SAN DIEGO, CALIF. –– November 15, 2023 –– Compass, Inc. (NYSE: COMP), the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States, has announced the launch of its Military Division, an effort designed to provide knowledge and value to active and eligible reserve military members and veterans in their home-buying journey. To celebrate the launch, Compass’ Military Division –– spearheaded by National Director and Retired Navy Senior Chief Todd Armstrong, Compass Military Division Chief Operations Officer and Active Duty Naval Officer Michael Nyland and Compass Military Division LGBTQ + Resource Director John Hernandez –– is hosting an event onboard the USS Midway in San Diego, California, on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Compass Founder and CEO Robert Reffkin and District 3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn will be speaking to the attendees, and welcoming in this new division to the active duty servicemen and servicewomen, as well as veterans. The division will also officially announce the launch of its Education Program and LGBTQ+ Program within the Military Division. This event occurs during Compass’s annual RETREAT, which celebrates the company’s success, fostering collaboration, education, and networking among its agents and leaders. 

“Compass’ Military Division will serve a very important set of the population that has been underserved with a lack of home-buying resources,” said Reffkin. “We are proud to have Todd and Michael spearhead this effort to further support our active duty and military families with the tools to build a real estate portfolio and move their families toward financial wealth.

“Our Compass Military Division is more than just a referral network—it’s a dedicated effort to empower military personnel and their families in their most significant financial decisions. We specialize in educating them on wealth-building through real estate, utilizing their VA benefits

Our team is comprised of individuals who have personally served or are experts in the VA loan process, bridges the gap often left by average Realtors and sellers unfamiliar with the unique challenges of military life. Our goal is to provide top-tier, knowledgeable real estate service across major U.S. markets, ensuring our active duty and veteran families receive the representation they deserve.”

Onboard the USS Midway, attendees will be able to indulge in delectable food, and non-stop entertainment, as well as capture memories in photo booths and strike a pose on our step and repeat backdrop. Distinguished event sponsors JP Morgan Chase and Pacific Crest Inspection Group will be in attendance, along with Armstrong & Associates at Compass, Invictus Advisors, Dapa Services, Inc., Agenta Web Services, Ty Hines Media, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving,., Edward Jones, Fidelity National Home Warranty, Greystar, Noel Wheeler Group, Dignified., Gifted, Heroes San Diego, JW Memorabilia, Wynee Gonzales at Compass, Elmer’s Moving, Rancho Ted, Financial Haus, Ulrich Real Estate at Compass, and San Diego Resident.

“We have walked in their boots, we know their sacrifices, and all our screened division members have military experience & success working with every aspect of the veteran home buying process,” said Nyland. “Our vision on what a true military real estate program is something that has never been created before.  There will be no need for clients to look anywhere else. We provide VA home loan education, personal relocation guides, financial planning through licensed partnerships and a full portfolio of services beyond the home closing. Our division is built on taking care of the client over the bottom line. Many companies have attempted it, we will succeed.”

Compass’ Military Division is dedicated to guiding active duty servicemen and servicewomen, as well as veterans, through the entire home buying process. Beyond the service and organization expectations, Compass’ Military Division offers a dedicated home-buying education system designed for clients and agents to better understand the VA loan process. Seminars include strategies on building wealth using VA benefits and tips on teaching Active Duty Members and Veterans how to move from a military career to a real estate career. Through the Military Division, Compass will help clients purchase and sell their own homes and teach military clients how to navigate the home buying and selling process for generations to come. 

For more information about Compass’ Military Division event at USS Midway and to purchase your ticket, please visit Eventbrite. For press inquiries, please email socalhawaiipr@compass.com.

The division is actively sourcing nationwide Compass agents with members committed to building the Compass Military Division pipeline and their business. To learn more about Compass’ Military Division, please visit compassmilitary.com or follow on Instagram @CompassMilitary. 

ABOUT THE MILITARY DIVISION 

Compass Military is a group affiliated with COMPASS, a licensed real estate broker, servicing the distinctively different and ever-changing real estate needs of the Veterans and Active Military members via a national network of highly skilled and specially selected agents. Led by Compass San Diego-based agent and retired Navy Senior Chief Todd Armstrong, alongside active duty 23+ year Navy Lieutenant Commander Michael Nyland, Compass’ Military Division will be composed of Compass retired military agents, veterans, active duty members, military spouses, and agents with extensive VA transaction experience offering a premiere referral network for those relocating for their next assignment or retiring to their dream home.

Compass’ Military Division Offers Curated LGBTQ+ Services Amidst A Crucial Time for the Community

Upon creation earlier this year, Compass’ Military Division founders and LGBTQ+ members Todd Armstrong and John Hernandez understood launching a dedicated LGBTQ+ arm was a crucial element to offer this historically discriminated and underserved group. Throughout many military member’s careers, members existed within the armed forces, but were unable to openly disclose sexual orientation. Following the repeal of this ban, the community now has the opportunity to serve authentically and transparently. As LGBTQ+ individuals, Compass’ Military Division founders encompass a diverse array of backgrounds, lifestyles, and family dynamics which necessitates the provision of comprehensive information to aid in making informed decisions regarding living arrangements and recreational activities. Given their unique firsthand experiences as former military personnel and residents of the cities where individuals will be stationed, they are best positioned to offer this valuable insight.

For this reason, Armstrong and Hernandez have intentionally and thoughtfully curated robust community support, educational resources, accessible financing, and collaboration with LGBTQ+ organizations for LBGTQ+ military members nationwide. Their strategy entails harnessing the existing resources available and consolidating comprehensive information into a centralized platform, designed to cater to our clients’ diverse range of general and specific needs. The team leverages community resources and collaborates with other LGBTQ+ Centers nationwide to contribute valuable insights pertaining to local resources including identifying and promoting like-minded establishments or safe spaces within our community, where individuals can reside, dine, and socialize in a welcoming environment. By gathering and curating these resources, we aim to provide a convenient and reliable source that offers a wealth of information in one accessible location.

For example, since launch, the Division has supported multiple service members who expressed an interest in relocating to San Diego, and obtaining insights regarding commute times to and from the military base. 

“Our goal as an LGBTQ+ Military Division at Compass is to act as a liaison and provide support and resources to LGBTQ+ service members and their families. Our services will encompass everything from local support and educational resources to financing options, community support, and recreational facilities such as bars and restaurants that cater to the LGBTQ+ community.” – John Hernandez 

Compass and Compass’ Military Division stand firm for equality, diversity, and inclusion, breaking barriers and empowering LGBTQ+ service members to proudly serve their country authentically.

About Compass

Founded in 2012, Compass is the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States. The technology-enabled brokerage provides an end-to-end platform that empowers its residential real estate agents to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients. The platform includes an integrated suite of cloud-based software for customer relationship management, marketing, client service, brokerage services and other critical functionality, all custom-built for the real estate industry. Compass agents utilize the platform to grow their business, save time and manage their business more effectively. For more information on how Compass empowers real estate agents, one of the largest groups of small business owners in the country, please visit www.Compass.com.