First-class service. First-class knowledge. A first-class experience.
We are staffed and operated by people who understand that each customer is special and individual attention is necessary to satisfy each unique financial situation. That's why at First Class Mortgage, we have simplified the mortgage process.
Dan Van Winkle Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 8495
ABOUT: Originally from Devils Lake, ND, Dan moved to Fargo in 1998. Dan and his wife, Jill, were married in May of 1999 and have two daughters: Lauren and Taylor.
EXPERIENCE: Dan started First Class Mortgage in 2003 with his business partner, Greg Dean. Before starting First Class Mortgage, Dan worked in the financial/banking industry for nine years.
EDUCATION: B.S. in Financial Management along with a minor in Marketing and Accounting from the University of North Dakota.
OTHER THAN WORK, DAN ENJOYS: Spending time with his family and friends, spending time at the lake, and watching/following his two favorite sports teams: The Dallas Cowboys and UND Fighting Sioux hockey. He is an active member of the programming and entertainment committee for the Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of Realtors. Dan is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Cross Catholic Church Men’s Club.
Dawn Johnson Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 178349
ABOUT: Dawn is originally from Kindred, ND, where she resides with her two boys: Tyson and Brock.
EXPERIENCE: Dawn has been with First Class Mortgage since 2004. Prior to joining First Class Mortgage, she spent four years in the title insurance industry. She is also an active member of the Kindred Community Club and Davenport Lutheran Church.
EDUCATION: Associates degree in Financial and Credit Services Administration from MSCTC, Moorhead, MN.
OTHER THAN WORK, DAWN ENJOYS: Time with family and friends, spending time at the lakes, watching and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, playing volleyball, running and just spending time outside.
Kim Kainz Mortgage Processor
NMLS# 820951
ABOUT: Kim is originally from Brainerd, MN. She currently lives in Moorhead, MN with her husband, Troy, and their three children, Logan, Tanner and McKenzie.
EXPERIENCE: Kim has been with First Class Mortgage since 2011. Prior to joining First Class Mortgage, she spent nine years in the mortgage industry and five years in the title company industry.
EDUCATION: B.S. in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University.
OTHER THAN WORK, KIM ENJOYS: Her family and friends, photography and the chaotic schedule of life with three active children!
Laura Helgeson Mortgage Processor
NMLS# 1141273
ABOUT: Laura is originally from Walhalla, ND. She currently lives in Moorhead, MN with her daughter.
EXPERIENCE: Laura has been with First Class Mortgage since 2013. Prior to First Class Mortgage she worked in the inside sales industry for 2 years.
EDUCATION: Associate Degree in Financial and Credit Services Administration from MSTCS, Moorhead.
OTHER THAN WORK, LAURA ENJOYS: Spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, going to the gym, reading, and cheerleading at her daughter’s activities! She is a serial beef jerky eater and a coffee addict. She one day hopes to learn to knit, compete in a triathlon, and have her own rose garden.
WHO & WHERE WAS THE FIRST ARTIST YOU SAW IN CONCERT? Her first concert was Kenny Chesney at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND.
Troy Hertz Mortgage Processor
NMLS# 986247
ABOUT: Troy is originally from Fargo, ND. Troy and his wife Kelli live in West Fargo and have one daughter Katie and two grandchildren – Jaden and Taylnn.
EXPERIENCE: Troy has been with First Class Mortgage since 2012. Prior to joining First Class Mortgage, he spent 20 years as a Consumer Loan Officer.
EDUCATION: B.S. in Business Administration and Minor in Economics from North Dakota State University.
OTHER THAN WORK, TROY ENJOYS: Spending time with his family, coaching his grandson Jaden in hockey, bow hunting, golfing, and being outdoors.
IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD BUY AND WHY? The first thing Troy would do, is gift money to his immediate family.
ElizaBeth McKay Administrative Assistant
ABOUT: ElizaBeth is originally from Wyndmere, ND. She currently resides in Wahpeton, ND.
EXPERIENCE: ElizaBeth has been with First Class Mortgage since 2015. Prior to joining the First Class Mortgage team, she spent four years as an administrative assistant at a zoo, where she managed accounts, events and guest services.
EDUCATION: Associates degree in Arts with an emphasis in Business Banking & Finance from NDSCS, Wahpeton, ND.
OTHER THAN WORK, ELIZABETH ENJOYS: Spending time with her dogs, niece and nephew. She also enjoys crafting and spending time outdoors riding her motorcycle and gardening.
Kari Kleingartner Director of Marketing
ABOUT: Kari is originally from rural Walcott, ND. Kari currently lives in Colfax, ND, with her husband Aaron and their two children, Matthew and Sophie.
EXPERIENCE: Kari has been with First Class Mortgage since 2016. Prior to joining the First Class Mortgage team, she spent four years at a local marketing firm and eight years in the Park Co. Realtors marketing department.
EDUCATION: B.S. in Mass Communication and Speech Communication from North Dakota State University. Kari also holds an active ND real estate license.
OTHER THAN WORK, KARI ENJOYS: Chasing her kids, cooking and baking for family and friends, plus sewing and creating things with her hands. Kari loves to spend time relaxing and waterskiing at the family lake cabin and cheering/tailgating at the NDSU Bison football games.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE: "Don’t sweat the small stuff. In the end, it’s all small stuff."
Greg Dean Vice President
NMLS# 8499
ABOUT: Greg currently lives in Fargo with his three kids.
EXPERIENCE: Greg started First Class Mortgage in 2003 with his business partner, Dan Van Winkle.
EDUCATION: Graduated from Concordia College, MN with a degree in Business Management.
OTHER THAN WORK, GREG ENJOYS: Spending time with his kids and attending their various sports and extra-curricular activities.
Locally owned. Connected nationwide.
As a locally owned company, we are staffed and operated by people who understand that each customer is special and individual attention is necessary to satisfy each unique financial situation. That's why at First Class Mortgage, we have simplified the mortgage process.
Visit or contact one of our offices today!
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