Our Team

Derek is the co-founder and VP of Mortgage Lending at Hixon Mortgage Co. 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 Senior 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.

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.

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!

Jake’s role as a Loan Officer 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.

With over 25 years of lending experience, Retta brings a passion for homeownership. She strives to create positive experiences for first-time and seasoned home buyers by offering the best financial product for their situations. With Retta’s compassion and tenacity, you have a professional in your corner when purchasing your dream home.

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.

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 Loan Coordinator 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. 

As a Senior Loan 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.

Gasandra Carlson is a trusted loan 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!

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!