I spent 18 years in the beautiful vacation town of Traverse City, Michigan. There, I learned real estate at a young age from my Aunt Linda and Uncle Greg who still run a successful real estate group in Northern Michigan.

What was your most interesting job before going into lending?

I always have had a passion for children and games, so for four years just before to going into mortgage lending, I ran a very profitable group of children’s toy stores in malls across three states. We had educational toys. It’s a time look back on very fondly.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

The funny thing is I don’t get stressed that often at all. I have an amazing ability to see the bright side of all situations, and it allows me to keep a calm and cool outlook to best serve my clients and my own sanity.

Where is Chicago’s best-kept secret?

Chicago has a geat boating scene. It’s way more than just the playpen. I like taking my boat all the way down the river past Chinatown. It’s just a amazing to see the architecture and nature blend together.

What do you love most about the industry?

What I do in my mortgage business actually changes people’s lives. Although it’s just numbers and paper pushing to most, I see my mortgage business as a way to transform lives, build wealth and give families a place to raise their children and create memories.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

We typically close to $15 million of loans on an average month (some months much more) and have been doing it at this high of a level, year after year, so being consistent with the small tasks every day is the most difficult thing, but it’s just so necessary. When you don’t have a 9-5 job, you need to be able to have a mindset that small tasks done consistently lead to amazing results over long periods of time.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

The classics like The Office and Seinfield. I put them on to go to bed at night, and I have seen every episode 10 times through, so it’s a calming background noise that is wildly soothing for me.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?

I am just as happy with a hot dog at Wrigley as going to Alinea.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

I once showed up to work with two different shoes on. I was putting on a suit, deciding between two different shoes and then took a client call and just left the house. I was known as Mr. Two Shoes for months after that.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

My entire business and life revolve around the concept of giving to others. Not only has it helped me build a career I am proud of, it makes me sleep well at night.

What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

I have traveled to 25 countries and counting, but I will always keep going back to Japan. The food, the culture and history make it my all time favorite vacation spot.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the lending industry?

If you can truly help others solve big problems, you will be compensated very well.