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Mortgage-Industry Veteran Jim Hunter Joins Building Champions as Executive Coach
Lake Oswego, Ore. – In a strategic pivot that underscores its commitment to the housing sector, Building Champions announced on June 18, 2026 that Jim Hunter will join its coaching team as an Executive Coach.
Hunter brings more than 35 years of experience in mortgage origination, sales management, business development and regional operations. Prior to joining Building Champions, he spent 25 years at Cornerstone Home Lending, where he served as President of the Mountain West Division and as Regional Senior Vice President. In those roles he oversaw loan production across Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana and New Mexico, managed branch profitability, guided growth strategies and built teams in multiple markets.
Before Cornerstone, Hunter worked as a loan originator at ICM Mortgage and held senior leadership positions at Circle One Mortgage Company (First National Bank of Omaha), First Colorado Mortgage, American National Bank and Mortgage Associates/Northwood’s Mortgage. Across those organizations he built and led production teams, recruited and trained loan originators, launched new branches, managed budgets and strengthened relationships with internal teams and external partners.
"Jim brings instant credibility to our clients in the housing industry. He’s not just a coach; he’s someone who has lived the work at the highest levels of leadership," said Greg Harkavy, Vice President of Coaching Services at Building Champions. "What sets Jim apart is his rare ability to lead with deep care while still challenging people to grow. He has been a long‑time client and practitioner of Building Champions frameworks himself, so he knows firsthand the impact this work can have. That personal conviction is exactly what our clients deserve in a coach."
Hunter echoed Harkavy’s assessment. "After I retired, it didn’t take me long to realize I still had a desire and a passion to serve and give back to my profession and community," he said. "Building Champions was the perfect fit to allow me to share what I have learned over 35 years of leadership, coaching and mentoring. And as a client of Building Champions for many years, I knew we were aligned in our mission and purpose; helping to make humans better leaders, inside and out, and to make a positive difference in each life we touch. I look forward to serving and giving and building relationships that will last forever."
As a coach, Hunter draws on his extensive leadership background to help leaders make better decisions, build stronger teams, improve performance and lead with purpose. His practical business experience, relational approach and firsthand understanding of executive leadership allow him to connect meaningfully with leaders and help them identify the habits, strategies and decisions needed to move forward.
Building Champions has been a trusted partner for leaders and organizations since 1996. The company offers individualized coaching, team development, workshops, executive retreats and leadership experiences designed to inspire growth and drive meaningful results. Guided by the belief that "Better Humans Make Better Leaders," Building Champions takes a holistic approach that focuses on the beliefs and behaviors that shape how leaders show up and perform.
According to data from Growjo, Building Champions reports annual revenue of $9.9 million and employs 67 staff members. The firm’s services are used by a range of industries, but its mortgage‑industry clients have grown in recent years as the housing market has become more complex and leaders seek guidance on navigating regulatory changes, talent retention and performance management.
The addition of Hunter is expected to strengthen Building Champions’ footprint in the mortgage sector and broaden its coaching portfolio. By leveraging Hunter’s deep industry knowledge, the firm can offer clients tailored insights on market dynamics, compliance, and operational excellence that are not typically available from generalist coaches.
Industry analysts note that the demand for executive coaching has risen as companies face rapid technological change and heightened scrutiny over governance. Firms that can combine coaching expertise with sector‑specific knowledge are positioned to capture a larger share of the market.
At present, Building Champions is preparing to launch a new series of workshops focused on leadership in regulated industries, with the first session scheduled for early July. Hunter will be a featured speaker, sharing lessons from his career in mortgage lending and how they translate into leadership principles.
The company’s website lists its core services and philosophy, and it continues to host webinars and retreats for executives across the United States. No immediate changes to its executive team or financial reporting have been announced.
As the housing market enters a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny, leaders in the sector will likely seek guidance on compliance and risk management. Building Champions’ new partnership with Hunter positions the firm to meet that need.
