Knotek knows his tech.

Since Homes for Heroes started doing Bio’s on our affiliates, we have asked the affiliate to provide some background information for us. With that info we would put together a post and put it out there. Reading this affiliates bio, there was not much more we needed to do. In his own words, Homes for Heroes, would like to introduce you to Mikal Knotek.

In 2006, the economy was beginning to unravel. The mortgage industry was the stone that broke the camels back with fraud and poor lending practices acting as the heaviest weight. I saw misinformed loan officers through out the industry using poor judgment and taking advantage of unknowing clients.

In 2007 I re-evaluated my business plan and included room to give back. I wanted to give back because the greedy side of our industry had taken so much. I wanted to change public perception and bring confidence back to my clients. It was important for them to know that Bell Mortgage was one of the good guys in the industry

I searched for several months to find an organization to align myself with that would take advantage of my skills in the finance industry. I knew right away after speaking with David Cohen and Ruth Johnson (Homes for Heroes) that Homes for Heroes would be the perfect fit.

The HFH philosophy is easy, do what’s best for our heroes. Homes for Heroes unites a whole industry on behalf of the Hero. No other program that I have seen does this. Becoming a Homes for Heroes affiliate has given me the opportunity to say thank you to the people who give everything of themselves every day.

MIkal Knotek

Mikal Knotek has been a successful mortgage professional, manager, technology entrepreneur, and industry consultant.

 

Mikal entered the mortgage industry in 1991 after the purchase of his first home.  Learning the business from the ground up, he quickly moved his way up the ladder and became a leading roll in production.  In 1997 he co-founded The Harrison-Knotek Group with his residential business partner, Kathy Harrison.  In 1998 they moved their group to Bell Mortgage and helped evolve Bell into one of the area’s premier residential mortgage lenders.  His residential origination’s exceed 300 million dollars over the past 15 years.

 

While still in the mortgage industry, Mikal founded Audit Technologies, a lender based audit and consulting firm.  His keen industry insight gave new light to how lenders manage their service portfolio.

Audit Technologies and Mikal’s growing residential mortgage business led to the founding of Clear View Software, Inc. in 2001.  Mikal used his industry knowledge and technical background to develop ground breaking industry technology that moved data to and from consumers and lenders with the highest level of speed and security.   His company was later purchased by a leading Minnesota lender.   Mikal’s extensive technical insight keeps Bell Mortgage at the forefront of industry changes and improvements.

 

In addition to Mikal’s residential originations, he is also co-founder of the Bell Mortgage Commercial Lending Group and oversees its day to day operations.

 
 
 

Goats, cats and weddings. More recycling tips.

Going through todays feeds there was an article on how the Air Force wanted to cut their dependence on oil. My first thought was “how are aircraft going to fly without oil?” I don’t think it can happen. Even if we made nuclear power plants small enough to put in a fighter jet you still will need oil and grease to keep the thing in the air. Do they think hydraulic fluid is made from corn? So I wrote it off as a PR piece and moved on. Then while at the Homes for Heroes office some one was complaining about cold feet and how they needed new boots. I told them they should go to a Army Surplus store and get a pair of Mickey Mouse Boots. Heading over to my desk it hit me like a ton of bricks. “I need recycled tire sandals!” I had a pair as a kid and loved them. I would run around in the sand and mud making that unmistakable rrrrrRRRRRRRRR uh rrrrrrRRRRRRRR uh rrrrrRRRRRRR sound of a car going through gears. With those sandals I was Bobby Issacs racing around the track. I did get some odd looks while I was racing around my desk going rrrrrRRRRRR uh rrrrrrRRRR uh SCREEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!! (Taking corners really fast.)

Keep in mind you will need two buckles. What color straps should I get?

Google did not let me down. A quick search got me what I needed and a bonus too. My family will have the finest home made tire sandals this side of the Mississippi this summer. I will walk through the Mall of America with my shiny new sandals past those expensive Tevas stores. Heck a pair of tire sandals will last 40,000 miles on a car and indefinitely on a persons foot. Think of it. Not only will we be doing our part in keeping the planet from melting, we will save hundreds of dollars in foot wear. Here is the site that will give you step by step instructions. I will post a photo of the family once I get them done. I am too excited to continue. But I am a professional and will maintain. rrrrRRRRR uh rrrrRRRR uh rrrrRRRRRRR……..

