Froiland honored as top loan officer

PIERRE – South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s (SDHDA) annual housing conference concluded with the recognition of Justin Froiland from Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation in Brookings as this year’s top loan officer for Area 3. 

This is the third time that Froiland has held this honor.

“Without dedicated lenders who originate SDHDA’s loan products, we would not be able to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for South Dakotans,” said Brent Adney, director of homeownership programs. “SDHDA appreciates all the work Justin does for this organization and his strong commitment to our products.”

Loan officers from SDHDA participating lenders were divided into seven geographic areas by county population base and the number of SDHDA loans purchased to determine the top producers.

The SDHDA Loan Officer Recognition Program is an annual honor designed to recognize those loan officers who consistently promote affordable housing by offering SDHDA programs. All together the seven top loan officers originated $61.3 million in First-time Homebuyer loans during this last year.

Larson earns SDSU employee honor 

BROOKINGS – Sean Larson has been selected as the South Dakota State University Civil Service Employee of the Month Award recipient for September in recognition for his exemplary performance and contributions as the equipment mechanic for Facilities and Services on campus. 

A reception for Larson will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Facilities and Services Building. 

Larson graduated from SDSU in 2010 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and began working with Facilities and Services in 2014. Throughout his seven years with the department, many co-workers have been quick to note his dedication.

“If Facilities and Services custodial is a machine, then Sean Larson is the oil that keeps that machine running smoothly and without issue,” said Travis Fillbrandt, a facility worker. “His dedication not only to his job but also the team as a whole is second to none. I could talk at length about what an amazing and dedicated worker Sean Larson is.”

Fillbrandt added that one day he was trying to figure out a new piece of equipment and called Larson for help, expecting a quick tutorial over the phone. Instead, Larson drove to Fillbrandt within 10 minutes to give in-person instruction to make sure things went smoothly.

Larson’s daily positive attitude and team mindset is also consistently noted by his co-workers, on top of his innate communication skills. 

“Sean is a true team player who will also step in to help clean or go out on customer service calls,” said Troy Syhre, director of custodial services. “He never complains or states some work is below him, so to speak. He brings a ‘can-do’ attitude to the table while remaining humble and proud of his work.”