the Home Depot parking lot. It's not only homes. Lack of earn-and-learn pathways and the resulting labor crunch also explain why construction costs for roads and bridges have gotten out of control. And why America can't seem to build big things like subway line extensions. And don't get me started on the tram at Los Angeles International Airport: under construction for over six years, perhaps because I've never seen anyone working on it. Or high-speed rail in California, which depresses everyone who looks at it. But I'd trade public infrastructure for affordable homes. Out-of-control construction costs aren't only limiting the number of units being built, but also what's getting built. Because less expensive units produce less profit, homebuilders have shifted to higher cost housing rather than units low- and middle-income families can afford. This luxury shift also creates a vicious circle as custom features and advanced technology require specialized workers, further fueling the cost of labor. The result is even less affordable housing. Which makes life even harder for those struggling with unemployment or underemployment and lack of career pathways – the very thing that's making homebuilding more expensive. The shortage of earn-and-learn pathways stems from America's unique college-for-all approach to career launch, a trend that also dates from around 1970, and a trend that's led to taxpayers investing $1,000 in classroom-based, tuition-based, debt-based career launch infrastructure for every $1 invested in work-based, earn-and-learn career launch infrastructure. This imbalance is particularly problematic for the trades, which are better learned on the job than in a classroom. But the overall track record isn't great: Just like college-for-all – a policy set by elites who went to college decades ago – local land-use and permitting rules are set by people who bought custom, on-site, stick-built homes decades ago. And just like college-for-all is no longer affordable for all, stick-built homes are no longer affordable for all. Particularly for those in greatest need of education and housing. Both education and housing have become games rigged in favor of wealthy incumbents – older Americans who've already checked both boxes – while young Americans are left behind. While holding out hope for reform on both fronts at all levels of government, one way to kill two birds with one stone is to scale investment in earn-and-learn pathways to careers in the building trades. Builders should be incentivized to recruit students from vocational high schools like Father Judge, but also any grad with an interest in a trade apprenticeship regardless of prior skills or experience. Because that's what apprenticeship is for. We need affordable new homes. But to build affordable new homes, we need to scale investment in earn-and-learn pathways to flood the (construction) zone with new tradespeople. We can't have one without the other. If housing costs too much, we need to continue to chip away at NIMBY local land-use rules while beginning to cover the cost of trade apprentice training in full and subsidizing the wages of apprentices until they become productive. And the funding should be formula-based and simple for a small builder to tap. Perhaps some underemployed members of Gen Z will build memes about this. Because they're clearly not building homes.
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Breaking the MBA mould – A radical rethink of business education for the real world
Segran Nair, Director of Milpark Business School. The old MBA is dead. Or at least it should be, according to Milpark Business School. Under the leadership of director Segran Nair, the school has rebuilt its MBA from the ground up to tackle the real, messy complexity of today's business landscape. Climate uncertainty, economic volatility, digital disruption and social inequality demand a new kind of leadership that is rooted in ethics, adaptability and systems thinking. 'The challenges facing today's business leaders are anything but straightforward, and we redesigned our MBA programme deliberately,' Nair explains. 'And not just for subjects in isolation, but around the real-world systems leaders must learn to navigate.' While traditional MBAs are often criticised for their rigid, siloed structures, Milpark has overhauled its programme, weaving together ethics, sustainability, finance and technology into a single, integrated journey. One example is the Leading an Organisation Responsibly module. Structured over 20 weeks, the course includes 10 weeks of intensive theoretical engagement followed by 10 weeks of real-world application. Students work with South African non-profit organisations (NPOs) to tackle real-world sustainability challenges, applying business thinking to drive social impact. 'We want students to see that sustainability isn't just about green policies; it's financial sustainability. It's community resilience and how you use social media to amplify impact. This is business education for the real world,' Nair says. The case for an evolved MBA The MBA has been one of the world's most recognised business qualifications for more than a century, and for some, that's exactly the problem. As global challenges mount and digital disruption accelerates, many are questioning whether it's still fit for purpose, with critics arguing that it's too focused on Western capitalist models, too out of touch with the social and environmental imperatives of our time and too rigid to meet the needs of today's working professionals. But Nair pushes back. 