Jimmy Alexander
Branch Manager / Sr. Loan Officer
SWBC Mortgage Corp
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 278
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Jimmy Alexander served the United States Army from 1986 to 1993 as Communication and Networking Systems support during The Gulf War. This background allows Jimmy a unique connection with the veteran community and understanding their needs from a personal perspective. Jimmy is dedicated to helping these men and women reach their dreams of homeownership. His 28 + years of mortgage experience and knowledge about the VA mortgage loan program, is second to none.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Most of Jimmy’s mortgage career has been spent at Fort Hood in Texas. He has mastered the mortgage options available to veterans. He has been listed in the Top 20 loan officers with the Texas Veterans Land Board since 2005. Jimmy has been ranked in the Top 1% of Loan Originators in the America for 10+ years and has consistently been ranked in the Scotsman’s Guide Top VA loan officers in both the US and TX.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Jimmy contributes to many outreach programs for veterans including Operation HomeFront initiatives. These initiatives include Star Spangled Baby Operation baby shower to provide essentials, clothing/blankets, to enlisted active duty military families that are expecting, Operation HomeFront Holiday Meals for Military Families.
Melanie Boyajian
Loan Officer
Academy Mortgage Corporation
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 58
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Academy Mortgage Loan Officer Melanie Boyajian serves those who serve to protect because she believes in helping everyone achieve the dream of home-ownership. Melanie believes that what she does to help those who serve feels miniscule compared to the impact they have on our country. She hopes that by creating a positive loan experience, she can impact their lives for the better and allow them to create a safe space they can call home.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Melanie understands that buying a home can be a stressful and emotional experience, especially for her military clients. She makes it her priority to stay informed on all VA guideline changes to assist buyers in using their VA loan benefits even if another lender has told them “No.” Rather than saying no, she takes the time to explain to her clients why and gives them steps to work towards purchasing a home in the future.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
To support the military community, Melanie contributes by partnering with agents who serve the military, as well, to work together as a knowledgeable team to ensure her clients are taken care of during the entire homebuying process. There is a lot of misinformation and stereotypes about VA products and Melanie uses her knowledge and voice to dispel that and give her VA buyers every opportunity they are given to purchase the home of their dreams.
Rosa Briggs
Loan Officer
American Pacific Mortgage dba Capstone Home Loans
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 770
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Rosa’s mission is to dedicate her time and energy to helping people buy their dream home. She found that there was a disconnect among veterans in that they didn’t realize the great value of the VA home loan benefit and that they could, in fact, purchase a home. She started working closely with military families from that point on.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Rosa is passionate about home ownership and offers a 5-star experience to every customer. This goes a long way with military families, who are used to lots of red tape and complicated processes — she makes it easy for them!
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Rosa has spent most of her life in Snohomish County, Washington, and understands the market as well as the people. She is dedicated to serving the military community to ensure that they are not only aware of the opportunities they have available but are able to act on them.
Steve Campbell
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mountain West Financial
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 6
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
For the past 11 years, Steve has helped host and sponsor a Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament to benefit Our Fallen Soldier, an organization based out of Camp Pendleton that helps military families rebuild their lives after losing a loved one overseas. Our Fallen Soldier is committed to honoring the fallen, providing resources to the families that have lost, grief counseling for the children, outreach programs for homeless veterans, providing employment opportunities, shelter, etc.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
At the Our Fallen Soldier event, Steve works with the organization to honor and give a heartfelt thank you to the veterans for their service. He works with them to give a sizable donation each year to help the veterans and their families. Steve also attends job fairs at Camp Pendleton nearby to help support veterans with a chance to start a new career in the mortgage industry.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Steve not only works hard to make a home for the military community but participates in events like Our Fallen Soldier to help these families who have been through so much find resources to rebuild their lives, families and homes.
Kris Constantino
VP of Mortgage Lending
Key Mortgage Services
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 35
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Because Kris is a veteran himself and works hard to break any and all myths surrounding VA loans.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
In Kris’ own words, “Communication is key with servicemembers and veterans. Especially in a conversation in which they can understand.”
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
K9 for vets and trying to ensure that veterans aren’t homeless. One VA loan at a time.
