MM Press Kit

&MMeelliissssaa CCoohhnn

PRESS KITPRESS KIT

Press Kit prepared by Press Link PR

PRESS KIT, 45 Sarah Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735, 516-848-4867, e-mail: [email protected] TMMC, 555 Madison Ave., 14th Fl., New York, NY 10022, 888-593-4343, www.manhattanmortgage.com

Dear Member of the Media: The enclosed Press Kit will provide you with detailed information about both Melissa Cohn and her Manhattan Mortgage Company, a business she founded in 1985 which has grown to be a multi‐billion dollar enterprise. This Press Kit includes the following:

SECTION 1

STORY IDEAS Outlining a number of angles your story could take.

FAST FACTS With bits and pieces of information about both Melissa Cohn and The Manhattan Mortgage Company. So much detail that you will be able to write an article from the information provided.

HISTORY of The Manhattan Mortgage Company/Melissa Cohn.

BIOGRAPHY/QUESTIONS & ANSWERS of Both Melissa Cohn & The Manhattan Mortgage Company.

CAUSES/SPONSORSHIPS An Outline of Causes/Events supported by Melissa Cohn and/or The Manhattan

Mortgage Company.

QUOTES Which can be used in your articles.

SECTION 2: MORTGAGE MATTERS: Columns written by Melissa about the state of the industry.

SECTION 3: PRESS RELEASES SINCE 2001

SECTION 4: HAMPTON CLASSIC PRESS RELEASES: Both past and current.

PHOTOS: A selection of photos are available by emailing [email protected]. Also go to this link to look for more photos http://www.presslinkpr.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=1445 and forward your selection to us for a high res version. Finally, email us with specific requests and we will create an album of photos for you to choose from. Please credit the photographer: ©Diana De Rosa Photo

Once you’ve had a chance to review this Press Kit, feel free to contact us to arrange an interview and/or photo shoot with Ms. Cohn. We are also happy to answer any of your questions and are here to help you in any way we can.

Diana De Rosa

President, Press Link PR

PRESS LINK PR C: 516-848-4867 - Diana De Rosa

[email protected]


PRESS LINK, 45 Sarah Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735, 516-848-4867, e-mail: [email protected] TMMC, 555 Madison Ave., 14th Fl., New York, NY 10022, 888-593-4343, www.manhattanmortgage.com

STORY IDEAS for MELISSA COHN AND TMMC Keeping Ahead in a Volatile Mortgage Market Ms. Cohn talks about the current state of the Mortgage industry and the best way to deal with the present and what to expect for the future. She is highly qualified to talk about any topic pertaining to “Mortgage Matters.” Lessons My Horses Have Taught Me Ms. Cohn believes that riding has helped her both in life and in business. Find out why! And learn about the horses she rides, their quirks, strengths, weaknesses, habits and so much more. Horses are excellent teachers! Melissa Cohn Believes in Giving Back Melissa Cohn supports a number of events and causes, including the Hampton Classic Horse Show, Bridgehampton Polo, the Hamptons Film Festival, the American Cancer Society, the Retreat, The Goddard Institute, Habitat for Humanity, City of Hope and the CDCH. Profile on Melissa Cohn Melissa Cohn started her own business in 1985 and has grown it into the multi-billion dollar company it is today. Yet she also is actively involved with horses and she spends plenty of time with her two daughters. How she got to where she is today and the story of her life would make a good profile. A Woman Leads the Way in Mortgages The Manhattan Mortgage Company was founded by Melissa Cohn. She managed to build this successful company into an empire by following her own set of rules. The Lure of the Hamptons It began with Melissa Cohn, owner and founder of The Manhattan Mortgage Company, purchasing her home in the Hamptons. Shortly after that she and her daughters started riding. Then in 1996 she opened her first branch office in the Hamptons and three more followed. Before she knew it she was buying her own horses and building her own barn. In 1995 Ms. Cohn decided matching up her company with the Hampton Classic Horse Show was a good fit. It’s been a Hamptons whirlwind for Ms. Cohn. The Hamptons and Horses have figured out the key to Ms. Cohn’s heart in more ways than one. From Financing to Finding Your Dream Working with The Manhattan Mortgage Company, finding your dream home is just around the corner. They have the know-how and the resources to help people of all ages, ethnic groups and finances to purchase their first, second, third or last home. A visit to their web site www.manhattanmortgage.com will afford even more insight. Design for Life Melissa Cohn’s lifestyle is very varied. She works during the day, goes to fundraisers at night, rides horses on the weekend, hosts her own social functions and in between finds some time to relax with her two daughters. Blending Business, Family, Horses & Philanthropy Melissa Cohn runs a huge business and is actively involved with horses but through it all she still finds time to spend with her two daughters and to support worthy causes. She’s found the balance between her business, her horses, her family and her philanthropy.



It’s a Family-Horse Affair Melissa Cohn and her daughters own and ride multiple horses. Ms. Cohn has lots of good memories from her childhood about the times she spent around horses. Horses have created an incredible family bond. Design for Living Ms. Cohn’s attention to detail happens not only at her office but also in her New York City apartment and her home in the Hamptons. At all three locations she has created a fascinating design for living appropriate to the location. The Value of Sponsoring Equine Events The Manhattan Mortgage Company sponsors Opening Day at the Hampton Classic because there are so many benefits, from signage, to announcements, to hosting parties with built in entertainment to so much more. The Manhattan Mortgage Company’s Motto is that the Customer Comes First Melissa Cohn knows that in order for her company to maintain its #1 status in the industry she must not only offer quantity but quality service to her customers. In addition, keeping her employees and corporate partners current is also important and to this end the company offers a variety of training opportunities and resources. The company internally has a Learning Center where they’ve coined the phrases, “Knowledge is Power…Knowledge is Key,” and “From Financing to Finding Your Dream,” and “#1 for all the Rate Reasons and All the Right Reasons.” It’s not just about the money but also about integrity and a job well done. As Ms. Cohn says, “This is not the used car sales business. I’ve hired incredible people to be an extension of me.” Honoring Melissa Cohn and The Manhattan Mortgage Company Over the years Ms. Cohn has been recognized for her business achievements and her support of worthy causes.

In 2003, she was honored with the Metro New York Area Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) Award in the Financial Services category (June 26). On July 19 The Child Development Center of the Hamptons (CDCH) Foundation for Special Children honored Ms. Cohn at their Orchid Ball. On November 15, at the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center Chrysanthemum Event she was honored for her contributions to non-profit organizations serving children and families.

In 2004, Ms. Cohn received the Capuchin Food Pantry “Clarisa Award.” On March 11, she was given the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Lighthouse for the Blind. On November 10, she received the Builder of the Year award from Habitat for Humanity.

In 2005, Ms. Cohn received The Retreat Hope Award (June 25). Ms. Cohn presented the “Manhattan Mortgage Award” for “Outstanding Middle School” to Nightingale-Bamford (October 17), an all-girls school on the Upper East Side in New York City, at the fourth annual Blackboard Awards.

In 2006, Ms. Cohn was honored at the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) (June 20th) annual "Women of Action" luncheon at the Rainbow Room in New York City.

In 2007, Ms. Cohn won a Stevie Award for Best Entrepreneur - Service Businesses - Up to 2,500 Employees (March 5) in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. In April, she was honored at the Mann Foundations’ “Mann of the Year Awards” as Broker of the Year. On May 8, City of Hope bestowed Ms. Cohn and Brooke Shields with the annual Spirit of Life Award; its highest honor. Also in 2007 she was named “#1 Mortgage Originator” in the nation by Mortgage Originator Magazine, an honor she received numerous times before.

In 2008, she was recognized as one of “The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate” by The New York Observer (May). For the past three years (2006-2008) Development New York Magazine has recognized Ms. Cohn as one of the “Top 20 Women in Real Estate and Construction.”



