After 31 years in the lending industry, Bill Katsoolias gets the majority of his business from a referral network of past and current clients. It’s having a network of partners and clients that helps an individual thrive in any market, he says.

Katsoolias, a Wintrust Mortgage senior mortgage planner, provides every client with a personalized experience. He doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, and he feels this makes him different from other mortgage planners.

“I take the time to understand each client’s financial goals and tailor the loan process accordingly,” he explains. “I pride myself on being a transformational loan advisor. I show up when there is or is not a transaction to be had. I focus on building relationships and making sure my clients feel informed, supported and confident throughout the process. My goal isn’t just to get their loan; it’s to earn my clients’ and partners’ trust for life.”

Katsoolias started his career in 1994 and never looked back. That year, he graduated college but experienced difficulty finding work. A family friend told him about an opening as a loan originator at the friend’s company. Katsoolias researched the industry and subsequently interviewed with two companies. “After I met with both, I was hooked,” he remembers. “I saw the opportunity to obtain success with hard work and determination.”

Over the years, Katsoolias has worked during a variety of market conditions. This has taught him to adapt quickly, find solutions for the most complex scenarios, anticipate potential issues before they arise and guide clients more efficiently. He has received the Five Star Professional award for over 10 years, is in Wintrust Mortgage’s Honors Circle and President’s Circle, was an Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association nominee for Loan Officer of the Year in 2024 and was named among the top 1% of mortgage originators in the Scotsman Guide.