Brent Edwards
Branch Manager
Mountain West Financial, Inc. dba Seabright Mortgage
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 3
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Brent Edwards and his branch Seabright Mortgage are heavily involved each year in organizing and volunteering Operation Surf in Santa Cruz, CA. This event is held in support of the men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. Severely wounded active duty and veteran service members from various branches of the U.S. military who served in Afghanistan and Iraq will take part in a life-changing experience at beaches across the coast.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Through the healing power of the ocean and surfing, Brent helps these wounded heroes, to whom we owe so much, to overcome challenges and build a new understanding of their personal potential. His commitment to helping veterans and families in his communities achieve the dream of homeownership is his passion.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Brent not only works hard to make homeownership a reality for military families but participates in events like Operation Surf to help these families overcome challenges and rebuild their lives, families and homes.
Jacquelyn Bailey Farrell
Retail Branch Manager
Planet Home Lending
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 31
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
I serve veterans because both my grandfather and uncle, who fought in WWII, were able to use their VA benefits. That homeownership changed the course of my family’s future. I believe homeownership is the foundation of the American Dream and a way to pass down generational wealth. This is an important way I can assist service members’ and veterans’ families for generations to come.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
When one member of the family serves, the entire family serves. Living in a military town gives me insight into the needs of our service members and their families. It allows me the privilege to serve the people who serve our nation. Knowing and understanding how to effectively apply the VA guidelines gives these families the full scope of the benefits their service has earned them.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
We’re a company made up of people looking to make a difference, so we partner with people who feel the same way. Planet has endowed a scholarship via the Army Scholarship Foundation for military children and spouses. In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, Planet has planted a quarter million trees. Working with The Farmlink Project, we’ve sent 70 million pounds of produce to food banks.
Nick Foley
Sr Loan Officer
American Pacific Mortgage dba Aligned Mortgage
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 191
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Nick was born and raised in the hot desert plains of Tucson, Arizona. He fell in love with golf at an early age, excelling at the sport and becoming a golf professional. His dedication to his profession took him to the golf courses of Davis Monthan AFB teaching military members and their families how to play the game. Eventually, Nick grew weary of the desert heat and made his way out to Hawaii, where his experience and passion for serving others landed him at Aligned Mortgage to better serve his military clients and families.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Nick had the good fortune of meeting his branch manager at a VA seminar and was intrigued by his story and his work with Veterans. He knew from his past professional experience that he enjoyed working with military members and that serving others was personally rewarding for him. Nick took a leap of faith and decided to make a career move into the mortgage industry and has been helping Veterans accomplish their dreams of homeownership ever since.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Nick has focused his entire business on working with and assisting military families buy a home. He presents several VA seminars a year, and works closely with the local military base.
Jennifer Franklin
Retail Sales Manager
Franklin
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 33
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
I served in the Navy for 24 years, and in 1999 became a mortgage banker while serving in the reserves. As a veteran, I am uniquely qualified to serve VA homebuyers and homeowners in Virginia Beach — home to Naval Station Norfolk, the country’s largest naval base. Today, I focus on helping veterans and service members use their VA home loan benefits to achieve the American dream of homeownership.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
I’m truly honored to educate VA homebuyers and homeowners.I speak their lingo and understand the challenges they face in their unique roles. My homebuyer classes on military bases and decades of experience with the VA home loan program make me a top-notch mortgage professional for active-duty, retiree and prior military service members buying their first or next home.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
I currently serve on my local school board and work very closely with military families to help them transition to the new division and fight for any issues that impact the military community. The school board works with the various local bases to encourage STEM-specific and special needs opportunities for students.
Jessica Furr
Mortgage Loan Originator
Planet Home Lending
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 35
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
As the daughter of an Army veteran, I don’t just like doing VA loans — they are my favorite type of loan file to work. The people who serve are more than just the number on a credit report, which is why, for my entire mortgage career, I’ve chosen to work for companies that offer manual underwriting to maximize the potential for homeownership among our men and women in uniform.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Living in the Washington, D.C. area, I see a lot of service members and know their needs. For example, we had a father who was being deployed to Japan, but his wife and critically ill daughter needed to stay in the states near the hospital where she was being treated. Getting them the mortgage they needed in the timeframe necessary is one of my proudest accomplishments.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
We’re a company made up of people looking to make a difference, so we partner with people who feel the same way. Planet has endowed a scholarship via the Army Scholarship Foundation for military children and spouses. In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, Planet has planted a quarter million trees. Working with The Farmlink Project, we’ve sent 70 million pounds of produce to food banks.
