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History
Started by one.
Built by many.
With over five decades of experience in providing loans, service, and expertise to homebuyers, Guild Mortgage upholds an enduring presence in the lending community. By strategically meeting the ups and downs of the real estate and financial markets, Guild has remained steadfast in its mission to provide affordable home financing, unsurpassed service, and a dedicated workforce to meet our customers’ needs.
Guild is now a nationally recognized mortgage banking company with more than 250 branches and satellites serving homebuyers throughout the United States.

1960s
The Beatles burst on the scene, and John F. Kennedy challenged us to reach the moon.
The company was named “Guardian Mortgage” before it became Guild.
FHA Pioneers
Guild became experts in government backed loans for first time homebuyers.
A Company was Born
Guild Mortgage was founded in San Diego in 1960 by Martin Gleich.

Tech Culture
From the beginning, Guild began exploring the use of technology to improve its operations.
Home Building
At first, Guild provided loans only to purchasers of homes built by American Housing Guild.
1970s
Innovation in Tech
By designing and operating its IT systems in-house, Guild distinguished itself in the mortgage industry.
Go West
Business was good, and Guild opened its first branch offices in other western states.
Homebuyer Advocates
Always an advocate for first time homebuyers, Guild began working with Ginnie Mae.

Topped Out
American Housing Guild built the last of over 20,000 homes in the west.
Tech Culture
Guild’s first computer was an IBM with no monitor and 24kb RAM.
1980s


Fast Forward
High speed data transfer, mobile phones and personal computers helped redefine customer service.
Business Diversification
Guild added consumer timeshare loans to its portfolio and purchased Red Carpet Realty.

A New Direction
Mary Ann McGarry joined Guild and introduced entrepreneurial management to the company.
The Wall Comes Down
After 28 years, the Berlin wall came down, effectively ending the cold war.
Business Expands
Guild launched its wholesale mortgage business with great success.
Blast Off!
The first space shuttle Columbia took to the skies in a spectacular launch from Florida.
1990s
Enterprise Branches Grew
Entrepreneurial branch managers sparked renewed growth and increased profitability.
Star Struck
The Hubble space telescope entered orbit, sending back the clearest images ever taken of our galaxy.
The Internet Gets Busy
New browsers and the “World Wide Web” took hold and brought email to the office.

Easier Qualifying
Guild established automated underwriting, which streamlined the process of qualifying buyers for loans.
Cloning
The first mammal was cloned and Dolly the sheep was elevated to celebrity status.
Computers Shrink
Laptops allow greater mobility and flexibility to Guild employees.
2000s
The End of an Era
Guild founder Martin Gleich retired in 2007 and Mary Ann McGarry became CEO.
Site Title

When the Bubble Burst
The housing market imploded, causing great distress to families across the country.
Weathering the Storm
Guild avoided the sub-prime market and emerged from the downturn healthy and strong.
A Fresh Identity
After 40 years, Guild introduced a new company logo design.
Terror Strikes
On September 11, 2001, the country, and the world, were changed forever.
Going Social
Facebook and Twitter became a fixture in our lives, as did interactive websites, smartphones and HD TV.
2010s

Winning the West
From its home office in San Diego, Guild oversees over 70 branch offices in 11 western states.
Optimism Prevails
As it grows, Guild continues to deliver outstanding service with a small company feel.
A Revamped Website
Educational materials and interactive tools become an integral part of the Guild web experience.
Tech Evolves
Smartphone apps and web-based cloud technology keep Guild employees and clients connected.
Remembering Martin Gleich
Guild’s Founder passes away at the age of 87.
The Time for First Time Homebuyers
Low home prices and interest rates create a great market for first timers.