# Awards & Community Involvement Canonical URL: https://valor.mortgage/awards-community-involvement/ Page title: Awards & Community | Valor Mortgage Valor Mortgage, LLC · Springfield, TN ## Award-Winning Mortgage Broker: Awards, Recognition & Community Impact Christopher Armantrout has served Robertson County homebuyers since 2015 — earning recognition from local community organizations, national industry associations, and the borrowers he's helped along the way. Service is not a tagline here. It's the foundation. **Christopher Armantrout** Loan Officer · NMLS #1210804 Media & Press ## Award-Winning Broker: Featured in Local & National Media Christopher and Valor Mortgage have been featured in national industry publications and local media outlets, and recognized by Robertson County organizations for their commitment to community and lending excellence. 2026 Scotsman Guide · National Mortgage Industry Publication · June 2026 Featured Expert — "Mortgage Brokers Contend with Volatile Spring Housing Market" Christopher Armantrout was quoted as a featured industry expert in Scotsman Guide — one of the mortgage industry's most respected national trade publications — offering frontline insight on how rapid rate volatility and shifting buyer expectations are impacting borrowers across the Greater Nashville market. The piece highlights how Christopher is navigating one of the most challenging rate environments in recent memory, helping buyers who came in expecting January's rates reconcile with today's market reality. [Read the Article — Scotsman Guide](https://www.scotsmanguide.com/news/mortgage-brokers-contend-with-volatile-spring-housing-market/) Featured In Scotsman Guide 2026 National Industry Expert 🎙 The Hub Podcast · Episode Interview · June 2026 Christopher Armantrout on The Hub Christopher joined The Hub for a long-form conversation about founding Valor Mortgage in 2019, navigating the brokerage through the pandemic, and what it actually takes to get Middle Tennessee families into homes. A candid look at the practice behind the paperwork — and why he built an independent brokerage in Springfield rather than joining a bank. [Listen to the Full Episode — 14:45](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2571376/episodes/19348778-chris-armatrout-from-valor-mortgage) 2025 · 2026 Main Street Media of Tennessee · Robertson County Connection Robertson County Main Street Awards — Mortgage Company Finalist, 2025 & 2026 Named a finalist in the Mortgage Company category two years in a row. Finalists are chosen entirely by public nomination and community vote, so back-to-back recognition reflects lasting trust from Robertson County neighbors. [2026 Finalist Announcement](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/contests-robertsoncountyconnection/robertson-county-2026-main-street-awards-finalists-announced/) [2025 Finalist Announcement](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/contests-robertsoncountyconnection/robertson-county-2025-main-street-awards-finalists-announced/) 2019 Main Street Media of Tennessee · Robertson County Connection Best Bank / Mortgage Company — Finalist In the year Valor Mortgage was founded, Christopher was recognized as a finalist for Best Bank/Mortgage Company in Robertson County, TN — just months after opening. A first-year recognition driven entirely by community nomination. 📻 WSGI Radio · Springfield Community Station Local Radio & Community Features Christopher is an active voice in Robertson County's media landscape, participating in local radio discussions about homeownership, community lending, and small business insights on WSGI Radio — connecting with neighbors across Middle Tennessee. [Visit WSGI Radio on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@wsgiradio) ▶ Featured Resource Real Tennessee Discover what makes Tennessee a great place to live, work, and build your future. Watch our community spotlight video. [Visit realtennessee.com](https://www.realtennessee.com) Recognition ## Mortgage Broker Awards: Industry Recognition Each of the following recognitions came from community nomination, lender performance rankings, or third-party review. 2026 Expertise.com · Clarksville, TN Top Mortgage Refinance in Clarksville — 2026 Selected by Expertise.com as one of the top mortgage refinance providers in Clarksville, TN for 2026. Expertise.com independently researches and scores local providers on reputation, credibility, experience, availability, and professionalism when selecting providers in each market. [View Expertise.com Profile](https://www.expertise.com/finance/mortgage-refinance/tennessee/clarksville) 2022 United Wholesale Mortgage · UWM Top 1% Certified Partner Recognized by United Wholesale Mortgage as a Top 1% Certified Partner for 2022. 2022 United Wholesale Mortgage · UWM · Tennessee Top 1% — Tennessee Ranked in the Top 1% of loan originators in the State of Tennessee by United Wholesale Mortgage — based on verified loan volume and performance across all UWM broker partners in the state. Top 20 Purchase Loan Officer — Tennessee Ranked among the Top 20 Purchase Loan Officers in the State of Tennessee by United Wholesale Mortgage in 2022 — based on verified purchase loan volume and performance across all UWM broker partners in the state. A+ Better Business Bureau · Middle Tennessee BBB Accredited Business — A+ Rating Valor Mortgage holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accredited since March 2026. BBB accreditation requires a demonstrated commitment to resolve consumer complaints and adhere to BBB's Standards for Trust. [Verify BBB Accreditation](https://www.bbb.org/us/tn/springfield/profile/mortgage-broker/valor-mortgage-0573-37288251/#sealclick) 