About
James Forte founded Forte Financial in 2019 at 96 Danbury Road after more than two decades in the business.
We work with self-employed owners, first-time buyers, seniors, and investors — including people trying to make a rental or an Airbnb work — from a shop in Ridgefield.
Forte Financial is a licensed mortgage broker and a licensed mortgage lender. We can shop a loan with third-party investors or fund it ourselves, depending on the loan and where we are licensed.
James has overseen many thousands of mortgage closings across Conventional, FHA, VA, reverse, and non-traditional / Non-QM products. He still starts early and takes the files that need a human. Ashley Forte, VP and Director of Business Development, built the local network that actually sends people here — Ridgefield Moms, SCOR, the schools, the sidelines.
The people you will actually talk to.
Founded Forte Financial in 2019 in Ridgefield after 25 years in the industry. Originally from Harrison, NY; grew up in Brookfield, where he met Ashley. Lives in Ridgefield with Ashley, four children, and Bentley, a Labrador. Rebuilds old muscle cars when the phones quiet down.
Nearly 20 years in the Ridgefield community. Former 5th-grade teacher at Farmingville Elementary (~14 years) and Ridgefield High School coach (basketball, soccer, volleyball). Founding partner of Ridgefield Moms / The Local Moms Network; Board of Directors for SCOR. B.A. Virginia Tech (women’s soccer); M.Ed. University of Bridgeport. From Sherman; high school in Brookfield.
Nearly 20 years as a mortgage loan officer. Builds each loan as part of a broader plan, not a one-off rate. Lives in Brookfield with his wife Melissa and three sons. Avid home cook; often at the beach with family.
30+ years of finance and executive leadership in healthcare, retail and franchise finance, and contract food and beverage. Longtime Danbury resident; married to Susan; three grown boys. Longtime Forte family friend.
Virginia Tech graduate. Background as a financial planner, insurance agent, and financial educator, including work with high-net-worth households and underserved communities. Operations Director for his church; manages a personal real estate portfolio. Lives in New Jersey.
20+ years helping New Milford-area families buy, tap equity for college, or renovate. Prefers face-to-face. Available seven days a week to talk through the file.
30+ years in mortgages. First-time buyers, high-net-worth clients, and self-employed borrowers. Longtime Greenwich resident; married to Mary; two adult children. Giants fan, golfer, outdoors.
Helping clients finance homes since joining Westport Mortgage in 1997. Walks buyers from pre-approval through closing. Text or call — she means it.
13+ years in mortgage and lending. FHA, VA, conventional, and jumbo. Clear communication from application to closing. Family, golf, baseball, car events.
20+ years in mortgages — 16 as a processor after five years marketing home loans. Joined Forte Financial in 2020. Married to Don almost 30 years; four grown children and a granddaughter. Avid animal lover (Lab and two cats).
More than 20 years processing mortgages, starting at Westport Mortgage in 2005. Diligent and sharp on the details — she handles the complex files, not just the easy ones, and gets them to the finish line. Lives in Stratford with her husband Steve and dogs Gizmo and Henry. Animal and bird lover; family, houseplants, and walks at the local beaches.
