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ESSEX ROOTS TO SUCCESS ABROAD
From English Runner to
American Businessman: Roland Weedon’s Story of Success
Roland Weedon was born and raised in Essex, England, forming a passion for sports at a young age. He partook in anything that could keep him active, including table tennis, swimming, and rugby, however there were two particular sports that Roland felt especially drawn to: football and athletics. While football may have been his first love, it was running that he would pursue and find substantial success.​
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At such a prosperous time for English athletics, Roland was in the heart of it. His bread and butter were the 800 and 1500 meter races, with not too shabby personal bests of 1:48.02 and 3:45.10, respectively. Throughout his teen years and early twenties he would find himself traveling across Europe representing England, while running against the greats of his time, most notably Seb Coe and Dave Moorcroft.
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At the same time that he is running with these legends, he is also pursuing a degree in physical education from Leeds University. True to his selfless and kind nature, he set his sights on becoming a PE teacher so that he could share his love for sports with others. Not long after graduating, he would move across the pond to California to continue his education and athletic career.
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While attending Long Beach City College in California, he enrolled into an entrepreneurship class and, as they say, the rest was history.
In this class, and with minimal experience in the mortgage industry, Roland had decided that he would purchase a mortgage company. Within a short period of time, that company would prove to be quite successful, growing and expanding at an impressive rate.
38 years later and that sentiment still rings true.
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Roland found a way to transition his foundation of education in sports, to educating borrowers on the largest investment of their life. It is this foundation that has helped Essex Mortgage become the company that it is today.
In addition to prioritizing the education of the client, Roland has not wavered from his commitment to the company’s motto - Bringing Families Home. Over the years though, Bringing Families Home has become so much more than a motto. It is a loyalty and devotion to our borrowers that is shared amongst all Essex employees. With everything that we do, our focus will always be Bringing Families Home.
Putting our borrowers first is the reason that we are where we are today and our biggest motivation for growing.
Essex Mortgage Founder and CEO, Roland Weedon
Former West Ham home stadium,
Upton Park
MORE THAN A PARTNERSHIP: A PASSION FOR WEST HAM & SHARED VALUES
Some of Roland’s fondest memories growing up were going to West Ham games at Upton park with his brothers and father. He still remembers the excitement, atmosphere, and passion he would witness as a boy while cheering on the boys in claret and blue.
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This certainly left a lasting impact and instilled in him an undeniable love for the Hammers, just ask his son Geoff (named after West Ham legend Geoff Hurst). Through this partnership, Roland is making a dream come true, combining his professional success with his personal passion.
Though, this partnership is so much more than that. It is the collaboration of two brands who deeply care for those that they serve, and just as importantly, their communities.
West Ham has long been a trailblazer and leader within the English Football community for their community-based programs. Through their West Ham Foundation and “The Players’ Project” program, they have been able to create a lasting impact in the Essex and East London communities. In addition, the club is a huge supporter of numerous other philanthropies and charitable foundations.
Much like West Ham, Essex Mortgage too has become a prominent member of the communities that we serve. Whether it be sponsoring events, such as the McKenna Claire Foundation Party With A Purpose, or attending luncheon’s for the American Heart Association, our Essex Mortgage team both on a company wide and individual level is always seeking opportunities to make a difference.
The entire Essex Mortgage team is beyond excited for this partnership and opportunity to collaborate with a like-minded brand!