Annabelle Dkystra chosen as 2026 Service Scholarship Winner

/in , /by

In 2020 Michigan Mortgage introduced the Service Scholarship with the goal of recognizing High School Seniors who shared the dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers in service include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

For 2026, we received dozens of applicants and reviewed each one closely. We learned about each students’ goals and aspirations, community service they completed, impacts they made in West Michigan, and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

After much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Annabelle Dkystra, a 2026 Western Michigan Christian graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

She said the following in her application.

“To me, service means intentionally caring for the people around me and being willing to help wherever there is a need. I believe service is about coming alongside others with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to support them.”

Annabelle is headed to Spring Arbor University in the fall to pursue a degree in Secondary Math Education.

“Education is important to me because helping others has always been something I’ve loved, especially in school,” she said. “Growing up with my mom as a teacher inspired me from a young age, and I’ve always enjoyed helping classmates and younger peers understand concepts and gain confidence in themselves. ”

“I believe teaching is a meaningful way to serve the community, as educators often become trusted mentors and sources of guidance for students,” she continued. “By creating a supportive and encouraging classroom environment, I hope to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of my students and the community as a whole.”

Why Annabelle? She is a dedicated and thoughtful student who genuinely cares about learning. She works hard not just to complete her assignments, but to fully understand them, and she isn’t afraid to ask questions to get there. What truly makes her stand out, though, is her kindness and willingness to help her classmates.

We were told that she is patient, compassionate and brings both diligence and heart to everything she does. She truly cares about making this world a better place.

“I am very grateful for the support as I take this next step toward achieving my goal of becoming a teacher,” she said.

Congratulations, Annabelle! We can’t wait to watch you change the world!

Service Scholarship Winner, Ashton Olson

Ashton Olson chosen as 2024 Service Scholarship Winner

/0 Comments/in /by

In 2020 Michigan Mortgage introduced the Service Scholarship with the goal of recognizing High School Seniors who shared the dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers in service include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

For 2024, we received dozens of applicants and reviewed each one closely. We learned about each students’ goals and aspirations, community service they completed, impacts they made in West Michigan, and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

Service Scholarship Winner, Ashton OlsonAfter much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Ashton Olson, a 2024 Fruitport High School graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

She said the following in his application.

“Service means to me, helping, giving back, and supporting people or communities in need. Giving my time and effort to support those who need help.”

Ashton is an excellent student, a natural reader and is motivated and driven by the high expectations she sets for herself. When faced with adversity, she’s the first to step in and help those around her.

We were told that she is a kind, caring, responsible leader that embodies what a great role model would be for the young ladies in our community.

Ashton is headed to Grand Valley State University in the fall. Her long-term career goal is to become a health and physical education teacher.

“Being a health and physical education teacher is important to me because children need to know how to take care of their bodies and be healthy,” Ashton said. “I love sports and I hope to encourage kids to do so as well!”

Congratulations, Ashton! We can’t wait to watch you change the world!

Alex Lee

Alex Lee Chosen as 2023 Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship Winner

/in /by

In 2020 Michigan Mortgage introduced the Service Scholarship with the goal of recognizing High School Seniors who shared the dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers in service include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

For 2023, we received dozens of applicants and reviewed each one closely. We learned about each students’ goals and aspirations, community service they completed, impacts they made in West Michigan, and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

We assembled a Scholarship Committee to select our 2023 winners. Two West Michigan graduates will receive $1,000 to further their education.

Alex LeeAfter much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Alex Lee, a 2023 Spring Lake High School graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

He said the following in his application.

“The word service to me means, assisting someone or a group of people. I see it as a lifelong dedication and commitment to helping others to a better life, to high rising standards. I believe service is not just t an act of doing something, it is more than that. Service is a genuine act of wanting to help benefit the well-being of others.”

