Playing college football and winning the Rose Bowl with his team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is something Alex Ilich will always remember. “The experience taught me teamwork and tenacity like no other,” he says. “It shaped who I am for life.”

Process-driven and goal-oriented, Ilich, a senior loan officer at Wintrust Mortgage, enjoys finding the best possible programs and solutions for his clients. “I owned my own mortgage company for over 10 years, finally closing during the meltdown in 2008,” he says. “I have been a part of the industry in every fashion and know the business better than my competition.” Growing up watching his father become a successful loan officer inspired Ilich to work as one during summer vacations from college and to pursue a career in lending full-time after graduation.

Named among the top 1% of loan originators in the country, Ilich also achieved President’s Club status with his previous employer, Guaranteed Rate. Ilich works almost exclusively by referral with first-time buyers, move-up customers, investors and everyone in between. He even does a lot of business with his former teammates from football. “I am patient but also persistent,” he says. “I know how to structure a loan and make it work.” He also goes out of his way not to waste anyone’s time by identifying issues with a deal upfront, and then either structuring it properly or letting clients know immediately that it will not work.

To give back, Ilich participates in the Buckingham Club, a philanthropic organization made up of alumni athletes from the University of Wisconsin-Madison that benefits medical research at the university. He also supports the Bucktown Community Organization and sponsors the annual Bucktown Garden Walk. A certified rescue diver, he is working toward his scuba Divemaster certification. To unwind, Ilich plays guitar and writes and releases new music with two other real estate professionals as part of the band 5 Step Drop.