Our Story
UFirst was founded by dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping people take control of their financial lives. Hear their personal stories, as well as the stories of some of the people who have discovered financial security by using the Money Merge Account System.
Inside UFirst
Meet the people behind UFirst: the executives and founders, as well as the dedicated employees who ensure that Agents and Customers get the very best support and customer service.
In the Beginning
The UFirst story and genesis of the Money Merge Account System began in 1997 when two of the company’s founders, John Washenko and Skyler Witman, opened Accelerated Equity and Development, one of the fastest growing mortgage companies in the Utah region. Founded on competitive products and ethical mortgage principles, the founders quickly realized that the cycle of refinancing every few years was putting their clients further and further into debt as time went on. After offering debt reduction solutions such as the well-known bi-weekly plan, John and Skyler began looking abroad for a more powerful strategy for alleviating the burden of growing debt loads.
In 2002, they put together a stellar IT unit, headed by a mathematical engineer from GE Aeronautics, to begin building the algorithms that underlie the Money Merge Account System. By 2005, they were ready to launch the market test to 400 homeowners in Colorado. To their astonishment, after just one year of testing, they found that their clients were on schedule to be mortgage free in just 8 to 11 years. These clients were on average 15-20% ahead of their projected payoff dates and savings.
In 2006, it was time to bring on Stuart “Mac” Saunders, Jonathan E. Bonnette, Matt Lovelady, Ryan Sabin, Don Jorgenson, and Steve Smith to create United First Financial. This team comprises many years of financial services experience and insights.
The highest acclaim thus far came in June of 2008 when the company’s founders were awarded the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2008 Utah Region award for financial services.

Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.
Tens of thousands of UFirst clients are paying off their mortgages and other debts in as little as 1/3 to 1/2 the regular time. It only takes a few minutes to get your FREE Personalized 5-Page Analysis and find out how quickly you can be debt free and begin building true wealth.
When we're talking about interest on your debt, would you rather pay more, or less?