Just as Fernando D. Rizzo was completing his apprenticeship as an elevator constructor, the 2008 housing crash stepped in to change his plans. After apprenticing for five years, Rizzo was laid off and eager to find a new career. As luck would have it, he had just the right connections to find his true path: His brother-in-law, who is also in banking, introduced him to the industry. Also, Rizzo happened to have known Reno Manuele and Tony Ameti, the owners of Neighborhood Loans, for many years. “Reno and Tony’s encouragement and knowledge of the industry drove me to become what I am today,” Rizzo says. “Helping people finance a home they will love for years to come is my passion.”

Nearly 10 years into his career at Neighborhood Loans, Rizzo is exceedingly grateful for the company and its culture. “We have an energetic work environment, and there is a spirit of service across all teams and departments,” Rizzo says. “I don’t think many people can say they’re still with the same company they started with, and I think this speaks well for Neighborhood Loans.”

Rizzo continues to utilize the knowledge he gained during his apprenticeship. “I am well versed in construction, which is helpful with renovation loans,” Rizzo says. “With an aging housing market, I believe renovation loans will become more popular as updating older homes throughout Chicago and the suburbs will become increasingly necessary.”

A member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce, and Chicago Association of Realtors and its Young Professional Network, Rizzo is fluent in Spanish and is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Florida and Arizona.

Rizzo and his wife enjoy keeping up with their two young girls, who are active in tennis, soccer, roller skating and many other activities. They also enjoy traveling, hosting dinner parties and spending time with their large extended families.