Best Military Originators 2024

These originators make it their mission to serve military members and veterans

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Help us celebrate originators who go above and beyond to serve military members, spouses, and veterans. For some originators, it’s about continued service as military veterans. For others, it is a means for paying tribute to family members who have served — some making the ultimate sacrifice. While not all originators understand how to work with our veterans and service members, for many, finding homes for them is the most meaningful part of their job.

Originators who work with our active duty and veteran military members understand that finding homes for our heroes is no small task. We highlight two originators who have gone above and beyond for our heroes and their families. Those who serve the men, women, and families who put so much on the line to protect our freedoms and who have sacrificed their lives for our home and our country.

Steve Brand

State/Branch Mgr — VA Home Loan Benefit Spc
Valor Home Loans
Woodbury, MN

Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?

Steve learned that a small percentage of loans are done for Veterans and realized that LOs (and him) were putting Veterans into loans that were easier for THEM to do and that they were familiar with. This was done instead of learning the ins and outs of this great loan program to better serve those who served us.

Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/military borrowers?

Over 50% of Steve’s business is VA. He knows the loan program inside out. Steve has taken his passion to the next level by teaching Realtors about the strengths of the VA loan for several years. As a co-founder of the VMA (Veteran Mortgage Advisor) program, he certifies Loan Originators around the country to know more about the VA loan than anyone else in their market. When you TEACH something … you become an expert at it.

What contributions is this originator making to the military community?

Steve is involved with a couple local VMC’s and on the BOD for a 501c3 charity organization (Volunteers for American Veterans) in the Twin Cities. The VAV helps raise funds to assist local Veterans and active duty soldiers who are in need. He’s raised tens of thousands of dollars for continuing to assist the community.

Ashok Ghildyal

Loan Originator
First Community Mortgage
Cincinnati, OH

Why does this originator serve those who serve to protect?

Ashok feels that those who serve and protect our country deserve the utmost respect and service. He believes they are the most honorable individuals and is always interested in their stories and journeys. This deep admiration and respect for their sacrifices drive his passion for supporting military personnel in their homeownership journey.

Why is this originator the best at supporting the military/military borrowers?

Ashok ensures military borrowers receive exceptional service tailored to their needs. He has a genuine interest in their stories, deep understanding of the VA loan process, and dedication to providing the highest level of respect. Since 2013, he has conducted specialized realtor training sessions on VA loans, equipping agents with the knowledge to better serve military clients. Through these lunch and learns, he has trained hundreds of agents, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to military borrowers.

What contributions is this originator making to the military community?

Ashok has significantly enhanced the lives of military personnel through various initiatives with FCM Cares (FCM’s non-profit). This year, he sponsored the Honor Flight, which provides veterans with an all-expenses-paid trip to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. He also collaborated with Middle Tennessee State University’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center to educate veterans on VA mortgage benefits through an educational video series, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the military community.