James Froman James Froman recently moved back to his hometown of Madison after moving away for some time. Froman is a graduate of Valley Fellowship Christian Academy and father of one, Devin Cole Froman, a student at Calhoun Community College. Froman joined the Marine Corps directly after graduating at the age of 17.
How long have you lived in Madison? I have lived in Madison for three years now after leaving more than 20 years ago.
What is your job title, and what does your work entail? I am the branch manager and senior executive MLO at Southeast Mortgage in Huntsville. We provide residential mortgage loans for home buyers in five states across the Southeast corridor. I manage the day-to-day operations and our team of mortgage professionals as well as advise home buyers on the options available to them when choosing a mortgage. I tailor custom solutions for them to manage the biggest debt they will ever have while still meeting their overall financial goals.
What do you enjoy about your job? I would say I didn’t choose this job but rather it chose me. I knew nothing of the mortgage business at the time, but a friend of mine told me about a company that was willing to hire people with no experience. I took the opportunity to learn something new and was immediately hooked by the fast-paced environment and the financial rewards. Then the financial crisis of 2007 happened. Banks were closing every day, and people lost their jobs and their homes. For me, it’s not about money anymore but rather the impact that we have on people’s lives as mortgage professionals. I have a heart for helping people, and here I get to help people every day achieve their dreams.
What is your favorite place to visit in Madison? My favorite place is Lady Ann Lake. I live in The Edgewater Community for this very reason. I’m from the Gulf Coast, and water is very calming to me. I enjoy the serenity and the scenery. There’s a track around it to walk or run on nice days and plenty of fish if you like fishing.
What are your favorite Madison restaurants, and what do you like about each of them? My two favorite restaurants are Saigon and Old Black Bear. I love to eat Pho’ and Saigon’s is great, and the people are friendly. At OBB they make everything in house, even their ginger beer! I love going there for brunch and usually get the chicken and waffles and one of their delicious bloody Mary’s.
Why do you love Madison? I love the small-town feel and the sense of community here. People here are friendly and family-oriented. I have also seen that if there is a need, the people here are quick to help others with their time, efforts and resources.
Fast Five
Favorite hobby: Making drone videos
Favorite food: Osso Bucco
Goal or ambition: To start a charity that helps the homeless and children in need – and become the most sought-after mortgage lender in the TN Valley
Church: Victory World Outreach
Something people might not know about me is: I am a descendent of Ponce De Leon