Larry Gonzales
Sr Loan Officer
American Pacific Mortgage dba Aligned Mortgage
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 242
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Larry’s career in the Navy took him to ports all over the world, with him ending up stationed at Pearl Harbor. As retirement approached, Larry and his wife Vicki realized they wanted to stay and raise their three kids in paradise and used his VA loan benefit to make it happen. At that moment he realized that he could help his fellow veterans achieve the same thing.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Larry is a veteran and experienced purchasing his home using his VA benefit. He became immersed in all of the details of the program and has used that knowledge and expertise to bring education, outreach, and assistance to Veterans in all the areas he serves. His mission is to aggressively serve veterans and their families while advocating for the local military and veteran community.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Larry hosts regular in-person and virtual seminars geared specifically for veterans, and appears on the American Dream Show, highlighting lifestyle and real estate on the Hawaiian Islands. His work with veterans on the islands is his primary focus, and his clients come back time and time again for transparent, responsive care and fantastic customer service.
Alona Hayes
Producing Branch Manager
Supreme Lending
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 54
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Alona has been serving the military community for more than 35 years — the first 21 years being a military spouse, so she understands first-hand the trials and tribulations of military life. VA loans have become second nature to Alona and being able to originate them allows her to meet military families’ unique home financing needs. In 2021 alone, Alona originated $13,365,445 in VA loan volume. She takes her service to a personal level through volunteering.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Alona supports the military on all levels. For example, when her local base was on lockdown, she rounded up donuts from a local shop to donate to the gate guards who were working 24-hour shifts. When her husband’s unit received a two-day notice to deploy overseas, she drove and delivered food to their headquarters as they weren’t allowed to leave. These are the types of acts of kindness she lives by on a personal level.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Alona has been awarded the Order of Molly Pitcher, which recognizes exceptional individuals who have voluntarily contributed in significant and meaningful ways to the U.S. Field Artillery Community. She always tells her borrowers that she is around after the fact if they ever need her, and she lives up to that promise. For example, when a military family’s VA loan had to wait 90 days to close, Alona opened her home to them.
Michelle Jacinto
Branch Manager
Direct Mortgage Loans
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 31
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Michelle Jacinto proudly served in the Army and wants to give back to those who already give so much. She takes pride in having the opportunity to help servicemembers purchase their own piece of America, the land of the free and the brave.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Michelle Jacinto’s philosophy is, “If you treat people the way you want to be treated, it will come back to you.” Michelle started her adult-career by serving in the Army. While in the military, Michelle built her foundation for success from hard-work, teamwork, and applying the Golden Rule. Today, Michelle applies the same principles to her branch operations. She enjoys helping her clients find the BEST mortgage solution while simplifying the mortgage process.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
With her Midwestern roots, Michelle enjoys giving back to the community that has given her so much. She proudly supports local non-profits, the Veterans’ Associations, and is an active supporter of her local law enforcement. Most recently, Michelle participated in a local K9 heroes event to raise funds for law enforcement K9 heroes.
Nicholas Ochoa
Loan Officer
American Pacific Mortgage dba Aligned Mortgage
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 100
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Nick was born and raised in San Antonio and has always been around military families. He pursued an education at UT in music performance, and as a current student at Texas A&M he’s a lifelong learner. This has made him passionate about educating families about the ability to purchase a home, as well as the process of building generational wealth. Many of the families he works with are first generation home buyers.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Nick uses his multi-state license to help buyers in many states but concentrates on his own San Antonio. He enjoys working with veterans to show them how best to use their home loan benefit to achieve what they thought wasn’t possible.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Nick presents multiple seminars every year and does outreach to his local military base to provide free and accurate information to families new to the area. He works within the boundaries of what they can afford, using their VA loan benefit as a cornerstone of their future home.
