Tony Fitzgerald.
Built different.
Former Fire Lieutenant, EMT, and marine rescue diver. 28 years on the line. Now the mortgage broker who shows up the same way — calm under pressure, accountable, and focused on getting you safely through what's in front of you.
The environment changed.
The responsibility didn't.
Before mortgages, I spent 28 years as a Fire Lieutenant and EMT — working structure fires, technical rescues, large-scale disaster operations, and marine rescues as a certified rescue diver. I served as an offshore powerboat racing safety diver and taught at the Fire Academy. That career taught me things a classroom can't: how to stay calm when everyone else is losing it, how to communicate clearly when the stakes are real, and how to solve problems that don't have a standard answer.
I transitioned to mortgage lending because I saw the same thing I saw in fire service — people in one of the most stressful moments of their lives, overwhelmed by rules they don't understand, worried about making the wrong move. My job became the same: take what feels like an emergency and turn it into something manageable.
"If I can keep people safe in a fire, I can keep your friends safe in a mortgage."
I specialize in the hard files — self-employed borrowers, investors, first responders, veterans, complex income situations, and scenarios that other loan officers walk away from. Through 1st Response Mortgage, powered by Barrett Financial Group, I have access to 160+ lenders and 26+ loan programs. If there's a path to your homeownership goal, I'll find it.
I live in Sarasota with my wife Valentina — a Sarasota realtor — and my sons Gavin and Riley. I train at Manasota Jiu-Jitsu, attend Bayside Community Church in Lakewood Ranch, and still show up to the community the same way I did on the truck: fully present, accountable, and in it until the job is done.
I also founded the Human Advantage Institute — an AI training program for real estate professionals — and run Fire Up Your Life Coaching, a coaching brand for agents, loan officers, and entrepreneurs who want to build relationships, sharpen their sales, and grow something real.
Credentials & licensing
Beyond the loan file
Fire Lieutenant · EMT
28 years in fire service. Structure fires, technical rescues, disaster operations. Fire Academy instructor. The skills that saved lives are the same skills that close loans.
Marine Rescue Diver
Certified rescue diver and offshore powerboat racing safety diver. When the stakes are highest is when training matters most — in the water and in the mortgage process.
Film & Stunt Work
Film and entertainment credits including Water Lords. Stunt work that required precision, preparation, and the ability to stay composed under pressure.
Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner
Trains at Manasota Jiu-Jitsu alongside son Gavin. The mat teaches the same things the firehouse does — discipline, composure, and that the fundamentals always win.
Human Advantage Institute
Founded an AI training program for real estate professionals. Teaching agents and loan officers to use technology without losing the human connection that wins clients.
Faith & Community
Attends Bayside Community Church in Lakewood Ranch. Officiated the wedding of Kyle and Ryley Wiegele on Siesta Key — and closed their first home the following week.
The Mortgage Jedi difference
28 years of fire service didn't just give Tony a great backstory. It built a specific set of skills that make him genuinely different as a mortgage broker.
1Calm under pressure
When a loan goes sideways at 9pm the night before closing, you don't want someone who panics. Tony has been in situations where people's lives were on the line. A mortgage problem doesn't rattle him.
2Expert problem solver
Fire service taught Tony to think on his feet in situations that don't have a manual. Complex income, unusual properties, recent credit events — he approaches every file looking for the path forward, not the reason to say no.
3Plain language communication
Emergency services teaches you to explain complex situations clearly in moments of stress. Tony doesn't hide behind jargon. He tells you what's happening, what it means, and what the next move is.
4160+ lender access
As an independent mortgage broker, Tony isn't tied to one bank's programs. If one lender won't work for your situation, he has 159 more options. Deals don't die on his watch because he ran out of options.
5Available 24/7
Firefighters don't get to choose when emergencies happen. Tony carries that same availability into mortgage lending. He answers the phone on Saturday nights, Sunday mornings, and at 6am when rates drop.
6He stays accountable
On the truck, your partner's life depends on you doing your job. Tony brings that accountability to every file — you hear from him before you have to ask, and he doesn't disappear after closing.
The loan process
Pre-approval
Most pre-approvals issued same day. Tony reviews your full picture and gives you a real number.
Loan application
Tony identifies the right program. Documents collected. File built to move fast.
Shop for your home
Pre-approval letter in hand. You work with your agent from a position of strength.
Processing
Tony assembles the full loan package. Proactive communication so you're never left guessing.
Underwriting
The file is reviewed and approved. Tony addresses any conditions fast so nothing stalls.
Closing
Documents sent to title. Tony attends closings when it matters. Keys in hand.
Tony's other missions
Human Advantage Institute
An AI training program built specifically for real estate professionals. Tony founded HAI to teach agents, loan officers, and brokers how to use AI tools without losing the human connection that actually wins clients and closes deals. The core belief: AI amplifies human authenticity — it doesn't replace it.
Learn more →Fire Up Your Life Coaching
A coaching brand for agents, loan officers, business owners, and entrepreneurs focused on relationships, sales, and personal development. Tony runs the Fire Up Your Life podcast on Buzzsprout — conversations with people building something real and the mindset required to do it.
Listen to the podcast →Ready to work
with Tony?
Tell him your situation. In one conversation he'll tell you what you qualify for, which program fits, and exactly what the next step is. No runaround. No call center.
Tony Fitzgerald · NMLS #1284924 · 1st Response Mortgage · Sarasota, Florida · Powered by Barrett Financial Group LLC · NMLS #181106 · FL License MLD1880 · Equal Housing Lender · Available 24/7