All psyched up now thinking of recycling. Since I was looking at tire sandals I took a peek at what else we could do with tires. The outdoor furniture I have now is all rusted and needs repainting. How about if I get an old tractor tire or two I can replace that old wrought iron table. Look at how cool this set is.

This would look perfect in my back yard.

Never wears out, you can spill on it and it won’t rust. You can kick it and it won’t dent or bend. Perfect. I just need to keep the wife out of the garage for a couple of weeks.

If you need some bar stools for either the house or outdoors I think these would do. Get the neighborhood over for a barbecue and when it is time for them to leave just roll the chairs at them. Dual purpose furniture. I am liking this whole recycle thing.

Honey they can even double as a kids playground set.

And doesn’t this next chair seem like an easy build? A sheet of plywood, some dowels, glue, screws and a drill. Voila! Modern furniture for the living room. What? You think it would take craftsman skills to do this?

Just keep this in mind the next time you replace your tires.

But the coolest outdoor furniture is about to be divulged. And if my wife reads this she will know I am dead serious. Making a couch out of your lawn.

I'm thinking dandelions for a nice head rest.

A couple of years ago we had a new neighbor move in across the street. He is a nice guy and is doing his best to get the neighbors all talking to one another. God bless him. One of the things he does is sit out on his new front yard patio and wave and talk to all that walk by. It was catching so I also put in a front yard patio. We are both in the middle of the block so we catch everyone coming and going. But I think I will top him this year with my own dirt/grass couch. For all you others that find this just as exciting I will also provide you with the directions. These are courtesy of Inhabit.com

If yer tryin to figure out what to do with that pile o' dirt by the garage.

Is there more? You bet, but I can’t cover it all in one day. I have to test the shoes and table with the wife first. I love the stuff but sometimes my wife is not so understanding. Something about picking up old tires at the local garage and then having them sit around in the yard doing nothing except making nice mosquito condos. Like I have never finished a project before. I figure I will need about 16 car tires and two tractor tires to get done what I have planned and the Gas station is eager to deliver old used tires for free!!

What? Oh yeah, thanks for getting me back on track. How does goats, cats and a wedding tie in together? It just so happens that this story takes place in the Philippines. Just after Christmas (search the archives for that story) and the whole squadron is there now. A friend of mine, a young Lance Corporal that was about to be promoted had decided to marry one of the locals. Now keep in mind that we had only been there about 3 weeks but he said it was love at first site. He was so set on this he went to his girls parents house and asked their permission.

Needless to say they didn’t help by accepting his offer. So the date was set and we were invited to a party. We had tried to get him to give it some time, but he would not listen. He took her shopping to buy a ring and they were planning two weddings. One for her parents in the Philippines and one for his parents somewhere in Oregon. To here more of this tale you must read tomorrows spot.

Just keep in mind, if you need a bigger place to put all this cool material get a hold of your Homes for Heroes affiliate a let them save you money. I know I keep repeating this but it really is a free and good program. So give us a visit and see if we can’t save you some money.

See you tomorrow

Semper Fi

Can cold save your life? New EMS procedure seems to prove it.

I woke up this morning and looked at the the temp outside. -14F. That is kinda cold. They expect here in Minneapolis it will be -20F tonight and if you are unlucky enough or dumb enough to be outside at that time wind chills will be at -40F. Think of those poor cops that have to be out in that weather. Homes for Heroes certainly feels for them.  The office staff is allergic to cold.  They recently demanded and received electric mittens that they can plug into their USB ports on their computers.  Some have modified them by placing them on their chair and keeping something other than their hands warm.  I was surprised to see that keeping that area warm actually showed an increase in productivity.  Go figure.  Maybe it is something we should look into.  We might need to rethink that whole cold hands warm heart saying.

Speaking of cold, I read through this article today.  In Colorado EMS techs will now freeze you if you have a heart attack.  No more zapping you with a million volts or having a 300 lb. EMS tech putting all his weight on your chest doing CPR.  Nope, no more pain.  Just fill you up with icy water and turn you into a human  popsicle.  The article points out that this actually has a higher rate of recovery for heart attack victims and a reduction of other complications.  Can that be more pleasant that 1 million volts coursing through your chest?  I think if I asked the Homes for Heroes staff they would pick something other than being frozen regardless of increased chances of survival.

