Now with 25 years of experience under his belt, Leonard M. Pollard left retail management in 1997 because he wanted to help people, possess greater financial freedom and have more control over his work-life balance.

“My clients appreciate my transparency and simple communication without causing them to feel left out or confused with mortgage terminology,” says Pollard. “I am hands-on from the very beginning, and they appreciate this white-glove treatment.” He starts all his clientele off with an initial consultation before discussing any financial matters. This enables him to get to know them so that he can make sure their experience is personal and painless. He offers clients help with residential mortgages, renovation loans, down payment assistance and other common specialty products. With past-client and network referrals fueling his business, he’s excited for continued growth and the positive impact of social media.

Among his proudest accomplishments over the past year are his certification as a renovation loan specialist, becoming the designated mortgage and finance educator for Habitat Chicago, and his direct contribution to the increase in sales at the Coldwell Banker office in Oak Lawn. He is also a member of the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America and is honored to be a part of the Natasha Robinson Team at his company. A natural leader with vast expertise, Pollard bears two-and-a-half decades of experience that have allowed him to build and sustain relationships within his sphere of influence and share his knowledge and experience with everyone he meets.

A community activist, Pollard enjoys exercising, cooking and binging Netflix with family when he’s not working on at-home projects. He’s also involved with Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scouts. A proud father of five, he looks forward to seeing his daughter’s upcoming graduation from high school — an accomplishment that’s coming a year ahead of schedule.