Top Producer Pro Tips: Masters of the Midwest
June 2, 2015 2:20 PM
Learn how the some of the industry's most successful loan originators get it done with these tricks of the trade from the 2015 Top Producers rankings' top 12 loan officers of the Midwest.
No. 12 Patrick Ruffner, Guaranteed Rate (No. 41 overall)
What's unique about the local market you serve and what do you do to address those needs? Serving the relocation market, you must take into consideration the extreme stress that comes into play when a client is relocating. Many times half the family is on one side of the country while a spouse or children remain elsewhere until the move can be completed. There are many balls being juggled at the same time while relocating. so my goal is to take some of that stress off their plates.
No. 11 Daryn Peterson, Wintrust Mortgage (No. 34 overall)
What do you know about the mortgage business now that you wished you knew when you started out? To always update your database.
No. 10 Tom Lavallee, Guaranteed Rate (No. 32 overall)
What do you know about the mortgage business now that you wished you knew when you started out? That a team is integral to success! My entire team contributes to my success.
No. 9 Dan Gjeldum, Guaranteed Rate (No. 31 overall)
What's unique about the local market you serve and what do you do to address those needs? I work with a lot of financial planners. Financial planners lean on me to provide their buyers knowledge on the mortgage market and how to structure loans that are tailored to meet the goals of the individual client.
No. 8 Jessie Pachan, Smarter Mortgages (No. 30 overall)
Who is someone in your life, personally or professionally, who helps contribute to your success? My husband who supports me; my dad who listens and gives wise advice; and my boss who pushes me when I feel I've reached my limits. All three play a role that counterbalances what I need every day to keep doing my best.
No. 7 John Noldan, Guaranteed Rate (No. 28 overall)
Tell us about an unusual or difficult loan scenario and what you did to ensure a successful closing. I often receive save the deal calls from real estate agents whose customers were in process with other lenders. I assess the issues and solve the problems.
No. 6 Neena Vlamis, A & N Mortgage Services (No. 21 overall)
Who is someone in your life, personally or professionally, who helps contribute to your success? My mother, she is my mortgage processor. She helps me close about 50 loans personally every month. She is amazing.
No. 5 Sam Sharp, Guaranteed Rate (No. 17 overall)
Tell us about your most creative or successful marketing strategy. Online reviews have been my top source of business. I actually stumbled into this. I had a few reviews that were posted and I started to receive business from random clients that had found these reviews online. Since then I have focused on increasing positive feedback online which has led to a strong return. The best part it's free.
No. 4 Shimmy Braun, Guaranteed Rate (No. 16 overall)
What's unique about the local market you serve and what do you do to address those needs? Chicago has a big condo market. My team and I are well equipped through experience to handle a condo market.
No. 3 Ryan Kelley, New Castle (No. 14 overall)
Tell us about an unusual or difficult loan scenario and what you did to ensure a successful closing. I had a couple that came in and wanted to combine their first and second mortgages. She was starting a new company and money was very tight. The appraisal didn't come in high enough, so I could only do the first mortgage. They were really disappointed although they were saving some money like an average refi. While working on the subordination I was able to negotiate the second mortgage for half of what they owed. The clients were ecstatic and she was able to start her new business.
No. 2 Deborah Foley, Smarter Mortgages (No. 9 overall)
What do you know about the mortgage business now that you wished you knew when you started out? I wish I could have told myself to relax more in the beginning because the job would get easier with time and experience. In the beginning I was very hard on myself for the things I did not know.
No. 1 Joseph Caltabiano, Guaranteed Rate (No. 3 overall)
What's unique about the local market you serve and what do you do to address those needs? It is a very competitive market place like all major cities. I need to excel at customer service, low rates and offer a wide array of products.
