Strongsville Branch

NMLS# 712860
Phone: (330) 273-3511
mcabassa@ffl.net

Michelle Cabassa began her career with First Federal Lakewood in 2002 as a teller and has held positions of increasing responsibility. Today, she serves as Regional Branch Manager for four branch offices—Brunswick, Strongsville, North Royalton and Olmsted Township. She is adept at educating customers on personal and business accounts and all the services associated with them, as well as home equity lines of credit. Michelle is a past recipient of First Federal Lakewood Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards, as well as the Essential Piece Award, Investment Services, which recognizes employees who gain the most referrals companywide. Michelle is a graduate of the First Federal Lakewood Retail Management Trainee Program and is a member/volunteer for the Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce, Strongsville Area Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement. She also serves on the American Red Cross blood drive committee.

NMLS# 531900
Phone: (440) 576-6080
bpogue@ffl.net

Brandi Pogue has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. As Branch Manager, Brandi specializes in helping residents achieve their personal and financial goals. Brandi is highly experienced in home equity loans and lines of credit, small business lending, consumer and small business checking, and savings and retirement accounts. Prior to joining First Federal Lakewood in 2015, she was a Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President for six years and a Branch Manager for 10 years with two large regional banks. During her career, she has spent multiple years in the $1 million loan club and has been recognized for exemplary customer service. Brandi is involved in the Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce, the Medina Chamber of Commerce and North Royalton Chamber of Commerce and served as past president, vice president and board member of the Medina County Young Professional Association from 2007 to 2013.

NMLS# 1130683
Phone: (440) 582-2010
cemerson@ffl.net

NMLS# 712890
Phone: (216) 221-7300 x5812 
Cell Phone:(440) 915-1613
Fax: (216) 452-4632
smerdes@ffl.net

Scott Merdes joined First Federal Lakewood in 2008 and serves as a Mortgage Loan Originator. For more than 18 years in the mortgage lending industry, he has been helping families realize the dream of home ownership. Scott works with each customer to ensure they can make the most informed mortgage decision possible and choose the right product for their situation. His success has been built through referrals, one happy customer at a time. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Toledo. In addition to being an affiliate member of the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors, he has conducted several realtor education classes at Hondros College and implemented training classes for loan officers.

Testimonial:
"We love First Federal Lakewood. We are happy to give repeat business to a great local lender. Scott Merdes is a fabulous loan officer, very knowledgeable and professional.”
-Kelly R. & Michael Z.

NMLS# 1118356
Phone: (216) 475-5200
nsalsgiver@ffl.net