Orlando, FL. December 15, 2012 - The Orlando Business Journal has recognized RP Funding in its 2012 Outstanding Small Business Awards.

RP Funding, Orlando's Direct Mortgage Lender, took the top prize in its division, competing against dozens of other businesses that employ between 61 and 350 people.

The awards recognize small businesses that are both growing and giving back to the community.

In addition, RP Funding President Robert Palmer was named the Orlando Business Journal's 2012 Outstanding Small Business Executive of the Year. RP Funding's achievements that impressed the judges included "earning the highest level of lender approval from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and earning a 99 percent customer satisfaction rating and an A grade from the Better Business Bureau."

Palmer was also a nominee in the OBJ's 40 Under 40 awards. "We had a great year in 2012 and appreciate all the recognition that we have been receiving," said Palmer. "But what it really shows is that we're changing the mortgage business in Central Florida and proving that we can be successful while saving consumers thousands of dollars on a mortgage."