The Epic Team is ready to show you why we have been award winning for 11 years and counting!
broker
Dante Royster
NMLS 224309
Dante Royster is a veteran mortgage broker, podcast host, and author of The Ultimate Mortgage Guide, committed to transforming lives through financial literacy and homeownership empowerment. Since launching his career in 2002, Dante has guided countless individuals through the complex world of real estate finance, always grounded by the values instilled in him by his parents’ unwavering support and wisdom.
After weathering the turbulence of the 2007 real estate crash, Dante founded Full Court Services, gaining a firsthand education in resilience and strategic reinvention. Today, he leads as the founder of Epic Mortgage, a relationship-driven brokerage dedicated to putting people before paperwork. Licensed across multiple states as a Regional Mortgage Broker, he’s on a mission to make homeownership not just accessible, but deeply understood.
Dante also hosts the Epic Spotlight podcast—a platform where real estate, mindset, and personal growth intersect. Through candid conversations and expert insights, he equips listeners with the tools to build wealth, make smart decisions, and lead empowered lives.
Whether coaching clients through the mortgage process, authoring impactful guides, or sparking transformation through his podcast, Dante Royster is a trusted voice in a noisy industry—and your partner in building something epic.
Dante can be reached at dante@epic.mortgage or 708-905-5300.
Loan officer
David Querfeld
NMLS 231339
Born and raised a “military brat”, Dave has had the opportunity to live all over the world. This upbringing really helped mold one of his strongest personality traits, being "a people person”. Dave earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Montana. He was drawn to Big Sky Country to pursue an education but also to follow his passion for the outdoors including snowboarding, fly fishing, mountain biking, climbing, hiking and camping. Dave brings over 10 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Known as an enthusiastic, forward-thinking problem-solver, his skill set really brings our clients a sense of calm throughout the home purchase process. Dave resides in the western suburbs of Chicago where he is happily married with 3 kids and a blind beagle. As an avid music lover, you will find him supporting a wide range of local artists in our communities.
David can be reached at daveq@epic.mortgage or 312-459-6586.
Loan Officer
Vernice Durden
NMLS 2535855
Vernice Durden is a Loan Officer who brings a wealth of experience in financial administration. Based in Oak Park, IL, Vernice has built a reputation as a detail-oriented professional with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Vernice’s ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, has made her a trusted resource in the Real Estate Industry, she is well-equipped to provide tailored solutions for her clients. She listen to gain a thorough understanding of what the client needs and wants and her ability to speak openly and honestly about a transaction is her strength and is always welcome by her clients.
Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, Vernice is passionate about leveraging her financial expertise and client-focused mindset to help individuals achieve their homeownership dreams.
Vernice can be reached at simplisticproperties@yahoo.com or 708-989-9768.
loan officer
Joyce Calubaquib
NMLS 1079016
Joyce Calubaquib has over 20 years of experience serving Des Plaines and the Chicagoland area. Specializing in residential sales, investment properties, and luxury real estate, Joyce has built her career on a foundation of honesty, professionalism, and deep local market expertise.
A cornerstone of her community, Joyce is also an active leader in the Saint Zachary Parish Fil-Am Club, bringing the Filipino spirit of bayanihan (community service) to everything she does. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Joyce is committed to providing responsive, high-integrity service to help you achieve your real estate goals.
Joyce can be reached at joycecalubaquib@comcast.net or 847-903-8636.
loan officer
Marissa Hazelwood
NMLS 2132228
Marissa is a highly knowledgeable mortgage loan officer who loves math and numbers. Even more, she loves the people she gets to meet and helps to access the best home loan solutions to finance their homeownership dreams. Her clients are her priority. She approaches the process with due diligence and educates them on available financing options, effectively empowering them to make well-informed decisions. Nothing is more gratifying than seeing them go through the process seamlessly and successfully.
With many years of experience in the mortgage financing industry, Marissa has mastered the maxims of connecting clients with the most suitable financing options. Her competency lies in her ability to listen with attention to detail to help understand her clients' needs and find the best solutions. Building each relationship on a foundation of trust and positivity, she ensures that each client feels confident in their decisions and is set up for success. This approach makes her an outstanding advocate for both new and seasoned home buyers.