I see that in North Carolina, the EMS techs have learned something from their kids.  They are adding the new Dodge Charger to their fleet of first response vehicles.  Reading the first few paragraphs I thought that this was a pretty smart move by the authorities.  Quicker response times, etc. Further in the article you get to the justifications on why they settled on the Charger and I started to wonder.  Just read below and see if you agree.  My teenage boys have used at least two of these reasons  out of that article on why they should be allowed to have a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 instead of the old Taurus.

‘They are cheaper and more fuel-efficient than the Chevrolet Suburbans and other SUVs issued to EMS supervisors, as well as comparable police interceptors such as Ford’s Crown Victoria. Their resale value, he added, should be higher when it comes time to sell them as surplus vehicles.

“We didn’t choose this vehicle because it has a powerful engine or a fast start or something like that,” said Hammerstein, who said he has not yet driven one of the Chargers. “Sure, we don’t want to buy something with such a small, four-cylinder engine you can’t make it go. It’s a safer vehicle altogether because it is prepared for an emergency response.”

Dodge does offer the police Charger with a less-robust V6, but Hammerstein said the more powerful version features better brakes and more responsive steering.

With their target-sight grilles, menacing headlamps and humped rear quarter panels, the Chargers have become the darling of law enforcement officers across the country. They will accelerate from a dead stop to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.’

I picture this video will be an example what the future holds for North Carolina Ambulance (Charger) drivers.  But somebody bought their lines and I have to give them credit for getting away with it.

Well my word count is on target so far.  I will have to talk about what $800 in change weighs tomorrow.

Remember, Homes for Heroes is a program that will put money in your pocket when you sell or buy a home.  All you have to do is contact Homes for Heroes and they will set you up with an affiliate.  No cost to you and no paperwork! How does that work?  Visit the website and see what this program will do for you.

See you tomorrow.

Semper Fi

You’re not paranoid if they are after you!! And a Gorilla head.

OMG!!  They are after me!  Google that is. I am convinced they are not happy with my search.  Oh, remember “IRS helping homeowners”? I was over it when I did the search “cold weather fire fighting” and I finally saw some actual fire fighting videos, but then something freaked me out yesterday and I had to go home and lie in a fetal position and cry like a baby.  I have to bring you back to help you understand.  This is justified.  First I asked Google a question.  Google has a hard time responding.  I think I experienced the longest search time Google has ever had run.  Then a search on puppies and kittens brings me to sugar gliders.  To this point I am convinced that I really ticked off Google.  The next day comes and I redo the search because I am worried just a little bit.  The search is relatively normal. I think I am in the clear.  So I breath a sigh of relief and continue with my normal routine. I was listening to the radio and this talk show host had a video about the “wunder boner“. I go and watch it. It is a you tube video. It was amusing and I continue on with my day. Then my screen flashes that I have an email. I go check it out, turn off my computer and drive home as fast as I can. I am now cloistered to the bathroom refusing to come out. What made me panic and run? The email was from You Tube and it was the “Wunder Boner” video. How did You Tube get my email address? Google is still after me. I spent the rest of the afternoon, peeking out windows, chewing fingernails, hiding valuables and getting ready to wipe my hard drive. My wife arrives home, I yank open the door, pull her in,  slam the door and lock it. First words out of her mouth is……………… Did you get that You Tube video I sent you today?  AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

Okay, here is the other thing that freaks me out.  How many know of the Box Elder bug?  We up here in MN get them seasonally.  Summer and early spring.  They are  a swarm of insects, but they do not cause big problems.  Unless you consider swarms of beetles resting on your doors, windows and siding a big problem. So by nature they are out of commission. Well in 10 degree weather I felt something on my arm. I look down and it is a box elder bug. WTH? I think some one is messing with me.  What can I do to calm the Google?

Now I had asked what you do out of boredom. This is something that I have witnessed and it ain’t pretty. If you are stuck in a place with men only, this is inevitable.

Since it is Friday I figure it is goof off day.  Here are videos of what our uniformed heroes do when things get slow.

What do you do when you find live stock on the battle field?  Well, if you are like these soldiers you fight them.

It is also important to keep the locals organized and disciplined.  After all how can you achieve order if everyone is running around unchecked?

This is more of a training video, but it was created out of boredom.  Of  that I am certain.

The Navy has never had a good reputation with the Marine Corps.  There’s this rivalry thing going on, I think since 1775.  So when I see this I understand why.

Now this is what I would expect from bored Fire Fighters.  I guess it is in their genes.

