Meet Your Mortgage Broker Team
Every day we are working diligently to help clients find the best loan option for their particular situation – self-employed, investor, veteran, etc. – so they can realize the dream of home ownership and the joy of a new home! Reach out today to see how we can help you with your next purchase.
Paula Bond
President / Chief Loan Officer
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Paula enjoyed growing up on the northern coast of Florida and loves all things outdoors. While serving as a police officer, she met her husband, Travis and they have been married for 34 years.
After raising their family and owning several businesses of her own, she decided to take the next big step and open her own mortgage company. Being in the lending business for several years, Paula enjoys walking along side people in what can be a confusing process in purchasing a home.
In her spare time, she loves working with the animals on their small farm, playing in the backyard with her granddaughters, and serving in their church. She is looking forward to meeting you and helping with the purchase of your new home!
Paula@upwardlendingteam.com
469-358-4668
Travis Bond
Director of Operations
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Before beginning his civilian career as a police officer and then later entering the corporate world as COO of several start-up companies as well as several of his own, Travis served in two US military branches as both non-commissioned and commissioned officer.
He has a passion for seeing people flourish and helping them succeed in building healthy families with successful futures through home ownership. Because of this passion, he has chosen to come alongside his wife, Paula, as Co-founder and Director of Operations of Upward Lending, LLC.
In his free time, he enjoys caring for the animals on their small hobby farm, playing with his granddaughters and you may even catch him starting a new building project on his property in Sanger, TX. He is excited to help borrowers take the Upward step towards the joy of purchasing their new home!
Travis@upwardlendingteam.com
972-510-4482
Brandi Richerson
Loan Officer
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After relocating to Texas over 30 years ago, Brandi moved with her family to the Texas Hill country. She brings a passion for helping clients through the loan process, ensuring they find the best solutions tailored to their needs.
Brandi is known for her exceptional customer service skills and her ability to build strong relationships. She takes pride in her attention to detail and her commitment to providing clear, honest advice. Whether you’re looking to buy a new home or refinance an existing mortgage, Brandi is here to help you every step of the way.
In her free time, Brandi enjoys sharing life with her family, spending time on the hill country rivers, and passionately serving the foster community. Together with her husband, they have fostered many children in their home.
Paula Bennett
Loan Officer
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Paula has been in finance for over 30 years and decided to expand her knowledge into Mortgage Lending. She has a love for helping people and enjoys educating and guiding her clients through the process.
Paula is originally from California and has lived in Wichita Falls with her husband for 40 years. They have 2 children and 6 grandchildren which keeps them very busy.
In her free time you will find her helping in her church, rehabbing orphaned baby squirrels, spending time outdoors with her family camping, fishing, or just working in her yard.
Scott Richerson
Loan Officer
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Scott is a native Texan, born and raised in Arlington, right between Dallas and Fort Worth. Growing up in a musical family, music was a big part of his life, but Scott found his professional calling in the automotive industry. Over the years, he built a successful career as an operational business consultant and corporate executive, helping dealerships navigate the worlds of finance, lending, and business operations.
After a fulfilling career in automotive, Scott felt a new calling — this time from God — to plant and lead a growing church in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Scott and his wife, Brandi, have been married for 16 wonderful years and share a full, lively life with their eight children and four grandchildren. After Scott’s success in the automotive world and Brandi’s career in nursing, they decided to team up with Upward Lending. Together, they’re excited to bring Upward Lending’s trusted service and personal touch to the Texas Hill Country as mortgage loan officers.
With a strong background in finance and a heart for helping others, Scott enjoys guiding people through the sometimes-overwhelming process of buying a home. He loves being part of making homeownership dreams a reality.
When he’s not working, you’ll find Scott mentoring others, relaxing at the beach, or out hunting birds or deer. He’s looking forward to meeting you, teaming up with local real estate agents, and helping you navigate your journey to a new home!
Steve Dortch
Loan Officer
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A native Dallasite, Steve has been a mortgage loan originator since 2021. As a perfectionist with an eye for detail, Steve has been able to leverage his skillset to make the process of mortgage lending as streamlined as possible for his clients.
Having lived overseas for much of the past 20 years, Steve and his wife are avid world travelers. In fact, he’s about as likely to be in Asia or Africa as he is in DFW. Ask him for a selfie of wherever he is in the world when he’s working on your pre-approval, and he’ll be happy to oblige!
As part of his global journey, Steve has not only gained an appreciation for diverse cultures, but he’s developed a sense of tenacity, problem-solving, and adaptability that has translated over into other aspects of life – like mortgage lending!
Steve and his wife have three adult children and a son-in-law. In addition to being an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks, he is active in his Fort Worth church. He enjoys SCUBA diving and traveling to as many countries and U.S. states as possible. He’s currently up to nearly 50 countries and 49 states, but who’s counting?