The next public update from Building Champions will come with its quarterly earnings report, expected in early September. Investors and clients will be watching to see how the firm’s expanded coaching roster impacts revenue and client acquisition.
Hunter brings more than 35 years of experience in mortgage origination, sales management, business development and regional operations. Prior to joining Building Champions, he spent 25 years at Cornerstone Home Lending, where he served as President of the Mountain West Division and as Regional Senior Vice President. In those roles he oversaw loan production across Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana and New Mexico, managed branch profitability, guided growth strategies and built teams in multiple markets.
Before Cornerstone, Hunter worked as a loan originator at ICM Mortgage and held senior leadership positions at Circle One Mortgage Company (First National Bank of Omaha), First Colorado Mortgage, American National Bank and Mortgage Associates/Northwood’s Mortgage. Across those organizations he built and led production teams, recruited and trained loan originators, launched new branches, managed budgets and strengthened relationships with internal teams and external partners.
"Jim brings instant credibility to our clients in the housing industry. He’s not just a coach; he’s someone who has lived the work at the highest levels of leadership," said Greg Harkavy, Vice President of Coaching Services at Building Champions. "What sets Jim apart is his rare ability to lead with deep care while still challenging people to grow. He has been a long‑time client and practitioner of Building Champions frameworks himself, so he knows firsthand the impact this work can have. That personal conviction is exactly what our clients deserve in a coach."
Hunter echoed Harkavy’s assessment. "After I retired, it didn’t take me long to realize I still had a desire and a passion to serve and give back to my profession and community," he said. "Building Champions was the perfect fit to allow me to share what I have learned over 35 years of leadership, coaching and mentoring. And as a client of Building Champions for many years, I knew we were aligned in our mission and purpose; helping to make humans better leaders, inside and out, and to make a positive difference in each life we touch. I look forward to serving and giving and building relationships that will last forever."
As a coach, Hunter draws on his extensive leadership background to help leaders make better decisions, build stronger teams, improve performance and lead with purpose. His practical business experience, relational approach and firsthand understanding of executive leadership allow him to connect meaningfully with leaders and help them identify the habits, strategies and decisions needed to move forward.
Building Champions has been a trusted partner for leaders and organizations since 1996. The company offers individualized coaching, team development, workshops, executive retreats and leadership experiences designed to inspire growth and drive meaningful results. Guided by the belief that "Better Humans Make Better Leaders," Building Champions takes a holistic approach that focuses on the beliefs and behaviors that shape how leaders show up and perform.
According to data from Growjo, Building Champions reports annual revenue of $9.9 million and employs 67 staff members. The firm’s services are used by a range of industries, but its mortgage‑industry clients have grown in recent years as the housing market has become more complex and leaders seek guidance on navigating regulatory changes, talent retention and performance management.
The addition of Hunter is expected to strengthen Building Champions’ footprint in the mortgage sector and broaden its coaching portfolio. By leveraging Hunter’s deep industry knowledge, the firm can offer clients tailored insights on market dynamics, compliance, and operational excellence that are not typically available from generalist coaches.
Industry analysts note that the demand for executive coaching has risen as companies face rapid technological change and heightened scrutiny over governance. Firms that can combine coaching expertise with sector‑specific knowledge are positioned to capture a larger share of the market.
At present, Building Champions is preparing to launch a new series of workshops focused on leadership in regulated industries, with the first session scheduled for early July. Hunter will be a featured speaker, sharing lessons from his career in mortgage lending and how they translate into leadership principles.
The company’s website lists its core services and philosophy, and it continues to host webinars and retreats for executives across the United States. No immediate changes to its executive team or financial reporting have been announced.
As the housing market enters a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny, leaders in the sector will likely seek guidance on compliance and risk management. Building Champions’ new partnership with Hunter positions the firm to meet that need.
The next public update from Building Champions will come with its quarterly earnings report, expected in early September. Investors and clients will be watching to see how the firm’s expanded coaching roster impacts revenue and client acquisition.