'The MBA today is not what it was even 10 years ago — at least not at institutions that are paying attention,' he says. 'The complexity of our modern programme — from operations and marketing to ethics and leadership — is unlike anything else. It's not just about business knowledge. It's about transformation.' So is the qualification still relevant? According to Nair, the answer is a resounding yes — but only if it evolves 'in both content and context to stay meaningful for the world we live and work in today'. This approach reflects a deliberate effort to foster systems thinking and integrated problem-solving. Milpark's redesigned curriculum encourages students to draw from multiple disciplines and consider the broader implications of business decisions. He says Milpark's programme addresses South Africa's urgent need for ethical and innovative leaders: 'Look at our challenges: high youth unemployment, a fragile economy, infrastructure strain and leadership crises. We need professionals who are numerate, ethical and strategically agile. The MBA remains one of the best tools to build those capabilities — if done right.' Integrated learning, real-world relevance With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming industries, Nair adds that technology cannot be an afterthought. At Milpark Education, students are empowered to use emerging technologies ethically and responsibly without losing their uniquely human advantage. And although tools like ChatGPT are prohibited in certain assessments to ensure authentic and critical thinking, students are trained to engage with AI-generated content. 'We want our students to think critically, to ask where information comes from, and to question its validity. In a world flooded with data and misinformation, this is a non-negotiable leadership skill,' Nair explains. By breaking down silos, Milpark is also fostering collaboration across industries and sectors. Students from finance, tech, mining, NPOs and government are encouraged to learn from one another, with the online delivery model offering flexibility without compromising community. Nair says that in-person meetups, including a Cape Town induction which has already taken place for the latest cohort, aim to bring students together, help build social capital and foster professional networks that last well beyond graduation. The curriculum draws directly from emerging trends like AI, digital disruption, environment, social and governance (ESG) principles and stakeholder capitalism. Students engage with industry partners to apply their learning in real-world settings. And throughout it all, leadership and self-reflection remain central. Inclusive, human-centred and African 'What good is a technical expert if they're not ethical? What good is a leader who can't reflect or empathise?' Nair asks. 'Soft skills aren't soft. They're foundational. We have to build a new generation of leaders who understand the system, who can navigate uncertainty, and who care deeply about people and the planet. That means breaking down silos — in our curricula, in our classrooms and our thinking.' For Milpark Education, inclusivity and relevance go hand in hand. Once stereotyped as a space for white, male engineers with dominant personalities, the modern MBA cohort reflects a broader, more diverse South Africa. 'It's a pity that so many people still feel the MBA isn't for them,' says Nair. 'But we've come a long way. We've created space for mums, introverts, and professionals from all backgrounds to find their voice.' This commitment extends to how the programme is delivered. Designed for working professionals with families, Milpark's MBA offers a manageable workload, flexible access, and psychosocial support for students navigating work-life pressures. 'We don't inherit businesses — we inherit a country,' says Nair. 'Our MBAs need to be ready to lead both.' Business as a force for good This, he says, is business education reimagined for the African context. With high youth unemployment, mounting infrastructure challenges and persistent social inequality, entrepreneurship and innovation are not just desirable — they're essential. Nair explains: 'At Milpark's Business School, we know business is not just a means of profit; it is a vehicle for societal change. This ethos is embedded throughout the programme — not as a single module, but as a consistent value system. Business, per se, is neutral, but it's what we do with it that matters. Our graduates leave not only with skills, but with a conscience. They know that leadership today demands more than competence. It demands character.' The future of business education must be integrated, inclusive and built for the real-world challenges of Africa and beyond. The MBA is not obsolete, but in order to stay relevant, it must evolve. And at Milpark, it already has.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Executive MBA vs MBA: What's the Difference and Which Should You Pursue?
