JAKE HANSON - Key Persons
Branch Manager Aaron Giarrana is a graduate of Ohio State University where he studied finance and real estate during his Navy ROTC training. Since leaving active duty in 2005, he has been a leader in the mortgage industry in the Hampton Roads area. He has specialized in purchase transactions and VA Loans. He and his team understand all of the details that make the loan process go smoothly for everyone involved, and they are here to serve you. Aaron resides in Virginia Beach with his wife and three children.
Senior Loan Officer Alex Brown has been with our Virginia Beach team since the very beginning, helping to open the branch in 2009 after transferring from our home office in Missouri. Her 14 years of experience make Alex a true expert in the VA Loan. She enjoys building rewarding relationships with borrowers and the community. Outside of the office, Alex enjoys spending time with her two sons at the beach or boating. She's also active in nonprofit work, acting as a board member for special needs group Aid Another and Veterans United Foundation, our employee-funded charitable nonprofit.
Job Titles:
- Branch Manager
- Branch Manager NMLS 252027
Branch Manager Alice joined the Colorado Springs community in 1993 along with her 4 sons. She has worked in the mortgage and financial industries for over 37 years and is committed to providing her borrowers excellent customer service throughout the loan process. With a number of family members in the military, including a son who serves in the US Air Force, Alice understands Veteran needs and is honored to help them become homeowners. Alice enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Branch Manager
- Branch Manager NMLS 12419
Branch Manager Amanda Dusenberry grew up in the Clarksville/Fort Campbell area. Very familiar with the unique needs of our military and their families, Amanda is the granddaughter, daughter, sister and niece of Veterans. Having been in the mortgage industry for more than 25 years, Amanda knows the VA home loan inside and out and is also an expert in FHA and conventional loans. Her team of friendly and knowledgeable specialists are on hand to serve you, step by step, throughout the entire loan process!
Loan Officer Amanda Perez Abreu brings years of financial experience to her role at Veterans United. Her previous roles include credit counseling, taxes, HR and accounting, so she has all the bases covered for your mortgage experience! Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Amanda relocated to Fayetteville, NC and loves being a part of the community. She has family in the military, so she understands the struggles faced by military families. Amanda is motivated to help you during the homebuying journey and guide you to your end goal of homeownership! Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and her cat, reading, traveling, and exploring the restaurant scene.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of People Services at Veterans United Home Loans
August Nielsen is the Vice President of People Services at Veterans United Home Loans. He is responsible for supporting the growth, innovation, success, health, and happiness of Veterans United employees. His teams focus on personal and professional development, talent acquisition, organizational performance, and the preservation of company culture.
Branch Loan Coordinator Betsy Travis was born and raised in Colorado Springs. One of her daughters is serving in the Air Force, so she has a great understanding of the trials of military life. With a couple decades in the mortgage industry, Betsy is an expert when it comes to home loans. She is excited to help homebuyers achieve the American dream by owning their very own home. Betsy enjoys spending time with her three children and taking her Jeep 4-wheeling in her free time!
Job Titles:
- Loan Officer
- Senior Loan Officer
Loan Officer Billy Chard joined the mortgage industry after serving 14 years of active duty in the Navy and loves turning Veterans into homeowners. Billy moved many times whilst in the military, so he understands the stress involved in purchasing a home as a service member. Billy is also a past borrower of Veterans United and can help his homebuyers with his firsthand knowledge. When he's not helping Veterans become homeowners, Billy is spending time with his family or rooting for his favorite sports team!
Branch Loan Coordinator Blair Roberts has lived in the area on and off for over 40 years, and she's passionate about helping buyers in the area make Greenville their home, as well. The relationships she shares with active duty service members and Veterans in her life inspire her to serve the military community. For Blair, helping Veterans become homeowners is her way of giving back to those who have dedicated so much for our country. Outside of work, Blair spends every chance she can out in nature, and she's currently working on her bucket list of visiting every national park.
