Raising the Standard for Over 100 Years: Celebrating a Century of Standard Mortgage Corporation

If you're from Louisiana, there's a good chance you or someone you know got their first mortgage with Standard Mortgage Corporation. For a century, the Company has been more than just a business; it's been a part of the community—helping families build dreams, navigate challenges, and pass down stories that stand the test of time.

The journey started in 1925 when Standard Mortgage Corporation was incorporated by 5 local businessmen, A. Miles Pratt, Eldon S Lazarus, John P. Hogan, Byron C. McClellan, and Andrew M. Lockett. Nearly four decades later, in 1964, the Bright family ushered the Company into a new era under the leadership of Edgar "Pepper" Bright Jr., another proud New Orleans native. Bright believed that family businesses thrive not just on financial success but on meaningful relationships, lasting memories, and a shared sense of purpose.

During his leadership, Bright spearheaded the Company's expansion throughout Louisiana and on the growth of its affiliate Companies including Standard Mortgage Insurance Agency, SMC Commercial Financing, and SMC Real Estate.

A man of sharp business acumen, deep community ties, and unwavering devotion to his family and city, Bright left a legacy of leadership and service that continues to define Standard Mortgage Corporation today. His vision and values remain at the heart of the Company's mission, guiding it through decades of growth and innovation.

Growing Through the Decades

From its humble beginnings, Standard Mortgage Corporation has grown into a Company with a rich legacy and plenty of milestones to celebrate:

• The 1970s through the 1990s: Standard Mortgage Corporation helped finance One Shell Square (now the Hancock Whitney Building), the tallest building in New Orleans, through its commercial financing license with Fannie Mae in 1972. At the same time, they became one of the first Ginnie Mae issuers, a big deal for anyone who knows their mortgage-backed securities. Edgar AG Bright III became president in 1990, part of the third generation of Bright family members to lead Standard Mortgage Corporation. Concurrently, Timothy P. Bright grew the Company’s multifamily and servicing portfolio with an expansion in Atlanta, GA.
  
  
• Entering the New Millennium: The devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 hit the Company hard. With the majority of the Company’s servicing portfolio located in Louisiana—and the Company’s headquarters in New Orleans—Standard Mortgage Corporation faced unprecedented challenges. Families were walking away from their homes, employees were displaced, and the Company was put to the test. The leadership team at Standard Mortgage Corporation became experts in surviving natural disasters and proving what it means to be resilient. The Company worked with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae, to provide options for their borrowers and to help people get back into their homes. A few short years later, in 2008 the mortgage industry went through another unprecedented crisis amid the Great Recession which resulted in both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac entering government conservatorship. Ever resilient, Standard Mortgage managed to bounce back from these hardships by 2010, becoming the largest Independent Mortgage back domiciled in Louisiana and expanding its single-family servicing portfolio to neighboring states.
  
  
• Post Disaster Growth and Regional Expansion: Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina, Standard Mortgage Corporation has grown far beyond its New Orleans roots and into a regional company. In 2021, that expansion led them to open an office in Dallas, TX, to better serve their customers in this neighboring state. Edgar “Gordy” Bright IV, Vice President and Manager of the Dallas Branch and a fourth-generation Bright to work at the Company, recalls, “Expanding our footprint into the Dallas Market with a retail location made sense given that we were already servicing loans in Texas for many years. We are excited to have a physical presence here and continue provide the same exceptional services”” Now licensed to originate loans in 15 states, the Company focuses on residential mortgage loans secured by single-family properties. Its strong partnerships with investors like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA enable Standard Mortgage to offer flexible, personalized financing solutions for all property types and deal structures. For the first time in its history, Standard Mortgage Corporation serves more customers outside Louisiana than within—but no matter where their customers are, from Baton Rouge to Breckenridge, the Company's commitment remains the same: providing unmatched customer service and fostering relationships that span generations.

More Than Mortgages

In the United States, approximately only 1,000 companies have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years. These businesses—dubbed "Century Club Companies"—are defined by several key characteristics: a strong mission, adaptability, long-term relationships with partners, and active participation in their communities. For Standard Mortgage Corporation, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, these qualities are not just ideals—they are the foundation of the Company's success.

Like any Century Club company, Standard Mortgage's success has been about far more than financial transactions—it's about building relationships that last generations. For over 40 years, the Company has supported affordable housing programs through partnerships with organizations like the Louisiana Housing Corporation and Jefferson Parish Finance Authority.

Standard Mortgage is also deeply committed to giving back to the community, both locally and nationally. Employees are encouraged to champion causes close to their hearts, and the Company itself remains a steadfast supporter of nonprofits and community initiatives.

Employees and clients alike are treated like family at Standard Mortgage. The Company boasts a team of dedicated professionals, many of whom have been with the company for 10, 20, or even 40 years. As Gordy and Ella, part of the fourth generation of Brights at Standard put it, "We view Standard Mortgage Corporation as a big family. Treating our employees like an extension of the family and putting our customers first is the most important thing at Standard."

These long-term employee relationships create a culture of trust and consistency that benefits generations of borrowers. It's not uncommon to see Standard Mortgage employees helping the children—and even grandchildren—of past clients achieve their dream of homeownership.

Looking Ahead: The Next 100 Years

Standard Mortgage's legacy is a testament to the power of family values, strong partnerships, and community roots. A century in business is no small feat, especially in an industry that has experienced significant change. However, they are not only reflecting on the past but are also focused on the future.

From investing in technology to make things easier for borrowers to deepening relationships with customers across the country, Standard Mortgage Corporation is committed to keeping its family-first values while embracing the future. As President Edgar Bright, III says, "Our team's commitment to delivering exceptional service and expertise has been the cornerstone of our business for 100 years. We're proud of our history and look forward to continuing to serve our clients for another century."

Standard Mortgage has proven that longevity is not about standing still—it's about growing, evolving, and remaining steadfast in purpose. Here's to 100 years of trust, tradition, and exceptional service—and to the next century of helping families find the right way home.