Are you pondering whether to do an Executive MBA or opt for a more traditional MBA? If you are, know that you are not alone. Brace yourself because countless professionals find themselves weighing between these two options as they seek to climb the career ladder or achieve deeper levels of self-fulfillment. While both offer unique advantages, they serve different needs, levels of experiences, and aspirations. If you are already determined to leap into mid-career advancement or initiate a self-owned business, then knowing the difference between EMBA and other forms of MBAs will be helpful to you. Understanding whether you seek to attain strategic oversight and steer academic leadership or more comprehensive understanding of operational procedural frameworks will assist you in choosing from the programs on offer. As we dive into each program to understand their details, ensure that your business objectives and career aspirations are clear guiding benchmarks. Executive MBA and MBA Overview Perspective business executives seek two primary degrees, the most sought after being the MBA and Executive MBA. MBA and Executive MBA: Differences in Target Audience Both programs have the same goals, which is to improve a graduate's critical managerial abilities from an organizational level perspective. From an organizational standpoint, an MBA is directed towards entry and middle level management professionals. Middle level professionals and entry level managers are usually younger and come from diverse areas of studies and generally have lesser work experience as compared to EMBA applicants. In contrast, Executive MBA programs are focused towards experienced working professionals. These professionals are either in higher management or are aiming for these positions and have been tackling real life challenges for years, making their class contributions quite useful. Both programs integrate courses in gradually building up the finance, marketing, and strategic management pillars of a more holistic framework. The surroundings give rise to differences; an MBA demographic is relatively younger and only beginning to make headway in their careers as compared to EMBA students, who have a significant amount of work experience and are able to navigate and constructively participate in executive level discussions. What is an Executive MBA or EMBA? An Executive MBA also referred to as EMBA is aimed at more senior professionals working within the industry. Unlike most MBAs, EMBA programs are exclusively designed for individuals already holding senior management roles or have had significant exposure to the corporate world. The EMBA designed for experienced professionals wanting to build end to end skills needed to lead product decision/execution in top organizations or even start their own ventures. The active roles of the participants require hands-on capabilities along with theoretical frameworks as knowledge is meant to be readily applied. Classes are arranged on weekends or evenings and working executives can balance their work and their studies. Students have the opportunity to network with their classmates as well as industry leaders. An EMBA integrates teamwork with real-world business challenges, offering an interactive approach to encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue. This exchange enriches learning and promotes problem-solving from multiple perspectives. What is an MBA? A Master of Business Administration (MBA) expands the scope of a student's knowledge and skills as a business practitioner and is conferred with a graduate title. It encompasses all aspects of business management such as: finance, marketing and operations. An MBA is an ideal degree for rising professionals in their mid-level careers. It fosters academic learning with hands-on experience. Training includes case study analysis, simulations, and cooperative peer group assignments that sharpen one's intellect. Most of these programs place greater emphasis on cultivating effective and transformational leaders. Moreover, these learners have great networking opportunities as they interact with influential alumni, industry leaders, and mentors. Based on the course outline, MBA programs offer full-time, part-time, and online learning formats. This allows individuals with work or personal commitments to balance their education alongside other responsibilities. Upon program completion, one can pursue multiple job avenues in the corporate sector or venture out as a self-employed individual. Difference between an EMBA and a Traditional MBA Program The most significant Traditional MBA and EMBA difference is the target demographic. An example is EMBA which targets veterans with significant professional experience as students with extensive previous managerial experience. That type of program emphasizes more on honing essential organizational leadership skills and mastering advanced tactical skills regarding strategic in-house maneuvers. Traditional MBAs focus on undergraduates or career changers coupled with ambitious young professionals. Here, they have broad foundational courses waiting which cover a variety of essential business subjects such as finance, marketing, operations, and other core business functions. The two programs differ in the manner offered to students. EMBAs are usually blended programs with a heavy emphasis on independent study hours since working executives need classes scheduled during the weekends or at other times when they can joined. Most graduate programs have a Traditional MBA, which differs from the more flexible