Awards

2020 HW Rising Star: Clay McMurray

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. Chief Marketing Officer

Clay McMurray
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. Chief Marketing Officer, Age: 38

As Fairway Independent Mortgage’s first chief marketing officer, Clay McMurray scaled the marketing team from seven to more than 30 teammates supporting over 2,700 loan officers at over 650 branches. McMurray’s team provides unparalleled support to the company’s 2,700 plus career-professional loan officers and established Fairway as one of the nation’s largest retail lenders. McMurray spearheaded a program which created a 239% increase in branch visits and 159% increase in phone calls. He also led the creative vision and direction for Fairway’s rebrand and website design, successfully sourced and launched marketing tech that has resulted in exponential growth and leads the company’s on-demand marketing platform, which in 2019, delivered over 9 million emails—about 3.8 pieces for each Fairway loan officer. His expertise has led recognition as No. 1 USDA purchase units and volume 2019, No. 1 Federal Housing Administration purchase volume in 2018, and No. 1 mortgage company to work for, five years in a row. 

What is one habit that has helped you succeed? 
“‘Always finish what you start.’ This phrase was very popular in my home growing up, and it’s helped guide me throughout my life. School, sports, marriage, parenting, work…it’s a discipline that applies across the board, and it’s something I practice every day.” 

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While many homebuilders, such as D.R. Horton and Tri Pointe Homes, significantly reduced the number of new home starts over the last quarter amid sluggish homebuyer demand, Smith Douglas Homes Corp. is taking a different approach, akin to that of Lennar. Pace over price.  The builder’s strategy reflects a commitment to affordability and serving the […]

Mar 18, 2026 By

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