A few years ago, I returned to my home state of New Mexico and the Frost Mortgage Headquarters with an idea. This idea was to set an example for our community through fellowship and goodwill towards the people that help protect and serve us. Months later, we started a “Law Enforcement Appreciation” cookout. It began as a little BBQ in our office parking lot to now feeding more than 100 law enforcement officers and support staff at a time, almost twice a month. The result … an appreciative police force and other companies and neighborhood organizations following our example, doing right by the men and woman that keep us safe.
A few months ago, my dad (Greg Frost Sr.) my cousin (Chris Frost) and I were sitting in a room looking back on our accomplishment with the “Law Enforcement Appreciation” cookouts and thought … how do we do this for the men and women of our armed forces? How do we show them our appreciation for their duty, diligence and sacrifice for us?
The first answer was simple. Make sure every one of our loan officers became Certified Military Housing Specialists (CMHS) through the USA Cares Program. This is a phenomenal program run by great people who are passionate about making sure our returning military and veterans can achieve one of the great American dreams, homeownership.
The second answer was to reach out and work with our local active military and veteran community. Find out what they needed and how we could help. Through a business partner, we were introduced to the founders of Paws & Stripes (www.pawsandstripes.org). It turns out they have an appreciation for BBQs as well, and I began personally cooking for and catering their graduation ceremonies. From there, Frost Mortgage became an avid supporter of this very important non-profit organization which provides service dogs for wounded military veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
"The entire staff at Frost Mortgage is dedicated to ensuring that our veteran population receives the utmost care when it comes to purchasing a home. They work tirelessly to make sure that the veteran and their families come first. Purchasing a home is no easy task. Frost Mortgage has made it possible for my family and I to be prospective homeowners. As a disabled veteran who has served my country, I take great pride in working with true Americans. Those who have served their country with honor have a friend in Frost Mortgage."—Jim Stanek, co-founder, Paws & Stripes (pictured here on the right with his service dog “Sarge” and Greg Frost Jr.)
The final answer was simple … “Zero for Heroes.” Starting in December, Frost Mortgage began an initiative to waive any and all lender closing costs for any veteran or current member of our armed forces. This program now also extends to the heroes of our city, including police officers, firemen, nurses, doctors, paramedics, and last but not least, our teachers. The “Zero for Heroes” program has been well-received in our market thus far and we all know numerous heroes in our respective communities that can benefit from a program such as this. I urge everyone in our industry to go forth and do likewise this year.
Greg Frost Jr. is director of business development and marketing for the Frost Group of Companies. He may be reached by phone at (505) 615-7195 or e-mail
[email protected].
