In the residential mortgage industry for 30 years, Mark Stec remembers a mentor who once told him to always under promise and over deliver; advice he continues to follow today. “I never make promises I cannot keep,” Stec explains. “I set expectations with each client at our initial meeting, am always accessible for any questions and remain engaged throughout the entire process.”

Vice president of Wintrust Mortgage, Stec is licensed in all 50 states, managing a team of several loan officers; some who have been with him for over 15 years. While offering a seamless construction to permanent 30-year fixed product, they also have an ARM product for clients who do not fit into the ‘box’ that they underwrite in house. “Having the support and reputation of Wintrust Mortgage adds credibility and a higher standard of business practices than most mortgage brokers,” he points out.

Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association nominated Stec for the Best in Business Award in 2013. A Scotsman Award winner from 2019-24, he was a member of Wintrust President’s Circle from 2017-23. Confident there is not a mortgage loan scenario he has not encountered throughout his career, he has closed loans everywhere from $50,000 to over $7 million, with more than 50% of his clients being (self-employed) business owners. “This makes me uniquely qualified to get the job done for my clients,” he insists. “In this industry there is no substitute for experience.”

A supporter of Community Partners for Affordable Housing in Highland Park and Mathias Academy in Bristol, Wisconsin, Stec is recognized for his honesty, responsiveness, patience and professionalism. “I have been very fortunate to work with some wonderful people over the course of my career,” he shares. “Personal satisfaction for me is a happy client, especially a first-time homebuyer.” An avid golfer, Stec has lived in Lincolnshire for 24 years with his wife and two children.