Marissa communicates with her clients regularly, giving them peace of mind and the comforting feeling that someone genuinely cares for their needs. As your go-to mortgage loan officer, her ultimate goal is to make your home ownership experience as personal and welcoming as possible. Contact her for the most blissful experience.
Marissa can be reached at mortgagewithmarissa@gmail.com or 773-231-2977.
Loan Officer
Kent Nichols
NMLS 227901
Kent has been a licensed loan originator for almost 20 years. He has seen the mortgage industry change and is able to adapt with the fluctuating market conditions and lending rules to help his customers find the most suitable loan product for their particular need. Kent also brings an additional business perspective with his experience and education related to accounting, tax and financial planning/preparation, and insurance needs. As a person who appreciates people, Kent looks forward to working together to help each customer fulfill their loan needs.
Kent can be reached at kent@epic.mortgage or 630-465-0141.
Loan Officer
Wayne Sparrock
NMLS 1267537
Wayne has over 18 years of experience providing various financial services to a plethora of clients in multiple industries, including accounting and bookkeeping, operational accounting, and financial management reporting.
As a family man, Wayne is from Barbados but lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He spends his spare time with his family, which includes two boys and a girl. Wayne’s goal is to provide financial services to not only business entities but also individuals from all walks of life to promote financial literacy.
Wayne can be reached at mlo@sparrockmgmt.org or 301-541-8748.
Loan Officer
Gil Freeman
NMLS 231092
Gil obtained a BS in business from Illinois State University with a minor in Economics. He started his career with Household Finance Corporation as an Office Manager. Gil continued to further his education in graduate school with several courses toward his master’s degree. He also obtained his real estate broker license. He later worked for Talman Bank, (subsequently known as LaSalle Bank of America), where he worked as a Commercial Loan Specialist, Real Estate Owned Asset Manager and Vice President of Sales and Operations. Under his leadership his office originated and closed over half a billion dollars in mortgage loans.
In 1996, Gil started his own mortgage company, (Palace Home Mortgage Corporation), where his office originated residential as well commercial lending for more the 15 years. As Managing Broker for Palace Realty, Gil has been involved in negotiations for over one billion dollars in residential and commercial property.
In his current role as Loan Officer and Community Development Manager, Gil is working to expand the Epic Mortgage, Inc. imprint in the Chicagoland area.
Gil can be reached at gfreeman@epic.mortgage or 773-230-1947.
Loan Officer
Adnan Jumani
NMLS 2626548
Adnan Jumani is a dedicated Mortgage Loan Officer with a passion for helping individuals and families achieve their dream of homeownership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in IT Management from Western Governors University, which has provided him with a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving skills that he leverages to streamline the mortgage process for his clients.
Adnan is licensed to serve clients in Illinois, Florida, and Texas, and specializes in guiding borrowers through the complexities of financing to find the loan solutions that best fit their needs. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to refinance, or exploring investment opportunities, he is committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.
Adnan takes pride in building long-lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and personalized support. Work with Adnan to turn your homeownership goals into reality.
Adnan can be reached at ajumani@epic.mortgage or 774-444-2300.
Loan Officer
Chinyere Patrick
NMLS 2681215
Chinyere Patrick is a highly experienced accountant with over 30 years of expertise in financial reporting, tax compliance and auditing. Known for her analytical skills, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, Chinyere has a proven track record of success in property investment, management and rehabilitation. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, financial literacy and estate planning, Chinyere is dedicated to providing insightful and actionable financial solutions.
Chinyere has leveraged her financial analysis skills as a Loan Officer and she is eager to help clients navigate the loan process with confidence and clarity. Her passion lies in understanding each borrower's unique needs and guiding them towards achieving their financial goals, whether it's first-time homebuying, investment property ownership or refinancing a previous purchase. Chinyere is committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a smooth, transparent experience from start to finish.
