Meet the Founder

Hi, I’m Ed.
I’m a husband, a father of four, and a long-time Minooka resident. I’ve spent over 15 years working in the mortgage industry — helping families navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. I’ve also owned small businesses, led teams, and worked hard to do right by people in an industry that doesn’t always put people first.

But the CIVIX PROJECT? That started somewhere else entirely.

My wife is an ER and ICU nurse who also works in critical care transport. I’ve seen her come home emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and still get up to do it again. Watching her, I began to see the bigger picture: there are millions of people like her — first responders, healthcare workers, veterans — quietly carrying the weight of entire communities with very little recognition, support, or thanks.

I started CIVIX to change that.

What began as a simple “thank you” has grown into a full-blown mission. We now offer a mortgage credit to frontline professionals, run recognition campaigns, and sell mission-based merch to fund future outreach. It’s small for now — but the vision is big: scholarships, emergency support funds, raffles, department partnerships, and more.

And yes, I still fund most of it myself — through my own work, merch sales, and time.

I’m not trying to go viral. I’m not a celebrity, influencer, or nonprofit exec. I’m just a regular guy who got tired of saying “someone should do something” — and decided to start.

If you believe in this kind of work — or if you have an idea to make it better — I’d love to hear from you.  ideas@civixproject.com

Thanks for being here.
– Ed