“I hope to give back to the community that made me the person I am today and in the future. Whether that’s donating, volunteering, shopping locally, or supporting small businesses. I absolutely love my community and where I live, and if one day I get the opportunity to start my own local business, I know one hundred percent that I can greatly impact our community. I also want to make sure that our schools and education system are effective and caring to our students. At the end of the day, those students are the next generation, and with proper guidance in the classroom, I believe that we could achieve something that this community has never seen.”

Alex is headed to Hillsdale College in the fall. His long-term career goal is to become a high school teacher and athletic director.

“My career goal is to become a high-school athletic director. I have been blessed with enjoying a successful high school career as a player in both football and lacrosse. Throughout high school, I have observed the work that our athletic director did to help grow all of our programs at every level, including at the middle school and elementary school levels. I want to pursue this career goal so that I can provide the same opportunities to students that I was able to have during high school.”

“I am very thankful and grateful for receiving this scholarship from Michigan Mortgage,” he said. “This scholarship will have a major impact on my studies as it will provide me with the additional drive to work hard and succeed in my studies at Hillsdale College.”

Congratulations, Alex! We wish you continued success!

Jaley Schultz Recognized as 2023 Service Scholarship Winner

/in /by

In 2020 Michigan Mortgage introduced the Service Scholarships with the goal of recognizing High School Seniors who shared the dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers in service include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

For 2023, we received dozens of applicants and reviewed each one closely. We learned about each students’ goals and aspirations, community service they completed, impacts they made in West Michigan, and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

Our Scholarship Committee selected two West Michigan graduates that will receive $1,000 to further their education.

After much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Jaley Schultz, 2023 North Muskegon High School graduate, as this year’s winner of the Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

Jaley said the following in her application.

“To me, service is about sacrificing your own needs and prioritizing the needs of others. Service is beautiful because those who aim to serve others aren’t searching for anything in return, acts of service are purely motivated by putting others before yourself. I have been a member of the Rotary Interact Club at my school since my freshman year, and this year, I have the privilege of being the president. Interact has taught me a variety of lessons and ideals regarding service, but my favorite is our club’s motto: ‘service above self.’ I feel that this quote embodies everything that I want to work toward in life. From my role as a daughter, friend, and student to my future career in the medical field, I will forever aim to epitomize ‘service above self.”

Jaley plans to attend the University of Michigan this fall. Her long-term career goal is to become a doctor or physician assistant, potentially specializing in pediatrics or obstetrics.

“I have been interested in the medical field for as long as I can remember,” Jaley said. “It perfectly combines my love for science and my passion for helping others. I have also grown up with many little cousins, which is the primary reason for my interest in pediatrics/obstetrics.”

“It is widely known that, for my desired career path, there are many steps to accomplish before you can officially enter the workforce,” she expressed. “Between undergraduate education, medical/PA school, and low-paying entry level positions, costs add up quickly. With the help of this scholarship, I can start off on the right track and focus more on my studies than on financial stressors.”

Congratulations, Jaley! We wish you continued success in your future endeavors.

Hannah

Second 2022 Service Scholarship Winner Announced

/in /by

In conjunction with our #MMGivesBack and Service Rewards programs, we’ve launched the Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship in hopes of recognizing High School Seniors with dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers Include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

We received dozens of applicants and examined each one closely. We learned about their goals and aspirations, the community service they completed and impacts they made in West Michigan and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

We assembled a Scholarship Committee to select our 2022 winners. Two West Michigan graduates will receive $1,000 to further their education.

HannahAfter much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Hannah DeVrou, a 2022 Allendale High School Graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

She said the following in her application.

“To me, service is giving to another without them needing to request it. Helping someone in any way you can think of. Service could be as simple as cutting a neighbor’s grass or being there for a friend through a hard season. Service is the most genuine way to show someone that you love them. Service is giving your time to someone else instead of using it on yourself. Service is the most fulfilling way to assist another.”

“I hope to impact our local community in the future by committing wholeheartedly to my career path. By choosing nursing as a major and future career, I am choosing to serve our local community every day I walk into my workplace. Nurses and other Healthcare workers are willing to risk their lives daily by putting themselves in harm’s way to be of service to their community, and I strive for that in my own life. I also plan to volunteer within my community as I do now, making a positive impact on every person I interact with. I plan to serve with the youth of my local church for years to come, mentoring and being a positive influence on young minds.”