Outside of work, Chinyere enjoys interior design, reading and traveling, which reflects her curiosity, resourcefulness, and a love for learning.
Chinyere can be reached at cpatrick@epic.mortgage or 773-454-9740.
Loan Officer
Aquantis Davis
NMLS 2591699
Aquantis Davis is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, where he earned a double major in Kinesiology and Business. Like many young adults, Aquantis spent much of his early years living in apartments. As he grew older, he became increasingly interested in learning about wealth-building strategies and discovered a common pattern among many millionaires: a strong investment in real estate.
That discovery sparked a passion that would shape his financial journey. By the age of 30, Aquantis had purchased his first home and a three-unit investment property. Today, he is also part of an investment group that owns a Hyatt Regency hotel, expanding his experience in both residential and commercial real estate investing.
After experiencing firsthand the opportunities real estate can create, Aquantis became passionate about helping others achieve similar success. He began by assisting individuals with credit repair, helping them improve their financial standing and qualify for homeownership.
Today, Aquantis is committed to educating and empowering others by providing knowledge, guidance, and access to funding opportunities so they can turn their dreams of homeownership and financial freedom into reality.
Aquantis can be reached at aquantisd@gmail.com or 708-953-5385
Loan Officer
Lawrence “Louie” Masiclat
NMLS 220730
Lawrence Louie Masiclat is a seasoned mortgage professional with nearly 30 years of experience helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for guiding first-time homebuyers—especially those facing credit challenges—through the mortgage process with patience, knowledge, and strategic planning.
Known for his client-centered approach, Louie specializes in helping borrowers understand and improve their financial profile in order to position themselves for long-term success. His extensive experience in residential lending allows him to tailor mortgage solutions based on each borrower’s unique financial situation, goals, and future plans.
Louie’s professional philosophy is built around his signature “5 P’s” of service:
Preparation – Educating and orienting buyers on the importance of establishing and maintaining pristine credit as the foundation of successful homeownership.
Proactivity – Taking initiative in helping clients pursue their goals with clear direction, timely communication, and strategic mortgage planning.
Product Knowledge – Delivering customized lending solutions by matching borrowers with mortgage products that best suit their financial needs and objectives.
Persistence – Remaining detailed-oriented and committed throughout the lending process while nurturing strong relationships with first-time buyers, repeat clients, move-up buyers, and referral-based borrowers.
Professionalism – Upholding integrity, trust, transparency, and exceptional customer service in every client interaction and transaction.
Over the years, Louie has earned the trust of countless families through his dedication, responsiveness, and genuine commitment to helping clients overcome obstacles and secure financing opportunities that improve their lives. His passion for mentoring buyers and simplifying the mortgage process continues to make him a valued resource in the home financing industry.
Louie can be reached at LouieM@epic.mortgage or 630-327-7656
Loan Officer
Jess Ford
NMLS 493353
Jess Ford was born and raised in Detroit, MI. In 2010 after studying business at Eastern Michigan University she started her career in the mortgage industry as a loan officer. During this time, she discovered a passion for learning and development. While working for one of the largest consumer direct mortgage lenders in the country Jess was able to gain experience in training, sales coaching, and underwriting.
In 2013 she expanded her knowledge base by earning her credit certifications. As a Homeownership Coach, she educated potential borrowers across the country with below-average FICO scores; educating them about credit and preparing them for mortgages and has been doing so ever since. Jess later went on to work in business-to-business mortgage lending, training, and coaching hundreds of the best account executives in the country and assisting mortgage brokers all over the U.S. to expand and grow their businesses at the largest wholesale lender in the country.
Jess’s colleagues describe her as hard-working and ethical. Her dedication to excellence and integrity is unwavering. She has a deep passion for helping and educating everyone around her. She has a solid reputation for meeting the needs of her clients in a pleasant, prompt, and professional manner while maintaining confidentiality and providing a transparent process. Currently, Jess is a Business Development Consultant, and a licensed loan originator.
Jess can be reached at jessford@jfordcorp.com or 313-673-6108.