Senior Loan Officer is a 33-year Veteran of the U.S. Army with six combat deployments. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York. Fayetteville has been home for Bob and his family since 2009. His family is grateful for the opportunity to settle down and plant long-lasting ties to the community here. His military experience gives him a unique understanding of his homebuyers at Veterans United. Bob provides an untiring dedication and commitment to the loan process, and he will tenaciously work for his homebuyers.
Brant Bukowsky - Founder, Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Managing Director
- Co - Founder and Managing Director of Veterans United Home Loans
Brant Bukowsky is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Veterans United Home Loans. Brant works with the marketing department to develop and implement high-level strategy through online marketing with a focus on educating Veterans about home buying and their home loan benefits. Brant believes the strong company culture at Veterans United that is focused on enhancing lives of fellow employees, customers, and those in the community has allowed the company to get to where it is today.
Brant founded Veterans United along with his brother, Brock, in 2002. He received his degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri.
Brant enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their two boys.
Brock Bukowsky - Founder, Managing Director
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Managing Director
- Co - Founder and Managing Director of Veterans United Home Loans
Brock Bukowsky is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Veterans United Home Loans. Brock provides strategic direction for the operations of Veterans United while also committing himself to ensuring the company's values shape and impact the experiences of employees and customers alike.
Brock founded Veterans United along with his brother, Brant, in 2002. He earned his degree in secondary math education and his master's in mathematics from the University of Missouri.
Brock and his wife, Tammy, are the parents of three children. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading his Bible and cheering for University of Missouri athletics.
Job Titles:
- Loan Officer NMLS 39691
- Senior Loan Officer
Senior Loan Officer Charlotte McClellan is a lifelong resident of the Clarksville/Ft. Campbell area. With over 30 years experience, she is an expert on VA home loans, as well as FHA, conventional and first-time homebuyer programs. Charlotte prides herself on providing personalized, fast and efficient service from preapproval all the way to closing. She is also available on weekends and evenings for your convenience!
Loan Officer Chelsea Perkins brings 12 years of finance experience and 7 years in the insurance industry to our Fayetteville team. She and her husband are both Veterans and bought their first home through Veterans United! They had a great experience and achieved their lifelong goal of homeownership, and she hopes to do the same for future borrowers. Outside of work, she loves to travel, work out, volunteer in the community, and spend time with her family.
Branch Manager Chris Phillips is a Columbus native and has been in the real estate industry since 1989. Chris loves helping families achieve their goal of homeownership. Working mostly with Veterans and with many first-time homebuyers, Chris is confident to deliver the best service to his borrowers!
Loan Officer Colleen O'Brien joins the Fayetteville team from upstate New York. She brings passion to the team, and she empathizes with her military family homebuyers - her husband is a sergeant in the Army! She enjoys seeing her borrowers dreams become a reality! Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and traveling to nearby cities. She also enjoys exploring Fayetteville! Their dog, Simon, likes to tag along on their adventures.
Branch Specialist Corrine Jones was born and raised in Arizona, relocating to Fayetteville in 2021. After serving four years in the Air Force, Corrine understands the stress of moving and finding stability in new places. As a Branch Specialist, Corrine brings a calm demeanor to borrower interactions and the team. Outside of work, Corrine likes to craft and spend time with her cat.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Branch Loan Coordinator
Branch Loan Coordinator Crystal Kultala is a proud active duty Army wife and mother to two incredible boys. Crystal has first-hand experience with the struggles military families face during moves and transitions. Crystal has four years of real estate experience and holds her MBA. She is dedicated to helping borrowers understand the process of homebuying and purchase the perfect fit for them and their families. Her drive, strong communication skills, attention to detail and initiative are sure to assist in an incredible homebuying experience!
Job Titles:
- Chief Technology Officer
- Chief Technology Officer at Veterans United Home Loans
- Veterans United in 2011 As a Systems Engineer
Danny Tharp is the chief technology officer at Veterans United Home Loans. He is responsible for the infrastructure and data services teams. They strive to maintain a world-class technology organization while looking at innovative new ways to enhance business value.