Hannah plans to attend the Davenport University and major in Nursing.

“My career goal is to be a Registered Nurse working in a post-operative, pediatric care center,” she said. “I’ve got my hopes set on Helen Devos!”

“This scholarship will impact my studies by helping me save for and afford the schooling to achieve this goal! I am so excited to have been gifted this scholarship and am delighted to use the funding to give back to my community.”

Congratulations, Hannah! You are so deserving of this recognition.

Rob and Jill Garrison

Married to Mortgages: Jill Garrison’s Perspective

/0 Comments/in /by

Rob Garrison has been in the mortgage business for 25 years. His wife, Jill, has been by his side for every transaction, milestone, achievement, and celebration.

She truly is his biggest cheerleader.

Rob and Jill Garrison“Working together is one of the best parts of my life,” Jill said. “Rob has such a zest for life, for learning and improving and inspiring others to believe in themselves and their dreams. His growth mindset coupled with his ability to be so present is a gift to me, as it is to our family and our Michigan Mortgage team and our Realtor partners.”

“I love how much he himself gets inspired and excited about working with his amazing team. We both kind of think of ourselves as the Mom and Dad to these amazing humans that we get to work with and have fun with each day.”

At Michigan Mortgage, the work is never done. Rob works nights and weekends to help his clients achieve the American Dream. His cell phone is never far from his hip – he is happy to educate and serve at all times of the day.

We believe his communication and commitment to our mission has helped him guide more than 5,000 clients home.

“Rob gets excited about every single client that he and his team have the privilege to serve,” Jill said. “Underlying each mortgage, he has a deep belief that having a home is a foundation that family and security is built on. I think his knowledge and integrity along with his willingness to go to bat and dig deep for each of his clients sets him apart and is the reason he has built such a wonderful, loyal following.”

Rob and Dave have built something really special here at Michigan Mortgage. Jill is the first to recognize the accomplishment and celebrate the achievement. She is so proud of her husband!

“I am proud of Rob for many things looking back on the 25 years he and Dave have been building Michigan Mortgage,” Jill said. “Rob has such a strong desire to make Michigan Mortgage a workplace that provides an incredibly supportive and empowering environment. Maybe more importantly, he is driven to make Michigan Mortgage a place that spills over into our employee’s lives…in a way that enhances their lives at home, with their families, and in the community.”

“I am probably most proud of the team that they have built over the years,” she said. “We seriously have the most amazing humans that come to work with such exuberance, commitment, and enthusiasm for what they do. They all work so hard, are committed to excellence, positivity and serving our clients so that they have an exceptional experience. So, the culture that they have built and continues to grow and cultivate is extraordinary and extra special.”

Rob Garrison

Who is Rob Garrison?

/0 Comments/in /by

Rob Garrison is a husband, father, brother, son, and a Mortgage Loan Officer.

Rob GarrisonHe’s also a leader, learner and business partner. This year, he’s celebrating his 25th year in the Mortgage Industry with his partner and co-branch manager, Dave Lehner. Together, they’ve formed an unstoppable team.

In honor of their 25th year in business, we sat down with Dave to talk more about the “outgoing guy” he met back in high school.

Join us as we get to know Rob Garrison from Dave Lehner’s perspective.

Michigan Mortgage: What was your first impression of Rob?

Dave: I thought Rob was a sharp, outgoing guy. I remember hanging out with him when we were with mutual friends and we got along great even though I was from the rival school. I soon learned that Rob was very motivated and he had so many great traits.

Rob is very detailed and organized. He’s a forward thinker and I could tell right away he was a self-starter and had potential to be a great leader and owner.

MM: You’ve been in business with Rob for 25 years. How has he changed? What has stayed the same?

Dave: In the beginning, we both worked out of our homes. We were trying to build a clientele and bring in business. Rob was always there for me and we’d brainstorm to figure out ways to make the mortgage process better, faster and easier.

