To help our members get to know one another, NRMLA publishes periodic member spotlights featuring professionals from across the reverse mortgage ecosystem.
Meet Ron Kamler, President & CEO of Alliance Reverse Mortgage, based in Santa Rosa, CA.
On his LinkedIn profile, Ron says, “I’m a HUGE passionate supporter of everything Credit Union and whole heartedly believe the world would be a better place if traditional businesses treated their employees and customers (members) as a Credit Union would. My primary objective is partnering with credit unions to create a resource for their members to obtain reverse mortgage in a responsible manner.”
How did you get into the reverse mortgage world?
I found my way into the reverse mortgage world completely by accident. About 19 years ago, a previous client called me for help. I had assisted her and her husband years earlier with a traditional mortgage. Sadly, her husband had since passed away, and with the loss of his pension, she was left with only her own retirement income. She owned a beautiful home in Santa Barbara valued at about a million dollars, but her income simply wasn’t enough to cover property taxes, insurance, and everyday living expenses. She asked me about getting a reverse mortgage, and at that time, I’ll admit—I didn’t think very highly of the product. But I also did not know anything about reverse mortgages. I advised her to consider a HELOC instead, and she agreed. A few days later, she called me back in tears. She said, ‘I’ve done the math, and I’m going to run out of money. I won’t be able to afford my mortgage, my taxes, or my insurance. I’ll lose my home. You’re my guide—please figure this out for me.’ Reluctantly, I started researching reverse mortgages that week. By the end of it, I was completely humbled by what I learned. I realized that the reverse mortgage product was not only far better than I’d thought—it was life-changing. We completed her loan, it was the first time in my career I felt a deep, personal sense of fulfillment, selfishly gratifying. I knew I had helped someone stay in the home she loved and restored her peace of mind. That experience changed the course of my career, and I’ve been dedicated to serving seniors through reverse mortgages ever since.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone who wants to get into the reverse mortgage world, what would it be and why?
That’s such an important question. We absolutely need more loan originators entering the reverse mortgage space—but it’s critical that they do it with the right mindset and the right mentorship. The learning curve in this business is steep and spending a few hours online won’t prepare you for the depth of understanding and compassion it truly requires. If you’re going to step into the reverse mortgage world, find a mentor who can guide you—someone who’s been through the challenges and can help you navigate them. Read everything you can. Ask questions. Learn constantly. And understand that even after 18 years in this business, I still come across situations I’ve never seen before. Most importantly, make sure your heart is in the right place. This isn’t just about loans—it’s about people. You must listen more than you speak, approach every borrower with empathy, and put their best interests first every single time. If you can do that, this work will not only change the lives of your clients—it will change yours too.
What do you consider to be your greatest career accomplishment to date?
Without question, my greatest professional accomplishment has been building lasting, trusted partnerships with credit unions. Partnering with credit unions is not a right—it’s a privilege that must be earned. These institutions hold themselves, and their partners, to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and member service. Since 2007, our team at Alliance Reverse Mortgage has worked tirelessly to meet and exceed those expectations. I’m incredibly proud that over all these years, serving credit union members, we’ve never had a single member complaint. That’s not just a reflection of our expertise—it’s a testament to the values we share with our credit union partners: doing what’s right for the member every single time. To me, that alignment—earning and maintaining the trust of credit unions while helping their members achieve financial peace of mind—is the true measure of success.
What reverse mortgage issues or topics are you most focused on right now?
Right now, our focus is on expanding awareness and reshaping perceptions of reverse mortgages. For too long, the product has been seen as something only for those in financial distress—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re working to educate financial advisors and real estate professionals about how a reverse mortgage can be a proactive financial planning tool. For example, many older homeowners—particularly those living on acreage or in large family homes—are looking to “right-size” their lifestyle. They want more freedom, flexibility, and financial security without sacrificing comfort. By using a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, they can sell their existing home, buy their next one with roughly half down, and keep the rest of their funds to enhance retirement income or preserve savings. Helping advisors and real estate agents understand how this can transform their clients’ financial futures is a big part of our mission today. We are also working “full throttle” towards building new credit union partnerships.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or pursuits?
My favorite moments are the simple ones at home with my family. We have two college-aged sons still living at home, and I really treasure the evenings when the four of us are together around the table—sharing a meal, talking, laughing, and just catching up. Those nights are a gift. Outside of family, aviation is a huge passion of mine. I love spending time at the airport, just hanging out in our hangar. There’s something about the smell of jet fuel, the sound of engines, and the camaraderie among people who share that same love of flying. Aviation is definitely a hobby and a pursuit—it’s a place where I can relax, recharge, and connect with others who feel the same way.
Why did you become a NRMLA member, and what has been your favorite NRMLA event and why?
We’ve proudly supported NRMLA since 2007 because we truly believe that everyone in the reverse mortgage industry should support the organization that supports us all. NRMLA has played a vital role in driving thoughtful policy and advocacy that benefit both lenders and borrowers. The association’s commitment to consumer education, professional standards, and ethical practices has elevated the entire industry. Without NRMLA’s leadership and dedication, the reverse mortgage space wouldn’t be where it is today. As for favorite events — we’ve enjoyed every NRMLA conference we’ve attended, but one that stands out was held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, around 2008. It was the event of all events — an incredible atmosphere, full of energy, connection, and collaboration. It really captured what makes NRMLA so special: bringing together people who care deeply about serving seniors the right way.