Sonya Pitt
Branch Manager
Premier Nationwide Lending
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 71
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Sonya has been a local VA expert in the Goose Creek, South Carolina, area for more than 20 years. The daughter of a retired Navy Veteran and an Army Veteran’s wife, the passion for active service members and veterans has been instilled throughout her life. She is accessible to military members in different time zones or even foreign countries, taking calls at all hours to ensure a smooth and thorough home loan process.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
“One day, I sat at my desk assisting the wife of a POW who had passed away. Other lenders told her she didn’t qualify for a VA loan. We walked her through the VA process and obtained that COE to take advantage of her husband’s VA home loan benefit. It was amazing to see the joy in her eyes. Sweet clients like that are why it is an honor to do what I do.”
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
“Sonya’s dedication, eagerness to help, and extensive product knowledge are what create an unparalleled experience for the community she proudly serves,” states Blake Priest, president of NTFN, Inc. “Her team has sent care packages to active duty members overseas, collected letters from local schools to send letters of encouragement to those serving our country overseas, and also serves the local VA community.”
Trevor Roberge
Loan Officer
American Pacific Mortgage dba Capstone Home Loans
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 572
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Trevor has been helping his clients buy their dream home for nearly 20 years. In that time, he found that he loved working with new buyers, helping them find solutions for buying their first home. This transitioned well into helping military families.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Trevor has a voracious appetite for knowledge. He immersed himself in all loan programs available for new buyers and found that the VA home loan benefit provided a huge service that was often forgotten or not used to its fullest potential.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Trevor works in multiple states, assisting military families as they move from state to state, all the while providing the best information possible to set them up for success in the future. He starts with education and continues the relationship well beyond the transaction to ensure that their dream of homeownership is building wealth and pushing their financial goals forward.
John Sego
Senior Loan Officer
American Pacific Mortgage dba Aligned Mortgage
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 101
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
John is retired from the U.S. Army, where he enlisted as an infantryman. He completed his degree as an active-duty soldier, then served several years as an E3 and E7 before attending Officer Candidate School. He feels he owes a huge debt to the military and has built his business around helping veterans and their families.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
After the military, John was encouraged to become a loan officer, but he felt he wanted to do “something more” for veterans. As luck would have it, he met his branch managers at an event, and they shared their passion for helping educate veterans about home ownership. John never looked back and has been working with veterans and military families ever since.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Helping veterans achieve financial freedom through homeownership has been his calling, while his passion has been to continue serving his country. He married these two concepts by focusing his business not just on homeownership, but home ownership for veterans. He works to provide education and clear steps to success for veterans to own a piece of the county they have defended.
Cindy Tomlinson
Branch Manager
American Pacific Mortgage dba US Lending Company
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 2352
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Cindy has been a loan originator since 2006 and has always had a passion for helping people buy their dream home. This took a more meaningful turn when she started working with veterans and their families. She found that many were woefully uninformed about their VA home loan benefit and could buy a home when they thought they couldn’t.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Cindy is patient and operates from a place of gratefulness and honor. She works with her clients as a consultant first, making sure they make decisions from a place of understanding and trust. This translates beautifully to veterans and their families, as they often have questions and concerns and want to be able to have a conversation with someone they can trust.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Cindy works with local veterans and their families mostly by word of mouth. They have found they can trust her to be open, honest, and transparent so her VA business has thrived.
Julie Tully
Loan Officer
American Pacific Mortgage dba US Lending
Total VA Loans Closed in 2021 by originator (# of Units): 588
Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?
Julie has been helping her clients buy their dream home for over 20 years. In that time, she found that not only was there a lack of information and assistance for new buyers, it was even more pronounced with military families. She has since focused her business in helping educate first, then work to help her clients achieve their financial goals.
Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/ military borrowers?
Julie has the experience and the patience to work with buyers from all walks of life. She puts people at ease and goes through the process alongside of each client, helping and guiding them every step of the way.
What contributions is this originator making to the military community?
Julie works with local veterans and families almost entirely by word of mouth. Her clients love her, so they tell their friends — which has resulted in a large portion of Julie’s business coming from military families.
