Veterans United parent changes name of Springfield company

Columbia-based Mortgage Research Center LLC, the parent company of Veterans United Home Loans, is changing the name of its Springfield operation that launched around five years ago.

First Residential Independent Mortgage is emerging as the name of the Springfield business that operates at 1930 W. Bennett St., Ste. 100, according to an Oct. 6 news release. Company officials said the venture's former name, Paddio, is being retired.

"At First Residential Independent Mortgage, our focus is on enhancing as many lives as possible," said Ryan Kluttz, director of production at First Residential Independent Mortgage, in the release. "We're building on a strong foundation of purchase expertise and national lending experience. We'll be growing our team and investing in technology that allows us to deliver a seamless, personalized borrower experience that takes the guesswork out of buying or refinancing a home."

Officials say all current Paddio employees are transitioning to roles at First Residential Independent Mortgage, and the company "plans to hire new loan officers to meet increasing demand and support its continued growth across the country."

In 2024, Mortgage Research Center originated 261 loans totaling $64.7 million in the Springfield metropolitan statistical area, according to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act database. Mortgage Research Center has originated more than 800,000 nationwide loans to date through its lending operations, according to the release.

Paddio, a full-service mortgage lender, launched in 2020 at the intersection of Bennett Street and Kansas Expressway.