What's The Diff?

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

Helping Haiti: Do You Give A Shirt?

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Helping Haiti: do you give a shirt?By Bilal Saeed

We all have our own idea about the meaning of "making a difference" but making a difference really comes down to one thing: positive impact.

Since officially entering the exciting world of entrepreneurship in January of 2008, I immediately realized the freedom and flexibility that came along with the great deal of responsibilities.  At first, I assumed this freedom meant that I could work when I wanted to, wear what I wanted to work, and basically do whatever I wanted to!

But it wasn't long before I realized that the true meaning of being an entrepreneur is being able to control your own destiny.  Among the great deal of responsibilities that come with launching a new product, or penetrating a new market, comes the responsibility to be a leader in your community, both local and globally.  Whether times are tough, or revenues are record setting, making a difference found its way to the top of my priority list. 
 
In 2009 we were able to launch two successful and charitable events like the Ford Lake Frozen Leap benefiting the American Heart Association, and the Discilanti Open benefiting SOS Community Services.  We immediately began seeing the impact in our community, but more so within ourselves and our business.  Even though these events had little or nothing to do with our business, it definitely helped us as entrepreneurs, in terms of controlling our own destiny.  Making a difference is a privilege and that's why I continue to involve myself in efforts that have a positive impact. 

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Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is a class act

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Mosiac Youth Theater of DetroitYouth Mosiac Detroit is a great organization.

Why do I say that?

Good question. Well, to put it bluntly, the group does amazingly creative things and they do them well.

This is a world-class arts organization that puts on top notch shows. I've seen one of their performances – Crossing 8 Mile – and was blown away by the talent. These kids are good.

And, I've had the pleasure of being in some shows with some of the graduates of the programs and they were incredible. They literally saved one show I was in and took another to a level we couldn't have acheived without them.

If you're from the Detroit area, support them. You'll be happy you did. If you're a reader from another area, I bet there is something like Mosiac Youth Theatre of Detroit near you. Find them and support them. You'll be happy you did.

Here's a little more info about Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit from their website:

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Quicken Loans Named One of FORTUNE’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ in America for 7th Straight Year

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Quicken Loans Named One of the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ in America for Seventh Straight Year We did it again!

For 7 years running, we've had the privilege of being a part of FORTUNE Magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work For"! We're proud to retain the same position as last year, #29. We also continue to be the #1 ranked company in Michigan.

Check out part of FORTUNE'S profile of Quicken Loans:

What makes it so great?
Nation’s fifth-largest retail mortgage lender will move its headquarters this spring to downtown Detroit from the suburbs. The move, which will affect 1,700 employees, is owner Dan Gilbert’s idea.

Some of you might think a move to *downtown Detroit* is not a perk. But if you read the DIFF, you know we think it's the best thing since sliced bread. Not only are we excited to be a part of Motown's revitalization, we're excited to just be in the city – working, living, loving it.

You can see a little more insight in these quotes from our Chairman Dan Gilbert in a press release posted this morning:

“Our ranking on FORTUNE’s list is proof that a company’s culture and people can overcome any challenge. The last several years have been difficult for many companies in the home finance sector, but thanks to our extraordinary team members, and our take-charge, innovation-based culture, we not only survived – but achieved new company records in closed loan volume, client experience ratings, revenue and profitability,” said Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert.

“Our 3,000-plus dedicated and empowered team members continued to raise their level of awareness and met the challenges that faced them every single day. The passion and will to ‘figure it out’ was key to Quicken Loans’ accomplishments in an extremely difficult economic environment during the past couple of years,” Gilbert added.

I can't really say I've ever agreed with anything more. We did have challenges. We're not perfect. But the greatest thing about working at Quicken Loans is that everyone is a leader. You see something that doesn't make sense? Fix it. You want to make a DIFFerence? Do it.

My everyday job here as Social Media Manager is help make clients I come across on the web happy to work with Quicken Loans. And I'll tell you this…if I wasn't happy, I don't think I could do my job. My one bit of unsolicited business advice – make your employees happy. If they're happy, they'll make your clients happy. There's your bottom line.

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Quicken Loans DIFF Blog wishes you a Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Quicken Loans DIFF Blog wishes you a Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

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Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Efforts

Friday, January 15, 2010

Red cross haiti

On January 12th, at 5:22 p.m., a series of earthquakes ranging in magnitude of 6.5 to 7.3 brought Haiti to its knees. We can’t overlook the very real fact that the Haitians need our help.

