How Veterans United Home Loans Built a Culture That Ranked 8th Among America's Best Workplaces

When Glassdoor released its 2022 Employees’ Choice Awards for Best Places to Work, Veterans United Home Loans—the nation’s largest VA purchase lender—claimed the No. 8 spot out of 100 companies. For the Columbia, Mo.-based organization, this inaugural recognition represents more than just an accolade; it reflects years of intentional culture-building and employee-centered practices.

The Foundation: Values That Drive Everything

At the core of Veterans United Home Loans’ success lies a deliberate commitment to three core principles: Be Passionate and Have Fun, Deliver Results with Integrity, and Enhance Lives Every Day. These aren’t mere corporate buzzwords posted on office walls. According to August Nielsen, vice president of people services, they actively shape how employees interact with colleagues, support homebuyers, and serve their communities.

“Getting to read the words of people who have worked so hard, and who honestly say that it has changed their life for the better—that makes us feel proud,” Nielsen reflected on the award recognition. This sentiment captures what distinguishes the organization during a period when workplace culture has been challenged by unprecedented changes.

Rapid Expansion Meets Employee Growth

The scale of Veterans United Home Loans’ growth tells part of the story. Since establishing its St. Louis office in January 2020, the team has expanded to over 400 employees. Simultaneously, Paddio—a sister brand launched in Springfield, Mo. in August 2020—has grown to more than 150 team members. This rapid expansion didn’t dilute company culture; rather, it demonstrated the organization’s ability to scale while maintaining the values that make it an attractive employer.

This trajectory places Veterans United Home Loans in an elite category of employers. The company previously earned the No. 33 ranking on Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2021, marking its sixth consecutive appearance on that prestigious list.

What Employees Actually Think

The Glassdoor award carries particular weight because it’s entirely employee-driven. In its 14th year, the Employees’ Choice Award is based exclusively on anonymous feedback from workers who rate their satisfaction across critical dimensions: career opportunities, compensation and benefits, culture and values, senior management, diversity and inclusion, and work-life balance.

This bottom-up approach to recognition reflects a broader shift in how employers are evaluated. As Glassdoor’s Chief Executive Officer Christian Sutherland-Wong noted, “The world of work is rapidly evolving. This year’s Best Places to Work winners are leading the way by listening and responding to employee feedback and reimagining the employee experience to truly put their people first.”

Active Hiring and a Passion-Driven Mission

Veterans United Home Loans continues to expand its workforce across multiple locations, with positions contributing to the organization’s core mission: helping veterans achieve homeownership through VA loans earned through their service. The company is actively recruiting talent aligned with its culture and values.

For those interested in joining an organization recognized for employee satisfaction and purpose-driven work, positions are available across various departments. More information on career opportunities can be found through the company’s official career portal.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

Veterans United Home Loans’ recognition underscores a fundamental truth in modern business: companies that genuinely invest in their people—through clear values, growth opportunities, and authentic support—build competitive advantages that extend far beyond employee retention. They create organizations where individuals feel their work matters and where career growth aligns with personal fulfillment.

As the workplace continues to evolve in response to pandemic-driven changes and worker expectations, organizations like Veterans United Home Loans demonstrate that competing on culture, transparency, and employee experience is no longer optional—it’s essential.

About Veterans United Home Loans

Headquartered in Columbia, Mo., Veterans United Home Loans operates as the country’s largest VA purchase lender. The organization specializes in enabling veterans to achieve homeownership by helping them leverage the VA loan benefits they earned through military service. Beyond the Glassdoor recognition, the company earned No. 33 on Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2021, representing six consecutive years on that list.

Contact Information

Veterans United Home Loans
573-876-2600
1400 Veterans United Drive, Columbia, MO 65203
VeteransUnited.com
NMLS # 1907