The Florence County Economic Development Partnership announced that Caliber Funding will open a new Correspondent Lending Operation in Florence, SC.  The national mortgage lender expects to create over 100 jobs over the next 12 months.
 
Caliber Funding LLC is a national mortgage lender and agency direct seller/servicer headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Caliber Funding was founded in 2008 by Lone Star Funds, a global private equity fund.  Their core strengths include innovative culture, proprietary loan origination system H2Online, and an entrepreneurial management team. These strengths, combined with the financial backing of Lone Star Funds, make Caliber Funding unlike any other mortgage lender within the industry and result in their ability to provide a superior service experience to their customers, a fulfilling work environment for their employees, and a track record of quality.
 
“It’s exciting to see another company recognize the benefits of doing business here in South Carolina. We celebrate Caliber Funding’s decision to create 100 new jobs in Florence and we look forward to seeing them grow here in the Palmetto State,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
 
The company plans to locate at 2210 Enterprise Drive in Florence in Mid-July.  “We were aware of the availability of a significant number of people who had Correspondent Lending experience in the past.  These are the exact skill sets we need for our operation and felt this was a great chance to put many of these folks back to work right here in Florence,” said Tag Gallaher, Vice President of Operations at Caliber Funding.  “The support of the entire economic development team has been very helpful to us in our start up, and is sincerely appreciated!”
 
“Caliber’s decision to locate here is another positive sign that our efforts to enhance the state’s economic soil conditions are paying real dividends when it comes to attracting world-class companies and new job opportunities.  We remain committed to continuing to work to better the business climate and allow more businesses to thrive in South Carolina and Florence County,” said Senator Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr.   
 
Caliber Funding originates loans through retail branches, wholesale lending, mini-correspondent lending, and a consumer direct centralized operational center.  The Correspondent Channel starting up in Florence will be a new channel of production for Caliber.  Caliber originates an average of $656 million each month and anticipates continued rapid growth in the coming months and years.
 
Florence County Council Chairman, James Schofield said, “ It is an exciting day for everyone in Florence County as we celebrate the addition of an outstanding new corporate citizen that will provide quality, good paying jobs for the citizens in our community.” 
 
The company will employ underwriters, audit analysts, data entry staff as well as client relations positions.
 
“This was a total team effort,” stated Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chairman, Frank J. “Buddy” Brand, II.  “On behalf of the Partnership, I would like to thank all of the parties involved in making this project a reality.  Without the support of our economic development team, and our many allies, announcements like today would not be possible.” 
 
Caliber Funding has already hired over 35 employees who have begun training in the readySC building on Florence Darlington Technical College’s campus.
 
Those that would like to apply for employment are encouraged to visit Caliber’s career page at www.caliberfunding.com.