TMMC & MELISSA COHN FAST FACTS CONTACT: Melissa Cohn, President/CEO and Founder of The Manhattan Mortgage Company (TMMC), 555 Madison Avenue, 14th Fl., New York, NY 10022; Web Site: www.manhattanmortgage.com, #: 888‐593‐4343.

MEDIA CONTACT: Press Link/Diana De Rosa, 45 Sarah Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735 – 516‐848‐4867 Fax: 631‐773‐6165 – email: [email protected]

MOTTO: “Let Us Bring You Home”

TID BITS/COINED PHRASES/OVERVIEW PARAGRAPHS: Cohn is both a rider and the President/CEO and founder of the Manhattan Mortgage Company. She is an expert in the mortgage field and in 2007 was recognized with a Stevie Award, touted as the business world Oscars. Also in 2007, she was named “#1 Mortgage Originator” in the nation by Mortgage Originator Magazine. In May 2008, she was recognized as one of “The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate” by The New York Observer. For the past three years (2006‐2008) Development New York Magazine has recognized Ms. Cohn as one of the “Top 20 Women in Real Estate and Construction.”

Cohn is a well known philanthropist and was honored in May 2007 with the Spirit of Life award from City of Hope for her charitable work. Some of her causes include Volunteers of America, Habitat for Humanity, the Child Development Center of the Hamptons, the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes and The Retreat.

The Manhattan Mortgage Company has 14 offices, eleven in New York (Manhattan ‐ 2), Brooklyn, Rye, Croton‐on‐Hudson, Jericho, Westhampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton and East Hampton), and offices in Upper Montclair, NJ; Westport, CT; Mooresville, NC and Palm Beach, FL.

Short Overview Paragraph: Melissa Cohn founded The Manhattan Mortgage Company in 1985 and for the past 13 years the “Mortgage Originator Magazine” named Ms. Cohn one of the top mortgage brokers in the country. For more information about The Manhattan Mortgage Company visit their Web site: www.manhattanmortgage.com or call 888‐593‐4343.

‐Manhattan Mortgage's loan originations have earned the company recognition as the #1 residential mortgage brokerage in metropolitan New York.

‐One of the largest individual brokers in the country.

‐The Company today boasts a staff of 175 including over 90 seasoned mortgage loan officers.

‐Manhattan Mortgage is the exclusive mortgage broker for Brown Harris Stevens, The Halstead Property Company and Bellmarc.

‐Ms. Cohn is frequently quoted by New York Times, Bloomberg, New York Magazine, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal and appears regularly on CNN, Fox, CNBC, and ABC News.

‐#1 broker in gross dollar volume.

HISTORY OF MANHATTAN MORTGAGE: Early in her working career, Ms. Cohn got involved in the mortgage business. She began her career in branch banking at Citibank and went into mortgages from there. “I saw immediately that no single bank could provide all products to all people,” she said. Her mentor was her first boss at Citibank. “He clearly saw the future in mortgage banking, and I listened. I had no knowledge of the ‘margins’ of the business, but what he told me was logical and I pursued it.” Her first two years in business were a time when she and one other employee did everything from answering phones to copying the applications that were submitted. “My business approach was to create a formula and duplicate it from branch to branch making revisions as applied to each region.” Ms. Cohn always keeps in mind: “that you are only as good as your last mortgage, and to treat each client as your most valuable one, then this method can work anywhere.” Ms. Cohn continues, “I’m a very hands‐on business manager/owner.” When asked how she manages to juggle it all, Ms. Cohn responds, “a cell phone, blackberry, and a lot of hard work. I just do it all at the same time.”



WHAT IS A MORTGAGE BROKER/PROFESSIONAL: What TMMC does is pre‐qualify borrowers to help them find the best deal for their particular circumstances. Explains Ms. Cohn, “I’m like a travel agent for mortgages. What we do is enhance the banks’ products and services. We deal with over 90 lenders, and our services cost the clients no more than if they went directly to a bank.” Her advice for prospective buyers in the market for a mortgage: “First, shop around; some banks have stricter guidelines than others. Make sure that before a broker or bank quotes you a rate, they ask you about the property. Co‐op rates, for example, are often higher than those for condos or houses.”

GROWTH: The Manhattan Mortgage Company continues to be a leader in the industry in mortgage loan originations. They are committed to maintaining their strength in the industry and to this end continually implement new strategies designed to gain an even larger market share. Their first priority and guiding principle is to provide their customers with superior service and quality products at the most competitive rates. Committed to building Manhattan Mortgage into a financial services giant, Cohn says she is most proud of her company’s extraordinary in‐house real estate and financial expertise as well as its emphasis on continually elevating its service capabilities.

EMPLOYEE SUPPORT: TMMC has created what they consider a “new breed” of brokers. Their goal is to employ professionals who have the experience, knowledge and skills needed to deliver the highest quality, personal service to its customers. These professionals are also offered an employee support program which provides ongoing professional training and all the essential resources they need to do their job. The company stresses the importance of being very client centered and that first and foremost is good customer service.

OPERATING EFFICIENCY: As industry leaders, TMMC constantly seeks ways to streamline and improve the mortgage application process. Some of the ways they do this are by:

- Enhancing and expanding the use of a web‐based application process.

- Providing employees the most sophisticated technological tools/software and the training to use them.

- Expanded Internet and email function to ensure increased reliability and security.

- http://www.manhattanmortgage.com/show_tmmcnews.asp?filename=hints ‐ Including a Helpful Hints list on their Web Site

FUTURE GOALS: Ms. Cohn’s foresight and vision for the future doesn’t stop at closing $3.5 billion in 2007; she wants to take her business to the next level including offering additional services and giving her clients the most service and product that she can. Manhattan Mortgage has developed strong relationships with over 90 lenders and, because of the high volume of loans originated on a daily basis, the company's team of more than 200 financing professionals is able to negotiate the most competitive terms in the industry.

“As a company, our goal is to enhance our existing business base and continue to dominate the industry. We will accomplish this by increasing sales and market penetration, improving client services, increasing our industry awareness, and providing our mortgage professionals access to the best technological tools and resources appropriate to our industry.”

LATIN: TMMC cares about the Latin community. http://www.manhattanmortgage.com/spanish.asp ‐ follow this link to find out more details.

TMMC WEB SITE: Take time to visit the TMMC web site at www.manhattanmortgage.com where you will find lots of helpful information about the company. Under Community News you will find press releases at this link http://www.manhattanmortgage.com/show_tmmcnews.asp?filename=community pertaining to Melissa Cohn and her philanthropy and quotes in mainstream articles.

“ManhattanMortgage.com was created as a convenient, online mortgage resource, combining the latest information technology with top‐notch personal service, simplifying your loan process, and ensuring a smooth experience from pre‐qualification to closing.”



COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Manhattan Mortgage and Ms. Cohn have done a great deal for such charities (focusing on the disadvantaged and children) as The American Cancer Society, The Goddard Institute, the Child Development Center of the Hamptons (became a Board Member in 2003 and served as President of the Board in 2006 & 2007), The Retreat, Habitat for Humanity (where she is an Advisory Council Member) and more. As a mother, Ms. Cohn understands the importance of supporting causes focused around the family and children. One of Ms. Cohn’s favorite events to sponsor is the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, which is considered one of the nation’s largest hunter/jumper horse shows. Ms. Cohn also competes in the Hampton Classic.

In 2001, after 911, TMMC with the support of its lenders offered cost free refinancing to families of the firefighters and rescue workers that lost their lives. It was their way to give back to help get New York back on track.”

In 2003, TMMC created the “Loans for Teachers Program.” As a way to give back to the teachers in the Tri‐state area who work diligently to educate the youth of our nation, The Manhattan Mortgage Company offers loans to teachers at a reduced rate. Their slogan reads: “For those of you who invest in our children’s future…The Manhattan Mortgage Company is here to help you make one of your most important investments…your home, your future…”

In 2003, TMMC implemented a program to the members of the PBA, which focuses on creating a package that works within their budget and a guarantee that they will get them the best service for the least amount of money. This is another way that the company gives back to its community.

