During college, Daniel Chookaszian worked for his father in the family business, building the skills necessary to thrive in a career of his choosing. Upon completing his graduate degree, that choice became clear when his best friend from high school started a mortgage company and invited him to come aboard. “I went from spending all day studying in grad school to cold calling all day on an open floor with a group of friends,” he recalls. Nineteen years later, the lessons he learned in those early days — that success requires community, perseverance and failure —have led to top producer awards and hard-earned repeat and referral business.

Chookaszian makes the loan process easier for clients by reviewing their options, answering their questions and matching them with a mortgage that best fits their needs. “My clients call me tenacious and an excellent teacher,” says Chookaszian, who is also a licensed banker. With sharp analytical skills, he knows how to pre-approve buyers and directly help clients rather than looking for people to do the job for him. “I get them dialed into Chase’s banking and pre-approval systems, which are highly integrated,” he says. “This really organizes them for their purchase.” Leading a team allows him to focus on what he does best: Get clients’ files closed.

The relationships and trust he builds with homebuyers often result in him connecting them to auto, business, wealth management and commercial banking resources to help meet their needs outside of lending.

“Looking back on my career, I have learned that there is a connection between relationships and success,” he says. “Building great relationships takes hard work.”

Outside of work, Chookaszian volunteers with his family for the non-profit organization Safe Families and enjoys playing guitar, piano and basketball.