approached of an EMBA which comes with set rigid blocks for face-to-face classes. Traditional MBAs need to attend full-time. Networking opportunities for students differ considerably between Executive MBAs and Traditional MBAs. While in the Traditional program, students anticipate peer interactions in class or at organized events, EMBA students meet seasoned executive peers, often well-known industry leaders who help them establish influential connections that can make a difference in their careers. EMBA vs MBA Salary and Career Opportunities When looking at the salary differences and professional growth options available from an EMBA compared to a traditional MBA, the disparities are often quite striking. It is quite common to think that EMBA graduates tend to expect to top the range of their industry's salary survey. As it happens, more often than not, they do. But not so often discussed is the reason behind this assertion: their prior work experience, senior work roles, leadership positions, and general work prior to joining an EMBA. There is also a distinct difference in career paths. EMBAs are aimed at seasoned mid-career professionals who already possess experience, as well as require additional skill refinement through advanced management training to enable them to access upper management positions faster than traditional MBA graduates. On the flip side, regular MBA students will most likely be starting at middle or lower management levels. And while this does enable them to climb the corporate ladder quickly, they are armed with skills that will help them immensely down the line. Additional aspects that enhance salary include networking skills. The EMBA cohort groups consist of upper to mid-career professionals which are likely to improve opportunities in the industries that they access during their studies which results in better employment opportunities via networking and contacts even during and after college. EMBA and MBA Benefits An EMBA and a regular MBA differ in the value they add along different career progression lines. An individual with rich professional experience has can pursue an EMBA, one is able to work and study at the same time. EMBA graduates are able to immediately apply the knowledge they acquire in coursework to their jobs. However, an MBA is designed for fresh entrants into the working world, or those changing careers, equipping them with essential business acumen and abundant networking opportunities. These students enrich the curriculum with their diverse perspectives. Both sets of students benefit from a mentorship program which connects them with alumni and other professionals. Such relationships help to forge critical connections to new and emerging positions and partnerships. As with many degrees, pursuing either programs typically leads to considerably greater earning potential. Graduates from either programs often report higher salaries and significant milestones within their organizations. The difference between an EMBA and an MBA boils down to a person's professional trajectory. Customization of learning pathways increases the possibility of making an impact while fostering options for long-term success. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
21 FICS® Customers Featured in Mortgage Bankers Association's 2024 Year-End Rankings of Top Commercial/Multifamily Servicers
DALLAS, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FICS® (Financial Industry Computer Systems, Inc.), a leading provider of mortgage loan origination software, residential servicing software, and commercial servicing software solutions, proudly announces that 21 of its customers have earned recognition in the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Year-End 2024 Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Mortgage Servicer Rankings. The MBA releases its rankings annually, showcasing data on the volume of loans serviced, which includes categories such as primary, master, and special servicing. The rankings categorize servicing firms based on total servicing volume and servicing for specific investor groups, including CMBS, life insurance companies, Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac®, FHA, and others. This year's list recognized 83 companies across 16 categories. FICS' Commercial Servicer® plays a pivotal role in helping customers manage their commercial loan portfolios with precision and efficiency, as demonstrated by their strong representation in the MBA rankings. Commercial Servicer is a comprehensive software solution that automates and streamlines data flow for commercial loan servicing, specifically designed for complex structured loans including commercial real estate, multi-family, construction, and equipment loans. The platform's robust API capabilities enable users to schedule and automate virtually every program, report, and interface in the system, significantly reducing manual workload and eliminating costly human errors. Goedecke & Co., LLC, an FICS customer headquartered in Boston, was included in MBA's list of top commercial servicers for Year-End 2024. Working with FICS since 2003, Goedecke & Co., LLC uses Commercial Servicer and Commercial Accountant® to service primarily insurance company loans. "FICS has been a trusted partner for more than two decades, and their Commercial Servicer software plays a critical role in our daily operations," said Christine Morrell, Principal at Goedecke & Co., LLC. "The ability to efficiently track and post debt service payments, especially through batch postings, and the My Work List