In a move that will position Arizona-based mortgage company, V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc., to contend for becoming the largest privately held mortgage company in southern Arizona, the company announced that it will add more than 65 employees.

As part of this increased presence in southern Arizona, mortgage industry veteran Hunter H. Sampsel has joined V.I.P. Mortgage as regional vice president.

“Sampsel is an exceptional leader in our industry and we are pleased to welcome him to V.I.P. Mortgage,” said Jay Barbour, Founder and President of V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.  “Sampsel will be managing the day-to-day operations for all of southern Arizona, as well as providing support and expertise as we continue to expand our national footprint.”

This move comes on the heels of the recent expansion of V.I.P. Mortgage into the Hawaii market.  The company opened an office in Honolulu this past November bringing the number of states with V.I.P. Mortgage offices up to six.

Sampsel, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, opened American Home Mortgage in 1997, and then worked under the Fairway Independent Mortgage Company starting in 2009.  He holds a degree in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Arizona.

“V.I.P. Mortgage offers the tools, products and resources needed to successfully manage and further grow the region,” said Hunter H. Sampsel, Vice President, V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.  “The company is also recognized as one of the best places to work and that emphasis on culture benefits employees and clients alike.  I’m looking forward to being a part of such a highly regarded, forward-thinking organization.”

“V.I.P. Mortgage has experienced rapid growth over the past several years,” said Mai Yahn, Executive VP, Corporate Growth & Strategic Planning, V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.  “Our growth in the Tucson area, as well as our expansion into Hawaii, is part of our continued plan to increase V.I.P. Mortgage’s presence nationally.”