In September 2003, TMMC working with the Volunteers of America (and became a Board Member in 2004), spearheaded “Operation Backpack: Helping Homeless Kids Back to School.” This citywide event provides thousands of homeless and severely disadvantaged school‐age children (K‐12) with new backpacks and donated school supplies so that they can be ready for their first day back to school.

INFORMATION ABOUT MELISSA COHN: Born Melissa Cohn on August 6, 1960 to Albert & Sylvia Cohn in Paterson, NJ and raised in Upper Montclair, NJ. Her summers were spent on Martha’s Vineyard, and that’s where Ms. Cohn fell in love with horses. “Riding was a much more casual sport, not like today,” she explains.

Ms. Cohn’s entrepreneurial skills became evident when she was just nine years old. She started her first business baking brownies for the General Store in Martha’s Vineyard. It was owned by Hugh Taylor, the brother of singer James Taylor. Then when she got a pony in High School (13) she started a riding academy (in Chillmark). By the time she was 14 she was running a profitable business. She also started a sweater store in Martha’s Vineyard.

Ms. Cohn most enjoys creating something from scratch and making it successful.

Ms. Cohn entered Smith College as a premed freshman, took an economic course, and then converted her major to American Studies, earning a degree in Economics and American History. She credits the all women college for her anything is possible attitude.

After graduating she went to Citibank, that was followed by working for a firm that marketed new condominiums. Then in 1985 she started The Manhattan Mortgage Company at only 25 years old.

She has two children, both of whom love and respect her as a businesswoman, mom and horseperson. Ms. Cohn is a passionate equestrian and competes on a regular basis on her two horses Bulgari and Corvet Z.

DESIGN FOR LIVING: Ms. Cohn’s attention to detail takes place not only at her office but also in her New York City apartment and her home in the Hamptons. At all these locations she has created a fascinating design for living appropriate to the location. (Pictures available upon request.)

BITS & PIECES (Ms. Cohn’s Favorites) Favorite Color: Black at work/blue when riding Favorite Food: Grilled Lobster or Italian Food Favorite Book: Good to Great!

Astrological Sign: Leo Favorite Music: Classical Favorite Designer: Valentino Favorite Historical Figure: Queen Elizabeth I



LOVE OF HORSES: Although Ms. Cohn devotes her energies to mortgaging, riding is her pleasure; she grew up riding as a kid. “Riding is my passion and therapy. It gets me away from the corporate world, and at the same time, lets me be present with my children. It is a great sport for me as it is very humbling. Some days you win and some days you don’t, but the enjoyment is the same. It is a great lesson to carry into the business world.”

THE MOVE TO THE HAMPTONS: Ms. Cohn purchased her house in Watermill in 1993. “I went to the Hamptons because I got tired of commuting to Martha’s Vineyard every weekend, which is where I summered as a child and my parents are there. The Hamptons was closer and as I was living in New York City and had a lot of friends in the Hamptons, I went there. I rented for two summers then bought.”

HAMPTON CLASSIC HORSE SHOW SPONSOR: Ms. Cohn likes the idea of combining her corporate world with the riding world. “Being a sponsor of the Hampton Classic fulfills two needs,” she explains. “First, it allows me to become totally involved in one of the most important horse shows in the country, attracting some 50,000 visitors each year. Secondly, this is my community and where I want to give back.” Ms. Cohn further notes that the Hampton Classic is “closest to my heart. It is a perfect melding of business and pleasure. I enjoy being a sponsor of the Hampton Classic as it allows me to bring my personal passion for riding and the joy of being with my children and combine it with my business life as well as giving me the opportunity to support my local community.”

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN: “There was a horse farm across the road (from her home), and I started my older daughter on lessons. I was pregnant at the time, but would go and watch her. This brought back memories of how much I loved to ride. After she was born, I started taking lessons as well – and being the type “A” person that I am, I went from buying a hat, to a tack trunk, to a horse, and then to a farm.”

HORSES: Bulgari (Nickname Gus): 12, 16.1H, grey, Dutch Warmblood ‐ When Ms. Cohn first purchased Bulgari both she and her mount were “green” and they garnered a lot from each other over the years. Now they just fit and it’s a nice match. Corvet Z: grey

ROSE HILL FARM – Owned and Operated from 1997‐ 2004: In 1997, Ms. Cohn built her 20‐acre horse farm which she called “Rose Hill Farm,” located in Bridgehampton, NY where she spent her weekends with her daughters. They had boarders and the staff trained hunters and jumpers. The farm housed 24 horses, an indoor and outdoor arena both with all‐weather footing. There were also 12 turnout paddocks and two hunt courses. In 2004, she made the decision to sell the farm.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR: Ms. Cohn shares her passion for horses with her children. Often she and her daughters will ride together or compete at the same shows. Ms. Cohn likes the fact that riding horses isn’t as age‐oriented as so many other sports. “Riding is very much an ageless, sexless sport. It’s something we (she and her daughters) can share and connect with. It creates an incredible bond.”

A WEEKEND AFFAIR: Ms. Cohn only rides on weekends because during the week she spends her days in her Manhattan office, the main headquarters of Manhattan Mortgage, and her evenings in their New York City apartment.

SUMMARY: Melissa Cohn is an amazing business woman. Her road to success, how she faced the challenges before her and succeeded, is in the fact that she has one of the largest mortgage brokerage firms in the country. She attributes her success to her ability to “never throw in the towel.” She is tenacious, and will take on any challenge. She is a good problem solver, and believes that she is a good leader. Ms. Cohn will tell you: “I love what I do and it drives me to succeed.”

Hard work (spending long hours at her desk), perseverance, focusing on back‐office support, and follow‐up (which is extremely important) is what sets her company apart from the rest.



HISTORY OF TMMC AND MELISSA COHN

2008 From 2006 to 2008 Development New York Magazine recognized Ms. Cohn as one of the “Top 20 Women in Real Estate and Construction.”

May 2008: Ms. Cohn was recognized as one of “The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate” by The New York Observer.

2007 Ms. Cohn was named “#1 Mortgage Originator” in the nation by Mortgage Originator Magazine, an honor she received numerous times before.

March 5: Ms. Cohn won a Stevie Award for Best Entrepreneur - Service Businesses - Up to 2,500 Employees (March 5) in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

April: she was honored at the Mann Foundations’ “Mann of the Year Awards” as Broker of the Year.

May 8: City of Hope bestowed Ms. Cohn and Brooke Shields with the annual Spirit of Life award, its highest honor.

2006 June 20: Ms. Cohn was honored at the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) annual "Women of Action" luncheon at the Rainbow Room in New York City.

2005 June 25: Ms. Cohn received the inaugural The Retreat Hope Award.

October 17: Ms. Cohn presented the “Manhattan Mortgage Award” for “Outstanding Middle School” to Nightingale-Bamford, an all-girls school on the Upper East Side in New York City, at the fourth annual Blackboard Awards.

2004 Melissa Cohn received the Capuchin Food Pantry “Clarisa Award.”

Became a Board Member of Volunteers of America.

Sold Rose Hill Farm.

March 11: Ms. Cohn was given the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Lighthouse for the Blind.

November 10: Ms. Cohn received the “Builder of the Year” award from Habitat for Humanity.

2003 Started “Loans for Teachers Program,” as a way to give back to the teachers in the Tri-state area who work diligently to educate our youth.

June 26: Melissa Cohn received the Metro New York Area Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year (EOY) Award in the Financial Services category at Gotham Hall in Manhattan.

