Kent isVice President of Community Banking for First Mortgage Company,an Oklahoma based mortgage banker operating in 16 states and originating over $2 Billion in home loans this year. They service Billions of dollars in loans for your neighbors and friends. His emphasis is working with community banks who no longer want the compliance and risk of originating permanent mortgage loans.He also gets to originate personal loans which he loves to do. Kent is past president of the Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Association and remains active on their Board of Directors. He is also involved with the National Mortgage Bankers Association on the State & L ocal Committee. Kent represents all non-depository lenders in Oklahoma as a Commissioner on the Department of Consumer Credit. He is on the Board of Governors for the Oklahoma State Homebuilders Association and works regularly with the Oklahoma Association of Realtors. Kent is a docent at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion giving historical tours. He is a frequent speaker and author for Realtor and builder organizations in Oklahoma and beyond. Kent is involved with various industry events as well as organizations promoting educational and economic development of our state including an advisory director for Leadership Oklahoma. Kent is available to organizations outside our industry that need a speaker on leadership or teamwork subjects. His interactive style makes his presentation fun and engaging. Please join me in welcoming Kent Carter! As you read this real estate section looking for ideas about housing,I want to tell you why I do what I do. I am a mortgage lender. I represent over 400,000 dedicated professionals who work to make a difference in your life. In the past a few real estate industry participants let their greed influence their business practices. That group broke the trust of those depending on us. The entire world was thrown into an unprecedented global credit crunch. The hopes and dreams of millions of our friends and neighbors were crushed. To combat those abuses,Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (more commonly known as the Dodd Frank Act). As often happens,the pendulum of loose regulation swung the other way with more restrictive rules. The Dodd/Frank Act is 23,000 pages of regulations which would reach over 8 feet tall if stacked. That document was designed to protect the consumer and hold those operating in the financial industry accountable. Some believe an unintended consequence of Dodd Frank is more restrictive access to credit. It is more difficult to get people qualified for a loan.Those most affected are minorities,the self-employed worker,and young people who are first time buyers. With these obstacles some of my friends have wondered why I have remained in the industry. How can I find joy each day when I go to work? My job as a mortgage lender can be difficult. The requirements made of my customers can sometimes be overwhelming.To their credit they comply because of their desire to realize the American Dream of home ownership. The thrill of doing my part to help a family buy a home that changes their fortunes for generations is gratifying and fulfilling. We all know what home is.It is the place we share with those we love. It gives us more than shelter. It is a place where our longings and dreams become reality. I get to help people like you have a home. I get to assist them in overcoming life’s events. I get to walk them home. That is why I do what I do. $ SUBMITTED CONTENT 27