Danny joined Veterans United in 2011 as a systems engineer with 25 years of prior experience in technology. He has also held multiple technical and leadership positions throughout his career.
He received his bachelor's degree in Information Technology with an emphasis in Network Design and Management from Western Governors University. He also received his master's degree in Computer Information Systems from Missouri State University.
Danny and his wife Chasidy have three children. He enjoys running and has competed in multiple marathons. He also enjoys following sports - especially the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Senior Loan Officer Dave Michaud has been an active part of the mortgage industry for the past 23 years, and currently also serves on the Tidewater Mortgage Bankers Board of Directors. Dave is always looking for the best financial solution to his borrowers' homebuying needs. He prides himself on providing his homebuyers with top-notch financial direction and guidance during the loan process. Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife of 23 years and his three children, boating and hanging out by the water.
Job Titles:
- Loan Officer
- Loan Officer NMLS 1824875
Loan Officer Elizabeth McAskill grew up in a small town south of Clarksville, TN. She attended college at Austin Peay State University in 2010 where she received a bachelors degree in business finance. With over 6 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she is excited to use her knowledge to educate borrowers and make the homebuying journey as seamless as possible. Elizabeth loves forming relationships with our borrowers and her goal is to create trust for a lifelong borrower and friend! Outside of work, she loves spending time with family and friends, cooking, and working out.
Job Titles:
- Chief Client Officer
- Chief Client Officer at Veterans United Home Loans
- Veterans United As a Loan Officer
Gardell Powell is the chief client officer at Veterans United Home Loans. Gardell is responsible for leading the customer service department with a focus on delivering results for Veterans through exceptional service and an unparalleled knowledge of financial lending. Under his guidance, the management team focuses on efficiency and utilizing the newest technology to improve the over-all customer experience.
Gardell joined Veterans United as a loan officer in 2003 with prior experience in the financial industry. Gardell studied international business at the University of Copenhagen and later earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri.
Gardell enjoys a range of activities that include forestry, motorcycling and traveling.
Loan Officer George Eastergard Jr. is a South Carolina native and excited to serve fellow Veterans as a Loan Officer. George is a United States Marine Corps Veteran, so he understands firsthand what the military lifestyle is like for his borrowers. This experience makes him a valuable partner for service members on the homebuying journey. George is also a member of several local organizations, such as the the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®, American Legion, and a lifetime member of the VFW. Outside of work and participating in the community, he enjoys playing the cello, traveling, reading and spending time with his family.
Loan Officer Harry Basnight is a United States Navy combat Veteran & Purple Heart recipient who spent 21 years in the Explosive Ordinance Disposal community. Harry's acute attention to detail and ability to distill complex information can make every encounter a personal experience with the goal of maximizing the commonly misunderstood VA benefit - a significant benefit most Veterans don't get training on. Now partnered with the #1 provider of VA loans in purchase business both locally and nationally, Veterans United is lucky to have a military asset like Harry working for you. Outside of work, Harry enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, snowboarding, playing golf, and "falling" out of perfectly good airplanes!
Job Titles:
- Production Manager
- Production Manager NMLS 12449
See what 1,383 customers have said about Heather Damer
Heather Damer is the BEST in the business! She works diligently, professionally, and treats clients like family. She listens to understand situations and help in the best way she knows how. Give this girl a big bonus!!!! I have worked with Heather on 4 separate loans. I will always go back to her with new mortgage inquires. I love Heather!!!
Production Manager Heather Damer has been in the real estate and mortgage industries for over 25 years. An expert on VA home loans, as well as FHA and conventional, she strives to make every transaction smooth and worry-free by providing professional advice and superior customer service. Heather and her family have been a part of the Clarksville/Fort Campbell area for many years, and she is proud to serve the community they call home!
