Don’t look back, look forward
Once upon a time in the bustling world of finance, there lived a visionary named Stanley C. Middleman. With an entrepreneurial spirit that ignited a wave of innovation, Stanley founded Freedom Mortgage Corporation in 1990 with a simple yet powerful mission: to make homeownership accessible to all. Under his leadership, Freedom Mortgage blossomed into one of the largest and fastest-growing full-service mortgage companies in the United States, standing as a beacon of hope for countless families seeking to realize their dreams of homeownership.
With over three decades of experience in the mortgage banking industry, Stanley quickly became a nationally recognized business strategist, investor, and philanthropist. His commitment to excellence led Freedom Mortgage to become a top originator and servicer, especially for veterans and those seeking government-insured loans through the VA and FHA programs.
Stanley’s influence extended beyond the walls of his company. As a dedicated member of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), he diligently served on the MBA Board of Directors and the Residential Board of Governors, while also lending his expertise to various advisory boards, including those of Freddie Mac and Ellie Mae. His passion for improving housing policies shone through his active participation on the Housing Policy Executive Council.
But Stanley’s heart wasn’t solely contained in corporate affairs; he was also a stalwart supporter of his community. He served on several non-profit boards, including the renowned Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation Board of Overseers. His dedication to giving back further underscored his belief that success should be shared.
In January of this year, Freedom Mortgage received the esteemed 2021 Top Workplaces USA Award, a testament to the thriving culture Stanley fostered within his company. In the previous years, Freedom Mortgage had garnered accolades such as the 2020 Top Workplace recognition from the Indianapolis Star and consistent placements on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies. These achievements reflected Stanley’s unyielding commitment to his employees and the values he instilled in the company.
As the world faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Stanley emerged as a leader of resilience and compassion. He was honored by Glassdoor as the fifth highest-rated CEO, celebrated for guiding his team through turbulent times. His leadership earned him the title of top CEO by South Jersey Business Magazine and accolades including the Philly Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO award in 2020.
A true champion for servicemen and veterans, Stanley received the Liberty USO Chairman’s Award in 2018, recognizing Freedom Mortgage’s significant contributions to the military community in Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. His philanthropic spirit continued to shine brightly as he was named the American Cancer Society of Southern New Jersey’s Individual Honoree of the Year in 2019, while also securing prestigious awards from Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
The story of Stanley C. Middleman is one of ambition, dedication, and heart. Through his leadership at Freedom Mortgage and unwavering commitment to his community, he has not only transformed the landscape of mortgage banking but has also inspired countless individuals to believe in the power of dreams and the importance of giving back. And so, his journey continues, as he paves the way for future generations to follow in his footsteps, embodying the spirit of service, innovation, and compassion.
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