July 19: The Child Development Center of the Hamptons (CDCH) Foundation for Special Children honored Melissa Cohn at their Orchid Ball at The Villa Maria, Watermill, NY.

September: The Manhattan Mortgage Company working with the Volunteers of America spearheaded “Operation Backpack: Helping Homeless Kids Back to School.” This citywide event provided thousands of homeless and severely disadvantaged school-age children (K-12) with new backpacks and donated school supplies for their first day back to school.

Fall: Ms. Cohn became a Board Member of CDCH.

November 15: North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center held their 2003 Chrysanthemum Event at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, NY, honoring Melissa L. Cohn for her contributions to non-profit organizations serving children and families. This was the culminating event of their yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.



2002 TMMC set up a special program where TMMC worked with its lenders to offer cost free refinancing to families of the firefighters and rescue workers that lost their lives in 911. It was a way to give back to help get New York back on track.

Amagansett Branch Office opened for Business

2000 ............. East Hampton Branch Office opened for Business

1998 ............... Bridgehampton Branch Office moves to Watermill.

1997 ............... Rose Hill Farm was built in Bridgehampton

Bridgehampton Branch Office opened for business.

1996 ............... Became the sponsor of Opening Day at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

1993 ............... Purchased home in Watermill

1992 ............... July 23, Samantha Paprin, Ms. Cohn’s daughter, was born.

1991 ............... The Manhattan Mortgage Company began its joint sponsorship of the American Cancer Society’s annual fundraiser finale with Cartier. The money raised from the Cartier Grand Slam benefits the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and patient service programs.

1986 ............... August 23, 1986, Sarah Alvarez, Ms. Cohn’s daughter, was born.

1985 ............... The Manhattan Mortgage Company was founded by Melissa Cohn (she was 25).

1978 ............... Ms. Cohn Entered Smith College (an all women’s college) as a premed freshman. Took an economic course, and then converted her major to American Studies, earning a degree in Economics and American History.

1973 ............... At 13 she started a riding academy, which was profitable by the time she was 14.

1969 ............... At the age of 9, Melissa Cohn started her first business, selling brownies to the general store in Martha’s Vineyard.

1960 ............... August 6, 1960 Melissa Cohn was born in Paterson, NJ to Albert & Sylvia Cohn.



TMMC OFFICE FAST FACTS President/CEO: Melissa Cohn Chief Operating Officer: C. Joseph Taglivia Director of Sales and Marketing: Carolyn Zeytoonian Director of Human Resources: Maria Fauci

Corporate Headquarters: The Manhattan Mortgage Company

555 Madison Avenue, 14th floor, New York, NY 10022

Phone: 212‐593‐4343 – 888‐593‐4343 (Toll Free) Fax: 212‐593‐4425

Licensed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Illinois , Florida and California; loans also brokered in Colorado.

BRANCH OFFICES

CONNECTICUT Westport, 191 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880 203‐227‐5230 Phone | 203‐227‐5263 Fax

FLORIDA Palm Beach, 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite 4C, Palm Beach, FL 33480 561‐832‐4380 Phone | 561‐832‐3893 Fax

NEW JERSEY Montclair, 251 Park Street, Suite 4 & 5, Montclair, NJ 07043 973‐744‐3149 Phone

NEW YORK Bridgehampton, 2415 Main Street, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 631‐537‐7765 Phone | 631‐537‐7795 Fax

BROOKLYN 100 Remsen Street, 1A, Brooklyn, NY 100201 718‐596‐6425 Phone | 646‐792‐4847 Fax

CROTON‐ON‐HUDSON 125 Grand Street, Croton‐on‐Hudson, NY 10520 914‐271‐3540 Phone | 914‐271‐3645 Fax

EAST HAMPTON 75 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937 631‐324‐1555 Phone | 631‐324‐9505 Fax

JERICHO 350 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 104 Jericho, NY 11753 516‐937‐5555 Phone | 516‐937‐5550 Fax

MANHATTAN 26 West 23rd Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10010 212‐604‐0105 Phone | 212‐604‐0142 Fax

RYE 16 Elm Place, Suite 212, Rye, NY 10580 914‐967‐0094 Phone | 914‐967‐0082 Fax

SOUTHAMPTON 101 Jobs Lane, Southampton, NY 11968 631‐283‐6660 Phone | 631‐283‐6990 Fax

WESTHAMPTON 63 Main Street, Westhampton, NY 11978 631‐288‐4555 Phone | 631‐288‐4544 Fax

NORTH CAROLINA Mooresville, 112 Town Center, Mooresville, NC 28117 704‐660‐0029 Phone | 704‐660‐0120 Fax REGISTERED MORTGAGE BROKER ‐ NYS BANKING DEPARTMENT/ALL LOANS ARRANGED THROUGH 3RD PARTY LENDERS ∙ LICENSED MORTGAGE LENDER/BROKER ‐ CT DEPARTMENT OF BANKING ∙ LICENSED

MORTGAGE LENDER – NJ DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND INSURANCE/ALL LOANS ARRANGED THROUGH 3RD PARTY PROVIDERS ∙ LICENSED MORTGAGE BROKER MB 2274 – MA DEPARTMENT OF BANKING/WE

ARRANGE BUT DO NOT MAKE LOANS ∙ LICENSED MORTGAGE BROKER – VT DEPARTMENT OF BANKING ∙ CORRESPONDENT MORTGAGE LENDER ‐ FL DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES ∙ LICENSED

MORTGAGE BROKER AS TMMC MORTGAGES UNDER CA FINANCE LENDERS LAW ∙ LICENSED MORTGAGE BROKER AS TMMC MORTGAGES – NH BANKING DEPARTMENT ∙ LICENSED MORTGAGE BROKER – NC

COMMISSIONER OF BANKS ∙ RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LICENSEE – IL DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION DIVISION OF BANKING



B I O G R A P H Y Mel i s sa Cohn & THEManhat tan Mortgage COMPANY

Melissa Cohn, President and founder of the Manhattan Mortgage Company, the largest residential mortgage brokerage firm in metropolitan New York, has accomplished more than most people have achieved in a lifetime. The road to her company’s success resulted in originations of $3.5 billion in mortgages in 2007 and 14 branch offices on the East Coast.

How she climbed this ladder and the reasons for her success are manifold but they are a combination of her drive, never give up attitude, attention to detail, love of horses, concern that every client be treated with the utmost respect, desire to give back, strong family bond and the fact that she is a good problem solver and a good lender. She is tenacious and will take on any challenge. Ms. Cohn most enjoys creating something from scratch and making it successful.

Ms. Cohn will tell you, “I love what I do and it drives me to succeed.”

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Ms. Cohn was born August 6, 1960 (a leo) in Paterson, NJ, to Albert & Sylvia Cohn and was raised in Upper Montclair, NJ. Her summers were spent on Martha’s Vineyard, which is where she fell in love with horses.

Ms. Cohn’s entrepreneurial skills became evident when she was just nine years old. She started her first business baking brownies for the General Store in Martha’s Vineyard. It was owned by Hugh Taylor, the brother of singer James Taylor. Then when she got a pony in High School (13) she started a riding academy (in Chillmark). By the time she was 14 she was running a profitable business. She also started a sweater store in Martha’s Vineyard.

Ms. Cohn entered Smith College as a premed freshman, took an economic course, and then converted her major to American Studies, earning a degree in Economics and American History.

CLIMBING THE CORPORATE LADDER

Early in her working career, Ms. Cohn had her eyes set on the mortgage business. She began her vocation in mortgage lending at Citibank. Her mentor was her first boss at Citibank. “He clearly saw the future in mortgage banking, and I listened. I had no knowledge of the ‘margins’ of the business, but what he told me was logical and I pursued it.”

After 18 months she was put in charge of the mortgage units for 10 branches on the Upper East Side of New York City. Her job included providing expert services on mortgages. It was the beginning of how things are now done.

