Laith Daik /President of Texas Loan Star

Laith I. Daik has over 15 years experience in both residential and commercial finance. Laith graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics from the University of Houston and immediately found his calling in real estate finance.  Laith has an active real estate sales license, Texas Mortgage Brokers License, Texas Regulated Loan License, and is a member of the Mortgage Banker’s Association, National Association of Mortgage Brokers, Houston, Texas and National Apartment Associations, Houston, Texas and National Association of Realtors, Houston Heights Association and the Heights Chamber of Commerce. He manages all aspects of operation and business development for both the commercial and residential mortgage banking loan departments of Texas Loan Star including client relations, investor relations, and bank relations. Laith is an active real estate investor and manages a personal income property portfolio consisting primarily of multi-family properties.  Laith is happily married to Jodie Daik for 10 years and counting.  Laith and Jodie are lovingly raising and nurturing two beautiful daughters Josephine and Cameron.

NMLS#293038

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:laith@texasloanstar.com

Ben Robichaux / VP Operations

Ben Robichaux was a Loan Officer with Texas Loan Star from November 2006 thru March of 2010. He recently rejoined Texas Loan Star as VP of Operations and is in the process of relocating to Houston. Originally from New Orleans, Ben returned to Louisiana after selling his business in Nashville, Tennessee where he attended Belmont University and met his wife while she was obtaining her Masters from Vanderbilt University. With over 10 years experience in owning his own business, Ben is very detail oriented and makes every effort to ensure a smooth operation. He is a recent tennis enthusiast and enjoys traveling with his wife, including skiing, snowboarding, the beach and visiting small out of the way places.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:ben@texasloanstar.com

Jack Vaughan /Sr. Loan Officer

Jack Vaughan is a Commercial and Residential Loan Officer and has been with Texas Loan Star for over 8 years. He has been to top loan producer for the past six years and has extensive knowledge in primary residence financing as well as investment financing. Jack graduated from the University of Houston in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and worked in the financial side of the restaurant business prior to entering the mortgage industry. In his spare time he is an active cyclist, wakeboarder, a Houston Astros fan, and a proud father.

NMLS#292981 

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:jack@texasloanstar.com

Halley Spencer/Sr. Loan Officer

Halley Spencer is an accomplished Residential Loan Officer with more than 9 years experience at Texas Loan Star. He is a Houston Heights native that graduated from Waltrip High School prior to playing football for the University of Houston. Halley and his beautiful wife Jennifer are the proud parents of three amazing children. In his spare time, Halley enjoys time with his family, golf and college football.

NMLS#295474

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:halley@texasloanstar.com

Shantill Salas /Loan Officer

Shantill Salas is a Residential Loan Officer who specializes in investor purchase money. As an investor herself she is very knowledgeable on the loan programs available and can help to expand your rental portfolio and build the nest egg you always wanted. As a mother of 5 she is very focused on your needs and can give the personal touch that you look for in a loan officer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children on the weekends and if there is any time left she is looking at property for new investment opportunities.

NMLS#294872

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:shantill@texasloanstar.com

Matthew Heckel / Loan Officer

Matthew Heckel recently joined the Texas Loan Star team as a professional residential loan officer, specializing in FHA and VA loans. His extensive experience comes from working in the mortgage industry over the last 6 years as both a loan officer and loan processor. Matthew is dedicated to assisting his clients through the loan process, while carefully monitoring each step of the process in a manner that provides a smooth and seamless closing. He enjoys creating satisfied clients by impressing them with his wealth of experience and outstanding customer service. Originally from Minnesota and Wisconsin, Matt graduated from the University of Minnesota, moved to the Houston area. He is a huge sports fan, particularly of his alma mater team, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. On his days off, he enjoys playing golf and softball with friends, as well as just having a good time with friends and family.

NMLS#295477

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:matt@texasloanstar.com

Mike Pitassi / Loan Officer

Mike "Mortgage Mike" Pitassi has been a Loan Officer for more than 13 years. He joined Texas Loan Star in August 2010. Mike's expertise as a Loan Officer has allowed him the opportunity to help many people successfully get the loan that fits their specific needs. Although originally from the northwest, Mike has lived in Texas for 10 years now and feels it is his home. When he isn't working, Mike enjoys spending time with his two wonderful children, playing basketball, swimming, and biking. A former music teacher, he also plays the saxophone and writes music.