Job Titles:
- Loan Officer
- Loan Officer NMLS
Loan Officer Jake Levy has been in the mortgage industry for over 10 years. Originally from Missouri, he is excited to bring his expertise to the Tennessee branch of Veterans United!. Jake carefully listens to his homebuyers wants and needs and specializes in helping them achieve their homebuying goals. He is in their corner every step of the way! In his free time, Jake is cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, golfing and sitting on his patio, while soaking up the sun.
Senior Loan Officer James Walrod is a graduate of Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business, where he studied business management, finance, marketing and economics. He and his team have been leaders in the mortgage industry since 2006 and continue to serve Hampton Roads and surrounding areas. Dedication to his borrowers and partners, as well as a strong desire to serve his community, are a few of the catalysts behind the success of this mortgage team. James lives in Virginia Beach with his wife and two children.
Job Titles:
- Loan Officer
- Loan Officer NMLS 1323716
See what 132 customers have said about Jamie Bardeen
Loan Officer Jamie Bardeen has resided in Clarksville since March 2004, moving from Tucson, AZ. A military spouse of 14 years, she knows the struggles of handling things (like buying a new home) when your spouse is away. Her brother is currently on active duty, and he is the third generation of service members in their family - so Jamie has a great deal of familiarity with military life. She enjoys working with Veteran homebuyers to make their dreams of homeownership come true. Outside of work she spends time with her 2 children, watching them play lacrosse and volleyball.
Loan Specialist Jamie Faller served in the Virginia National Guard while attending college, and upon commissioning, moved to Georgia to join the 3ID at Fort Stewart. Because of her military background, she has a personal understanding of what service members endure. Her passion for Veterans transfers perfectly into the mortgage industry, as it allows her to encourage them in their journey to homeownership. When she's not working, she spends a lot of time with her husband, two daughters and a goofy Golden Retriever named Rowdy. They love to hike, bake and ride horses. In addition, she enjoys getting in shape by running, but the kids don't care much for that!
Transaction Coordinator Janice McBee is Georgia-born and raised, having moved to the Hinesville area after marrying her husband. While still being fairly new to the mortgage industry, Janice is passionate about turning heroes into homeowners. Janice works hard to give her Veterans a positive homebuying experience. Outside of the office, she spends time with her husband and loves being a supportive mom at dance competitions and soccer games.
Job Titles:
- Loan Officer
- Loan Officer NMLS 710607
Loan Officer Jennifer Candler has been in the mortgage industry for more than 20 years and is a Clarksville native. She is a member of the Clarksville Association of REALTORS ® and the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce. She is dedicated to helping local Veterans become homeowners and aims to minimize the stress involved in the homebuying process for her borrowers. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys church and spending time with her family and pets.
For many years, Jered watched his wife Kelly help hundreds of Veterans into homes - and he always wondered what a great feeling that must be. In April 2012, he finally got the opportunity to find out for himself and join our team in Greenville! He sincerely enjoys serving those who have served in our military branches. In his time away from work, he has the privilege of raising his two sons and partaking in all the outdoor activities South Carolina has to offer. They enjoy spending time on the water and hiking in the mountains.
Production Manager Josh Dinkins relocated to Colorado Springs in late 2020 after spending four years at our main campus in Columbia, MO. With over seven years of experience in the mortgage industry and a family filled with Veterans and service members, he is a VA loan expert! As a former college basketball coach, Josh loves coaching homebuyers on the homebuying process and working with them through their unique journeys. With a couple of investment properties, there's a great chance he's encountered your situation, too! Outside of work, Josh loves spending time outdoors exploring Colorado with his wife, Blair, and their 3 children.
Senior Loan Officer Justin Miller joined the Veterans United team after a 20-year career in the Navy SEAL Teams. Justin's military experience gives him an intimate understanding of navigating the homebuying process while serving on active duty. He is passionate about using his Navy experience and mortgage knowledge in the service of fellow Veterans! Justin prides himself on providing the highest level of service while working with his borrowers' unique circumstances and schedules. In his freetime, Justin enjoys sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and spending time with his wife and two boys.
