How did you get involved in the mortgage industry?
I began my career 25 years ago as a loan officer for a small bank in St. Louis, Heartland Savings Bank. They hired me into their Management Training program right out of college. When I got to the mortgage department, it just clicked. And the rest is history.

What is the biggest challenge or opportunity you have seen in the mortgage industry?
Making sure you do business with the right kind of people – people you like, have integrity and value relationships.

What advice would you give people just entering the industry?
Learn all you can about the mortgage transaction.  Be a sponge absorbing information from every side – originations, processing, underwriting, closing and servicing – you never know where you might land within the industry.

Do you have a quick tip for saving time, generating leads, tracking information, etc. that you would like to share?
Find two hours every day to shut down email and social media. Make phone calls during that time. In this day of electronic communication, people still like to have conversations.

When you are not at work, what do you like to do most?
Spend time having fun with my family – Julie and our three boys.  And if time allows, ride my Harley and play some golf.

What is a quote or a guiding principle you live by?
For all you do, this Bud’s for you!