We learned the business without much training so we leaned on each other for support. Rob has been the best business partner I could have! He has not changed in his/our vision, his commitment and his desire to keep growing the company the right way.

MM: What makes Rob a great Loan Officer?

Dave: Rob is an honest person with a big heart! He is there for his clients to help guide them, educate them and make sure they are doing the best thing for their unique situation. When he looks at mortgage loan options with clients, he always acts as a friend looking out for them.

MM: What makes Rob a great Leader?

Dave: Rob is a reader! He loves to read and he reads a lot of business books and brings the ideas he learns to the company. We have implemented many of those ideas to make us better personally and professionally. Rob has a clear vision and is very good at expressing that vision to the staff. He leads people by empowering them in their roles at the company.

MM: I’m sure 25 years in business together has created a few good memories. Can you share your favorite?

Dave: I have so many stories and they all make me smile. When we first started having Christmas parties, we hosted them in the basement at my house. One year we played “Let’s Make a Deal” and both of our wives bought goldfish as one of the prizes behind the doors. We had a little too much to drink that night and ended up tipping over the fish. Rob and I tried to give a speech and it turned out so bad! It was a fun night and I remember it like it was yesterday.

I am so thankful that I met Rob when I was 16 years old! And I’m so thankful he is my business partner; I consider him a true friend and will for the rest of my life.

I would not be where I am today without you, Rob. I love you!

Dave Lehner

Who is Dave Lehner?

/0 Comments/in /by

Dave Lehner is a husband, father, son, Papa and a Mortgage Loan Officer.

Dave LehnerHe’s also a leader, encourager and business partner. This year, he’s celebrating his 25th year in the Mortgage Industry with his partner and co-branch manager, Rob Garrison. Together, they’ve formed an unstoppable team.

In honor of their 25th year in business, we sat down with Rob to talk more about the “hard-working guy” he met back in high school.

Join us as we get to know Dave Lehner from Rob Garrison’s perspective.

Michigan Mortgage: What was your first impression of Dave?

Rob: I knew Dave a bit from high school. We went to rival schools and played sports against one another. I knew Dave to be fun and outgoing and engaging with people. What I did not know was that he was such a hard worker.

Dave initially worked the Grand Rapids market. He would drive to Grand Rapids every day and knock on Realtors’ doors until they gave him a deal. Before long, they LOVED him and they were knocking on his door! In short order, Dave was working with some of the top agents in the business! A few years into our partnership, Dave began working more in Muskegon. Dave seems to know everyone in Muskegon and it was natural to work where he lives and plays.

MM: You’ve been in business with Dave for 25 years. How has he changed? What has stayed the same?

Rob: In the beginning, we worked mostly independently. We hired many loan officers and tried to teach them the business and had very little support staff. As our branch grew, we decided that we should build more of a cohesive branch where we played the role of managers and developed teams of support rather than multiple loan officers. This was the best move we ever made. We were able to build Core Values, Culture and a brand that we had not been able to achieve previously.

MM: What makes Dave a great Loan Officer?

Rob:  Dave loves people. He loves helping folks buy their first home, save money in a refi or access equity. He thrives when he can meet face to face and develop long lasting relationships. Clients love working with him because they trust him.

MM: What makes Dave a great Leader?

Rob: Dave has the ability to take the perspective of the employee and anticipate how they will feel about policy changes. He fights to keep the culture fun and personal even as we grow. When things get too “corporate” Dave keeps it real.

MM: I’m sure 25 years in business together has created a few good memories. Can you share your favorite?

Rob: When the mortgage market collapsed in 2008, we transitioned from a Mortgage Broker to a Mortgage Banker. In pursuit of that we flew to Dallas to discuss working for a large company headquartered there. When we arrived, we were immediately picked up by their recruiter and headed to the bar. From there we went to another bar and then another. In Dallas you go big or go home.

