Wells Exec Running for Office

Bob Acheson still originates mortgage loans while managing the sales of two Wells Fargo branches in Merced and one in Atwater, Calif. On top of that, he is the planning commissioner for the city of Merced and is running for city council this fall.

With a background in sales, Acheson, 64, said he made the move from the automotive field to the mortgage industry about five years ago. After four years at Pacific Republic, now GMAC, he was recruited by Wells a year and a half ago and said it has been a very positive experience.

His involvement with the city serving on the Economic Development Advisory Committee and on the board of directors for the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce has naturally progressed into seeking a seat on the city council, he said.

“I enjoy meeting new people, I care about the city and with that it’s pretty easy to get involved and be able to participate and do the things you want to do,” Acheson told MortgageDaily.com.Community issues Acheson hopes to address include the addition of new business and jobs, growth in the area and the support of law enforcement, he said. “We need to support law enforcement no question about it,” Acheson said. “We are no different than anybody else; we have gang issues, we have the graffiti issues, we have those kinds of things and I personally believe once we get the job situation under control a lot of that will go away.” Being a people person and developing relationships in both the political arena and the mortgage industry has helped open doors and broaden his mortgage customer base, he said. And currently, Acheson is a shoe-in for the seat on the council.

Robert Acheson

Three seats are available and there are only three candidates so far, he said. The competition has until August 10 to file their candidacy for November’s election. Acheson said he anticipates that there will be others in Merced, a city of 80,000, to come forward with an interest in running.A victory for Acheson won’t change much, just how busy he is, because he definitely isn’t leaving his current position with Wells, he said.

“Wells is an awesome company.”