function help our team stay organized and productive. Most importantly, the responsive and knowledgeable customer support from FICS gives us confidence that we can continue delivering top-tier service to our clients." "Having 21 of our customers earn recognition in the MBA's Year-End 2024 Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Mortgage Servicer Rankings demonstrates the competitive advantage our Commercial Servicer platform provides," said Susan Graham, president and COO of FICS. "These results reflect our customers' ability to scale their operations efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of service. Our commitment to continuous innovation and robust customer support empowers servicers to navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver exceptional results for their clients." About FICS® FICS® (Financial Industry Computer Systems, Inc.) is a leading mortgage software company specializing in flexible, cost-effective, in-house mortgage loan origination, residential mortgage servicing, and commercial mortgage servicing software for mortgage lenders, housing agencies, banks, and credit unions. FICS' software solutions provide customers the flexibility to choose an in-house or cloud hosting solution. The company also provides innovative document management, API, and web-based capabilities in its full suite of products. Visit for more information about our exceptional mortgage software solutions. View source version on Contacts David Jones678-781-7238david@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
21 FICS® Customers Featured in Mortgage Bankers Association's 2024 Year-End Rankings of Top Commercial/Multifamily Servicers
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FICS® (Financial Industry Computer Systems, Inc.), a leading provider of mortgage loan origination software, residential servicing software, and commercial servicing software solutions, proudly announces that 21 of its customers have earned recognition in the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Year-End 2024 Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Mortgage Servicer Rankings. "Having 21 of our customers earn recognition in the MBA's Year-End 2024 Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Mortgage Servicer Rankings demonstrates the competitive advantage our platform provides," said Susan Graham, president and COO of FICS. The MBA releases its rankings annually, showcasing data on the volume of loans serviced, which includes categories such as primary, master, and special servicing. The rankings categorize servicing firms based on total servicing volume and servicing for specific investor groups, including CMBS, life insurance companies, Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac®, FHA, and others. This year's list recognized 83 companies across 16 categories. FICS' Commercial Servicer® plays a pivotal role in helping customers manage their commercial loan portfolios with precision and efficiency, as demonstrated by their strong representation in the MBA rankings. Commercial Servicer is a comprehensive software solution that automates and streamlines data flow for commercial loan servicing, specifically designed for complex structured loans including commercial real estate, multi-family, construction, and equipment loans. The platform's robust API capabilities enable users to schedule and automate virtually every program, report, and interface in the system, significantly reducing manual workload and eliminating costly human errors. Goedecke & Co., LLC, an FICS customer headquartered in Boston, was included in MBA's list of top commercial servicers for Year-End 2024. Working with FICS since 2003, Goedecke & Co., LLC uses Commercial Servicer and Commercial Accountant® to service primarily insurance company loans. 'FICS has been a trusted partner for more than two decades, and their Commercial Servicer software plays a critical role in our daily operations,' said Christine Morrell, Principal at Goedecke & Co., LLC. 'The ability to efficiently track and post debt service payments, especially through batch postings, and the My Work List function help our team stay organized and productive. Most importantly, the responsive and knowledgeable customer support from FICS gives us confidence that we can continue delivering top-tier service to our clients.' "Having 21 of our customers earn recognition in the MBA's Year-End 2024 Commercial/Multifamily Real Estate Mortgage Servicer Rankings demonstrates the competitive advantage our Commercial Servicer platform provides," said Susan Graham, president and COO of FICS. "These results reflect our customers' ability to scale their operations efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of service. Our commitment to continuous innovation and robust customer support empowers servicers to navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver exceptional results for their clients." About FICS ® FICS® (Financial Industry Computer Systems, Inc.) is a leading mortgage software company specializing in flexible, cost-effective, in-house mortgage loan origination, residential mortgage servicing, and commercial mortgage servicing software for mortgage lenders, housing agencies, banks, and credit unions. FICS' software solutions provide customers the flexibility to choose an in-house or cloud hosting solution. The company also provides innovative document management, API, and web-based capabilities in its full suite of products. Visit for more information about our exceptional mortgage software solutions.
