Odyssey Mortgage & Financial

423 E 4th Street

Dell Rapids, SD 57022

605-428-3684

Renae & Diana

Diana Lightner, Owner

Renae Benda, Processor

Odyssey Mortgage & Financial

is the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month for October 2005 .

Bill and Diana Lightner started their business in 2000 with the desire to spend more time with their children, participate in local opportunities, and simply be more active in the community. Their business serves a wide range of mortgage and financial needs for business and individuals.
 

Diana has worked the financial aspect of the business for 12 years prior to starting Odyssey Mortgage and her husband Bill provides facility and other business related assistance when not working at his full time employer EROS. Renae Benda joined the business in June of 2004 as a full time employee with a strong accounting background and is a licensed insurance producer.

Bill and Diana live here in Dell Rapids with their two children and are actively involved in PTA, Lutheran Church, Volunteer Fire Dept and EMT/Ambulance Services. They love being part of the Main Street family, helping to keep Main Street alive and growing.

Their greatest challenge has been keeping up with the mortgage world and it's many changes, diverse programs and competitive structures. "Local banking isn't the only choice anymore", Diana explained. "We process mortgage applications for loan officers throughout North & South Dakota as well as Western Minnesota. The internet also lends itself to many resources and outlets for our services."

I asked Diana what their greatest reward had been in their business. She replied, "Helping families realize their dream of new home ownership, counseling for financial needs and helping them achieve their goals." Her advice for business owners?  "You don't have to live in a major city to be successful!"

Diana left me with the reminder that, "We can do what the local banks can do and more! With enthusiasm!" I will personally attest to the enthusiasm and professional courtesy shown to their clients.

Recently Diana has been busy participating in the Leadership Plenty sessions here in Dell Rapids, developing her skills to assist the community in future development plans.
 

Their business hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday and by appointment for special needs.

You can also visit their web site at www.dellrapids.net/odyssey or email them at odyssey@siouxvalley.net .

Stop in and give your support to Diana, Bill and Renae for helping to make our community a better place to live and do business.

Story & Pictures by DR Tech Center