NewDay USA announced this week it has selected Cal Ripken Jr. to be its company spokesman. For the Maryland-based VA, FHA and reverse mortgage lender, the former Baltimore Oriole will play a role in the company’s strategic growth heading into 2013.
But the decision goes beyond #8’s on-field talents, stresses NewDay USA President Joe Murin.
“His accomplishments on the field are second to none, but as a businessman he’s very accomplished, and overall, he’s a well-respected individual,” Murin told RMD in an interview.
Cal’s spokesperson duties will encompass a variety of NewDay’s philanthropic activities, community outreach efforts and the education and training initiatives of NewDay USA University.
The decision comes following the announcement of the company’s expansion plans into a larger, 60,000-square foot facility that will play home to the company’s newly implemented university education program. The program, designed not only to educate, but also attract younger mortgage bankers while also training veteran employees, will see Cal Ripken Jr.’s spokesman duties extend into the NewDay’s recruitment efforts.
With NewDay looking to boost personnel in 2013, as Murin expressed, there is a lot of recruiting NewDay will have to do at universities next year. Ripken’s presence aims to help potential new mortgage bankers relate, as Murin believes young college graduates will be attracted to a someone respected and accomplished in his business.
Aside from the 19-time All-Star’s athletic talents, Ripken on-field success paved the way for his business ventures since his retirement from Major League Baseball in 2001.
Since retirement, Cal has been promoting the game of baseball through several efforts. He has established youth baseball clinics, created and developed youth baseball facilities, and owns and operates multiple minor league franchises.
His most prominent effort bears his father’s name, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, which uses baseball to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged youth.
“I am pleased to represent NewDay USA and its efforts to create opportunities for young people, support members of the armed services and help families in communities across the nation,” said Ripken.
NewDay currently has a recruiting film in the works for the former Baltimore Oriole, and as for the rest of Ripken’s 2013 schedule, Murin says there is still some organizing that needs to be done on both sides of camp.
When asked if whether NewDay’s Maryland location had any sway in their choosing of Cal Ripken Jr., Murin laughed and said it certainly helped.
“Even if we were in Pittsburgh, Cal would still be a great choice,” he said.
Having recently risen the ranks in the reverse mortgage market. NewDay USA currently stands at #10 for originations on a yearly basis, according to the most recent Reverse Market Insight report.
Written by Jason Oliva
