Watching his relatives who worked in lending help multitudes of people become homeowners inspired Andrew J. O’Brien to pursue a career in lending after graduating from college.

O’Brien, a loan originator with Neighborhood Loans, has 20 years of experience assisting clients with the largest purchase of their lives. Easygoing and process driven, he always aims to close on time, every time. “Helping so many families buy a home over the years, you just realize most of them just want someone to take their time and get the job done right,” he says.

Patient and thorough, he answers all client questions and makes sure they understand the mortgage process from that first introductory meeting, where he takes time to set up realistic expectations, to the closing table, where the smile on their faces at the end of a transaction is the greatest sign of success. “I work with anybody who has the dream to own a home or save more money on their current mortgage,” he says. “All of my clients are treated as if they are million-dollar buyers, regardless of whether they are buying a $75,000 home or a $1 million home.”

Among Scotsman Guide’s Top Originators in the U.S., most of O’Brien’s business comes from referrals and repeat clients. “I am always looking out for clients’ best interests,” he says. “I have a positive, energetic demeanor and am always available to answer questions, which helps stave off frustration or anxiety.” Regardless of whether he’s delivering good news or tough news, he puts clients on a path to home ownership.

In the past year, he was able to get more families into homes than ever before. “Anytime I can increase that year-over-year is a great accomplishment,” he says. “I love making people homeowners!”

O’Brien supplements his college degree with continuing education courses and is most inspired by his family and friends.