What do you think defines you as a lender?

Before I got into the mortgage business, I worked in securities and did financial planning. I had a guy who was about to make a bad financial decision. I wanted his business, but with the financial know-how I have, I couldn’t let him cut off his nose to spite his face. I’m a mortgage lender, but I think that a broad background it helps. My end goal is to help clients.

You say you’re an outside the box kind of thinker, what’s an example of how you use that to help clients?

I love to suggest restructuring to a 20-year mortgage! I’m big on looking at the rates and helping clients explore refinancing. The numbers matter. A lot of clients are really stuck on that idea of "I want a lower payment." The customer is always right, but if I can do it, keep them in a comfort zone and save them money over time, then that’s what I enjoy about what I do.

So, what inspires you?

My kids are awesome! I have a 17-year-old-boy and 12-year-old girl, and I love to be involved with them. Right now, we’re in the “improve your SAT scores” mode with my son, who has Asperger’s.

What have you learned raising your son?

I’ve always been a pretty blunt person and he has certainly rounded off some of those edges. I had a fraternity brother named Danny in college who had Down syndrome, and he taught me a lot about not judging others. Raising my son Carson has changed my views on the world. Carson has made me laugh every day since he was born. I "speak Carson," so I understand him; he looks at the world differently and he’s not afraid to question anything. If you’re having a bad day, go have a five-minute conversation with him. He is not afraid to be himself.

You have deep roots in the community?

We live in Greenwood. My wife and I were both raised here. We moved to Arizona for nine years and enjoyed the housing crash out in the sun. Phew! When things went south, we decided to come home. There was some carnage, but we learn from our mistakes.

What did you take away from the housing crash?

There’s a documentary called "The Big Short" that is a walkthrough of how the markets crashed. If you’re in the mortgage business, it’s a must-see. It articulated a lot of things that happened. If you had a pulse, you got a loan. In Arizona, everything was amplified so it made me pick my next gig very carefully. Citizens Bank represents everything important to me- closing loans on time, believing in helping clients, delivering great customer service. Our bank wants to stick a pin in Mooresville and take care of everyone around the community.

What’s special working at a smaller, community-minded bank?

I work in home loans where "no" doesn’t always mean no. Many loans are automated these days but at Citizens, we handle them personally so we have the ability to make exceptions. During the approval process, we will do everything we can to get a "yes." Where there’s a will, there’s a way!