Los Angeles, CA, October 2025 – For the second year in a row, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) has named Alex Shekhtman, founder and CEO of LBC Mortgage, Broker of the Year – an honor that highlights not just production and leadership, but the kind of work that actually changes lives.
For Shekhtman, who built LBC from the ground up, the award is meaningful – but not for the usual reasons.
“This isn’t about a title,” he said. “It’s a reflection of what we’ve stood for all along – finding ways to help people who get overlooked by the traditional system. That’s always been the heart of what we do.”
A Spotlight on the Self-Employed
The award comes at a time when Shekhtman and the LBC team are seeing their impact grow across all eight states where the company is licensed – California, Florida, Illinois, Washington, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado – particularly among one group: self-employed borrowers.
“In 2025, it’s normal to have your own business or side hustle,” Alex explains. “But the mortgage world hasn’t fully caught up to that. We see it all the time – great income, strong financials, and still a decline from the bank because of how their tax returns look.”
That’s where LBC’s Bank Statement Program comes in. Instead of relying on W-2s or tax filings, it looks at actual deposits over the past 12-24 months to qualify income.
“We have digital marketers, Amazon sellers, YouTubers – all kinds of entrepreneurs,” Alex said. “They’re smart with money, they run profitable businesses – and still, they get turned away because they don’t fit a narrow definition of ‘qualified.’ That’s who we’re here for.”
The program has helped hundreds of borrowers who would otherwise be stuck renting or delaying their plans, finally move forward with homeownership – sometimes after years of being told “no.”
Shekhtman is quick to point out that it’s not the only thing they do.
“We do everything – FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo,” he said. “But we’ve always had a special focus on the clients who hear ‘no’ somewhere else first.”
A Personal Mission
For Shekhtman, it’s more than just business – it’s personal. As an immigrant himself, he remembers what it was like to learn the U.S. financial system from scratch.
“There was no one to explain anything in a language I could understand – not just English, but in a way that felt human,” he said. “That confusion, that sense of being outside the system – I’ve never forgotten it. And I don’t want our clients to ever feel that way.”
That mindset has shaped LBC’s reputation: clear communication, fast response times, and a commitment to real support – especially during a market that’s been anything but predictable.
“Headlines are all over the place, buyers are tired,” Shekhtman said. “But that just means our job is more important than ever. We need to be the calm in the storm. Someone they can actually call and get a real answer from.”
Team First, Always
While the award has Alex’s name on it, he’s quick to point to the team behind him.
“This is a team win, full stop,” he said. “The loan officers, the underwriters, the processors who answer calls – they’re the ones who make it work. I might be the face of LBC, but they’re the heartbeat.”
The company has grown steadily over the past few years, not just in loan volume but in people – adding team members across multiple states, expanding internal training, and launching tools that help clients understand their mortgage options with less stress and more clarity.
“We’ve built something special,” Alex said. “Maybe not perfect, but solid, honest, and real. And I think that’s why this award hit home for me. It feels like the industry noticed that the way we do things – works.”
Looking Ahead
LBC plans to continue expanding its education-first approach, launching more materials and guides focused on helping self-employed buyers, first-time homebuyers, and immigrant families navigate their options.
“We’re not here to sell anyone,” Alex added. “We’re here to help you understand what’s possible, and when you’re ready – we’re ready.”
About LBC Mortgage
LBC Mortgage is a national mortgage brokerage licensed in California, Florida, Illinois, Washington, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado. Known for fast closings, clear communication, and personalized service, LBC partners with borrowers and real estate professionals to simplify the mortgage process and help people reach their goals.
Media Contact:
Sofiia Kovalchuk
Head of PR, LBC Mortgage
sofiia@lbcmortgage.com
(818) 217 0138
lbcmortgage.com