A History Like No Other

Quite simply put, Bell Mortgage has been a part of Minnesota since its infancy. Five years before the first motorized car rolled down the street, 47 years before a young inventor applied for a patent on his "image dissector" or television, and years before our time - Bell Mortgage has been in the business of improving lives.

Today, Bell is the oldest and largest independent mortgage banking company in Minnesota and one of the oldest in the country. In a time when mortgage companies are a dime a dozen, Bell proves progressive, service-oriented business stands the test of time - more than 120 years of it.

The history of Bell Mortgage dates back to 1858, when David C. Bell made Minneapolis home. Bell earned $25 a month in his first job, working as a clerk at a small general store on the south side of Nicollet Avenue. Later, Bell took on an admirable number of ventures starting with a stint as Hennepin County Treasurer. Soon he co-founded the YMCA, the American Automobile Association, a linseed oil company, several banks and ultimately a mortgage company under his name - David C. Bell Investment Company.

In 1880, Bell began originating mortgages in Minnesota and sold them to banks in New York. The first mortgage bond from the David C. Bell Investment Company was drawn up in 1888 for the sum of $3,500. The business Bell began not only employed numerous Minnesotans, it also brought a significant amount of money and development into the area. Perhaps that is why Mr. Bell is referred to, not only as an entrepreneur, but also one of the Twin Cities founding fathers.

The David C. Bell Company continued to flourish, weathering The Great Depression, two World Wars and embracing nearly 100 years of local development before its purchase in 1980 by Gary Kirt. Kirt, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, keeps Bell on the cutting edge of technology as well as its customers' needs. In fact, Bell was one of the first mortgage companies to adopt comprehensive loan processing and underwriting automation. The company even staffs an information and technology department, complete with experienced software developers, specifically to ensure Bell stays on the forefront of web-based customer service. It is this in-house software that allows Bell to create and fine-tune its own processes. The system is considered unlike any other in the way it leads employees and customers from the loan application to the closing with efficiency and ease, simplifying a process that is often considered difficult by processors and customers alike. Bell continues to push the envelope via its proprietary systems and in turn, customers of Bell have access to numerous loan options and programs not typically available through other mortgage bankers.

Another staple at Bell is the way owner Gary Kirt and the company's employees do business, ensuring regulatory compliance is a key component of the company's success. Kirt says Bell's reputation for ethical business conduct helps explain the company's longevity and respect from its customers.

Additionally, Bell continues to forge positive relationships in the community through its active role in local charities including Simpson Housing Services, which provides a haven for homeless people in the Twin Cities. Bell not only gives financial support, but employees also prepare and serve hot meals several times a year.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities also holds a special place in Mr. Kirt's heart. In fact, he spent many nights at the club as a child. Consequently, Kirt has been serving on the club's Board of Directors since 1980. Bell also provides financial support to the Boys and Girls Clubs and employees donate their time serving dinners on a regular basis.

During the holidays, Bell employees have opted not to spend money on each other; rather they purchase gifts through the Hennepin County Children, Family and Adult Services Department. The organization is dedicated to low-income adults and mentally or physically challenged people in the Minneapolis area.

A commitment to community spanning three centuries, the constant pursuit of cutting-edge technology, the best combination of products, prices and service, all backed by the experience and dedication of the largest and oldest private mortgage company in Minnesota - that's Bell Mortgage and has been for more than 120 years.

Based in Minneapolis, Bell Mortgage has 22 locations nationwide and more than 500,000 family mortgages to its name.