Meet Patty Arvielo of New American Funding

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Arvielo.

Hi Patty, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
I come from a multicultural background. My mother is an immigrant from Mexico, and my father is from Iowa. I was raised in Los Angeles, but I spent a lot of time in Tijuana with my grandmother when we witnessed poverty firsthand. This diverse upbringing showed me what it meant to have money and shaped my perspective on life. 

This desire for a better life gave me a deep sense of financial responsibility. From a young age, I developed a habit of saving every penny I earned. It wasn’t for anything specific, but I knew I wanted to build a brighter future for myself. It also led me to reject what society expected of me, which led me to carve my own path. I refused to let others define who I should be. I was determined to take control of my own destiny, free from dependence on anyone else. 

I began working at 12, and by 16, I had already entered the financial services industry. Through this early exposure, I gained experience and eventually achieved noteworthy success in the mortgage business. A gift that came with early success was the gift of early failure. I found myself as a single mother of two at 29, which led me to have to find a way to become more flexible at work to care for my young children. This is the “beginning” of my entrepreneurial journey. I did not know this at the time, but I learned that was the path I was taking. 

This led me to establish my own company, New American Funding. The journey was not without its challenges, as we navigated the complexities of becoming a mortgage lender. Nevertheless, we embraced the learning process. NAF experienced rapid growth, eventually becoming one of the nation’s largest mortgage companies. Building NAF into the thriving business it’s become is the realization of the American Dream that my parents tirelessly fought for. It’s proof of just what hard work and determination can do. Through NAF, my aim is to create a lasting legacy and empower others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve definitely had my share of bumps and bruises on my journey to where I am now. Early on in my career, I found a great deal of success working at what became one of the nation’s biggest lenders. I started as a clerical loan opener and worked my way up to branch manager and eventually to assistant vice president. 

But when I was in those jobs that involved management, I learned valuable lessons about how to lead people. I knew how to generate business, but I didn’t really know how to manage people. That’s something I can admit now. Although I made mistakes as a first-time manager, I learned that it is critically important to identify people who are great at what they do and then get out of their way and let them succeed. I also learned the lesson of failing early and winning later. Learning from my mistakes has been crucial to building what we’ve built with NAF. 

We’ve been impressed with New American Funding, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
NAF is one of the nation’s top mortgage lenders. In fact, NAF is the largest woman-owned and Hispanic-owned mortgage company in the country. Our company is an industry leader in culture, dedication to service, and lending to diverse communities. We originate billions in loans each year and service 98% of our loans, which allows the company to diversify its revenue streams, build customer loyalty, and successfully navigate any market conditions. The company also boasts an extensive line of loan programs as diverse as our clients, competitive rates, and industry-leading turn times. Additionally, NAF takes it one step further in its commitment to increasing and sustaining homeownership among diverse communities across America. 

Our company’s mission is to create sustainable homeownership, build generational wealth, and provide lending opportunities to clients from all walks of life. One way we do that is through special programs that focus on lending to underrepresented communities. Through our NAF Latino Focus, NAF Black Impact, NAF Heroes, and NAF Pride, we focus on increasing homeownership in the Hispanic, Black, Veteran Military, and LGBTQIA communities. 

These efforts involve hundreds of NAF team members and include grassroots education efforts in diverse communities, homebuying assistance programs, specially designed products, and enhanced resources, and a designated effort to hire “mirrors” who are experienced in serving these vital communities. These efforts have led NAF to become a leader in lending to both these important communities. 

We also support our people in everything they do, both at work and in their life outside of work. We call this “NAF 360” because it surrounds everything the company and our team do. It’s the company’s commitment to nurturing an atmosphere of 360 degrees of trust and respect for everyone who works at NAF. 

Over the years, this culture has been repeatedly recognized, most notably in the last two years. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, NAF was named one of the Fortune Best Companies to Work For. NAF was also named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2024 by Newsweek. 

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family. My husband, Rick, is my partner in life and in my career. He and I co-founded NAF together and continue to lead it together to this day. Being able to work together and share our lives at the same time is one of my great joys. My daughter, Tara, my sons Trevor and Dominic, and my grandchildren, Shae and Roman, are the lights of my life. 

Furthermore, my goal is to continue to build a company that will thrive for generations to come. I see NAF as a true partner for homebuyers that provides clarity, education, and the necessary tools for individuals to achieve their dreams of homeownership. This vision is what drives us to continuously enhance and expand what we have built and will continue to build at NAF. 

I also believe in the power of mentorship and want to do everything I can to support the next generation. I strive to inspire and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and pursue their dreams. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.newamericanfunding.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newamericanfunding/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattyarvielo/