Antwaun Dawson

For Antwaun Dawson, Community Home Lending Officer with First Merchants Bank (NMLS# 1736647), it’s about hope.

“I work with individuals that banks and other institutions have neglected,” he explained. “I get to help them grow, and I get to bring them the hope that they can own their own homes, despite what they may have been told by others. It's that growth and education piece that I really love about my work.”

As a Community Home Lender, Dawson works with individuals who fall into low- and middle-income categories and may struggle with poor credit history – or no credit history – and helps them achieve their homeownership dreams.

“There are a lot of programs to help first-time homebuyers in these situations,” he shared. “First Merchants offers a lot of support, and we are also in the community partnering with community organizations like the housing authority and local non-profits.”

Dawson spends much of his time attending information sessions with these partners – speaking at events, educating the public about how they can access housing, and working to provide financial wellness education within his community.

It’s a job that is about building relationships and helping people flourish – something Dawson does with aplomb, flashing a bright grin and coming in with a friendly Southern handshake.

“Often my clients explain that, in the past, bankers and mortgage lenders have talked over their head – that they were being talked down to or pushed into products or situations where they were uncomfortable,” he explained. “My job is to approach clients on their level and to help them prosper – I grab their hand, and I don’t let go.”

He often explains to his clients that, “At First Merchants, we want to get to know you – we don’t want just to have you sign a mortgage and leave. We want to help you through the rest of your life.”

And Dawson is willing to go to bat for his clients to help them achieve their dreams. It’s not usual for him to chat with selling agents, letting them know his clients’ hopes and dreams.

“I had one couple that, it was their first home, and they were going to be the first people in their entire family ever to own their own home,” he recalled. “That was huge. If you think about it, that is a huge positive step for entire generations – for a whole family. I knew the house had gotten multiple offers, so I shared the story with the selling agent, inviting them to be part of this story, and their offer was accepted. That’s what my job is about: it’s about building that relationship and being that advocate for them.”

Every client has a story, and Dawson is willing to do whatever he can to ensure that each of them finds a safe place to land.

“We have a saying in the South: if it seems difficult, put your waders on – you’ll find clear water sooner rather than later.”

First Merchants Bank’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility compels us to invest in our communities by finding ways to reduce inequalities, improve the quality of our neighborhoods, and promote positive economic mobility though our five community pillars: Employee Empowerment; Community Investments and Charitable Giving; Financial Wellness; Community Home Lending; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This series features First Merchants teammates who embody the spirit and impact of the company’s Vision: “to enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.”