WHY I CHOSE TO FINANCIAL PROFESSION
Like most people who become mortgage brokers, I came to the profession because I enjoy the challenge of making the complicated process understandable to my clients, and I appreciate the responsibility of leading them through each step.
I also value the relationships I develop, and the respect I have for each client’s unique situation helps me steer them toward the most appropriate mortgage solution. I strive to open doors while limiting my clients’ liability and protect them from assuming too much risk. As a result, mortgages may not come easily, but my clients will understand every aspect before signing on the dotted line. Read more about my journey from professional baseball to the mortgage profession here.
MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN FINANCE
With almost 20 years in the professional finance world, I have seen it all. I have helped clients meet unique needs and achieve their dreams. Whether through thoughtful financial planning, or the purchase of their dream home, this is truly an industry that allows me to be a part of opening doors and helping people and families start the next chapter of their lives. I am proud to have worked my way up the ranks, starting as a Financial Representative, then a Loan Officer, and finally the President of my own company, here at Mortgage Specialists.
After life took me down a different path than the one I thought I would be on throughout adulthood, I had to make a choice and I realized I needed to find a vocation where I could be providing the kind of support for others who are striving to achieve their dreams. I wanted to do something that would improve the quality of their lives, and that would allow me to make a lasting impact. Luckily, I found it; a career that fulfills me every single day.
EDUCATION
↓University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha NE
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Major: Entrepreneurship Option
EXPERIENCE
↓Mortgage Specialists, LLC: President
May 2004 - Present
Broker & Correspondent residential mortgage loans in regulations to federal and state guidelines & laws
Advise & consult clients on their overall financial well-being in relationship to their mortgage lending needs
Operate my business effectively and efficiently in according to lending laws and accounting principles
Facilitate, manage & educate other mortgage loan officers in the process of originating mortgage loans
Focus on Loan Prospector, Desktop Underwriter to maximize loan decisions (FHA, VA, FHLMC, FNMA)
Regent Financial Group, Incorporated: Senior Loan Officer
May 2001 – May 2004
Specialize in residential mortgage loans, products, regulations, guidelines & procedures including FHA
Advise and consult clients on their overall financial well-being in relationship to their mortgage needs
Assemble, process & verify credit application for submitting a complete file for a loan commitment
Facilitate, manage & educate other mortgage loan officers in the process of brokering mortgage loans
Focus on Loan Prospector, Desktop Underwriter to maximize loan decisions (FHA, VA, FHLMC, FNMA)
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network: Financial Representative
October 2000 – May 2001
Advise and consult clients on their overall financial well-being to maximize their future goals
Operate my personal business effectively and efficiently to attain a strong clientele
Market insurance and disability products to supplement income
Submit and organize proper financial paperwork
Educate individuals on the importance of life and disability insurance
Midwest Engine Warehouse: Puller and Shipper
May 1992 – October 2000
Supervise & train a team of packers and pullers on all proper job techniques to optimal efficiency
Organize and maintain inventory of over 600,000 different warehouse items
Maintain excellent customer service with clients that come directly to the warehouse
Ship and organize all orders
ACTIVITIES AND HONORS
- Certified Mortgage Consultant, CMC
- Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist, CRMS
- Member of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, NAMB
- Past President of the Nebraska Association of Mortgage Brokers, NEAMB 2009, 2017
- Past Treasurer of the Nebraska Association of Mortgage Brokers, NEAMB 2007, 2008
- Co-Chairman of NEAMB Education Committee 2007 - Present
- Omaha Area Board of Realtor Affiliate President, 2016
- 2004 US Paralympian and Captain of the US Sitting Volleyball Team and World Championship Team
- All Time Sitting Volleyball Great from USA Volleyball
- State Instructor for the Nebraska Association of Mortgage Brokers (RESPA, TILA, Credit Scoring, Ethics, Fair Housing, Protect Your Business)
- State & National Instructor for the Iowa Association of Mortgage Brokers & the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (RESPA, TILA, Credit Scoring, Ethics, Fair Housing, Protect Your Business)
- Instructor for the State of Nebraska Continuing Education Class Mortgage Financing & RESPA
- Instructor for Randall School of Real Estate & Mr. Real Estate Real Estate Seminar’s & CE
- Midlands Business Journal Omaha’s Top 40 under 40
- Motivational Speaker for Disabled Sports
- Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Real Estate Finance, Intro Finance & Business
- Board Member, Eastern Nebraska Wheelchair Athletic Association, ENWAA 2006 – Current (President)
- Council Board Member for Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church 2005-2011
- Past President, Vice President and Secretary of the “Let’s Do Lunch” Chapter of BNI
- Past President, Vice President and Secretary of the Professional Networking Group
- Omaha Executive Club, member 2007 – Current (President)
- Omaha Area Board of Realtor Affiliate Board Member 2008 - Present
- Professional Minor League Pitcher for the Gulf Coast Royals Farm Team of the Kansas City Royals 1999
- North Central Conference All-Conference Member 1998 – 1999
- University of Nebraska at Omaha Baseball Captain 1997-1999
- University of Nebraska at Omaha Student Athlete Academic Board Member 1996-1999 Vice President 1998-1999
- University of Nebraska at Omaha Athletic Committee Board Member 1997 –1999
- World Champion Wheelchair Softball
- 11 Time National Wheelchair Softball Champion
- Most Valuable Player in ’03, ’07, & ’08, ’11, ’12, ‘17 in the Wheelchair Softball World Series
- 2013 Inductee into National Wheelchair Softball Hall of Fame