From Citibank she spent another 18 months at a firm that marketed new condominiums and required clients to take out mortgages through the firm.

Eventually, Ms. Cohn realized it was time to to go out on her own, and make her name in the mortgage business. In 1985, at the age of 25, she founded “The Manhattan Mortgage Company,” with only three years experience in the mortgage industry. “I realized that no single bank could provide the best loan products to all borrowers.”

“I’m like a travel agent for mortgages,” says Ms. Cohn. “What we do is enhance the banks’ products and services; match the customer with the best bank for them and vice versa. We deal with over 90 lenders, and our services cost the clients no more than if they went directly to a bank.” What her company does is pre‐qualify borrowers to help them find the best deal for their particular circumstances.

In a Mann Report article, Ms. Cohn was quoted as saying: “My first two years in business were a ‘whirlwind,’ a time when I and one other employee did everything from answering phones to copying applications. It was a wild time, but one thing I’ve never done is allowed the negatives to hold me back. I only move in one direction – forward.



“My business strategy is to create a formula and replicate it from branch to branch with modifications for each region. As long as you remember that you are only as good as your last mortgage, and treat each client as your most important, then the formula will work anywhere.”

Ms. Cohn focuses on back‐office support. “Follow‐up is extremely important,” she explains, adding, “What sets the company apart from the rest is an equal number of sales and support staff.”

While she meets with Realtors periodically and lectures for the State Real Estate Board, the majority of Ms. Cohn’s time is spent in the office, marketing from her desk on the phone. “I’ll do five or six loans a day; between 60‐80 loans a month.” She estimates that 80% of her loans are taken on the phone, thus giving her more time to manage the work‐flow. Indicative of her hands‐on style, Ms. Cohn admits that she takes 99% of the applications herself on the computer, as another means of ensuring the loans are wrinkle‐free. “If I take applications myself, I can get a true profile of the client. I’ll run the credit upfront to get rid of any problems early on.”

Ms. Cohn is often asked if it was easier or more difficult being a woman in the mortgage business: “As a woman I never considered myself at a deficit. After all I went to Smith College where women ran the institution. When I graduated from college I never thought that was a disadvantage to me.”

Ms. Cohn’s strategy has and continues to work, with her goals being to maintain her company’s present status and continue to be a strong force in the mortgage and real estate industry. Ms. Cohn’s foresight and vision for the future is to always take her business to the next level.

A SUPPORTER OF WORTHY CAUSES

Although Ms. Cohn is fully focused on her business responsibilities, she does find time for other things. She supports a variety of organizations, charities and events such as The American Cancer Society, The Goddard Institute, Habitat for Humanity, the CDCH (Child Development Center of the Hamptons), The Retreat Domestic Violence Services, and Student Sponsor Partners. Her company also offers incentives to deserving groups. The “Loans for Teachers Program” offers loans to teachers at a reduced rate. A program to the members of the PBA focuses on creating a package that works within their budget and a guarantee that TMMC will get them the best service for the least amount of money.

TMMC also did its share after 911 by creating a special program where the company worked with its lenders to offer cost free refinancing to families of the firefighters and rescue workers that lost their lives. On top of that, in September 2003, TMMC worked with Volunteers of America to spearhead “Operation Backpack: Helping Homeless Kids Back to School.” This citywide event annually provides thousands of homeless and severely disadvantaged school‐age children (K‐12) with new backpacks and donated school supplies so that they can be ready for their first day back to school.

THE LURE OF THE HAMPTONS AND HORSES

As a hardworking businesswomen who is also focused on giving back, Ms. Cohn has figured out a way to combine her passion of horses with her business by sponsoring horse events. These include the Bridgehampton Polo Tournaments held annually in the Hamptons throughout the summer and, her favorite event, the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton. The year 2008 will be her 13th sponsoring Opening Day because it focuses on the local community. The Hampton Classic is considered one of the nation’s largest hunter/jumper horse shows, and over the years Ms. Cohn has competed there along with her two daughters, Samantha and Sarah. Both her children love and respect her as a businesswoman, mom and horseperson.

Ms. Cohn likes the idea of combining her corporate world with the riding world. “Being a sponsor of the Hampton Classic fulfills two needs,” she explains. “First, it allows me to become totally involved in one of the most important horse shows in the country. Second, this is my community and where I want to give back.”

As a child, horses were an important part of her life, but the responsibilities of building a business and raising a family took Ms. Cohn away from the animals she so dearly loved. But before she knew it she was back in the saddle again. It all happened when she started going out to the Hamptons. “I went to the Hamptons because I got tired of commuting to Martha’s Vineyard every weekend, which is where I summered as a child and my parents are there. The Hamptons



was closer and as I was living in New York City and had a lot of friends in the Hampton. I went there, rented for two summers, and then bought.”

Ms. Cohn purchased her house in Watermill in 1993. “There was a horse farm across the road, and I started my older daughter (Sarah) on lessons. I was pregnant at the time, but would go and watch her. This brought back memories of how much I loved to ride. After Samantha was born, I started taking lessons as well – and being the type “A” person that I am, I went from buying a hat, to a tack trunk, to a horse, and then to a farm.”

Ms. Cohn, originally trained with Scott Kemery and Patti Foster, but presently rides with Allwyn Court and competes in the Adult Amateur Hunters. She presently owns and rides two horses (Bulgari and Corvet Z).

BACK TO BUSINESS

Ms. Cohn only rides on weekends because during the week she spends her days in her Manhattan office, the main headquarters of Manhattan Mortgage, and her evenings in her New York City apartment. She also keeps in constant contact with her other offices throughout the East Coast. Additionally, Ms. Cohn is a Governor of the Real Estate Board of New York.

Part of being in the business world revolves around attending charitable functions and hosting parties for those who support your efforts. Throughout the year Ms. Cohn hosts a number of social functions geared at thanking those people that support her. She also attends numerous fundraising events and because of this has gotten more involved in the area of fashion in order to fill her wardrobe with appropriate attire. Ms. Cohn tends to wear Piazza Sempione or Ralph Lauren during the day. Evening wear is all couture by Deborah Johnson, who has a small couture shop on Lexington Avenue in New York City. She also wears a mix of clothes by other designers. Ms. Cohn’s favorite color is black at work and blue when she is riding (probably because first place ribbons are always blue). When relaxing she enjoys Classical music, loves a great book, and prefers eating grilled lobster or Italian food.

And so there she is in a nutshell. Ms. Cohn is a woman who works hard, supports worthy causes, likes fine dining, knows how to dress for the occasion, has a passion for horses and cherishes the time she spends with her daughters. It’s no wonder that on June 26, 2003, Ms. Cohn received the Metro New York Area Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) Award in the Financial Services category. The EOY award was created by Ernst & Young to recognize outstanding individuals on a regional, national and ultimately global level; or that on July 19, 2003 CDCH honored her at their Orchid Ball; or that on November 15, 2003, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center honored Ms. Cohn at their 2003 Chrysanthemum Event for her contributions to non‐profit organizations serving children and families. Those honors continued in 2005 when she was presented with the inaugural The Retreat Hope Award and in 2006 when the Israel Cancer Research Fund honored her as a “Woman of Action.” In 2007, Ms. Cohn won a Stevie Award and that same year she and Brooke Shields were honored with the Spirit of Life award from the City of Hope.

In May 2008, she was recognized as one of “The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate” by The New York Observer. For the past three years (2006‐2008) Development New York Magazine has recognized Ms. Cohn as one of the “Top 20 Women in Real Estate and Construction.”

With so many accolades, it’s not surprising that year after year The Mortgage Originator Magazine continues to name Ms. Cohn “The Top Mortgage Originator in the Country,” and 2007 marked the 13th year in a row. In the years ahead, Ms. Cohn’s name will continue to become more and more recognized because she has every intention of continuing to climb the ladder she is on until she gets to the top rung.

