Inside Business Top Workplaces 2022: Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Large companies, ranked No. 1
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group lends peace of mind to the home loan process, while never losing sight that its employees are its most important asset.
That’s why the Virginia Beach-based privately owned national mortgage lender has been named as a Top Workplace for the fourth year in a row. Now in its 26th year, Atlantic Bay Mortgage continues to grow, but all the while stays true to its core values: “We genuinely care, we inspire growth and we have fun.”
Founded in 1996, the business has locations locally in Chesapeake and York County as well as various remote opportunities for individuals based in Hampton Roads.
With more than 900 employees across 11 states, including 69 new hires in 2021 within Hampton Roads, Jessica Swink, vice president of digital and brand experience, said the firm remains committed to continued growth in the region while ensuring alignment within the industry.
With continuous improvement in technology, systems, processes and a strategic approach to the ever-changing business, employees approach their work with adaptability and positivity, Swink said.
Swink said they have serviced more than 130,000 homeowners and are proud to be one of the most trusted lenders in each of the markets.
“The genuine care and consultation for each borrower is our highest mission,” she said.
And it is the company’s culture that remains at the heart of everything they do.
“We believe that if we take great care of our employees, they will take great care of our clients,” Swink said.
During the pandemic, the company launched AB Fit, focused on employees’ physical, mental and emotional health, and the program continues to evolve and expand. Since “fun” is at the core of the company’s values, employees are recognized in large and small ways, including vacations and free vending machine swipes.
“We think we smile more than anyone in the mortgage business,” Swink said.
And employees get a say in the causes Atlantic Bay helps through Atlantic Bay Cares. To date, the charitable outreach arm has donated more than $2 million to charities and participated in events that promote the passions of customers, employees and neighbors. For example, Atlantic Bay is partnering with Roc Solid Foundation, a nonprofit that builds hope for families with children facing pediatric cancer. Two groups work to pack and deliver “ready bags” to families within 24 hours of their child’s cancer diagnosis.
“We strive to change lives in the communities in which we serve by giving back to meaningful causes,” Swink said.
A certified Virginia Values Veterans Program company, Atlantic Bay Mortgage is an inclusive workplace that provides online diversity, equity and inclusion training and is active in numerous national organizations, including the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America.
The company boasts a long list of recognitions including: a Top 100 Mortgage Company in America; Top 50 Best Mortgage Company; Best Large Mortgage Company to Work For; and an Inc. 500 fastest-growing company.
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
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Special award
Direction — “I believe this company is going in the right direction.”
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About the company
Address: 600 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach
Phone: 757-213-1660
Website: atlanticbay.com
Top executives: Brian Holland, CEO; Stan Holland, president; Brian Mason, regional president and partner; Morgan Wise, chief financial officer; Chrissy Zotzmann Brown, chief operations officer; Emily Farley, chief lending officer; Amanda Tucker, chief risk and compliance officer; and John Wines, chief strategy officer
Employees: 998 total, 502 in Hampton Roads
Benefits include: Option of standard or high-deductible health insurance with HSA: dental; vision; flexible spending accounts; pet insurance; 401(k) plan with employer matching contribution; short-term disability; company-paid long-term disability; accident, critical illness and long-term care insurances; legal services and identity theft protection plans; $25,000 in life and AD&D insurance with employee option to increase; 10 paid holidays including birthday; paid time off; paid parental leave; and volunteer hours
Fun factor: Last year, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group celebrated its 25th year in business. To celebrate, just last month, hundreds of employees celebrated at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Community service: Atlantic Bay Cares, the company’s charitable outreach arm, organizes an entire week every April of companywide volunteering during National Volunteer Week. In 2022′s Week of Service, employees volunteered 300 hours for 30 organizations. Employees also contribute time and donations to specific foundations throughout the year and receive eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer. Support includes delivering Roc Solid “ready bags” and Boys & Girls Clubs of South Hampton Roads.
