By: Nick Raubenolt | VP, Director of Talent – University Bank
Date: March 20th, 2025
As Vice President of Talent at University Bank, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the growth of our incredible team over the past 13 years. That is why I am incredibly proud to share that University Bank has been officially recognized as a Top Places to Work, an honor that truly reflects the dedication and passion of every single member of our team. This achievement is particularly meaningful to me, as I believe my work in talent acquisition directly contributes to cultivating the kind of workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. Building a positive and supportive environment is at the heart of what we do, and it is incredibly gratifying to see those efforts recognized. This recognition is especially significant for Midwest Loan Services, as it underscores our position as a trusted mortgage subservicer dedicated to excellence in loan servicing and credit union mortgage subservicing.
Professional Journey
My career path began in the financial services sector as a mortgage banker, where I honed my interpersonal skills and gained valuable experience. This role gave me a deep understanding of the needs of both clients and industry professionals. I then made a pivotal career move into recruitment at University Bank, the parent company of Midwest Loan Services, enticed by its strong workplace culture and growth opportunities. In retrospect, this was the most impactful decision of my career. Today, I am proud to lead the talent acquisition efforts that support Midwest Loan Services, ensuring that we continue to build a workplace culture that values and empowers employees in the specialized field of mortgage subservicing and credit union mortgage servicing.
Inside University Bank’s Award-Winning Culture
The Detroit Free Press’s “Top Places to Work” designation is a significant recognition for University Bank and Midwest Loan Services, as it is based directly on employee feedback and acknowledges our positive work environment. The selection process starts with a simple sign-up, followed by a confidential employee survey that evaluates factors such as employee satisfaction, workplace culture, and a people-first approach. Employees are asked to rate their workplace on various aspects, including leadership confidence, employee engagement, work flexibility, and benefits.
As someone deeply involved in shaping our workplace culture, I believe that one of the most special aspects of Midwest Loan Services is how deeply committed we are to both our employees and our community. As the talent acquisition leader at University Bank, I am proud to support Midwest Loan Services in fostering an environment where innovation, inclusivity, and personal growth are truly valued. Leadership genuinely listens, supports career development, and encourages employees to bring their ideas to the table. It is a place where people are not just filling roles, they are making a meaningful impact. The strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose makes Midwest Loan Services not just an employer, but a place where careers thrive and people feel valued.
Midwest Loan Services promotes a workplace culture that values open communication, professional growth, and work-life balance. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in our welcoming and collaborative environment, where varied perspectives are encouraged and appreciated. This is integral to our operations, including mortgage subservicing, and ensures that all our clients receive exceptional service and support. Our dedication to supporting credit unions, banks, and mortgage lenders in their loan servicing operations is a core part of our business.
Our dedication to our employees, community, and strong leadership is further exemplified by our recognition as a “Top Place to Work.” Bank Director Magazine has also acknowledged our outstanding performance, and we received the “Community Bankers of the Year” award from the American Banker newspaper in 2006 and 2009. This remarkable track record highlights our unwavering commitment to our employees and the communities we serve. It also emphasizes our focus on sustainable growth, strong leadership, and positive impact. We provide a solid foundation and a path for long-term career development for individuals seeking to excel in mortgage servicing or credit union mortgage subservicing.
Talent Acquisition Strategies Behind the Success
In my role, my focus is on identifying and recruiting professionals who possess a passion for our mission and align with our core values. While the marketplace has challenges, like talent shortages, strong competition for qualified candidates, and the need to move quickly, we overcome these with a proactive and strategic approach. This includes building robust talent pipelines by leveraging partnerships with local universities and professional organizations and utilizing digital platforms to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We also actively participate in industry events and career fairs to connect with potential candidates who are passionate about mortgage subservicing, credit union mortgage servicing, and related fields.
A key element of our success is our focus on cultural fit. We utilize behavioral-based interviews and value-driven assessments to ensure candidates not only possess the necessary skills and experience but also align with our core values of integrity, teamwork, and innovation. This is especially important when recruiting for specialized roles in mortgage subservicing, where a commitment to ethical practices and customer service is paramount. And of course, this effort is applied to staffing across the organization, including at our Midwest Loan Services division.
We also use technology, new trends, and innovative approaches when it comes to recruiting and finding suitable candidates. This dedication to cultural alignment ensures that our talent acquisition contributes directly to the workplace culture that earned us the “Top Places to Work” distinction. Our goal is not just to fill positions but to build a high-performing team that is committed to providing exceptional mortgage subservicing and contributing to the success of our organization.
Building on the Top Places to Work Foundation
We are proud of our ‘Top Places to Work’ recognition and intend to utilize this distinction strategically to attract exceptional talent. This achievement underscores what current employees already understand: we have cultivated a workplace where individuals can genuinely grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel valued. Furthermore, the family of University Bank divisions supports the growth of employees by enabling them to apply internally to other areas within the organization. The Midwest Loan Services division currently possesses exciting career opportunities at both our Jacksonville, FL, and Hancock, MI, operation centers. These positions range from entry-level to senior leadership roles, all providing clear avenues for professional advancement. Our success stories demonstrate the potential for growth; numerous team members who began in mortgage subservicing at Midwest Loan Services have progressed to more specialized positions, such as Mortgage Closer, and beyond. We are building a future in which University Bank and Midwest Loan Services are recognized leaders in credit union mortgage subservicing innovation.
Closing Reflection
The ‘Top Places to Work’ award stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion exhibited by each member of the Midwest Loan Services family. I am extremely proud to be a part of this exceptional organization and am excited to observe our future accomplishments. To all individuals who have contributed to the creation of a workplace culture worthy of this recognition, I extend my sincere gratitude. If you are looking to grow your career with a leading mortgage subservicer, I invite you to explore career opportunities at Midwest Loan Services. Join a team dedicated to excellence in loan servicing, mortgage subservicing, and supporting credit unions with top-tier mortgage solutions.