Written By: Karen Deis & Chris Vinson. Chris Vinson is President of Journey Mortgage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Email Chris at Chris@JourneyMortgage.com and checkout online seminars given by Chris Vinson at www.LoanOfficerSeminars.com.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (2-time Emmy winner) is one of the most popular shows on Sunday-night TV. It’s about how communities come together, with the help of ABC and thousands of suppliers, to help families throughout the US rebuild their homes—and their lives.
A famous quote (author unknown), “The harder I work; the luckier I get”, is this loan officer’s motto.
Chris Vinson, Co-Founder of Journey Mortgage, Sioux Falls, South Dakota was “lucky” enough to get tapped on the shoulder and asked to participate in ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover for a South Dakota family--in an episode called “Brave Heart” which is scheduled to be shown on October 29, 2006. (We can’t tell you any more than this because of secrecy agreements.)
When you read this interview, Chris shares how he used the opportunity not only to help his community, but how he got his past clients and affinity partners involved too.
Karen: Chris, how did you get involved with the “Brave Heart” Extreme Home Makeover Project?
Chris: I work with the biggest builder in Sioux Falls and when ABC decides to re-build a home, they ONLY work with the largest builders who have subcontractors and suppliers they can tap on the shoulder to get the job done in 7 days or less. As a side note, when my builder got the phone call—at first, he thought it was a joke!
Karen: Did you or your staff volunteer to help build the home?
Chris: Oh no, ABC is very strict and only licensed contractors, with the best reputations are allowed to work on the house. The home has to ooze quality. ABC orchestrates the building of the home and the time frame from start to finish is 106 hours.
Karen: So, what did you sponsor?
Chris: We sponsored the VIP Tent! For other loan officers who might get involved in something like this—I can assure you that this is the VERY BEST thing you could sponsor.
