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As a district representative for National Mutual Benefit, Lisa will be covering life, disability, and long-term care insurances, as well as annuities and IRAs. Both will also provide home mortgages through Optimum Mortgage. With past mortgage experience, Paul plans to work at the agency in addition to being a financial manager in St. Cloud.

Lisa and Paul Bowden, who met at PAHS, have moved back to the area and opened a new insurance and mortgage business in downtown Paynesville.

The couple, who met at PAHS and married in 1990, both graduated from St. Cloud State University, where Paul majored in physical education and Lisa majored in business and psychology. Though the business is a joint venture, Lisa will act as the primary agent. "It's always been my dream to open a business in Paynesville," said Lisa. "I have a business degree, and it just made sense."

One of her goals, she added, is to become a trusted and credible financial planning resource in the community.

"The type of service we provide will be the highest quality," Paul said. "We've bought and sold so many houses ourselves," he continued, "that we really understand the difference between good service and bad service."

Because they use local underwriters, he explained, they can offer a quick turnaround on mortgage approvals and last minute adjustments prior to closing. It's usually possible to provide clients with this information on the same day they apply.

"Most people want to be pre-approved before searching for a house," Paul reasoned. "It's convenient for customers, and realtors like it, too."

The Bowdens moved back to Paynesville in November 2002 and now live on Rice Lake with their four children. Raising their children in this community and near family is important to both of them. Paul enjoys hunting and fishing, while Lisa's interests center around fitness and nutrition. Lisa added that they're also looking forward to becoming involved in local community and business organizations.