About Us

Laura Lea Blanks

About Laura Lea Blanks:

Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree from Georgia College & State University and a Master’s degree from Lamar University, I bring nearly three decades of experience in education and nonprofit leadership to every relationship I serve. My career has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to empowering individuals, advocating for equity, and creating meaningful, lasting impact.
Through my involvement with Leadership Longview and my work in event strategy and community engagement, I have led impactful experiences for women and families—highlighting voices that inspire growth, resilience, and purpose. Along the way, I developed grant-writing expertise to expand opportunities for twice-exceptional students and became a passionate advocate for special education rights.
My leadership roles supporting accreditation initiatives through Cognia sharpened my strategic thinking, strengthened my ability to navigate complex systems, and reinforced my belief that clarity, integrity, and communication change outcomes.
As many of my former students now step into adulthood—and into homeownership—I find deep purpose in continuing to guide others through life-shaping decisions. That passion ultimately led me to mortgage lending, where education, advocacy, and trust matter just as much as numbers.
Today, as the founder of EPIC Mortgage, I serve as a  mortgage advisor and advocate—helping individuals and families navigate the mortgage process with confidence, transparency, and a long-term vision for financial stability and generational wealth.

“Mortgage lending is where education, advocacy, and life-changing decisions meet. Helping people build stability and generational wealth through homeownership is a continuation of the work I’ve always done—just in a different form.”

Ashley James

About Ashley James:

With a strong foundation in both real estate and mortgage lending, I bring a well-rounded, results-driven approach to every client I serve. I hold an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Kilgore College and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law from The University of Texas at Tyler—an educational background that sharpened my attention to detail, analytical thinking, and understanding of complex processes.
As a licensed Realtor and Residential Mortgage Loan Officer, my career is built on one core belief: informed clients make confident decisions—and confident decisions lead to better outcomes.
My experience spans wholesale and retail mortgage processing, loan officer assistance, and active real estate sales. This dual expertise allows me to see the full picture—from pre-approval to the closing table—and anticipate potential challenges before they arise. I understand how underwriting works behind the scenes, how financing impacts negotiations, and what it takes to keep a transaction moving forward smoothly.
I take pride in being a clear communicator, a strong advocate, and a reliable resource for my clients. Whether I’m guiding a first-time homebuyer, helping a seller navigate the market, or structuring financing options, my goal is always the same: to make the process feel less overwhelming and more empowering.
Today, I continue to serve clients in both real estate and mortgage lending—helping them not only find the right home, but also secure the right financing to support long-term stability and growth.

“When you understand both the real estate and lending side, you don’t just close transactions—you create smarter, stronger opportunities for the people you serve.”

Jacob Mobbs

About Jacob Mobbs:

Jacob Mobbs is a dedicated mortgage professional who brings a unique coaching mindset to the home financing experience. Before transitioning into the mortgage industry, Jacob spent years as a golf instructor, helping players of all skill levels refine their approach, build confidence, and achieve consistent results. That same passion for guidance and personalized strategy now defines the way he serves his mortgage clients.
Jacob understands that no two borrowers are the same, just like no two golf swings are identical. His background in coaching allows him to break down complex processes into clear, manageable steps, ensuring his clients feel informed, comfortable, and in control from start to finish. Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or clients refinancing, he takes the time to understand each individual’s goals and develops a tailored game plan to help them succeed.
Known for his patience, communication, and attention to detail, Jacob prides himself on being more than just a loan originator, he’s a trusted advisor throughout the entire journey. His ability to anticipate challenges, adjust strategies, and keep clients focused on the end goal mirrors the same discipline and mindset he instilled in his students on the course.
By combining industry expertise with a coach’s perspective, Jacob delivers a smooth, confident lending experience built on trust, education, and results.
When he’s not helping clients secure the right loan, Jacob still enjoys time on the golf course, along with spending time with family and staying active in the East Texas community.