Dave was there for the FULL experience. The next morning, we had six or seven meetings with different department heads. I was asking every question I could think of and by the second or third meeting, Dave glared over at me as if to say, “I am dying here, if you ask another question, I will kill you.” He then ended the meeting abruptly and ran to the nearest trash can. He blamed the sushi but it was definitely the drinks.

Celebrating 25 Years in the Mortgage Business

/0 Comments/in /by

2021 is a big year for all of us at Michigan Mortgage, but even more so for our fearless leaders, Dave Lehner and Rob Garrison.

For Dave and Rob, 2021 celebrates their 25th year working together in the mortgage business. That’s a huge feat! And it’s one that we are so incredibly proud of.

To celebrate this honor, we sat down with Dave and Rob to talk all things mortgage. We talked about what has (and has not) changed and why our commitment to our customers is still the most important thing. Enjoy!

Michigan Mortgage: You’ve been a Mortgage Loan Officer for 25 years. How has the business changed?

Rob: The biggest change I’ve noticed is the accessibility of financing for more people at more consistent and transparent fees. When we started 25 years ago, it was the Wild West. Lenders were charging outrageous fees and rates for people that had less than perfect credit or low down payments. Government regulation and accessibility to more programs has allowed more people to realize the American dream with more consistent, transparent and more reasonable terms.

Dave: The business is much faster paced, but we also have more technology, systems, and programs to help our clients and staff. With our new Pro Snap App people can apply on their cell or computer and we can work through the process almost entirely paperless. Fifteen years ago, this would never have been possible, let alone 25 years ago. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the education and communication that we give our clients so they understand their options and what programs are available to them.

MM: By the sounds of it, the industry has changed for the better. More people are able to achieve the American Dream using a much more efficient process. Technology is key here. Tell me about the technology you used in 1994 and how it compares to the technology available to you in 2021.

Rob: The biggest change in the last 25 years has been with technology. Back in the day, everything was hand written and wet signed. We collected all documentation, made photo copies, snail mailed everything to an underwriter and received an approval back by fax. Today, most everything can be handled with an app or computer. While there has been some personal touch lost, the convenience for clients is undeniable.

Dave: Technology is a huge factor in today’s business. We have systems in place which give us notices on rate updates so we can lock rates before they go up. We have Pro Snap so clients can just click to sign their loan documents from their cell phones or laptop instead of printing or coming into the office to sign.  We have office computer systems to help the staff process the loan faster and to be more efficient. The only technology I had when I started in my basement was a pager, cell phone, computer, printer and a fax machine. I would have to print all the loan documents, meet the client at the Realtor’s office to have them sign, then go to Staples to make a copy and overnight them to the underwriter and wait 3 to 5 days to get a faxed approval.

MM: Wow. It sounds like so much has changed! Let’s close with this. What’s the most important or most memorable thing you’ve learned over the past 25 years?

Rob: The mortgage business is about serving people with trustworthy reliable advice and execution. Consumers want a fair deal, great communication and an easy process. They want to be able to trust the lender they are working; trust that the lender has their best interest in mind and trust that the lender is capable and competent in what they are doing. Systems and processes are extremely important to deliver the service levels that clients expect but it is still about relationships with people.

Dave: This is a high pressure, fast paced business. I have dealt with a lot of people over the years between Realtors, buyers, sellers, appraisers, title companies, inspectors and many other individuals that are related to the real estate industry. There are so many different personalities, deadlines, and pressures to make the contract close date and it takes all of us working together to help the clients achieve their goals of home ownership. One thing I know for sure is that I’m the same kind and humble person who loves working with my clients and staff every day.

We plan to celebrate our 25th Anniversary all year long, so stay tuned for more content (and even a few flashback photos) to commemorate Dave and Rob’s journey in the business. Cheers!

It’s Story Time

/0 Comments/in /by

Our friends at 92.1 WGHN are hosting Story Time. Have you been tuning in?

We teamed up with the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors to sponsor the daily segment with Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Tune in at 8:40 a.m. Monday – Friday to hear some of our favorite stories.

Press play below and enjoy a few sweet stories with your family.

More stories are available here.