OUR TEAM


The Team at Forte Financial prides itself on extraordinary service and always delivering on promises made. Each team member is dedicated to providing the highest levels of service to every Forte Financial customer. With a team of nine and rapidly growing Forte Financial continues to meet the needs of all current and future customers.

President / CEO

James Forte

O: 475-215-5401
Jforte@Fortefinancial.com
Ind. NMLS # 16443


James M. Forte is the President and CEO of Forte Financial. James founded his namesake firm in 2019 in Ridgefield, CT, following over two decades of success in the industry. As a mortgage professional, James has earned a highly respected reputation in the real estate circles of Fairfield County, CT. James has overseen many thousands of mortgage closings, helping countless individuals and families realize the dream of homeownership and save money through refinancing. With a passion for numbers, James delivers results through exceptional service to the individuals and families he proudly represents.

James understands the importance of hard work, focus, and discipline. His work ethic surpasses most in the industry as he religiously begins his workday long before the sun rises and well after it sets. His passion for success began at a very young age, as he often juggled multiple jobs successfully and held several management positions even before his early 20's.

As an experienced Loan Officer, James prides himself on extraordinary service and always delivering on promises made. In his role, James excels at leading, teaching, and mentoring other mortgage professionals to elevate their careers. Founding Forte Financial allowed James to achieve his dream of curating a team of highly motivated professionals, each dedicated to delivering the highest levels of service to every Forte Financial customer. Currently, with a team of near ten under his wing, his customers continuously praise the swift, efficient, and thorough job done.

Through his 25 years of service, James has expanded his expertise from Conventional, FHA, VA, Reverse, and all of the Non-traditional Mortgage products available. Countless first-time home buyers are referred to James as he has the ability to walk them through the process with confidence and ease.

Originally from Harrison, NY, James's family relocated to Brookfield, CT where he attended high school and met his wife, Ashley. James and his family currently live in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and is the proud father of four, including boy/girl twins. Their most recent addition, Bentley is a 90 pound Labrador Retriever full of energy and love. James feels that the greatest gift he can provide for his family is a loving home in Ridgefield, a town rich in history, incredible families, outstanding academics, athletics, and a downtown made for the Hallmark channel. In his free time, he enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family, working out, rebuilding old muscle cars, and cooking incredible meals to bring his family and closest friends together.

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VICE PRESIDENT | Director of business development

Ashley Forte

O: 475-215-5401
Aforte@fortefinancial.com


For nearly 20 years, Ashley has been actively involved in the Ridgefield community. With a passion for connecting people and fostering relationships, she has made a significant impact with countless families and businesses in town. Before entering motherhood and founding Forte Financial she worked as a 5th Grade educator at Farmingville Elementary School for nearly 14 years while also coaching basketball, soccer and volleyball at Ridgefield High School. These years serving the community were the foundation for her extensive network in town, hence laying the groundwork for the business development of their family company.

Ashley understands the importance of hard work, kindness and giving. While simultaneously expanding Forte Financial's reach she is also a founding partner of the Ridgefield Moms social platform. Their chapter of The Local Moms Network is one of 100 locations across the country providing a hyper-local, integrated online platform with curated information and resources.

Originally from Sherman, Connecticut, Ashley attended high school in Brookfield, where she and husband, James met on the first day of high school with neighboring lockers. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Tech where she was also a member of their women's soccer team. Ashley also earned a Master of Education at The University of Bridgeport. Ashley and her husband, James, live in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and are the proud parents of twins James and Hayden, their youngest Savannah and newest member, Bentley a Labrador Retriever. She is heavily involved in coaching her children's various sporting activities and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for SCOR. In her free time, she enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family, decorating her home for every season, gardening, and connecting with wonderful families all over town.

Loan Officer

Kristofer M Miller

O: 475-215-5401
C: 914-799-2074
Kmiller@Fortefinancial.com
Ind. NMLS # 2376386

Originally from NY's Catskill Region, Kris has also lived in both Florida and Mississippi until making Connecticut his permanent home in 2008. His earlier work history includes 10 years managing the service department at an Audi dealership and also owning his own performance parts business...This is what gave him his first taste of entrepreneurship.

After the passing of his father in 2011 and inheriting the family industrial food company, Kris decided to become self-employed full-time.

With encouragement from a friend that saw his passion for sales and customer service, Kris entered the Real Estate industry.

Along with his Fiancée, The Welcome Home Team was created. Their mission over the last 10 years was to deliver a superior client experience from start to finish. In the closing of millions of dollars in real estate transactions, Kris found his attention to detail and proclivity for finance was a natural segue into the mortgage industry.

In 2020 Kris was introduced to Forte Financial through a connection in his BNI group. In the summer of 2022, Kris became licensed in CT, NY, and FL. His plans include pursuing licenses in additional states in the coming years. From your neighborhood Realtor to your neighborhood Loan Officer, Kris continues to build lasting relationships with people who start as clients and turn into friends.

Kris currently resides in Bethel, CT with his Fiancée Brandi, their 3 kids (Joey, Grace & Sophia), and 2 dogs (Olive & Nash).

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Processor

Lori A. Cameron

475-215-5401 X103
Lcameron@fortefinancial.com

Lori has over 20 years of experience in mortgage work. She has spent the past 16 years as a Mortgage Processor and the five before that marketing home loans. Lori's longevity in the industry gives her an advantage over most as she has seen the most complicated files to completion as well the simplified. With her extensive knowledge she is able to present complete files swiftly and efficiently for each customer. Lori and James have crossed paths in the mortgage world before and were a dynamite duo then and now.

Lori is a true team player and welcomed the offer with open arms to join Forte Financial in 2020. Her work ethic and appreciation for her team are two of the many reasons why she is an invaluable employee here in Ridgefield.

Lori has been married to her wonderful husband, Don for almost 30 years. They have four grown children, plus one baby granddaughter they welcomed in 2020, the brightest gift of that year. She is an avid animal lover and spends much of her time spoiling her Labrador pup and 2 cats.

Forte Financial - NMLS ID 1892568

Forte Financial, is a licensed Connecticut Mortgage Lender, Connecticut Banking Department, ML 1892568; Licensed Mortgage Broker, Florida Office of Financial Regulation, MBR - 3524; Massachusetts Division of Banks, MB - 1892568; New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance; Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, 94281, and South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs - Mortgage Broker License. Mortgage Broker -North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks, B-212995.

Forte Financial is a Registered Mortgage Broker New York Department of Financial Services, RMB-208870, loans arranged through third parties.

Verify our Licenses at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org