What's The Diff?

The things Quicken Loans team members care about and want to share with the world

The Nisei – True American Heroes

Thursday, May 31, 2007

By Mark Messing

The Nisei American Heroes from the 442nd Combat RegimentWe are all familiar with the typical war heros provided to us by the media.  When we think of the history of war some of the only images we visualize are of the John Waynes and Tom Hankses of Hollywood portraying “true American” heroes in the most famous “true American” battles. 

And just so I’m not misunderstood, I want to make it clear that I love these kind of movies.  The stories they represent are intriguing, patriotic and entertaining.  However, for every story told to us by 14 different major movies at the same time, there are stories which are told by none.  Though they are full of heroics and patriotism; some stories just slip through the cracks.  With the essence of Memorial Day still at hand, I have decided it’s about time someone mentioned a war story that Hollywood hasn’t yet, a tale of “Diff” sized proportions. 

It’s about the Nisei.  Never heard of them?  That’s a shame, considering the Nisei were some of the bravest fighters in WWII.

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Hey, Angry Ed, Even the TSA Can Be Positive

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Rather than finding the things I hate about the things I hate to do, Angry Ed, I prefer to focus on the good stuff that happens.

For example, I hate commercial air travel. I’m spoiled by knowing a few private pilots. (Okay, so I have to jet off to wherever they are going, but any airplane ride is a blast for me.) I hate airports. Of course, I hate Detroit Metro more than any other airport.

But, unlike Angry Ed, I still find things I like about Metro. Like the Pangborn Design store in the new McNamara terminal.

And you will not expect what I found this time, while traveling through Metro this past Memorial Day weekend.

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Angry Ed Wants Bad Drivers Ripped Off the Road

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Editor’s note: Angry Ed is back with some advice for safe and fun driving.  By following these simple rules, we can all be the DIFF and keep Angry Ed smiling!

Angry Ed Wants Bad Drivers Ripped Off the RoadThis week we explore "The DIFF" between driving like you have an ounce of consideration for the millions of others trying to get from A to B on our crowded roads, and deserving to be drawn-and-quartered.

I find driving to be one of the most stressful things I HAVE to do every day, and the stress I feel comes from millions of either inconsiderate or ignorant people that need to be educated or eradicated. Just writing this raised my heart rate, and you’ll note the gradual increase in the aggressiveness of tone as the post continues.

Following are a few common road-rage inspiring acts, which you should all be careful not to commit, for when I rule the world and set the laws, punishment will be swift and severe:

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Happy Memorial Day from THE DIFF

Monday, May 28, 2007

Memorial Day 2007

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Lessons from Dad – The Benefits of Hard Work

Thursday, May 24, 2007

By Mark Swistock

Mark Swistock was a banking intern last semester.  He’s now a mortgage banker in our Livonia office.  Congratulations on being hired full-time, Mark!

Ever since I can recall, my dad has been the one to display what we like to call The Diff.

From early in my life, I have understood what it means to earn your money and hard work is only the beginning of it.

My dad has always been what is called a blue collar worker, but I don’t
think that title either fits him or gives him any justice what so ever.
Work ethic is something I can truly say that I learned and now express
thanks to things my dad has taught me. He is always told me, “If you’re
early you’re on time, if you’re on time then you’re late.” This holds
true to all, and is definitely something I try to fulfill in my own
career.

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The Methodical Strangulation of My Big Toe

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Kathy Fawcett has a pain in her Chaco's sandal

By Kathy Fawcett

When you’re 5’10", you’re pretty far from your feet.

I hardly notice mine, they’re so far down there, except to note how much they look like my dad’s feet. My three older brothers used to torment me when I was growing up by telling me that I was adopted. (They never said that I was "loved, wanted and chosen," they just wanted me to cry.) I never took them seriously, because no one could deny that the arches of my feet are carbon copies of dad’s.

I’m noticing my feet much more now because of my new shoes.

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This Difference-Maker Takes His Friends With Him

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

By Nick Skully

Nick is a mortgage banking intern. He served one internship at the Quicken Loans headquarters in Livonia, Mich., and has headed back to Cleveland for a second internship.

I did not have to look long, or far, when thinking of a person that truly exemplifies “THE DIFF.”  The person who is a difference-maker to me is my best friend, Tim Paoli.  While you may not know him, I am positive that you know a person like him. 

He is a person who has overcome obstacles and adversity his whole life, and has helped me to be thankful for what I have. He gives me the extra push to go out and work hard to achieve my dreams.  I grew up with my best friend in Cleveland, Ohio, and from the first day I met him, we just connected because we were so similar. We have been close friends ever since.  He was less fortunate than me and most people around us, but he has the drive and determination to accomplish everything he wants. 

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Costco vs. Sam’s Club – Who Do You Like?

Monday, May 21, 2007

Costco vs. Sam'sEver since Clayton Closson joined the Quicken Loans Marketing team; he has gone head-to-head against Doug Peeples in a "Costco vs. Sam’s" battle.

Costco is Clayton’s favorite place to be. Not his favorite store, but place. He’d rather be at Costco, sampling all the hors d’ouvres, than at the Red Wings game.

After listening to them do battle day after day, I noticed an article in Costco’s Connections magazine. (Yes, I choose Costco over Sam’s as well.)

This article details how Costco goes above and beyond.

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Too Many Words!!

Friday, May 18, 2007

Ed Gets Angry About People Butchering the LanguageHey kids!

It’s me, again! Your friendly neighborhood hyper-vigilant narcissist, Ed, here with another lesson on how not to be perceived as an idiot. This week, we’ll explore "The DIFF" between speaking like you have an education, and exhibiting the conversational skills of P. Diddy.

Our language has been devolving at an alarming rate. Society is making up new words and phrases for unknown reasons. I’m not referring to false contractions like, "gonna," which has no reasonable reference to the two words of which it is supposedly a contraction, "going" and "to," because it actually simplifies speech, using fewer letters and syllables. I’m talking about complete bastardizations of our language where people have added letters or words to create new, useless phrases that further complicate our communication process. It’s only natural that a language should compress as it ages.

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Attitude Makes all the ‘Diff’ in the World

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

By Landon Sullivan

Landon Sullivan was a marketing intern last semester.  He has moved back to his home state of Utah to pursue other opportunities.  We wish him well and hope our readers enjoy his post.

From September 2001 – September 2003, I was able to spend two years in the Dominican Republic as a missionary for my church. During my time there, I had many life-altering experiences. For example, I was part of a clean up crew after a grocery store was burnt to the ground. I also helped people do yard work on several occasions among many other things.

On one occasion, my friend and I spoke with a lady outside her small home. This lady was very poor. Her tiny wooden house did not stand at a 90 degree angle to the ground and could have been easily pushed over by a strong wind. As we spoke with her, I watched her son play around in a small stream that had been created while she was washing her laundry in a small bucket.

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Thursday, May 17, 2012