Making the decision to completely change careers in 1997, George Kaiser left a family-owned retail business and transitioned to the mortgage industry. “I was managing 110 employees and really loved the sales side of the business,” he says. “I completed many hours of sales training, which definitely prepared me for the mortgage industry.”
A loan officer for 25 years, Kaiser works for Wintrust Mortgage providing mortgages in all 50 states and offering all possible mortgage products other than reverse mortgages. “I have seen the darkest days of the mortgage industry from 2006 to 2009,” he remembers. “If anyone was able to survive that upheaval and dramatic change in the mortgage industry, then they are a true mortgage professional!”
Kaiser’s style is all business, yet also very empathetic. “I believe in treating my clients the way I would want to be treated,” he insists. Described as helpful, knowledgeable, accessible and patient, he interacts with other loan officers, which provide him with the opportunity to see all types of mortgage scenarios. “I have two partners with whom I have worked for 12 and 14 years,” he adds. “This allows us to be very responsive to all of our customers.” He also works with many self-employed borrowers, allowing him to understand very complex tax returns.
A member of Mortgage Bankers Association and also the nonprofit organization Chicago Scots, Kaiser was named Loan Officer of the Year by Chicago Agent magazine in 2021 and has been a President’s Circle award winner for Wintrust Mortgage since 2007. When not working, he participates in many church activities in the Divine Mercy Parish and volunteers to make deliveries for A Just Harvest food pantry. An avid golfer, he enjoys working out six or seven days a week and became a Peloton believer during the pandemic. “My proudest accomplishments in the past year was being named Loan Officer of the Year in one of the most difficult lending years,” he shares. “And celebrating 38 years of marriage with my wife, Chris.”
