Mike Gowan - Sales Manager

Direct Line: (219) 874-1088
Fax: (219) 874-1089
mgowan@hallmarkhomemortgage.com

Hi, I’m Mike. I am originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania where I lived until I entered the United States Air Force in August of 1979. I spent eight years as an airborne cryptologic linguist, serving as a trainer, evaluator, and in mission management, and being awarded two Air Medals for flight operations in hazardous conditions as well as an Air Force Commendation medal for my assistance in designing an airborne training platform for the first Gulf War effort.

After living with my family for three years in Okinawa, Japan and then Tucson, Arizona, I left the Air Force in 1987 and moved to Michigan City, Indiana in 1988 and have lived here ever since.

We have definitely found our home here in Michigan City; I have never lived anywhere else where the people are so open and friendly. There is always something going on somewhere locally and I firmly believe that we are all very blessed to live here in such a warm & beautiful town.

I first got involved in real estate in 1990 working as a sales agent for Stan & Vicki Eisner with ERA in Michigan City. Then in 1991, I was offered a position as a loan officer with Waterfield Mortgage by Mari Bradley. I was with Waterfield from 1991 thru mid-1994, after which I moved to American Dream Mortgage and was there until we all moved to Hallmark Home Mortgage in May of 2008.

I have been married to my beautiful wife Chris since 1980 and we have three sons ages 27, 24, and 12, and three grandsons, ages 5, 1, and 4 months. My eldest son Matthew is currently in the United States Navy as an instructor at the Nuclear Engineering School in Charleston, South Carolina and my middle son Brian is currently managing a bakery and beginning classes at Purdue North Central this spring. My youngest, Charlie, is, of course, still in school and is the light of my life. He fully intends to be either an astronaut or a veterinarian or fireman or video game designer (this week anyway). We are pet maniacs and currently have two dogs and four cats that actually all get along! I also just agreed to get Charlie a desert tortoise for Christmas this year (my wife is thrilled).

In my off-work time, I enjoy creating art, both drawing and painting, as well as marquetry. I also build furniture as well as do remodeling. When not busy with these activities, my whole family loves to spend time at the beach.

My son Charlie joins me in all of these activities and together we support the ASPCA, the local Humane Society, and sponsor a young girl named Lorie Ann Ogayon Molas in the Philippines, corresponding frequently. My wife Chris and I also volunteer at the Stepping Stone Womens’ Shelter, doing whatever we can to make a difference. I also donate some of my original artwork to local charities for sale at auctions; my most recent was the sale of two paintings at the United Way Auction at the Blue Chip Casino – between the two of them, they raised $350.00.

I have always specialized in FHA loans, feeling that FHA is where I can make the most difference for the most people. My feeling is that there are too many Loan Officers out there who are “jacks of all trades and masters of none”; I never want to find myself in that position. Here in Michigan City we want to be able to answer your questions truthfully, accurately, and with authority. The only way to truly do that is to be the expert in an area; the functions we are fulfilling are far too important to venture a guess in response to any question.

This is also where the over 500 years of experience in originating, processing, underwriting and closing FHA loans that our owner, Deb Sturges and my manager, Cyndi Ash-Ortiz, have put together comes into play. I don’t know any other Loan Officer or office that can make that claim or feel the same level of support from their organization.

And, of course, we are here to put that team on your side – to work for you to make your real estate dreams come true – it works, for home buyers and home owners as well as the Realtors® with whom we work to assist them.

For years I have been making my living solely by referral from my satisfied clients as well as a select group of Realtor® friends. I emphasize constant communication between myself, my processor, my customer and Realtor®. Total and complete customer satisfaction is our daily goal. I am now in my 17th year in this field and cannot ever see myself doing anything else.

Give me a call if you would like to purchase a home, refinance your existing home into better terms, or if you are a Realtor® desiring to investigate a stable, honest, responsive, long term relationship with a Loan Officer who is truly looking out for your interests.