First Home Equity Loans

Teamwork. Discipline. Commitment. These are just a few of the virtues learned by those who serve our country in the military. Those same qualities can also help service members once they leave the military, making a career as an independent mortgage professional a perfect fit for veterans.

SERVING HIS COUNTRY

Todd always knew that he wanted to serve his country. Joining the United States Marine Corps gave him the opportunity to do just that. He spent 4 years in the Corps, serving in Operation Desert Storm.

”There was something special about the Marine Corps,” said Todd. “It was something that was going to be difficult and it was something I was told I might not be able to do. So of course, I did it.”

He says he grew a lot during his time in the Marines, seeing different parts of the world while meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. He also learned a lot about what he was capable of doing.

“We were pushed all the time and I didn’t realize some of the limits I could go to, which was awesome because later in life you need to push yourself anyway in every which way you can,” he said.

WHAT COMES NEXT

Like many military veterans, Todd was unsure of his next move after leaving the military – to the point where he almost re-enlisted. His resolve to find a new path was aided by conversations with other veterans who had found rewarding careers.

“I knew if I stayed disciplined and kept moving forward and worked hard enough, you will shine in some sort of way,” he said.

Todd got into auto sales and eventually became a finance manager. There, he learned a key skill that would help him once he made the switch to mortgages.

“I wasn’t a salesman until I went into the car business,” said Todd. “I was kind of reserved coming out of the military, so it opened up a whole new avenue for me being able to talk and communicate with people.”

Todd was recruited into the mortgage business and that’s where he’s been since 1995

VETERAN-OWNED, VETERAN FOCUSED

“The great thing about being an independent mortgage broker is we can beat out most of our competition,” said Todd. “We have great and give the best service to our clients.”

Todd leveraged those advantages to experience a lot of success as an independent mortgage loan originator. He started his own company, growing to 13 offices and over 100 employees. He even opened a chain of fitness centers, funded by his success in mortgages, after developing a passion for exercise during his time in the Marines. Then came the housing crash of 2008.

“I’m thankful for 2008. It made me stronger and better. I’m very grateful,” he said.

On the other side of 2008, he built the brokerage back up and they’ve now expanded to six states. As a veteran-owned brokerage, Todd takes a tremendous amount of pride in how they cater to Military veteran clients, always providing them with white-glove service. Todd also looks to hire Veterans because he knows first-hand what they can bring to a team.

“A veteran is already disciplined, already knows how to give service, they’re coachable and teachable,” he said. “They have leadership traits, and if you can put them in a regiment, they’ll learn.”

From serving his country to serving his clients, Todd has found fulfillment in a life focused on helping others. It’s a path he recommends other veterans also explore.

“It’s amazing what some of these veterans have done and put themselves on the line and the training they went through,” he said. “If they can do that, they will love doing what we do.”