Our Team

Derek is president of Hixon Mortgage Company. He founded Hixon to provide better service and expanded loan products to homebuyers navigating a competitive and complex housing market. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Derek has seen firsthand how the industry has changed in recent years. He’s here to create a local mortgage company that offers personalized home lending and exceptional customer service to homebuyers in or relocating to the Pacific Northwest.

Brian has been invested in creating a better borrower experience for nearly two decades. Whether he’s helping clients find the best loan for their unique needs or explaining the loan process in an accessible way, he’s here to support and educate Hixon’s clients. Brian leads by example, using his depth of experience to teach employees and loan officers how to be successful. Everything he does comes from a place of empathy and wanting to truly hear his clients’ goals and help them reach them.

As a Mortgage Advisor, Brett is well-versed in what it takes to structure and originate loans, seeing clients through to the finish line (a new house!). Over his nearly 20 years of experience, he’s been recognized for his customer service and genuine care throughout the loan origination process. Since he started doing home loans in 2003, Brett has helped secure nearly 2,000 loans. He leverages this experience and a love for problem solving to help see clients through to the finish line. Brett holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Linfield College in Business and Economics. With his strong analytic, organizational, and relationship-building skills, he’s a natural fit for Hixon’s lending team.

Jake’s role as a Mortgage Advisor is to guide clients through the mortgage process, making sure they’re informed every step of the way. His favorite part of the job is crossing the finish line with his clients and seeing their joy. Whether he’s working with first-time homebuyers or clients looking to expand their real estate portfolio, he does the legwork to put them into the best financial position possible. A single father of three boys, Jake has his work cut out for him on the homefront. He loves the flexibility and work-life balance that Hixon’s company culture provides.

For over a decade, Jillian has been in the business of making homeownership dreams a reality. She believes that goals are goals, no matter how big or small. Whether she’s working with first-time homebuyers or helping investors build a portfolio, she gives each borrower the time, attention, and energy they need. As a former escrow officer, she knows how to keep many plates spinning, no matter how much pressure she’s under. She’s invested in the relationships she gets to build with each client she meets during the loan process.

As a Mortgage Advisor, Mike Martin brings extensive knowledge and experience to Hixon Mortgage Company. Since 1993, he’s helped clients obtain financing for their dream homes. His experience with today’s diverse lender programs helps his clients navigate the marketplace and optimize their loan decisions. From jumbo mortgages to conventional financing and first-time homebuyer loans, Mike is with clients every step of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

A community bank in Little Rock, Arkansas, was Mike’s first training ground and the perfect environment to learn the strong compliance skills and procedures he brings to the job today. In 1995, Mike moved to Bend, Oregon, and quickly found the true mortgage brokerage model to be the optimal solution for his clients. He remains a fierce advocate of this model as it allows his clients to secure the best possible financing for their unique situations.

In addition, Mike’s history of managing rental properties since 2001 makes him a perfect partner for first-time or well-seasoned investment property buyers.

When not in the office, Mike enjoys Central Oregon’s many outdoor activities with his wife, two children, and Australian Shepherd. His favorites include cycling, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, running, kayaking, boating, and camping. He’s a strong supporter of his children’s activities in soccer, ice hockey, and flying remote airplanes.

Marla’s experience ranges from working with small credit unions, and big banks to mortgage lenders. She’s worked in retail banking since 2000 in consumer lending (auto, boats, home equity) but mortgages always intrigued Her. She’s lived in Oregon most of Her life and has a good handle on real estate trends for this area of the country. Marla’s years of experience combined with Her personal and professional passions are why her clients come back to her year after year.

For Jamie, this work is all about the people, whether that’s helping people reach their homeownership dreams or helping the Hixon team. She loves taking every opportunity to get to know Hixon’s borrowers, understand their goals, and help them achieve their objectives. Having started in the industry two years ago, Jamie has a good understanding of the entire process from start to finish and brings a fresh perspective to home lending. She is thankful for the opportunity to help people own the home of their dreams!

Alyssa is the first face you’ll see when you walk into our Central Oregon office. And it’s a good thing, too. With her knack for detail and always-on energy, Alyssa leverages her role as Administrator to build an office environment where we can work as hard as we play. Whether she’s handling loan opening procedures, planning Hixon’s next community event, or dreaming up marketing efforts to get more potential homeowners in the door, she’s always keeping an eye out for growth opportunities. 

