Our industry's reputation isn't exactly sterling. The 2014 Edelman Trust Survey still ranks the financial services industry dead last in trust, and there are plenty of headlines, many of them in HousingWire, that outline what the industry gets wrong. So when our industry does something right and good, it should also get recognition.
The MBA conference offers a variety of interesting, smart and funny (Michael Lewis!) speakers, but my favorite presentation so far has been the Hall of Honors, where the MBA recognizes companies in our industry who give assistance to military veterans and their families.
I grew up as an Army brat and members of my family continue to serve all over the world in the military, so I am a little biased. But seeing Todd Lipscomb, Andrew Lotts, John Bolan, Israel Luna and Nino Capanang get keys to a new house and a new future for their families was the highlight of the conference for me.
The MBA Hall of Honors program is made possible by Wingspan Portfolio Advisors, Military Warriors Support Foundation and American Airlines.
In addition to Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, SunTrust Mortgage, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, the following companies were recognized as 2014 Hall of Honor Award winners:
For homeownership assistance:
- Cornerstone HomeLending Inc.
- Federal Home Loan
- Bank of Atlanta
- Freedom Mortgage
- PenFed
- PrimeLending
- PulteGroup
- Wintrust Mortgage
- Honorable mentions: iFreedom, New American Funding, Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. Sierra Pacific Mortgage
For financial counseling:
- NewDay USA
- PNC Mortgage
- USA Mortgage
- Honorable mentions: First Choice Loan Services Inc.
For employment assistance:
- PenFed
- Quicken Loans
- USAA Federal Savings Bank
- Honorable Mentions: National Notary Association, PNC Mortgage
