For Alessandro Madonia, senior mortgage advisor at Preferred Rate, which is partnered with American Pacific Mortgage, 17 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 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 one of his best-ever years by volume — and followed it up by expanding his team, hiring an up-and-coming loan officer to help him serve even more families. Now in his eighth year of Who’s Who and his ninth year 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 set the bar high for myself and my team to be fully accountable on everything we do for clients.” Discussing his approach to preapproval, fully understanding his clients’ needs and maintaining total availability, he states: “Being informed about current market trends and communicating those trends to my clients creates a sense of calm and assurance that helps my clients know I have their back during this process.”

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 to chase relationships and not money. So, I take great pride in developing and maintaining long-lasting business relationships with my referral partners.”