Several mortgage companies off to a fast start in 2019 are finding success with similar strategies: they empower their brokers and loan officers with good processing technology and a positive office culture, allowing them to focus solely on customer service.

The fastest-growing residential mortgage lender in Massachusetts through the first six months of 2019 is Total Mortgage Services, according to The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. The company has long had a presence in Connecticut, where it’s done business for more than 20 years.

According to The Warren Group, Total Mortgage’s residential loan volume increased 875 percent this year compared to the same stretch in 2018, going from $10.9 million to $106.2 million.

The loan originators and branch managers booking that business in Massachusetts said Total Mortgage’s success here is grounded in two things: a concerted effort to build technology infrastructure that streamlines processing, marketing and other operational support, and promoting a company culture where everyone is excited to come to work.

Who were the fastest-growing lenders in the first half of this year? Check out our Fast 50 special section to find out!