We Started This Because
It Needed to Be Done Better.
Mike O'Brien and Matthew Wentz saw a mortgage industry that had become complicated, opaque, and impersonal. They built Speak Straight to fix that — local, transparent, and fast.
Built on a Simple Idea
In late 2022, Mike O'Brien and Matthew Wentz started Speak Straight Mortgage with a clear purpose: Colorado homebuyers deserved a local lender who would give it to them straight — no runaround, no jargon, no inflated retail pricing.
We put all of our focus on the Colorado market and built real relationships with local partners in Denver and Colorado Springs. Every file we originate goes through the wholesale channel, which means our clients get better pricing than they'd find walking into a bank.
Zach Belloni joined the team and brought the same energy. Three loan officers, one mission: make this the easiest and most honest mortgage experience in Colorado.
We don't hand you off to call centers. We don't cold call. We work by text and email, we schedule calls when you're ready, and we close what we commit to. That's it.
What Speak Straight Actually Means
These aren't wall decorations. They're the three things we'd want from our own lender.
Innovation
We work the wholesale channel — not retail. That means better pricing, access to more programs, and creative solutions for situations that don't fit a standard box. We build tools, run analyses, and think through your scenario so you don't have to.
Integrity
We tell you what the numbers actually say. If a program isn't right for you — even if it's easier for us — we'll say so. We explain the tradeoffs between a grant and a second lien. We talk about refinance implications before you sign. You deserve the full picture.
Excellence
Colorado only, always. We know these counties, these programs, these underwriters, and these timelines. We close FHA, VA, and Conventional loans in 14 days or less. USDA and DPA programs in 21 days or less. We don't guess — we know. And when we commit to something, we close it.
Three People, One AI. One Standard.
Emma makes first contact. The humans handle everything else. Every file has a real person attached — Emma just makes sure you reach them faster.
Mike O'Brien
Co-owner and seasoned originator. Mike grew up in rural northern Colorado and brings deep experience across VA, FHA, and conventional loans. He taught the CHFA down payment assistance class for many years — so when it comes to DPA programs, few know them better. Known for getting to closing when others can't and for having smiles all around the table. An avid sports fan who brings the same competitive mindset to every file.
Matthew Wentz
Owner and loan originator. Matthew focuses on the Aurora and Colorado Springs markets and is knowledgeable in USDA, VA, and DPA programs. He will sit with you until you understand the full picture. A formally trained chef, Matthew is also known for delivering homemade food as a closing gift — his way of making the milestone personal.
Zach Belloni
A Colorado native, former college football player, and Mike O'Brien's son-in-law, Zach brings the same discipline from the field to every file. He raised the bar on client experience from day one — patient, clear, and always reachable. An avid weightlifter and sports enthusiast, he handles the Denver metro market with the same no-runaround standard.
Emma
Emma is first to reach out after you submit a survey — by text and email, 24/7, no hold music. She knows every program, every income limit, and exactly which loan officer to connect you with. She has never once said "your call is very important to us." A real person is always one step behind her — which is exactly the point.
"We saw a need for a local, transparent, fast & simple process to get a mortgage loan. So we built it."
— Mike O'Brien & Matthew Wentz, Co-founders
In Their Own Words
This was my fiancé and I's first time buying a home and Zach made the whole experience very comfortable and easy. His father-in-law Mike was also there every step of the way along with Matt! Those three gentlemen made the process so smooth that all we had to do was go look at homes and put in an offer. Will definitely recommend anyone I know!
I can't say enough good things about Matthew Wentz. I've been trying to buy a home for so many years and at times felt completely hopeless. Matthew changed everything — he sat down with me step by step, never made me feel rushed or overwhelmed. Thanks to his patience and genuine care, I finally feel like I was given a real chance.
Mike is a true pro! We just completed another transaction together and there were smiles all around the closing table. Mike and his team are trustworthy, reliable, honest, hard working, and super knowledgeable on all facets of the lending business. Looking forward to our next transaction.
Ready to Work With Us?
The first step is a free conversation. No credit pull, no obligation, no pressure. Emma will reach out by text — or you can schedule directly.