A Letter From Deborah Sturges

"Change always comes bearing gifts."  ~Price Pritchett  

Sudden change is seldom welcome, but one day in 2006 I found myself in the midst of great change. Not only for me, but for my friends and co-workers who had worked so hard for me and beside me everyday.

Waterfield Mortgage, a longtime Fort Wayne based company where I was senior vice president, was sold. 650 people, including me, lost their jobs. We were suddenly faced with many challenges both professional and personal.

At first I was devastated, but with time I realized it was an opportunity for positive change. After taking a couple of months to reflect, I decided that Fort Wayne still needed the type of home finance solutions we had been giving at Waterfield and that I wanted to be the one to continue that TRADITION OF SERVICE. The foundation for Hallmark was in place.

I set out to create a new and different mortgage company. The name had to express my desire to create a company made up of the best people in the industry, who share my commitment to always put YOU, our customer, first. The dictionary definition of Hallmark is: 1. A mark indicating quality or excellence. 2. Any mark or special indication of genuineness, good quality, etc. The name Hallmark Home Mortgage fit my vision for the company.

My next step was to begin assembling the team that was going to help me realize my dream. The market was rich with talented people. Most of them, I had worked with for years and they were currently unemployed. So in the spring of 2007, with great people onboard, the ability to make all decisions in-house, and strong local financial backing, Hallmark Home Mortgage was born.

As a Fort Wayne native, I care deeply about our city. Community involvement has always been a high priority for me. I have served as the Chairman of Parkview Hospital, a member of the Board of Directors of Parkview Health Systems, a Board Member of the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and of Anthony Wayne Services. I have also chaired the Indiana Health Facility Finance Authority for 8 years, have been on the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority Board, served as Chairman of the Board of United Way of Allen County and was their 1999 Campaign Chair and Co-Chair of the Tocqueville Society. Through these associations, I know how rewarding service can be; I believe everyone has the ability to make a positive impact on their community. Hallmark Home Mortgage is a place where community service is supported and encouraged.

I feel privileged and blessed to be surrounded by the exceptional group of professionals that make up Hallmark Home Mortgage. I am equally honored to be in a business that makes the dream of homeownership a reality for people everyday.

We look forward to the opportunity to earn your business. I invite you to experience the Hallmark Home Mortgage difference.

Deborah Sturges
President & CEO of Hallmark Home Mortgage