DALLAS, Texas — Today, HousingWire announced the 2026 Marketing Leaders, honoring 70 marketing professionals who are driving growth, strengthening brands and shaping the future of housing. These leaders are behind the campaigns, strategies and customer experiences helping mortgage, real estate and homebuilding companies stand out in a competitive market.
“The 2026 Marketing Leaders are raising the bar for what effective marketing looks like in housing,” said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. “They are combining creativity, strategy and data-driven execution to build stronger brands and deeper customer connections”
Each year, HousingWire’s selection committee evaluates Marketing Leaders nominees based on professional achievements, measurable business impact, leadership within their organizations, and their broader contributions to the housing economy. These honorees are known for building high-performing marketing teams, driving forward-thinking initiatives, and making a lasting impression on both customers and the market.
“HousingWire’s Marketing Leaders represent the professionals shaping how housing companies connect, compete and grow in a constantly evolving market,” said HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. “As market conditions, client expectations and business priorities continue to shift, this year’s honorees are helping their organizations adapt, innovate and grow. We’re proud to recognize the marketers driving meaningful impact across housing.”
This year’s honorees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity and execution in helping their organizations grow and connect with customers in meaningful ways. Through innovative campaigns, strong brand strategy and measurable business impact, they continue to elevate marketing across the housing industry.
FirstClose’s Head of Marketing, David Bolin, is a recipient of the 2026 Marketing Leaders Award. Since joining FirstClose, David has expanded the FirstClose marketing team from 1 to 8 members and created a function that now generates 65% of total pipeline, a true testament to what strategic, data-driven marketing can achieve. This recognition highlights not only David’s leadership but also the entire team’s commitment to translating complex lending technology into stories that connect with lenders.
About HousingWire
HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data and research, respected business journalism and must-attend events for housing leaders to use to advance their understanding and business outcomes. Our vision is a world in which housing leaders have a complete view of the housing market, and a broad community of peers with whom they can connect. We are committed to delivering the data, analytics, media, and events that advance this vision. Because housing is too important for narrow perspectives and missed connections. Informed housing leaders are better housing leaders. A connected housing industry is a better housing industry. And the full picture always reveals new opportunities.
Explore more at www.housingwire.com.
Contact:
Lesley Collins
Program Manager // HW Media
lesley@hwmedia.com
About FirstClose
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.