The privately-owned Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, headquartered in Virginia Beach, celebrated 20 years in business at the Hilton Oceanfront with more than 1,000 employees and guests at the company’s 1920’s themed gala. The event allowed for its guests to see just how much the company has grown since it began in 1997, with employees from branches from across the region gathering to celebrate the yearlong anniversary.
Atlantic Bay was founded by CEO Brian Holland, a Suffolk, Va. native and 1993 Old Dominion University graduate. After three years of assistant management in the mortgage business, Brian founded Atlantic Bay. At the time, the company had only four employees, but has since grown to nearly 1,000 and has more than 120 office locations in nine states. “It’s very humbling remembering the little space we started in on Virginia Beach Boulevard, where I was writing the check and emptying the trash cans,” Holland reflected. “We had a little team and it’s amazing to see how we’ve grown – it’s all about our people.”
Able to survive the mortgage crisis of 2008 by using ethical lending practices, Atlantic Bay has maintained a strong and trustworthy relationship with the communities and the customers the company serves. The company has been able to thrive through its leadership, branding and appreciation for its employees. Atlantic Bay has been featured as a Top 100 Mortgage Company in America, Best Mortgage Company, Most Enjoyable Place to Work and an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company.
Atlantic Bay fosters a positive work culture by having a work-life balance and an open-door policy for communication with management. Other benefits include flexible hours, sales trips, paid time off and employee appreciation months. "The environment we have been able to build for our team has been amazing," stated Holland.
Career advancement and growth within the company is also important to Atlantic Bay. Beginning as a receptionist with the business in 1998, Betty Yungk is now the operations manager for the Charlotte, N.C branch. “Each position at Atlantic Bay has shaped me and given me the experience that helps me provide the best customer service possible to our mortgage bankers and clients.” Demonstrating the value of having a strong bond with employees, Betty’s daughters and sister also work for the company in different departments.
With over 20 years of experience and serving more than 100,000 homeowners, Atlantic Bay offers exceptional service to its customers. “My mortgage banker took me as an individual and took my circumstances and helped me get where I needed to be to buy a home,” said Leslie Tate, describing her customer service experience with the company as being helpful and excellent.
Throughout the yearlong 20th anniversary celebration, Atlantic Bay will be releasing borrower facing videos with first time homebuyer tips. The company will also celebrate by hosting a community philanthropy event. Through Atlantic Bay’s ABCares program, the company has donated more than $2 million to charities and has participated in events to appreciate and promote the passions of customers, employees and neighbors.
