Jacksonville native Sandy Dean attended her first NEFBA new-member lunch meeting recently. She joined First Federal Bank of Florida as a mortgage originator in September and her manager suggested she attend the meeting to see for herself the value of the company’s NEFBA membership.
“I know a lot of people in the area, and I even went to high school with David Dostie (brother of past president Richard Dostie),” Dean said. “A good relationship with builders is essential in my line of work, and I appreciate the opportunities to develop those relationships through NEFBA.”
With 10 years of mortgage lending experience and awards as “top performer” to her credit, Dean has found a good fit for her experience and customer-first approach at First Federal Bank.
“The company is committed to customer service and value,” Dean said. “It is a community-based bank serving more than 60,000 customers in Florida. As part of the communities we serve, a major focus here is to help communities thrive.
“I am extremely excited to join First Federal Bank,” she continued. “With the products and flexibility the bank offers, I can do what I love — find the right home financing options for my customers.”
Dean and her husband, Richard, both attended Wolfson High School, but didn’t get to know each other until several years after graduation. She was picking up a friend at the airport and a chance encounter with Richard, who was in the U.S. Navy, resulted in a relationship that led to marriage, now celebrating 30 years together.
Dean said they had one duty station during her husband’s Navy career. Hawaii.
“We were in Hawaii for three wonderful years,” she said. “We always knew we wanted to return to Jacksonville, so we bought a lot in Bartram Trail and while we were in Hawaii we designed our home. The design was greatly influenced by our Hawaiian experience.”
It was the building of the home that led to Dean’s career as a mortgage originator. She processed her own construction-to-perm loan. In the process, and with 30 days of training, she began working as a loan originator.
When the company had to close its doors during the downturn, Dean took a job with a larger firm where she said she missed the personal contact with her customers and rather than function merely as an “order taker,” she worked for a while in a tennis office. It was there she heard about an opening at First Federal Bank.
“I am so glad to be doing what I really love,” she said. “I enjoy the contact with people and it’s very satisfying to help people overcome the challenges they face when trying to finance a home. We have great programs that allow us to help people realize their dreams.
“And our VA loans give me the chance to work with sailors and soldiers, who are especially important to me,” Dean said. “My husband served in the Navy and my son, Austin, serves with the Navy in Virginia.”
Dean said the company also has programs geared to help first-time homebuyers, teachers, law enforcement, firefighters and other community service personnel obtain mortgage loans. Helping families is important to this wife, mother and grandmother. Dean’s 5-year-grandaughter, Olivia, is the newest addition to her family circle.
In 2012, First Federal Bank of Florida celebrated 50 years of offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services for personal and business customers.
First Federal has been serving customers since 1962 when it opened in Live Oak as First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Live Oak.
Today the company has 19 retail branches and several lending centers in Florida. The company offers customers diversified financial services including personal and business banking, lending, mortgages and more.
“We are constantly adding and improving our products and services to make banking as easy and beneficial as possible,” Dean said. “Customer service is a top priority here, and we are committed to making home financing fast, easy, and affordable with local decision making and friendly service.”
Executive Director Corey Deal said members like Dean reflect the values of the association.
“Even as a new member, it’s obvious that Sandy Dean shares our values and our commitment to serve the community,” Deal said. “We welcome Sandy to the NEFBA family and hope to see her enthusiasm and experience applied to any projects she undertakes in support of our committees and volunteer efforts.”