Gene Richards, CMP

A life-long Vermonter and a resident of Burlington for nearly four decades, Gene Richards is the CEO and Founder of Spruce Mortgage. Gene has created an innovative mortgage brokerage model that has become a leader in Vermont Financing. In 2014 he expanded the business, opening Spruce branches in Florida and North Carolina. Gene’s background in banking at the Bank of Boston provided him with the foundation and philosophy for his success at Spruce – Loyalty, Integrity, and Creativity. Gene has received his Certified Mortgage Professional designation via the Vermont Mortgage Banker’s Association.

Gene has been a highly regarded landlord in Burlington for the past 30 years. He offers quality apartment rentals in Burlington and now in Florida and enjoys the relationships that he has with his 250+ tenants.

In July of 2012, Gene was appointed by the Mayor to be Interim Director of the Burlington International Airport and in May of 2013, Gene was named permanent Director of Aviation. He is enjoying applying his vast business knowledge to our essential and vital airport.

In addition, Gene builds and renovates homes and has other business and consulting interests. He takes great pride in his work and in his community. Consequently, Gene spends much of his time giving back by working on behalf of many nonprofit organizations, currently in a consulting role. He has served on several boards, committees, and commissions including:  the Lund Family Center Board, the Burlington Country Club Board, the Act 250 Commission, as Chair of Burlington Airport Commission and as chair of the Stern Center Board. Additionally, he has served in the past as President of the Burlington Tennis Club Board, as Chair of the Red Cross Blood Services Advisory Board and on the Church Street Marketplace Commission. Gene is an Honorary Board Member of the Burlington Boys and Girls Club and the Stern Center and a past member of The Queen City Police Foundation. Additionally, Gene is the founder of the For One Another Foundation, Inc. 

In February, 2014 Gene received LUND’s Heart of the Community Award, presented by the City of Burlington Mayor, Miro Weinberger. Previously Gene has been the recipient of the 2008 Burlington Business Association’s Nathan Harris Award and the 1998 Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Community Excellence Award.

Gene lives in Burlington with his wife, Julie.

Gene and the Spruce team are committed to providing you with value, exceptional service, innovative solutions, and access to the best mortgage rates and programs available.

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