Job Titles:
- Branch Loan Coordinator
- Loan Coordinator
Loan Coordinator Karie Natalie is originally from New York and moved to Georgia in 2014. She's been in the mortgage industry for over a decade, and her favorite part of her role is helping Veterans achieve their dreams of homeownership. She considers it an honor and a privilege to help Veterans - especially since her husband is an Army Veteran, and her daughter is a Marine Veteran. Karie understands the stress of PCS moves and purchasing/refinancing a home, and she is happy to connect with you during your journey. Outside of work, Karie has many roles - a wife, a mother, and a Nonna to her grandchildren. She loves to go on cruises (especially Disney) and hopes to someday take an Alaskan cruise. She also loves traveling "home" to New York and cheering on the Bills with her family and friends!
Job Titles:
- Senior Loan Officer
- Senior Loan Officer NMLS 1202012
Senior Loan Officer Karol Hart has strong ties to the military and is honored to be in a position to help local Veterans achieve their dream of homeownership. She has a special place in her heart for Ft Campbell, specifically - Karol was born on the base when her father was enlisted! Today, it is still just as special as her husband concluded his time by retiring after 20 years of service as a First Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. In addition, Karol is a former facilitator for a Department of Defense contractor having taught thousands of transitioning military service members. As a loan officer, she will use this level of understanding and compassion to go above and beyond your expectations! When not working, Karol's time is spent with her husband, daughters and family dogs.
Karol is a top-notch loan officer! I can't thank her and her team enough! They were always very responsive to my numerous questions and the loan process was incredibly simple as everything that we need to do was in a easy format online.
Karol is a masterful, patient, hard-working, kind lender. She made this process, feel secure, and elaborate. We have bought multiple homes, Karol is the best by far.
Karson Hill is a lifetime resident of Hampton Roads. He enjoys helping active and prospective homebuyers navigate the home purchasing process. Outside of work, Karson loves spending time with family, golfing, camping, hiking, or hanging out on the beach!
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Financial Officer at Veterans United Home Loans
- Member of the Missouri Society of CPAs
Kelley Frink is the Chief Financial Officer at Veterans United Home Loans. She is responsible for providing financial leadership and governance for Veterans United, including financial reporting, commissions, day-to-day company operations, and collaboration on all long-term financial matters for the company.
Kelley has been with Veterans United since 2013. Before joining Veterans United, she had worked in both public and private accounting. She is a licensed CPA with a master's degree in accountancy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Outside of work, Kelley is a member of the Missouri Society of CPAs and serves as the Treasurer for the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.
Branch Manager Kelly Stephens has worked as a VA mortgage specialist since February 2006, and she's loved every minute of it! A proud mother of two boys, she enjoys the opportunity to work side-by-side with her husband to serve those who have served our country. They love to do anything outdoors such as: hiking, skiing, gardening or sitting on the porch with a good book. They are proud to call South Carolina home and look forward to helping even more homebuyers fulfill their dream of homeownership in this beautiful state.
Senior Loan Officer Kevin Warren's main priority is to provide personalized and friendly customer service to all who walk through his door. He works to select the best loan option for his homebuyers and makes sure he understands each borrower's individual needs. Kevin was born and raised in Virginia Beach and served in the U.S. Air Force prior to his role at Veterans United. Kevin's goal is to be your personal mortgage consultant for life!
Job Titles:
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Chief Marketing Officer for Veterans United Home Loans
Kris Farmer is chief marketing officer for Veterans United Home Loans. Under his guidance, Veterans United constantly pursues new marketing channels aimed at building awareness for Veteran home buying benefits and awareness for the Veterans United brand. He believes in driving company growth by building sustainable, strategic partnerships and creating value for the Veterans that trust Veterans United with their mortgage.
Kris was the senior marketing director at an online ticket broker for eight years before joining Veterans United in 2009. He received his bachelor's degree in e-commerce from the University of Advancing Technology. Kris is also a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army.
In his free time, Kris enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, and their five children.