Now I understand Monty Python’s flying circus.

And the winner of how bored can bored get contest.  Think of the time these guys had to put together this video.  It is a little long but well worth the watch.  I knew the Marines weren’t all that dumb.

Is it time for another WHAT THE HECK IS IT?  Well okay.    WHAT THE HECK IS IT?

No it is not a robot boob.

This my friends is a nut cracker!  I am not joking. This chunk of metal is placed on the knee.  The nut is placed in the holder.  Then you take a hammer and smash that walnut to smithereens.  In winter the metal chunk can sit by the fire and when the right temp will keep you lap all toasty and warm and you get to crack nuts.  How awesome is that?

I hope you enjoyed my goof off day.  Monday will have to do to learn what a Gorilla head had to do with todays posting.  Enjoy your weekend and if you like most of us in this great nation you will be enjoying it shoveling snow.

Semper fi!

BRRRRRRRRRR, shoe polish and Sam’s Club

BRRRRRRRRR, BRRRRRRRRR, BRRRRRRRRR, BRRRRRRRRR, BRRRRRRRRR and then BRRRRRRRRR. It is freaking cold outside. Woke up and looked at the thermometer. -8. Yes in December and an era of global warming. It was -8. Do you understand that to date we have not yet hit zero in our neighborhood. Ones body has to get used to the cold. You know, a gradual slope that we don’t slip or get hurt on. But not like this. I have tripped and can’t get my core temperature up to it’s daily goal. It is so cold. I ran out to get some wood for the fireplace. We did not go to the Homes for Heroes office today. Too much ice on the road. Well (there is that word again) my hands melted some of the snow and when I went to open the door to get back in, my thumb stuck to the door handle!! I know I asked you all to pray for snow here in Minnesota. And I am pleased to report that we did get lots up north. So thanks to those who put a prayer in for us. However, I do not want to thank those that prayed for the ice storm we got here in Minneapolis. Nasty roads, and again I refer to the gradual slope. MN drivers need time to adjust to the crappy road conditions. We started out nice, a couple of inches here and there, mellow temps (15 to 20) and not too slippery roads. We only got one weekend to practice then rain and -8 degrees. You know that salt does not work on ice when the temp is below 15. So I am sure the insurance agents are sitting at their desks with the sweat pouring off their brows, praying their phones will not ring today.

SAM’S CLUB!! If you have a military ID or a DD214 Sam’s club is waiving all membership fees today. It is a one day only deal. So get off yer bottoms and go get some savings. Go on, hurry up. I will wait.

Okay, you are back. See I told you it was worth the trip. Now I came across this article by Spousebuzz. I thought it was cool. Especially today freezing my but off in a world that will melt in 5 years. We all need to recycle. So if you could leave a few recycling tips for the readers today we can all sleep better knowing we made the world a little bit lest melting.

Well out to shovel and salt. Enjoy the climate wherever you are at. And remember, here in Minneapolis, right now we can use a banana as a hammer.

Semper Fi

In their Boots, the French and monkeys!?!

While doing my daily perusing of blogs I saw that one blogger mentioned a site that was part of the inspiration of Homes for Heroes Foundation. This site is dedicated to the average G.I. Joe coming home and having to deal with this new reality of transitioning back to home. In Their Boots should be a weekly visit for all of us who appreciate what our Heroes must endure after honorably serving their country. These are the people that HFHF hopes to reach and add to the already growing number of groups that are helping our Heroes transition from the daily stress of conflict to the life we all take for granted. Homes for Heroes Foundation also is there for our Police, Firefighter and First Responders that can also find themselves in situations that they did not ask for while performing their duties for our communities. If you spend any time at In Their Boots you will be proud of how these people cope. I often wonder how they can keep up the faith while facing the crap of every day life. Who has time to figure out bennies, when you have to figure out how you are going to get a wider door to get your wheel chair through on a government income, let alone finding a new job. Please visit and become impressed with our countries finest.

Another site that caught my attention was BlackFive. He had an article that was written by a French soldier (which by the way France is now an all volunteer force) with his impression of American Soldiers. I have lived in France for two years and this soldiers article was the French people that have lived with and became good friends with today. I have received some grief in the past from my family and friends because I have a different take on the French citizens. They have more in common with us than the press and the stereotypes would have you believe. What this letter states is something I lived many times while sitting in my backyard in Cornebarrieu with several neighbors sampling the best the French have to offer in Wine, Bourbon, and Cognac. They too have to fight their press and stereotypes of Americans as arrogant bullies wearing cowboy boots and hats. But all of the people I met in France had a huge gratitude towards us Americans and are very glad we are in this world. Enough said, read the article and you will see that the French are a very good people. Also you will see that the stereotype the French have is pretty close to the truth!! Ha! Read and you will know what I am talking about.

