Andrew Dehan: A Journey from Breweries to Senior Writer at Bankrate
The name Andrew Dehan has become familiar in the world of finance and housing journalism. Based in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, United States, he has crafted a career that demonstrates adaptability, creativity, and a deep passion for communication. Today, he is widely recognised as a Senior Writer and Housing Reporter for Bankrate, one of the leading names in personal finance. Yet, his journey into journalism is far from conventional. From working in breweries to managing content strategies and writing insightful pieces about mortgages and housing, Andrew’s career is a testament to growth, resilience, and curiosity.
Early Career and Foundations
Brewing and Early Employment
Before establishing himself in the finance and housing sector, Andrew Dehan explored a variety of industries. He spent time as a Brewer at Bell’s Brewery and later as a Production Lead at B. Nektar Meadery. These roles taught him precision, discipline, and an appreciation for process – qualities that would later serve him in the structured world of journalism.
He also worked as a Head Brewer at Urbanrest Brewing Co. in Ferndale, Michigan. These hands-on experiences honed his leadership skills, collaboration abilities, and attention to detail. Alongside his brewing work, Andrew contributed to the retail side of craft brewing as a Homebrew Specialist at O’Connor’s Homebrew Supply, where he guided customers and developed problem-solving skills.
Health and Support Roles
Prior to his brewing career, Andrew also worked as an Application Training and Support Specialist at Cherry Street Health Services, where he provided technical support and training for staff. His time as a Volunteer Coordinator/Outreach Worker/Program Manager at Cherry Street Community HealthCorps reflected his commitment to community building and helping others access essential resources.
These diverse roles highlight Andrew’s ability to adapt and thrive across industries, laying the foundation for his eventual shift into content and journalism.
Education and Academic Achievements
Education has played a pivotal role in shaping Andrew Dehan’s path. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Writing from Grand Valley State University, with a focus on Creative Writing and English. During his time at the university, he was an active contributor to Fishladder, the student-run literary journal, serving as both Assistant Editor and Editor of Poetry.
Andrew’s talent was recognised nationally when he won the AWP Intro Award for Poetry in 2008 and received nominations in both 2007 and 2008. He also earned an Honourable Mention in the Oldenburg Writing Contest. These early accolades showed his natural gift for storytelling and creative expression.
To strengthen his leadership and organisational skills, Andrew pursued a Graduate Certificate in Organisational Leadership at UMass Global, completed in 2021. He has also engaged in continuing coursework, including the NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator education and the MLO SAFE Test, ensuring his expertise remains both relevant and practical in the housing and mortgage industry.
Transition to Writing and Content Strategy
STAHLS’ Content Writer
Andrew began moving towards his writing career when he worked as a Content Writer for STAHLS’ in Greater Detroit. Between 2018 and 2020, he wrote and edited articles, web content, and print material. This role allowed him to merge his love for storytelling with practical communication, developing skills in content creation that would later define his career.
Rocket Central and RKT Holdings
In May 2020, Andrew Dehan joined Rocket Central (formerly Rocket Mortgage) as a Blog Writer, where he created accessible content on real estate, finance, and mortgages. By August 2021, his hard work and commitment earned him a promotion to Associate Section Editor. In this position, he not only wrote but also managed editorial strategies, supervised projects, and contributed to the company’s wider communication goals.
His time at RKT Holdings solidified his position as a professional writer and editor within the housing and mortgage industry. It was during these years that Andrew fully embraced the world of financial journalism.
Freelance Work and Kingsfield Content
Freelance Writer
In late 2022, Andrew ventured into self-employment, taking on projects as a Freelance Writer. Over six months, he worked with a variety of clients, focusing on finance, real estate, and homeownership. His freelance period demonstrated not only his writing ability but also his entrepreneurial spirit.
Kingsfield Content
Around the same time, Andrew founded Kingsfield Content, a company dedicated to producing high-quality content in finance, housing, and related fields. As the Owner, he applied his expertise in content strategy, marketing, data journalism, and writing to create informative and engaging material for businesses and audiences alike. Kingsfield Content marked a significant step in his career as it showcased his ability to lead and deliver independently.
Senior Writer at Bankrate
In June 2023, Andrew Dehan took on his most high-profile role to date as a Senior Writer and Housing Reporter for Bankrate. At Bankrate, he writes and edits real estate and finance content designed to educate readers and help them make informed financial decisions.
Andrew’s approach is simple yet powerful: he aims to ensure readers walk away not only informed but also empowered to take the next steps in their financial journey. From writing about the best cities for families to explaining how mutual funds work, his work blends clarity, precision, and actionable advice.
His expertise covers:
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Mortgages
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Mortgage refinancing
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Homebuying
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Housing market trends
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Home improvement
By combining industry knowledge with his creative writing skills, Andrew has become a trusted voice for readers navigating the complex world of housing and finance.
Skills and Expertise
Throughout his career, Andrew Dehan has developed a strong skill set that includes:
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Content Strategy: Crafting content plans tailored to audience needs.
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SEO: Ensuring articles are visible and competitive in search rankings.
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Writing and Editing: Producing engaging and accurate content.
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Data Storytelling: Using numbers and research to tell compelling stories.
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Business Journalism: Blending financial literacy with storytelling for clarity.
These abilities have allowed him to succeed across roles and industries, making him an adaptable and forward-thinking professional.
Publications and Recognition
Andrew’s work has appeared not only on Bankrate but also in respected outlets including Forbes Advisor, Business Insider, SmartAsset, and Yahoo Finance. His wide reach demonstrates the trust that publishers and readers alike place in his expertise.
His writing often emphasises timing, clarity, and empowerment. As he himself has said, “So much about buying a home is about timing. Knowing the time is right for you personally is more important than trying to time the housing market.”
Personal Life and Interests
Away from the professional world, Andrew Dehan lives in metro Detroit with his wife, two children, and two dogs. He is passionate about nature, music, and problem-solving, and he feels most fulfilled when writing, learning, or even building a fire.
This blend of professional focus and personal creativity gives Andrew’s work an authenticity that resonates with readers seeking guidance on life’s most significant financial decisions.
Conclusion
From brewing beer to writing about mortgages, Andrew Dehan has forged a path defined by versatility, passion, and growth. His role as Senior Writer and Housing Reporter for Bankrate represents the culmination of years of experience across industries, education, and personal exploration.
With his strong foundation in creative writing, leadership training from UMass Global, and hands-on editorial experience from Rocket Central, Kingsfield Content, and freelance projects, Andrew has become a reliable guide for anyone navigating the financial landscape.
Above all, his writing carries a clear mission: to empower readers with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed choices about their futures.