Job Titles:
- Branch Loan Coordinator
- Loan Coordinator
Loan Coordinator Laura House is an Air Force Veteran who comes from an entire family of service members. Thanks to her experience, she connects with our Veterans on a personal level and makes them a part of her military family. She knows how important it is to have a sense of permanence and "home", and it means everything to her to be able to provide that for others. Outside of work, she's into all things outdoors: hiking, camping, hunting and spending time with her partner and their pup named Mayhem!
Loan Officer Lucas Chamberlain relocated to Tennessee in 2012 from New York to pursue a country music career. The opportunity to tour as a guitarist for a country artist led to performances on various TV shows such as Ellen! Lucas made a career switch to the mortgage industry in 2020 after finding his passion in helping borrowers realize their homeownership dreams. He enjoys working with Veteran homebuyers and teaching them different ways to utilize their VA loan benefit. If there is any way to help a borrower, Lucas will find it! When he's not working, Lucas enjoys spending time with his wife, Jenna, and their four kids. He also enjoys playing guitar and camping!
Loan Officer Macie Baglin is motivated to guide Veterans through the homebuying process coming from a military family herself. Macie is the daughter of a Veteran as well as a military spouse. When she is not making the dreams of homeownership come true, she is spending time with her husband and three beautiful daughters, her fur baby, Topaz, and her 10 chickens!
Loan Officer Martin Schneider served 7 years as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. His time in the military showed him the importance of making the VA loan process as stress free as possible! Buying a home is an important step in your life, and Martin works to make the process quick and enjoyable. Outside of work, he spends time making memories with his brothers, nieces and nephews. He also enjoys going to the gym and relaxing in his own home.
Loan Officer Martin Sheehan has joined Veterans United after 10 years of service in the Navy, and he still serves in the Navy Reserves as an instructor pilot in Norfolk. He is a graduate of University of Washington where he studied finance and marketing. Marty is experienced in VA loans and investment property loans and always goes the extra mile to make sure his borrowers' experience exceeds the highest of standards. Outside of work, you can find Marty with his wife and three sons at their home in Norfolk, at real estate investor meetups around the Hampton Roads area, or anywhere the bite is on, fly-fishing.
Job Titles:
- Chief Product Officer
- Chief Product Officer at Veterans United Home Loans
Matt Detelich is the Chief Product Officer at Veterans United Home Loans. He is responsible for product development. His team uses technology to help our employees become more efficient and help clients have a unique digital experience.
Matt joined Veterans United in 2009 as a loan processor. He received his Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Missouri.
He enjoys golfing, video games, good television shows, movies, and relaxing at places with a good patio. He and his wife Lauren's favorite thing to do is relax outside.
Matt Volkert - Chief Strategy Officer
Job Titles:
- Chief Strategy Officer
- Chief Strategy Officer for Veterans United Home Loans
Matt Volkert is the chief strategy officer for Veterans United Home Loans. He is responsible for helping define and implement the company's strategic priorities and initiatives. With his guidance, the company continues to adapt to the ever-changing business environment, in order to serve Veterans and protect company culture and values.
Before joining Veterans United in 2013, Matt served as a counsel for the University of Missouri System where he focused on advising, managing and executing special projects and transactions in a regulated environment. He began his career as a business and transactional attorney, first at a law firm in Chicago and then at a local law firm in Columbia, Mo. Matt received his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Missouri and a law degree from the University of Michigan.
Matt enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters.
Job Titles:
- Office Coordinator, Serving Auburn, CA
Senior Loan Officer Melissa Kunkel is proud to bring her 16 years of experience in the financial services industry to her borrowers at Veterans United. She is passionate about helping people reach their goals of homeownership. The daughter of a Chief Warrant Officer in the Navy, Melissa is a lifelong Hampton Roads resident who loves helping Veterans and service members. Outside of work she served as soccer coach and treasurer for her son's Boy Scout Troop for many years. Now that he has grown up, she appreciates her free time and spends it on personal development, time with family and friends and spending time near the water.
