New American Funding, a national mortgage banker, today announced their CEO and President, Rick and Patty Arvielo, have each received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship award from the Orange County Business Journal. Awards were given to recognize individuals demonstrating the American entrepreneurial spirit, marked by creativity, dedication, and a successfully nurtured business venture. A total of seven individuals, selected from 147 nominees, received awards. The complete list of award recipients will be printed in the March 30, 2015 edition of the Orange County Business Journal.

In 2003 Rick and Patty Arvielo founded New American Funding as a mortgage call center with 40 employees. With the exception of the national economic downturn period, New American Funding has seen continued growth since its inception, and today the company has over 1,600 employees.

“We didn’t set out to be great entrepreneurs, we just wanted to provide efficient lending and impeccable service to as many people as possible.  In our personal lives we look out for the best interests of others, and we brought that into our business,” Patty Arvielo commented. “We’re honored to receive this recognition.”

Patty Arvielo created New American Funding’s Latino Focus Committee, serves on the Corporate Board of Governors for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and actively supports upward mobility of women in the workplace. 

“Applying yesterday’s ideas to today’s business just doesn’t work. We stay in touch with our clients and partners, and then do our best to anticipate their needs,” said Rick Arvielo. “Our business is continually evolving so we can stay current with our markets and provide relevant solutions. We’re proud to be recognized for Excellence in Entrepreneurship.”

Rick Arvielo improved the New American Funding business model by bringing loan origination, processing, underwriting, funding, and servicing, all in-house.  The company now has over 70 retail branches throughout the U.S., and in addition to expanding their retail platform they have also established a nationwide wholesale division, builder division and a loan servicing unit.