In Scottsdale, a veteran led mortgage team is building a business shaped less by sales language and more by shared military experience.
The Victor Alpha Group, based in Scottsdale and operating under CrossCountry Mortgage, brings together more than 20 mortgage professionals, many of whom have direct ties to the military community. The team is led by Patton and Shari Gade, a husband-and-wife duo whose work focuses on serving active-duty service members, veterans and military families across Arizona.
Patton Gade is an eight-year U.S. Army veteran and a nationally recognized VA loan originator. Shari Gade serves as Director of Military Lending Growth and Development for the branch. Together, they have built a team centered on VA lending, mentorship and career development for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life.
“This team exemplifies the values that define CrossCountry Mortgage,” said Ron Leonhardt, founder and CEO of CrossCountry Mortgage. “Their leadership, dedication to military families and focus on developing top veteran talent strengthen our mission and reinforce our commitment to the communities we serve.”
For the Gades, the move to CrossCountry Mortgage last month was driven by alignment rather than expansion. Their work has consistently emphasized specialized VA lending and building long term career pathways for veterans within the mortgage industry.
“We couldn’t be more excited to wrap up 2025 with a strategic move to CCM. This transition reflects our commitment to aligning with a company that understands the Military community and has the products and tools to help us serve our borrowers,” Patton Gade said. “The solutions CCM offers provide us a stronger foundation to train, mentor and build careers with purpose. As Veterans serving Veterans, we’re able to connect on a deeper level because we’ve walked in their shoes.”
Shari Gade said the Scottsdale-based team’s focus extends beyond borrowers to veterans seeking meaningful post service careers.
“CrossCountry Mortgage gives our team the resources we need to streamline the mortgage process, expand our impact and continue our mission of taking care of Veterans and their families,” she said. “In addition to helping our borrowers, we’re committed to empowering more military veterans to thrive as loan originators. Their integrity and discipline elevate this industry, and CCM’s culture is built for their success.”
Also joining the Victor Alpha Group in Scottsdale are Peter Brock, Sales Manager, and Jennifer Finn, Branch Operations Manager.
CrossCountry Mortgage, founded in 2003, operates more than 700 branches nationwide and services loans in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. While the company has received numerous industry accolades, the Victor Alpha Group’s Scottsdale operation remains focused on service within the veteran community rather than industry recognition.