Ms. Cohn attributes her success to that time‐honored formula: hard work and perseverance – spending long hours every day at her desk. As Ms. Cohn explains, “I was taught to lead and that is how I have and continue to live my life. I am my company.”

Yet, Ms. Cohn consistently balances her multi‐level life. “I don’t look at myself as different people. I am not a mother, not a rider, not a business person. I am Melissa Cohn. I run a business, I ride horses, and I am a parent.



TMMC & MELISSA COHN QUESTIONS & ANSWERS What do you do? I am a residential mortgage broker working with people who are purchasing and refinancing to help them get mortgage financing at the best rate available. (Melissa Cohn is the owner, founder and President of The Manhattan Mortgage Company).

How did you get to where you are now? I built my company one loan at a time ‐ one branch at a time ‐ one broker at a time ‐ lots of hard work and extra time and effort.

What is your typical work day? I work from 8:15 a.m. typically until 8 p.m. ‐ but try to leave early on Fridays to get out to LI to ride and spend time with my kids. My day is spent mostly on the phone and on line.

What is your role? My role is to educate the buyer and help them find the mortgage product that will give them long term security in their new home. I’ts important especially with an adjustable rate mortgage that the buyer understands what can happen to the payment at the time of adjustment ‐ oftentimes the slightly more expensive fixed rate is the best option as it provides long term security.

What is your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment is my company, which I started from scratch and have grown to the firm it is today. I started my first loan on my dining room table and have grown to a firm with 175 employees, 12 offices and we originated close to 3 1/2 billion in 2007. Also, I’ve never let the outside noise (from competitors, issues at home, or situations within the industry) get in the way of continuing to grow my business.

What are you goals? My goals over the next 2‐5 years are to continue to grow my firm and expand my business throughout the tri‐state area and New England. It will also be my goal to really go after the resale market to firmly establish my sale goals and to maintain the level of originations in the company.

As a mortgage broker my goal is to help homebuyers everywhere find the best possible financing for their needs and to make sure that the loan is a secure product that will keep them financially secure in their home for a lifetime. I try to educate each homebuyer so they understand the risks and rewards of different types of loans so that they can make an educated smart choice. Too many people in my industry just try to sell the easy money maker for them ‐ to the detriment of the buyer. The best way to create a stable real estate market is to have financially secure homeowners.

What is the biggest problem you face? The biggest problem I face is to find brokers and support staff up to the standards of my firm and to grow the company each year. We were lucky to have had such a low rate environment for many years but now are faced with the challenge to grow in adverse business conditions. Another problem I face is finding the time in a day to get all my work done – I originate, I run a business ‐ basically 2 full time jobs that I have every day.

What do you enjoy about your business? I love growing my business and selling. I love the base product that I sell, which is why I started my company. I love dealing with clients and problem solving.

What don’t you enjoy? I dislike hour issues and dealing with the mid level management issues that are created as you grow a business. I miss the days of being able to run my company from the seat of my pants.

What do you attribute your success to? I attribute my success to my ability to never give up. I am tenacious and will take on any challenge. I am a good problem solver and believe that I am a good leader. I love what I do and it drives me to succeed. I believe that I have succeeded because I am good at what I do ‐ a great sales person ‐ and a great problem solver. I have always been an entrepreneur and love to run, create and grow things. I started my first business selling brownies when I was nine and have learned and grown from each experience from that time.

What is your biggest mistake? My biggest mistake is not trusting myself when I started the company and making the mistake of taking on a business partner. I got out awhile ago, but it was a hard learning experience.

Was there a mentor for you in your early years? My mentor was my first boss at Citibank. He clearly saw the future in mortgage banking and I listened. I had no knowledge of the "margins" of the business but what he told me was logical and I pursued it.



Who is your favorite living person? Other single working mothers in this country – I understand how hard what they do every day is as I have been one much of my working life.

As a woman in the mortgage business do you feel that made it any easier or more difficult for you? As a woman I never considered myself at a deficit. After all I went to Smith where I learned that women can run any institution so when I graduated from college I never thought there was a disadvantage to me. I was taught to lead and that is how I have lived my life.

What do you consider a bad work ethic? Laziness

What qualities do you value? Honesty, good work ethic, and loyalty.

What advice would you offer? Don’t look backwards or to the side – always look straight ahead.

For the buyers, who do you find fits the profile of the average home buyer? In today’s market there is no average homebuyer ‐ with everyone from the young first time home buyer to the established second home buyer ‐ to the mega buyer.

Are the majority young/old, married/single, first home/second home, income level, etc? It's a solid variety of buyers. If it was all one type of buyer then any change to that sector could have a major negative impact on real estate ‐ the broadness of buying sectors is good.

What are the average buyers' goals, challenges, and concerns when going through the process of buying a home? Goal is obviously to have the best possible rate and terms. Concern is qualifying for the home/mortgage that they want ‐ in today’s expensive RE market and banks being tougher ‐ not everyone qualifies for the type of loan that they want ‐ and we have to work with them to get them comfortable with the loan that they do qualify for.

For the sellers? Understanding that it takes time for the buyer to get approved ‐ and they need to give the buyer the time to get approved ‐ and do their due diligence properly.

What about specific areas? Have any areas changed dramatically in regards to buying/selling homes? It’s all the same challenges ‐ higher prices ‐ limited inventory ‐ and everyone in a hurry to get the deal done

Have things changed much in the past 10 years from a buyer's perspective? From your perspective? As a broker and a buyer/homeowner, real estate prices have grown tremendously and the process of getting financing much more complicated with hundreds of products available ‐ many that look too good to be true ‐ and they are ‐ so it’s much harder today to get thru the myriad of options/lenders/fees to really find the best deal out there.

What do you feel are the buyers' biggest concerns when looking for a home, such as school districts, taxes, and economics of the community? Are there more buyers looking for multi‐family homes or properties with rental possibilities such as furnished basements or apartments? What we see mostly are buyers who look for houses that they can rent out for the summer in order to help carry the cost of the house. As far as LI, Eastern LI, which is my area of expertise, doesn't really have many multifamily ‐ or mother daughter properties.

What are the basics of the mortgage process? How does it affect different people such as young people buying their first home opposed to folks who have just sold a home they bought 20 years ago, etc? The process is the same for everyone. The first question is how long do you expect to stay in your new home? Do you intend to pay down the loan in the interim? What about cash flow? Is your income stable? Growing? Once those questions are answered then we can tailor the right loan for each buyer based upon their objectives. First time home buyers are sometimes easier as the mortgage process today is much more complex than it was 20 years ago ‐ so my return buyers often say ‐ "I didn't have to do that last time."

What are your thoughts on the Real Estate market in general? Any opinions on this so‐called bubble? If there is a bubble, the press has forgotten to tell today’s buyers. While the pace may not be as frenzied as it has in the past, we are still seeing a steady stream of solid buyers ‐ looking forward to being in their new home ‐ and that's the key. Most buyers buy to live in the home to consume it.



THE TMMC PROMISE – GIVING BACK & HONORING MELISSA COHN & TMMC

Over the years Melissa Cohn has been recognized for her achievements with her business and her support of many causes. As Ms. Cohn explains, “We believe it’s important to give back to our communities; therefore, Manhattan Mortgage proudly sponsors activities and fundraising events for our non‐profit partners.”

Adopt a Highway, a program where you “adopt” a one‐mile segment of highway for a two year period. Adopted segments are cleaned and maintained according to the New York State Department of Transportation require‐ments. TMMC sponsors several segments on Long Island.

American Cancer Society ‐ The Cartier Grand Slam Tennis Tournament The Cartier Grand Slam Tennis Tournament is the American Cancer Society's annual fundraiser finale sponsored by Cartier and TMMC since 1991. The money raised at the Cartier Grand Slam benefits the American Cancer Society's research, education, advocacy and patient service programs. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community‐based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreation Center is a not‐for‐profit center licensed by the New York Department of Social Services offering pre‐school and after‐school education.