5.0 Google · Verified Business Profile 120+ Five-Star Google Reviews Valor Mortgage holds a verified Google Business Profile with a 5.0 rating across 120+ reviews. Every review is public, so you can read what past borrowers say in their own words. [View Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/Valor+Mortgage+LLC+Springfield+TN) G ★★★★★ 5.0 · 120+ Reviews Google Reviews Independently ranked Top Mortgage Brokers in Springfield, TN [See Valor Mortgage on TrustAnalytica’s list of top mortgage brokers in Springfield, TN →](https://trustanalytica.org/us/tn/springfield/best-mortgage-brokers) Community & Non-Profit Partners ## Service beyond the closing table The name Valor Mortgage didn't come from a branding agency. It came from a four-day disaster relief mission to the Florida Panhandle in the fall of 2018, in the immediate aftermath of **Hurricane Michael** — one of the most powerful storms to ever strike the continental United States. Christopher and three others flew to Panama City, Florida on a twin-prop plane to assist devastated communities. What followed was unlike anything they expected — priority flight status in no-fly zones, a FEMA detainment, military escorts, and a Secret Service detail. The experience cemented a conviction that service to others is not optional. It is the point. **That mission led directly to a partnership with Gideon Rescue** — a non-profit disaster response organization that deploys trained volunteers into communities after natural disasters. Christopher remains an active partner and supporter. [Visit Gideon Rescue → gideonrescue.org](https://gideonrescue.org) Fall 2018 Hurricane Michael Relief Mission Category 5 landfall near Panama City, FL. Christopher and three others deployed within days — navigating FEMA checkpoints, military escorts, and restricted airspace to assist affected families. February 2019 Valor Mortgage Founded Inspired by the mission and what it revealed about service and community need — Valor Mortgage, LLC was established in Springfield, TN with that same ethos at its core. Ongoing Gideon Rescue Partnership A continuing partnership supporting disaster response volunteer training and deployment. Community service is not a campaign — it is a practice. 2019 – Present Robertson County Community Involvement Active participation in Robertson County business networks and local events — including multi-year Main Street Awards recognition driven entirely by neighbor nominations. Non-Profit Partners ## Supporting the Robertson County Community Christopher believes that a mortgage business rooted in a community should give back to it. These are the local organizations Valor Mortgage actively supports. Robertson County Sports Alliance The RCSA supports youth and community athletics across Robertson County — providing opportunities for kids to participate in organized sports regardless of financial barriers. A cornerstone organization in Christopher's community commitment. [rcsatn.org →](https://www.rcsatn.org/) Open Door Pregnancy Center Open Door provides free, compassionate support to women and families facing unexpected pregnancies — offering counseling, resources, and community connections in Robertson County and beyond. Essential work for families in transition. [opendoorprc.org →](https://opendoorprc.org/) CASA of Robertson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Robertson County's court system. [casaofrobco.com →](https://www.casaofrobco.com/) Willow Oak Center for Arts & Learning A beloved Springfield non-profit offering arts and humanities education to over 14,000 children and adults each year — from visual arts and music to culinary classes and community festivals. No one is turned away for inability to pay. [willowoakarts.org →](https://willowoakarts.org/) Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity works to eliminate poverty housing by building and renovating homes in partnership with families in need — providing safe, affordable homeownership opportunities across Robertson County and beyond. [habitatforhumanity.org →](https://www.habitat.org//) Chamber Memberships ## Active in the Regional Business Community Christopher is an active member of chambers of commerce across Middle Tennessee — staying connected to the business communities he serves across Robertson, Sumner, and Cheatham counties. Robertson County Chamber of Commerce Springfield, TN The primary business advocacy organization for Robertson County, connecting local business owners through networking, education, and community leadership initiatives. [robertsonchamber.org →](https://www.robertsonchamber.org/) White House Area Chamber of Commerce White House, TN Serving the fast-growing White House community straddling Robertson and Sumner counties — stimulating a robust local economy through business connections and community investment. [whitehousechamber.org →](https://whitehousechamber.org/) Cheatham County Chamber of Commerce Ashland City, TN Promoting economic prosperity across Cheatham County through networking, education, and business development — connecting members with the resources needed to thrive in Middle Tennessee. [cheathamchamber.org →](https://www.cheathamchamber.org/) Professional Standing ## Licensed Mortgage Officer Credentials & Memberships Professional credentials in mortgage lending are not optional — they are federally required, publicly verifiable, and renewed continuously. Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator — Tennessee · Powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC Christopher has held an active Tennessee mortgage originator license since 2015 — more than a decade of continuous licensure under state and federal oversight. Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC (NMLS #1249911), which provides compliance infrastructure, lender access, and regulatory oversight. [Verify Christopher — NMLS #1210804 →](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/1210804) [Verify Encore Lending Group — NMLS #1249911 →](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/1249911) AIME Member — Association of Independent Mortgage Experts AIME is the national professional association for independent mortgage brokers — signaling a commitment to the wholesale, borrower-first model over single-bank product pushing. [Learn About AIME →](https://aimegroup.com/broker-membership/) Equal Housing Opportunity All loan programs comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Fair Housing Act. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age (provided the applicant can contract), familial status, disability, receipt of income from public assistance, or the good-faith exercise of any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. CFPB Oversight Consumer mortgage activities are subject to oversight by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Borrowers may submit concerns directly through the CFPB at any time. [CFPB Consumer Complaint Portal →](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/) Licensed & Serving Tennessee Since 2015 Christopher has been a licensed mortgage originator in Tennessee since 2015, and founded Valor Mortgage in Springfield, TN in 2019 — bringing over a decade of experience to every borrower he serves. Kiwanis Club of Springfield — Member Christopher is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield, TN — a civic organization dedicated to serving the children and youth of Robertson County through community programs, annual giving drives, and local outreach. [Springfield Kiwanis — Robertson County Chamber →](https://robertsonchamber.chambermaster.com/list/member/springfield-kiwanis-club-springfield-595) The same commitment I carry into disaster relief work — showing up, doing the hard thing, staying until it's done — is the same commitment I bring to every borrower's loan. Christopher Armantrout · Founder, Valor Mortgage, LLC · NMLS #1210804 Questions ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is Valor Mortgage a lender or a broker?** Valor Mortgage is an independent mortgage broker in Springfield, Tennessee. Instead of offering one bank's loans, Christopher Armantrout compares programs from multiple wholesale lenders for each borrower. Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC (NMLS #1249911). **How long has Christopher Armantrout been a licensed loan officer?** Christopher has held an active Tennessee mortgage loan originator license since 2015 and founded Valor Mortgage in Springfield in February 2019. His license is NMLS #1210804. **How can I verify Christopher Armantrout's license?** Search NMLS #1210804 on [NMLS Consumer Access](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/1210804) (nmlsconsumeraccess.org), the federal public registry for mortgage professionals. Encore Lending Group's license, NMLS #1249911, can be checked there as well. **What awards and recognition has Valor Mortgage received?** Recognition includes Expertise.com Top Mortgage Refinance in Clarksville (2026), Robertson County Main Street Awards finalist in the Mortgage Company category (2025 and 2026), Best Bank/Mortgage Company finalist in Robertson County (2019), and three United Wholesale Mortgage recognitions from 2022: Top 1% Certified Partner, Top 1% in Tennessee, and Top 20 Purchase Loan Officer in Tennessee. Valor also holds an A+ BBB rating and a 5.0 Google rating across 120+ reviews. **Which community organizations does Valor Mortgage support?** Valor Mortgage supports the Robertson County Sports Alliance, Open Door Pregnancy Center, CASA of Robertson County, Willow Oak Center for Arts & Learning, Habitat for Humanity, and Gideon Rescue. Christopher is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield and the Robertson County, White House Area, and Cheatham County chambers of commerce. **Where did the name Valor Mortgage come from?** The name comes from a 2018 disaster-relief mission to Panama City, Florida, after Hurricane Michael. Christopher and three others flew in to help affected families. The mission led to an ongoing partnership with Gideon Rescue and shaped the service-first approach Valor Mortgage was founded on in 2019. ## Ready to work with someone who shows up? Awards matter. But what matters more is whether your loan officer answers when you call, explains what you're signing, and gets your deal to closing. Let's talk. [Start the Conversation](https://valor.mortgage/book-your-appointment/) --- ## Contact Valor Mortgage - Christopher Armantrout, Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #1210804 - Phone: [(615) 671-9178](tel:+16156719178) - Email: [christopher@valor.mortgage](mailto:christopher@valor.mortgage) - Office: 724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 - [Book an appointment](https://valor.mortgage/book-your-appointment/) · [Apply online](https://valor.mortgage/home-application/) · [Contact page](https://valor.mortgage/contact-us/) Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 ([NMLS Consumer Access](https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/1249911)). Christopher Armantrout, Loan Officer, NMLS #1210804. Licensed in Tennessee. Equal Housing Opportunity. All loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Loan approval is based on borrower qualification, credit review, income verification, and property eligibility. Not all applicants will qualify. Not a commitment to lend.