Gasandra Carlson is a Mortgage Advisor who services the Beaverton, OR area. As a member of the community, Gasandra is proud to accommodate all your home financing needs. With a specialty in first-time homebuyers, investment properties, refinances, and building your dream home, Gasandra knows there is a loan for every borrower – when you work with the right loan advisor!

For over a decade, Gretchen has been originating home loans differently. With her background in residential development and public relations, she knows how to communicate what’s most important. Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or looking to buy for the first time in 20+ years, she can help put your mind at ease. By thinking more like an underwriter and less like a salesperson, Gretchen sets the new bar on customer service within the mortgage industry. Whether you need her in the evening or on the weekend, she’s there to pick up the phone or answer your email. There’s no “9-5” mentality with Gretchen.

Rachel truly believes that purchasing a home should be exciting and joyful, not scary and confusing. That’s where our team of Professionals comes in. Call us dream makers, call us loan professionals, call us when you’re in a panic – we’re here to help fulfill your dream of homeownership and keep you smiling the whole way. As a processor, Rachel’s strong organizational skills, hands-on experience and attention to detail help ensure that our Loan Transactions close on time. Technically, we’re mortgage specialists, but we make amazing stuff possible!

Steven Roach is a Hixon Mortgage Advisor with seven years of experience in the field. Known for his easy-going, hardworking, and friendly demeanor, Steven takes pride in guiding clients through the process of getting pre-approved and supporting them on their journey to homeownership. He’s passionate about building trust with clients and offering personalized guidance and support every step of the way. His extensive experience collaborating with homeowners and enthusiasm for new challenges make him a valuable asset at Hixon Mortgage!

Dana Bruce brings over 20 years of experience to her role as a Mortgage Advisor at Hixon Mortgage. Known for her detail-oriented and creative approach, Dana takes pride in upholding integrity in all her interactions. Her motivation stems from helping individuals navigate the most significant financial transaction of their lives; her inspiration lies in being a trusted advisor and partner in making dreams a reality. With a degree from the University of Oregon and a talent for problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking, Dana is well-equipped for her role. She is most excited about the opportunity to work with the supportive crew and culture at Hixon Mortgage, allowing her to provide her clients with superior value and product offerings. As a true Bendite, born and raised, Dana is deeply rooted in her community and looks forward to continuing to serve the area with passion and dedication.

Heidi is a seasoned Mortgage Loan Processor/Closer with over 23 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Her expertise spans a wide range of responsibilities, including loan application review, document verification, underwriting coordination, closing document preparation, and disbursement.

Heidi thrives on solving complex problems and contributing to positive outcomes for individuals and communities. She is passionate about helping clients achieve their homeownership dreams and takes pride in building strong relationships based on trust, empathy, and understanding.

With a strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration, she’s excited to join the Hixon team and contribute to the company’s continued success!

Mike Smith is an experienced Mortgage Advisor with over 25 years in the industry. Before entering the mortgage field, he had a successful career as a TV news anchor and reporter. Mike’s strong communication and interpersonal skills enable him to build trusting relationships with clients, guiding them through the complexities of the homebuying process.

Having lived in Bend since 1989, he possesses a deep understanding of the local market and is committed to serving the community. Outside of work, you can find him skiing, hiking, kayaking, playing pickleball, or enjoying live music. Mike is excited to join the Hixon Mortgage team, collaborating with a group of forward-thinking professionals dedicated to excellence in mortgage lending.

John DesCamp is a seasoned Mortgage Advisor with over 35 years of experience in the financial industry, starting in banking in 1988 and specializing in mortgages since 1995. He is passionate about educating clients and guiding them through the complexities of securing a mortgage, earning their appreciation through his dedicated and helpful approach. John enjoys the analytical aspects of his work, delving into the details of each file, while also valuing the personal connection established through face-to-face meetings. His Series 66 and 7 Securities licenses, coupled with his extensive background in banking and lending, provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape, enabling him to offer sound, long-term financial guidance. He is excited to be part of the Hixon Mortgage team and looks forward to working with the people there. Outside of work, John is a family man with a wife (a financial advisor in Bend!), three sons, and two grandchildren, and enjoys life on his farm in Tumalo.