For Alessandro Madonia, senior mortgage advisor at Preferred Rate, which is partnered with American Pacific Mortgage, 15 years in the mortgage industry has taught him the value of what is commonly known as the golden rule.

“My business style is simple,” Madonia says of his usual thought process. “I just ask myself how I’d want to be treated if I were the one buying a home.” In the last year, Madonia closed out his best ever year by volume — and followed it up by expanding into Florida and earning an additional license to help him serve even more families. Now in his sixth year of Who’s Who and his seventh winning the Five Star Mortgage Professional award, he says he’s learned a few things about how to continue growing and excelling in his industry.

“My job is about over-exceeding customer expectations,” Madonia explains. “I have exceptional communication skills and a very strong work ethic, and I hold myself and my team fully accountable on everything we do for clients.” He maintains that owning real estate is one of the largest investments most people make, and that’s why he is so committed to making it fun, informative and as stress-free as possible. “Being informed on current market trends and communicating them to my clients creates a sense of calm and assurance that helps my clients know I have their back during this process,” he says of his approach to preapproval, full understanding of client needs and total availability.

The proof of Madonia’s effectiveness is found in his client base — 100% referrals, and often the very same professionals he works with daily, including attorneys, Realtors, other financial advisors and insurance agents. And, of course, plenty of repeat business. “I’ve learned in this business, family comes first,” he says. “So, I treat clients like my own family.”