Branch Loan Coordinator Michael Schneider moved to Monument, Colorado from Virginia when he was five and has lived in Colorado ever since. Michael's love for helping others is what drives him to work with Veterans and ensure they get the homes they deserve. His favorite part of the job is seeing the loan process through from beginning to end. Michael and his wife have three children - two sons and a daughter. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family and taking care of and riding their horses.
Nate Johnson is Chief Retention Officer for Veterans United Home Loans. His team focuses on creating lifelong relationships with borrowers. He believes that Veterans United can help every step of the way, whether buying, selling, or simply living in a home. Whether through guidance delivered directly from Veterans United or by connecting veterans to each other, there are always ways to improve the journey.
Nate was Chief Marketing Officer at realtor.com for five years before joining Veterans United in 2021. A Silicon Valley native, he worked in marketing and product management leadership roles at Apple, Google, and LinkedIn. Nate has a bachelor's degree in history from Middlebury College and a master's in business from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!).
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Executive Officer at Veterans United Home Loans
Nate Long is the chief executive officer at Veterans United Home Loans. He provides high-level leadership while maintaining a strong interest in all aspects of daily business. His focus is to ensure that Veterans United is an enjoyable place to work for its passionate employees and that it provides unmatched customer service to the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. Veterans United's customer service revolves around educating and empowering customers with the knowledge of the benefits their service affords.
Nate joined Veterans United in 2003. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in psychology.
Nate enjoys spending time with his wife, Abby, and their five children. He also has an affinity for outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting.
Branch Specialist Nick Kutz Nick joined us in 2016 and enjoys educating Veterans about their VA home loan benefits. Nick comes from a family of Veterans: both of Nick's grandfathers served in the Army during World War II, and two of his uncles served in the Navy. With those close personal ties, he feels rewarded working with Veterans who are becoming homeowners. With each Veteran he helps, he feels he is saying thank you to a community that has done so much for our country!
Loan Officer Nick Laws is proud to work with Clarksville's service members and help them purchase their dream homes. Purchasing a home is one of the most important decisions someone can make, which is why he takes such pride in helping those in his community. By keeping open communication and educating homebuyers through every step of the process, Nick hopes to help make getting a home loan a stress-free and enjoyable process. In his free time, he loves going kayaking and taking his two-year-old rescue dog on hikes. Nick also loves to catch up with friends and family back in Missouri and cheer on the Mizzou Tigers!
Loan Officer Nina Paddock served in the Navy Medical Service Corps as a Lieutenant Commander for 23 years. While in the Navy, she received her Master of Public Health from Virginia Commonwealth University. As a Veteran and military spouse, Nina understands the unique challenges that Veterans and service members face when buying a home. She strives to help fellow Veterans achieve their dreams of homeownership. When she's not serving those who served, Nina is a proud mom (and sports chauffeur) to her two boys!
Job Titles:
- Chief Production Officer
- Chief Production Officer at Veterans United Home Loans
Patrick Cox is the chief production officer at Veterans United Home Loans. He is responsible for leading the company's production department, managing all loan teams and providing strategic mortgage direction.
Patrick's leadership in overseeing staffing, strategy and health of the department has been integral since 2012 when he became the Production Director. He was previously a loan officer with the company for eight years.
Patrick and his wife, Heather, have one daughter. They love trail running, travel and spending quality time with friends.
Loan Officer and Army Veteran, SFC Paul Grise is passionate about helping his fellow Veterans and active duty service members however he can. After 15 years of combined service in the Army, he understands the challenges of PCS moves, as well as the transition from military to civilian life. From first-time homebuyers to those looking for retirement homes, Paul loves getting to know his borrowers and their stories. His daughter, 7 nieces and nephews and German Shepherd all combine their efforts to keep him on his toes, and he even enjoys flying airplanes in his spare time!