NMLS#277781

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:mike@texasloanstar.com

Amanda Brouillette/Closing Coordinator

Our Closing Coordinator, Amanda L. Garrett, has over 8 years of mortgage industry experience. Amanda began her career at Texas Loan Star as a Junior Processor, but was quickly promoted to Closing Coordinator. Amanda has outstanding customer service skills. Her attention to detail and organizational skills enable Amanda to provide all Texas Loan Star clients a hassle free closing. Amanda oversees the mortgage banking operation including pre-closing, closing, funding and post- funding responsibilities. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Amanda now considers herself a Texan. She relocated to Houston in 2007 with her husband Frank Garrett. Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors with Frank, their American Bull Dog Krystal and their Boxer Danger.  

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:amanda@texasloanstar.com

Lisa Stoever/Sr. Processor

Lisa Stoever joined Texas Loan Star as a processor in May of 2008 and now heads our processing department. Lisa graduated from Texas A & M University and has been in the mortgage industry for 15yrs. She has held several positions during her career such as loan officer, processor, underwriter and regional credit officer. With Lisa's knowledge and experience she knows how to take a loan from beginning to end and can help structure your loan to meet specific program guidelines.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:lisa@texasloanstar.com

Arwen Huckabay/Processor

Arwen Huckabay recently joined the Texas Loan Star team as a junior processor.  Though this is her first time working in the mortgage industry, she brings with her seven years of customer service experience.  Having recently gone through the process of buying her first home she is eager to help make the loan process here as smooth as possible.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, baking, and hosting get-togethers for her friends.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:arwen@texasloanstar.com

Jenifer Jindra/Processor

Jenifer Jindra has been a part of the Texas Loan Star team for more than 3 years now. Recently promoted to Processor, her attention to detail and positive outlook allow her to succeed with each file that comes across her desk. She enjoys learning more about the business and growing with the industry. Jenifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and is currently pursuing a Master of Library Science degree at Texas Woman's University. When she isn't working she enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading, and writing.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:jenifer@texasloanstar.com

Kat Thomas / Jr. Processor

Kat Thomas, the youngest of our team members, joined Texas Loan Star in 2009 as a temporary receptionist but was quickly recognized for her initiative and eagerness to learn, allowing her to become a permanent member of the team. Her hard work was once again recognized and she was promoted to her current position as junior processor. Her attention to detail and dedication to the each customer allows a smooth process while the file is in her hands. Outside of the office, she is a full time college student and a mother of two. Although spare time is rare, she enjoys being outdoors with her children, Kyli and Manny, and husband, Eddy.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:kat@texasloanstar.com

Sylvia Gonzalez / Jr. Processor

Sylvia Gonzalez joined the Texas Loan Star Team as a Junior Processor in August 2010.  Although new to the mortgage industry, Sylvia has over ten years of customer service experience.  Her positive attitude and eagerness to learn more about the industry make her an integral part of our team. She attended the University of Houston and plans to return to complete her bachelor’s degree.  In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends, volunteering at Casa de Esperanza, and traveling.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:sylvia@texasloanstar.com

Hao Nguyen/Jr. Processor

Hao Nguyen recently joined the team at Texas Loan Star as a Jr. Processor.  Hao is very detail oriented with a background in customer service and three years experience in the mortgage industry.  Originally from Vietnam, Hao is fluent in both speaking and writing Vietnamese, and is currently attending night classes in pursuit of a BA in Finance.  He enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and going the movies.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:hao@texasloanstar.com

Jackie Galvan / Receptionist

Jackie Galvan joined Texas Loan Star in 2010 as receptionist, bringing with her experience in customer service. Her ability to multitask and knowledge of each team member enables her to provide satisfaction to customers. While maintaining the front office, she also lends a spare hand assisting the company president as well as the processing team. She is eager to gain knowledge and grow within the mortgage industry. When she is not working, she greatly enjoys spending time with her friends and her Pit Bull, Coco.

Direct:713.802.0606
Fax:713.802.0909
Email:jackie@texasloanstar.com