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About Us:

Founded in 2003 by Steven J. Gerdes and Jim H. Brown, Jr., American Freedom Group, Inc. does business as American Freedom Mortgage and Veteran Mortgage.  We are currently licensed in 9 States across the USA, with licenses pending in others. With more than 4 dozen branch offices so far, we are working every week to open new locations.

Steve Gerdes is President of American Freedom Group, and has more than 15 years of experience in the brokerage industry.  He is recognized by peers and regulators alike for his strong ethical position and his knowledge of the current regulatory environment.  His plans for American Freedom Group include adding FHA and mortgage banking in the near future.

Steve has worked as a wholesale account executive, as a trustee to several regional and multinational trusts, served on the Board of Directors of a large national mortgage corporation, served as President of The Northwest Washington Association of Mortgage Brokers, as Treasurer for a multinational humanitarian organization, worked as regional sales director, senior division manager, construction & investment lending specialist, loan officer, and banking professional.  He has a BA in Business Administration, and a 2nd BA in Marketing & Management.  He has received numerous honors,  has been highly involved with community service, and has served in many leadership and teaching roles.

Jim Brown is CEO of American Freedom Group, and has over 16 years experience in the brokerage industry.  He is widely recognized as the authority in VA loans in the region.  Having the real entrepreneur spirit, he has been instrumental in the start-up of American Freedom Mortgage and other mortgage companies throughout his career.  

Jim has participated actively for many years with the legislative committee for the Washington Association of Mortgage Brokers, has assisted with the revision of the Mortgage Brokers Practices Act and helped guide it through the State Legislature and the Governor's Office.  Besides working as a mortgage broker and loan originator, he has experience in real estate, sales, and management.  In addition to his political activism, Jim is very involved as a Board member or Officer of a number of community service groups and many professional organizations, including the Washington State Mortgage Broker Commission and the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.

Angela Craig is a 1992 summa cum laude graduate of Seattle Pacific University.  She received her bachelors degree in Humanities with a major in English and a minor in writing.  She started her career writing, editing and doing secretarial work for a local newspaper.  From there, she moved into being an office manager and executive assistant.  

In 1998, she joined the staff at Veteran Mortgage, managing the office and assisting the processing staff, and soon graduated to loan processing.  At American Freedom Mortgage, she is invaluable to the team as Senior Loan Processor.  Those of you who work with her know her as a very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful person.