As is relatively common these days, I have had several “past lives”…., the experiences of which only add to my ability to perform the duties of my current profession.

I have a BS degree in education and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Univ. of Wisconsin. Out of school, I founded the James Clarke Glass Studio, and was a nationally acclaimed Glass Artist for 20 years. My work was carried by galleries both nationally and internationally. My Glass continues to be in many private and public collections.

After getting out of the Art Glass business, I dabbled in the computer and computer training business before I landed in the mortgage business.

The differences between the Art Glass business, the Computer business and the Mortgage business are that:

1. People would buy my glass because they either thought it was just so beautiful that they had to own it….., or they didn’t (probably because it didn’t go with their Elvis-on-black-velvet collection).
2. With computers, you’re always trying to convince them that they need a new one…., even when they really don’t.
3. With Mortgages, it’s more of a mutually beneficial experience. You’re there to facilitate the purchase of a new home. In many cases, their first home, and you become their trusted advisor, hopefully guiding and educating them into the right loan for their specific situation.

I believe that there’s much more to this business than “selling a loan”.  Even though a mortgage may be considered to be a “product” or “commodity”, there are educational and emotional aspects as well. Many people consider themselves to be savvy home buyers and many of these people consider the home loan to be a simple matter of “getting the best rate”, many times without fully understanding that the loan with the best rate may not always be the best choice. My job is to educate people so that they feel comfortable and understand the loan program chosen and why it’s appropriate for their individual situation. I will take all the time necessary to achieve that end. My clients never leave the Closing table wondering what they just signed and why.

For me, loans are more like it was when I sold my glass to a happy customer – it’s that smile after the deal is done that counts the most!