Drew Musser
FROM THE ICE TO THE OFFICE
Drew Musser hails from Shaker Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland renowned for its historic homes and diverse community. Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, Drew developed a strong foundation in teamwork and communication. Raised in a hockey family and having played the sport since the age of three, he credits the sport for instilling a competitive spirit that drives him today.
In addition to hockey, the finance industry also runs in Drew’s family, and this influenced his studies at Miami University. During an internship, Drew became intrigued with commercial real estate, and after graduating, landed a job as an analyst at the Freddie Mac Chicago office in 2018.
Since then, Drew has flourished at Freddie Mac, advancing through the ranks. He attributes his success to hard work, collaboration, and building trust both internally and externally.
In 2021, Drew was entrusted with piloting national coverage for an Optigo® lender, overseeing their conventional offices across the United States and managing nearly $1 billion in funded volume. Following the success of this initiative, Freddie Mac expanded the proven framework to other Optigo lenders.
During the pandemic, Drew moved to Venice, California, not far from the Los Angeles office. His focus on teamwork and earning the trust of customers and colleagues has led to winning more deals, assuming greater responsibilities and advancing to his current role as Production Manager.
In his managerial role, Drew sees himself as both a player and a coach. He continues to work on transactions with a team of analysts, collaborating closely with his direct reports and supporting their growth while also contributing to the broader Central Region Production & Sales team.
Let’s hear what Drew has to say about the importance of his work at Freddie Mac.
How do you see your job impacting the bigger mission of Freddie Mac to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the housing market?
A: When I visit a property and interact with the owner and tenants, I feel the impact of Freddie Mac’s mission. In 2024, I visited an Impact Sponsor's asset in Dallas, where a clubhouse had been transformed into a classroom offering tutoring and after-school services for tenants. Observing students learning and speaking with grateful parents highlighted the positive influence of these free services. They not only advance children's development but also alleviate the financial and logistical pressures on parents regarding after-school care.
What advice would you give to someone who just started working at Freddie Mac?
A: Be a sponge and learn as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — there’s so much to learn and many brilliant minds to collaborate with at Freddie Mac — people are happy to share with you. Grow your network, not just in your specific division, but across different divisions. I have found many relationships I made early on still benefit me greatly today whether it’s in capital markets, asset management or legal.
Drew on the hockey rink.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work — any hobbies?
A: Hockey continues to be a significant part of my life, although living in California has made it more challenging to find leagues to participate in. Recently, I've been spending my time rollerblading along the boardwalk and exploring the beaches both north and south of Venice. Additionally, I've become an avid runner and proudly completed my first marathon in Chicago last year. I will likely run another marathon in the next 12-24 months.
Drew completing his first marathon.