Now I know you have been waiting for my second story regarding stones and monkeys. Well, if you see this creature while wondering the roads and paths of Subic Bay, Philippines, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT decide to throw a stone, rock, banana, peanut or anything at them. They take great offense and will reciprocate with all the vim and vigor that a monkey can give. I know because I was victim of that vim and vigor. I was sent on advance party to the Philippines to get things ready for our squadrons arrival. I got to spend Christmas eve there all by my self (that’s another story) so after leaving the chow hall I thought I should celebrate Christmas eve with a drink at the E-Club. Well a short cut to the club was behind the chow hall. As I was passing the dumpsters, they were crawling with monkeys. Well the monkeys started to screech at me and I took offense to that. So being the superior human I thought a well aimed stone at the metal dumpster would 1) scare and scatter them back into the jungle and 2) prove to the animal kingdom that us humans are very much superior to furry creatures. So the stone left my hand and clanged into the metal dumpster with the exact loud ring I had anticipated. After a second and a couple of dodges later I found out that the monkeys did not scatter back into the jungle where they belonged but had regrouped and went on the offensive. There must have been 15 to 20 monkeys throwing anything they could get their little furry paws on at me. And to my dismay very accurate little furry paws. So the humiliated Sergeant had to flee the garbage eating monkeys with a very hard learned lesson. Hungry monkeys can and will win against an arrogant stone throwing Marine.

Well I have more to say but it will have to wait until next blog. I have my notes and will keep them on my white board. I still hold hope that someone out there has a better story than garbage flinging monkeys. Let’s hear those stories, because I have tons.

FREE HUNTING LICENSE AND TAX EXEMPTIONS!!

We start our second entry with the highly anticipated story of my promotion to Sergeant. Once the stripes were “pinned” on, my buddies thought it appropriate to stay intoxicated for 48 hours. During this time they worked in shifts not allowing me to pass out, fall asleep or become sober. It is harder than you think to stay drunk that long. I was in Iwakuni Japan and during one of the nights the jar heads managed to talk one of the bar owners in town to let us stay the night. They locked up the booze except for what we bought, then turned down the lights and locked us in. Theres not much else I remember except the hang over lasted about 4 days and I went through a whole lot of aspirin.

I know not much of a story but I bet there are not too many of you who can claim to be drunk for 48 hours straight and live to tell about it! Or will I prove to be naive in the world of binge drinking?

Found out some cool things for you vets living in Minnesota. In the last couple of sessions the MN legislation has passed some laws that I think you should take a look at. One BIG items is that if you have been on active duty in the last 24 months, your
hunting and fishing licenses are FREE!! Also if you don’t have a Hunting Safety Certificate, the DNR does not make you go through the course. I suppose they figure you know how to hunt safely.

Okay here is some thing else I thought was cool. The state of MN passed legislation that if you are a disabled vet, starting for the tax year 2008, you have an exemption on homestead property taxes!! It is good to see that politicians can sometimes get stuff done right.

Matters pertaining to Police. I was bouncing around blogs and came across
“The Chiefs Corner” and the Chief was talking about a new software service from the guys at “Omega Group”. It is called “Crimemapping” and it will send the user alerts when a crime is reported within a selected distance of your home. It is not every where in the states but I think all Police Departments should consider this as part of their community service. I would definitely sign up. Make sure to push this on your local PD.

The Homes For Heroes Foundation is starting to brainstorm on ideas on how to get the word out. We would welcome all ideas and opinions. Since we are just starting out and we are of limited manpower, anyone who has been there already I sure would appreciate some advice. You know, to keep us from reinventing the wheel?!

Next in the series of untold stories, “Don’t throw stones at Monkeys!!”

But then who can top getting promoted? Hope to hear some stories soon.

Heroes Who Qualify

         Workforce heroes include but are not limited to teachers, firefighters, public safety officers, health care workers, military personnel, and other every day heroes who provide quality services to the public every day. If you aren’t sure if you qualify, please contact Homes for Heroes at 763-412-1272