Bridgehampton Polo Tournament ‐ Bridgehampton, NY Polo is played in more than 60 countries and enjoyed by more than 50 million people each year. Two high goal tournaments are played each summer at the Bridgehampton Polo Club in the Hamptons.

CDCH (Child Development Center of the Hamptons) ‐ East Hampton, NY The CDCH Schools are where children of different abilities come together in an extraordinary learning environment that recognizes and utilizes their needs and strengths. The school provides integrated classroom education to children who are physically handicapped, mentally handicapped and at‐risk in the regular school system. Ms. Cohn has been a major benefactor since 1999.

The Goddard Institute ‐ NYC Goddard Riverside, the merger of two century‐old settlement houses, today serves thousands of people with programs from early childhood education, after school activities and college access to outreach to homeless people, supportive housing and programs for older adults. It also provides books for kids and shelter for kids who come from abused families.

Habitat for Humanity ‐ Bridgehampton, NY Habitat for Humanity builds simple, decent, affordable, houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. It is a nonprofit organization seeking to eliminate poverty, housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

The Hampton Classic ‐ Bridgehampton, NY TMMC is title sponsor of Opening Day. The Hampton Classic Horse Show is one of the country's largest hunter/jumper horse shows with Southampton Hospital as its sole beneficiary. Ms. Cohn has been a sponsor since 1996.



The Hamptons International Film Festival ‐ East Hampton, NY The Hamptons International Film Festival reels in filmmakers and cinephiles to celebrate independent films. It is an incredibly well attended community event.

Lighthouse International is a leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. Through its pioneering work in vision rehabilitation services, education, research, prevention and advocacy, Lighthouse International enables people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted to lead independent and productive lives.

Loans for Teachers Program gives back to the teachers in the Tri‐state area who work diligently to educate the youth of our nation, TMMC offers loans to teachers at a reduced rate. Their slogan reads: “For those of you who invest in our children’s future…The Manhattan Mortgage Company is here to help you make one of your most important investments… your home, your future…”

North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center – Nassau County, LI, NY (Roslyn Heights, Manhasset, Westbury) The NSC & FGC, Nassau County’s largest not‐for‐profit children’s mental health agency, is located in Roslyn Heights, NY, with clinic locations also in Manhasset and Westbury. They provide an extensive and comprehensive range of mental health services for children, youth, and families regardless of income. When properly treated, troubled children, youth and their families can turn their lives around.

State of Israel Bonds is a development corporation for Israel. Proceeds realized from the sale of Israel bonds and other securities are utilized by Israel's Finance Ministry to help fund projects in key economic sectors.

Student Sponsor Partners (SSP – www.sspnyc.org) – NYC Student Sponsor Partners’ mission is to provide as many of New York City’s at‐risk high school youth with an opportunity to receive a quality non‐public high school education, through the financial support, and one‐to‐one guidance of a four‐year sponsor. In doing so, SSP strives to help disadvantaged youth earn their high school diplomas, and thus makes a direct and meaningful impact on young peoples’ lives. SSP identifies the most at risk public high school youth in New York City; those with a 15% start to finish rate. SSP puts them in a neighborhood parochial school where they are mentored to help increase their success. TMMC offers incentives to employees who donate their services and time.

Sunshine Kids is a non‐profit organization dedicated to children with cancer, providing a variety of programs and events, free of charge, for kids who are receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America.

The Retreat Domestic Violence Services ‐ East Hampton, NY The Retreat is a non‐profit organization which provides shelter and support for women and children who are victims of family violence. Services include a 24‐hour shelter, legal advocacy, information and referrals, community outreach, counseling, and a 24‐hour hotline.

Volunteers of America‐Greater New York provides a variety of programs to thousands of people in need every year and is the largest provider of services to homeless persons in the metropolitan area.

WLIW21 – Melville, LI, NY WLIW21 is firmly committed to the mission of public television, presenting programming and outreach projects that enlighten and entertain as an innovative broadcast center and educational resource for the New York metropolitan area.



TMMC & MELISSA COHN HONORS & AWARDS

The organizations/causes that TMMC/Melissa Cohn supports are very appreciative of not only the money but the

time she spends getting involved and reaching out. As a result, over the years Ms. Cohn has been recognized

often for her talent and her support of worthy causes.

In 2003, Ms. Cohn was honored with the Metro New York Area Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY)

Award in the Financial Services category (June 26, 2003). On July 19, 2003 The Child Development Center of the

Hamptons (CDCH) Foundation for Special Children honored Ms. Cohn at their Orchid Ball. Then on November 15,

2003, at the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center 2003 Chrysanthemum Event held at Madame Tussaud’s

Wax Museum, Ms. Cohn was honored for her contributions to non‐profit organizations serving children and

families.

In 2004, Ms. Cohn received the Capuchin Food Pantry “Clarisa Award.” March 11, 2004, Ms. Cohn was given the

“Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Lighthouse for the Blind. (A Distinguished Corporate Achievement Award

from Lighthouse International, a not‐for‐profit organization depending on the support of individuals, foundations

and corporations.) November 10, 2004, Ms. Cohn received the Builder of the Year award from Habitat for

Humanity at their Habitat‐NYC 5th Annual Builder Awards Gala at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in

Manhattan.

June 25, 2005, Ms. Cohn received The Retreat Hope Award. Ms. Cohn was selected as the first recipient because

of her dedication and support of causes that benefit women and children both on the East End of Long Island and

in New York City. She was presented with a Tiffany Pentastar award in crystal at The Retreat’s 10th Anniversary

Gala, “Artists Against Abuse,” at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club. October 17, 2005, Ms. Cohn presented

the “Manhattan Mortgage Award” for “Outstanding Middle School” to Nightingale‐Bamford, an all‐girls school on

the Upper East Side in New York City. The presentation took place at the fourth annual Blackboard Awards. Cohn

was introduced by Pulitzer prize‐winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes), who was the Master of

Ceremonies for the evening.

February 7, 2006, Ms. Cohn was honored by Development New York Magazine as one of TOP 20 Women in Real

Estate and Construction. On June 20th, 2006, she was honored at the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) annual

"Women of Action" luncheon at the Rainbow Room in New York City.

On March 5th, 2007 Ms. Cohn won a Stevie Award for Best Entrepreneur ‐ Service Businesses ‐ Up to 2,500

Employees in the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. On May 8, 2007, City of Hope bestowed Ms. Cohn and

Brooke Shields with the annual Spirit of Life Award, its highest honor. Also in 2007 she was named “#1 Mortgage

Originator” in the nation by Mortgage Originator Magazine, an honor she received numerous times before.

In 2008, she was recognized as one of “The 100 Most Powerful People in New York Real Estate” by The New York

Observer (May). For the past three years (2006‐2008) Development New York Magazine has recognized Ms. Cohn as

one of the “Top 20 Women in Real Estate and Construction.”



MELISSA COHN QUOTES “As a company, our goal is to enhance our existing business base and continue to dominate the industry. We will accomplish this by increasing sales and market penetration, improving client services, increasing our industry awareness, and providing our mortgage professionals access to the best technological tools and resources appropriate to our industry.”

“I’m like a travel agent for mortgages. What we do is enhance the banks’ products and services. We deal with over 90 lenders, and our services cost the clients no more than if they went directly to a bank.”

“First, shop around; some banks have stricter guidelines than others. Make sure that before a broker or bank quotes you a rate, they ask you about the property. Co‐op rates, for example, are often higher than those for condos or houses.”

“My business approach was to create a formula and duplicate it from branch to branch making revisions as applied to each region.”

“You are only as good as your last mortgage. Treat each client as your most valuable one and then this method can work anywhere.”

