From Local Lender to National Leader: Ruoff Mortgage Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we reflect on four decades of growth, innovation, and commitment to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership dreams. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading mortgage lender, Ruoff's journey is a testament to our dedication to excellence and customer service.

David L. Ruoff founded Ruoff Mortgage in 1984 and was the owner for 29 years before retiring in 2012. His decision to create a mortgage company laid the foundation for an incredibly successful future. And when Dave’s son-in-law, and current owner and chief executive officer, Mark Music, took the helm in 2007, he set the trajectory for Ruoff Mortgage to have immeasurable success. All while providing positive opportunities for the hundreds of people employed by Ruoff Mortgage, as well as the countless clients and communities we serve.

Ruoff Mortgage team at the original headquarters location (now the Dupont branch).

40 Years of Remarkable Growth

The past 40 years have been particularly transformative for Ruoff Mortgage. Since 1984, we have experienced exponential growth, expanding from a single office with 18 employees at our inception to a multi-state operation with over 700 team members.

This growth has been accompanied by numerous accolades and achievements that highlight our commitment to excellence through the years—including being named one of the nation’s top 50 mortgage companies by Mortgage Executive Magazine, Top Mortgage Lender by Scotsman Guide, and making the list for the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc. 5000.

Mark believes the personal connection his team members have to the communities they serve is an integral part of the company’s sustained growth. “When we received our first Inc. 5000 award in 2013, I never dreamed that we were beginning a 10-year streak on the illustrious list.  It’s been an amazing ride, and I am grateful for the experience.”

Ruoff Mortgage has also been recognized for its dedication to its employees with multiple "Best Places to Work" awards in Indiana and other states where it operates.

Sarah Music, Ruoff Insurance CEO, & Mark Music, owner and CEO, at Mark's birthday celebration at headquarters, 2021.

Technological Advancements

Embracing innovation, we have invested heavily in technology to streamline the mortgage process. The introduction of the Ruoff Mobile App and the implementation of eClosings have significantly enhanced the customer experience, making the homebuying process more efficient and accessible.

“From our easy online pre-approval portal to our all-digital closing process, Ruoff has taken strides to streamline how clients move through the homebuying journey,” said Clint Morgan, Ruoff Mortgage Chief Lending Officer.

Expansion

As our footprint continues to expand, with new branch openings across multiple states and more loan officers joining our team to help our customers fulfill their dream of homeownership, our team has achieved a clear-to-close timeline of 15 days* in collaboration with our in-house underwriters, helping our clients move into their dream homes faster.

We plan to further extend our reach through a combination of organic growth and strategic partnerships with real estate agents and community involvement.

Technological Innovation

While continuing to invest further in cutting-edge technology, building on our success with digital solutions, our goal is to create a more seamless and personalized mortgage experience for customers. We have recently revamped our Loan Butler portal where customers can keep up with their loan progress through milestone notifications, submit documents, make payments, and much more.

Community Impact

We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Over the next 40 years, we plan to expand our charitable initiatives, focusing on affordable housing, financial literacy, and community development projects.

Our commitment to community impact is already evident through our current initiatives.

Ruoff Cares: This program allows employees to donate a portion of their paychecks to an internal support fund, with Ruoff matching these contributions. To date, over $100,000 has been donated and matched to help Ruoff employees facing challenges.

Ruoff Gives: We actively support local non-profit organizations in all the communities that we serve through sponsorships and donations. Over the last few years, we have contributed over $750,000 to charitable causes.

Volunteer Time Off: Employees are encouraged to give back by offering paid time off for volunteering. To date, our employees have completed over 1,000 hours of community service.

Financial Education: We are committed to improving financial literacy in our communities by providing various educational resources and workshops to help homebuyers better understand personal finance and homeownership.

We plan to build on these successful programs, expanding their reach and impact. Our goal is to be a leader in the mortgage industry and a driving force for positive change in the communities we serve.

Ruoff Mortgage volunteers helping Habitat for Humanity build a home, 2024.

Sustainability and Responsible Lending

Looking to the future, we are committed to promoting sustainable homeownership and responsible lending practices. This includes developing innovative mortgage products that cater to evolving market needs while ensuring long-term financial stability for borrowers. As we celebrate 40 years of helping our customers move into their dream homes, we do so with a sense of pride in our accomplishments and excitement for the future. Our journey from a small local lender to a nationally recognized mortgage leader is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer service. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, we plan to continue the legacy of success for decades to come.

“I’m very honored to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of my grandfather and the business’ namesake, Dave Ruoff,” said Blake Music, President of Ruoff Mortgage. “We have a company full of great people who are focused on giving our customers the best experience in the home finance industry, and I’m very excited to see what we can accomplish in the coming years.”

Judy Ruoff (left), Blake Music, President of Ruoff Mortgage (middle), and founder Dave Ruoff (right).

*The average Clear to Close time is dependent on loan type, proper documentation, and other qualifying factors. Loan decision is subject to satisfactory appraisal, title review, and no change to financial condition.