So we, at Quicken Loans,are supporting two great organizations to help the people of Haiti. The first is the American Red Cross, who has already sent supplies from their warehouse in Panama and has committed over $1 million dollars of support to meet emergency needs. Funds raised by Quicken Loans team members through a payroll deduct campaign, jeans days, other fundraisers will be matched by Quicken Loans to support the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief efforts for Haiti.

The second charity is Samaritan Feet. Quicken Loans is making a $5,000 donation to assist in helping them deliver shoes to the people in Haiti. The debris and devastation is so dreadful that the Haitian people that are trying to help others or move to different locations are having difficulties because they do not have shoes to protect their feet. Samaritan Feet will be shipping up to 10,000 pairs of new shoes to provide relief to the children.

Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by this devastation. To find out how you can help with disaster relief efforts, click on the following link which will take you to the American Red Cross page.

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The New Face(s) of Quizzle

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The New Face of Quizzle

You see those ugly mugs? Those intense, manly, hairy faces are the result of some serious hard work.

The fine folks down in Quizzle Town have been pulling late nights to re-launch their namesake with a brand new look. It went live today – a visual masterpiece, a sheer work of art, all designed by the DIFF Design Doctor himself – Mr. Chris Kaufman.

And yet, behind that pretty new face lies one of the most easy-to-use personal finance sites with an interface so light and clean it can practically read your mind. The site is incredibly intuitive and you walk away every time knowing you've learned something. And we all know Quizzle remains the only place on the internet to get your free credit score & free credit report. Seriously. No strings attached, no goofy trial period membership. Quizzle is yours for free for as long as you like to use it. Or stare at it because it's so pretty. Like I do. What? I like pie charts.

And the ugly mugs, you ask? Why do I subject you to such a photo? The typically clean-shaven, boyish good looks of the Quizzle men were traded in weeks ago in for the rally beards you see above. All the men agreed to quit shaving until the site went live. They banded together like brothers in a fit of unity, a show of anticipation, for the re-launch of Quizzle. And now that it's live, the hunting trip can end and Quizzle CEO Todd Albery can go back to looking 10 years younger than he is.

DIFF readers, go check out the new Quizzle. Let 'em know what you think. And congrats to the entire Quizzle team – you have a beautiful, smart site that is truly one of the most useful things to grace the interwebz.

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$3.7 Million Buys You a Cabin on a Boat

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

utopia

Okay so maybe I exaggerated.  This isn't really a boat after all, it's a luxury liner.  And for $3.7 million you can buy a complete home on this ship.  If you love cruises, this would be the ideal vacation home.  So what does this multi-national home include?

Continue reading “$3.7 Million Buys You a Cabin on a Boat” »

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Red Cross & Haiti Earthquake Relief: Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to donate $10

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Donate $10 to Red Cross to aid in Haiti hurricane relief efforts via text messageBy now you've all heard about the terrible earthquake in Haiti. CNN is reporting this morning that hundreds of thousands have died in the catastrophe.

Our faithful Red Cross is helping in the area and has made it easier than ever for you to kick in a little assistance too. Text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill. More details on the text donations can be found on the US Department of State site.

As always, you can also visit the Red Cross site to donate that way.

A text to make a DIFF? Seems like not only an easy thing to do – it's the right thing to do.

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50 Years Ago Today Berry Gordy Founded His Record Company

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

This morning Kelly sent me a Tweet that today was the day Motown Records founder Berry Gordy incorporated his first record label,  Tamla Records.


A year later Tamla became Motown Records and the rest is history. Dozens of top 10 hits. Millions of records sold. Detroit became an international leader in the music industry and the hits of Motown are songs that we’re all still singing today. 


It all started with a dream. I’m assuming everyone knows about Motown Records, but if not I linked to the Wikipedia page above. Check it out and teach yourself some history. Even if you don’t like the Motown sound, you have to respect the awesome machine Berry Gordy built with his own hands.


And since we just finished the Christmas season, I thought I’d share my all time FAVORITE Motown song – Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer by the Temptations. This is a jam.


Thanks for all the great tunes, Mr. Gordy.



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First-Time Home Buyer Assistance

Monday, January 11, 2010

Hey we just wanted to make sure that first-time home buyers know this is the best time to get home. Not only has the First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit been extended but mortgage rates are the lowest on record and home prices are low across the nation, some areas are the lowest they have been in decades. 

Check out our First-Time Home Buyer guide below as a resource that can help guide you through every step of the way, from finding your real estate agent, picking a home, choosing your best mortgage, to the closing.

First Time Home Buyer Assistance

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Thursday, May 17, 2012