“I’m a very hands‐on business manager/owner. I manage everything with a cell phone, blackberry, and a lot of hard work. I just do it all at the same time.”

“I’ll do five or six loans a day; between 60‐80 loans a month. If I take applications myself, I can get a true profile of the client. I’ll run the credit upfront to get rid of any problems early on.”

“Follow‐up is extremely important. What sets the company apart from the rest is an equal number of sales and support staff.”

“The hardest thing when you work full time and then you ride to compete and succeed is being able to go from one to the other. So, I take off my business hat and put my riding head on. Otherwise I would never be able to concentrate on what I need to do while riding. I have to acclimatize myself to where I am. It helps that once at the horse show I am surrounded by people who I ride with all year long. ”

“My first memory of a horse was taking a lesson at a farm called Pondview. I recall getting on the horse and being overcome with this sense of independence and freedom. My riding allowed me to be independent. It was something that no one else in my family did. They all played tennis and are scrabble fanatics but riding was my thing, my time, my passion, my sport. And it wasn’t something I had to share with my two brothers and two sisters.”

“I grew up summers on Martha’s Vineyard and fell in love with horses there. Riding was a much more casual sport; not like today. I went to the Hamptons because I got tired of commuting to Martha’s Vineyard every weekend, which is where I summered as a child and my parents are there. The Hamptons was closer and as I was living in New York City and had a lot of friends in the Hamptons, I went there, rented for two summers, and then bought. When I bought my house in Watermill ten years ago there was a horse farm across the road and I started my older daughter on lessons. I was pregnant and would go watch and remembered how much I loved to ride. After Samantha was born I started taking lessons as well. And being the type “A” person that I am, went from buying a hat, to a tack trunk, to a horse, and then to a farm.”



“I love what I do and it drives me to succeed.”

“As a woman I never considered myself at a deficit. After all I went to Smith College where women ran the

institution. When I graduated from college I never thought that was a disadvantage to me.”

“I opened my first office in Bridgehampton in 1997, then moved to Watermill 9 years ago, then Westhampton –

then East – then Amagansett.”

“Riding is very much an ageless, sexless sport. It’s something we (she and her daughters) can share and connect

with. It creates an incredible bond.”

“Riding is a very humbling sport and it is a constant reminder that you have to work hard to succeed. It is also a

good way to be reminded of the importance of partnership – all important in the business world. I consider my

riding to be my therapy and use the sponsorships as a way to take my hobby and mix it with business, and to

spend time with my children. Riding is a unique sport and a good way to stay in people’s minds.”

“Riding is my passion and therapy. It gets me away from the corporate world, and at the same time lets me be

present with my children. It is a great sport for me as it is very humbling. Some days you win and some days you

don’t, but the enjoyment is the same. It is a great lesson to carry into the business world.”

“When you negotiate a great jump there is no better feeling. It’s exhilarating. It’s the partnership with you and

your horse. It’s knowing that you’ve achieved something, learned something, and have succeeded. When I get on

my horse it is very therapeutic for me. It reminds me that I need to work hard; I need to learn; and I can succeed.

Working hard can bring you success in the riding arena and the business arena.”

“The riding helps my business. Riding is a very humbling sport because every horse is different, but you learn from

it. When I ride, I am an amateur and not the top mortgage broker in the country. It is as though I am beginning

my career. And so it brings you back to the beginning and reminds you that you are not going to win everything all

at once. You have to work your way up the ladder. And if you can learn to regroup, focus and pay attention, then

you can succeed and move forward.

“Riding is a constant reminder that even though I have achieved great success, (Manhattan Mortgage has been

one of the top two mortgage brokers in the country for the past 12 years, which is as long as they’ve been

reporting it) that you only get there and stay there by working at it as though each day is a new start.

“Not every ride is perfect and not every client is the ideal client. With riding you discover that even if you do the

best job you can you may not always win. For example you can have a great ride and the judge may like someone

else better.

“It’s the same in business (especially a service business). I’ve grown to understand that I can do the best job

possible for my client and they may not agree, but I can’t let that get to me. I consider what it was that went

wrong even if I did my job. I learn from it and then move on to the next client. If I have an employee that leaves, I

don’t let that upset me. I try and figure out why that person left and focus on insuring it doesn’t happen again.

So, taking the amateur head of being a rider reminds me that everything will not work perfectly and you just have

to keep going.”



“I sponsor or contribute to many different charitable organizations. I look for groups where the money will go to the cause; not the advertising or party. The American Cancer Society, CDCH of the Hamptons, The Retreat and Habitat for Humanity are all real causes with real needs. That’s the bottom line. And they are all in my community, or a community in which I have interests.

“‘Adopt A Highway’ helps to keep our roadways clean and is just a great marketing tool. I try to place my signs where there is traffic or people are looking for exits. Remember, out of sight, out of mind. So, I try to stay in sight at all times.

“ ‘The Film Festival’ is just a great way to be involved in a different way. I enjoy going to films and being on the back of every ticket. It promotes my goal of looking for subtle ways to remind people that we are here.”

“My support of the North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center is just part of my continued belief in supporting organizations that work to help children and families in need. As a mother and a business person, I am privileged to be able to support causes that are so close to my heart.”

“I learned from my parents while growing up that it is really important to give back to the community that gives to you. It’s a two way street. My philanthropic work relates to the three most important areas in my life: housing for my business (Habitat of Humanity), children as a parent (Volunteers of America, the Retreat and others), and my horses as my passion (the Hampton Classic). The fact that I can take the three and put them all together is a bonus. The Hampton Classic is a perfect example. The proceeds of this horse show go to benefit the Southampton Hospital and thus the community. Also, last year the ASPCA Equine Fund was there, which means the show gave back to the riding community. In addition this is an event I go to with my children.”

“I feel that it is so important to give back and to support your community. Hopefully, in some way, my sponsorships make a difference.”

“Being a sponsor of the Hampton Classic fulfills two needs. First, it allows me to become totally involved in one of the most important horse shows in the country, attracting some 50,000 visitors each year. Second, this is my community and where I want to give back. The Hampton Classic is closest to my heart. It is a perfect melding of business and pleasure. I enjoy being a sponsor of the Hampton Classic as it allows me to bring my personal passion for riding and the joy of being with my children and combine it with my business life as well as giving me the opportunity to support my local community.”

“When I am at work I do the best that I can and I want to be the best mortgage broker in the country. When I am on my horse I want to have the best ride that I possibly can. Over time I’ve learned that you are successful in business when you allow yourself to be successful in life. My riding has really been a key element to my overall success. I don’t look at myself as three different people. I am not a mother, I am not a rider, I am not a business person. I am Melissa Cohn. I run a business. I ride horses and I am a parent.”

“I am my company!”

Samantha Paprin – Ms. Cohn’s Youngest Daughter: “I just want to be like my mom. She can do so many things at one time. She can go riding, run a business and be a mom. She is a role model to me. Riding is very important to me because my mom has been doing it her whole life.” (July 2003)

THIS BOOK WAS PREPARED BY

PRESS LINK PR45 Sarah Drive,

Farmingdale, NY 11735 Cell: 516-848-4867FAX: 631-773-6165

[email protected]

MARCH 2007MANNREPORT R E S I D E N T I A L

| IN THIS ISSUE |BARAK REALTY

VALUE COMPANIES

GANFER & SHORE, LLP

LAWRENCE PROPERTIES

CITI HABITATS

THE WALTERS GROUP

GOTHAM CAPITALMORTGAGE CORP.

SKY HOUSE

ONE HUDSON PARK

ELEMENT

THE RUSHMORE

MELISSA COHNTHE MANHATTAN

MORTGAGE COMPANY

MANNNMARE

ANPOR

NNRT

MELISSSA COOHNTH

MORHE MARTGAG

ANHAGE CO

ATTANOM AAPP

NANY

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