When you find a passionate person who works hard behind the scenes in our community to get things done, and expects nothing in return beyond a simple “thank you,” if that, you’ve found an Unsung Hero.
Series sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Valencia and AM 1220-KHTS didn’t have to look too far to recognize our latest Santa Clarita Unsung Hero — Fred Arnold is a member of the KHTS family.
Arnold has a very public side, as a Certified Mortgage Consultant, owner of a thriving local business (American Family Funding, a division of American Pacific Mortgage), past president of the California Association of Mortgage Professionals, treasurer of the National Association of Mortgage Professionals, host of the monthly “SCV Business Chamber Spotlight” show on KHTS, and chairman of the SCV Chamber of Commerce for 2013.
But when not at work or on the air (and even sometimes when he is), Arnold is working tirelessly on behalf of SCV kids and young people and members of the military and their families.
“When Fred gets passionate about something, it happens,” said Carl Goldman, KHTS co-owner and longtime observer of Arnold in action. “He’s passionate about his profession, yes, but he’s very passionate about community.
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“Behind the scenes, Fred’s been instrumental in making sure we paid tribute to our fallen heroes, the servicemen from the Santa Clarita Valley who’ve lost their lives during the war on terror,” Goldman said. “Fred loves kids. He just has this heart of gold, and if there’s something that strikes him, he will make sure it happens.”
Arnold was behind creating the banners for the 2012 4th of July parade that honored the SCV’s 11 fallen heroes, as well as their surviving families, who rode on a flatbed truck sponsored by the Prayer Angels. Arnold has coordinated assembly of care packages for troops. He’s also a member of the SCV Habitat for Heroes advisory committee and has brought out his family to help rehab a house for a disabled veteran of the war in Iraq.
Married 20 years to his wife Kristin and father of four children (Alex 17, Katy 16, Jack 13 and Amy 8), Arnold is a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help elementary school board. He also serves on the Single Mothers Outreach of Santa Clarita advisory board. He’s committed smaller acts of kindness like coordinating a toy drive for the young daughter of a client, and helping coach one of his son’s cross-country track team. It all adds up to a schedule that few without his passion and drive could maintain.
And like most Unsung Heroes, Arnold has one of his own.
“My wife — she’s terrific,” he said. “I get home at 7, 7:30 — she respects that if I have an event to go to, she’s very sure that the house is always really well-taken care of, and that’s a full-time 24/7 job. Mine’s only from 6 in the morning to 7:30 at night. So really, she’s the Unsung Hero at home, and all the mothers and fathers that fill the gap when we’re at work is really what it’s all about.”
Watch Fred Arnold’s complete interview with AM-1220 KHTS afternoon drive air personality Jason Endicott on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, and learn more about this Unsung Hero’s good deeds. You can also download the audio podcast.
Read more of KHTS’s Santa Clarita Unsung Heroes features brought to you by Mercedes-Benz of Valencia.
Mercedes-Benz of Valencia is proud to be part of the Santa Clarita Valley, not only giving you the superior customer service you deserve, but also giving back to our community by supporting our schools, sports teams, Sheriff’s Station and non-profit organizations. Now, Mercedes-Benz of Valencia and KHTS have teamed up to present “Santa Clarita’s Unsung Heroes,” spotlighting local residents who make a difference in our valley. With new contributions also comes a new Mercedes management team. Visit Mercedes-Benz of Valencia today.
Article: Santa Clarita’s Unsung Hero — Fred Arnold
Article Source: Mercedes-Benz of Valencia — Santa Clarita Unsung Hero
Author: Stephen K. Peeples