Job Titles:
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Chief Information Security Officer at Veterans United Home Loans
Randy Raw is the Chief Information Security Officer at Veterans United Home Loans. Randy is responsible for leading the Cybersecurity teams in protecting the security and privacy of our Veteran Hero data. Under his direction, we have built a strong cybersecurity program, emphasizing the importance of every employee understanding their role in this effort. His teams are always looking for ways to be part of the innovation cycle, ensuring we can move the business forward with an appropriate security posture.
Randy joined Veterans United in 2011, bringing nearly 20 years of public and private cybersecurity experience. He has degrees from the University of Missouri and the University of Kentucky. He is a CISSP and is active in local and national cybersecurity events. He is a regular speaker at conferences and enjoys sharing how cybersecurity can be a K-N-O-W department instead of an N-O department.
Randy and his wife Kathy live in Columbia and published a faith-based leadership book. They also enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Branch Manager Shawn Workman has been in the mortgage industry for over 20 years. He's worked in both managerial and loan origination roles during his time in the industry. Additionally, Shawn is a military service member, having enlisted in the Army in 1991 and currently serving as a Colonel in the Army with two combat tours in Afghanistan. With his mortgage and military experience, Shawn is a valuable partner to have on your side in the VA homebuying process. When he's out of the office, Shawn spends time with his wife and six children - three of whom are 20-year-old triplet girls! Shawn Workman, serving both the Savannah and Hinesville areas, located in our Hinesville, GA Branch.
Senior Loan Officer Solibel Ramos is a mortgage industry expert and military spouse. With 20+ years experience, she can confidently navigate the ever changing industry with ease while empathizing with the unique needs of her Veteran homebuyers. Solibel also understands the needs of a growing family as she enjoys spending time with her spouse, son, three daughters, three dogs and cat!
Branch Manager Tim Spears is a U.S. Army Veteran who served as an Infantry Team Leader while stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. He served active duty from 2005 to 2009 which included a 15 month deployment to Arab Jabour, Iraq. Tim medically retired from active duty in November of 2009 after being injured. As a mortgage lender, Tim's work ethic makes him stand out from others in the industry. He takes great pride in everything he does and will do anything he can to provide the best customer service possible to all of his borrowers. He treats each of his clients like family and is honored to help make their dreams a reality. In his down time, Tim and his wife, Taryn, enjoy fishing, boating, sports and spending time with family and friends.
Loan Officer Travis Hurdlow worked in the mortgage industry for 17 years before taking a break to open a small manufacturing company. He owned his own business for 7 years before making a move to Veterans United to help fulfill your home loan goals. Travis comes to Greenville after living in Sequim, Washington for 29 years. His son enlisted in the Marines, and Travis is thrilled to be in a role where he can help members of the armed forces. He makes an effort to get to know his homebuyers and build relationships. Outside of work, Travis spends time with his wife and their 3 children exploring, hiking, paddleboarding/kayaking, and laughing together.
Loan Officer Trevor Damer has lived in Clarksville for more than 15 years and feels blessed to call the area home. As a Loan Officer, his main goal is to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible for the buyer and their realtor. He is always happy to answer any and all questions regarding mortgages and finds great pride in providing the right information to borrowers. Trevor enjoys spending time exercising, being with his friends and watching movies.
Loan Officer Viola Sykes grew up in a military family, moving from California to Tennessee to Germany, and then back to the Clarksville area with her parents during their service in the U.S. Army. With a lot of relocating in her lifetime, Viola understands the sense of security a home provides for military families. Since 2013, she's been helping homebuyers secure their own American dream here in the Clarksville area. In their free time, Viola and her husband enjoy golfing, cheering on their daughter at her weightlifting competitions and spoiling their two dogs.
Senior Loan Officer Whitlee Goostree is a lifelong resident of Tennessee and has lived in the Clarksville/Fort Campbell area for 10 years. She brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of our military and their families because she is a daughter and granddaughter of Veterans. Purchasing a home is typically the biggest purchase a person will make in their lifetime, and Whitlee is always excited to be a part of the homebuying journey with our borrowers. Outside of work, Whitlee loves to spend time with her husband and son on their farm.