Two weeks ago, I attended the Miami REBar Camp to witness for myself what I had been hearing and reading about. While I found the event educational and interesting, what I enjoyed foremost was getting to meet and know Chris Brown better.
Being on the Mortgage Revolution Education Committee, I had spoken to Chris, however had not had an opportunity to get to know him well. Being the information gathering Ninja loan officer I learned Chris is, he conducted marketing intelligence and reviewed the attendee list and who he would like to meet. Upon seeing I was attending, he called and told me he “would love to meet me and talk shop.” When he discovered I was planning on driving from Atlanta to Miami, he asked if he could catch a ride with me as I drove through Orlando. Being that we had several mutual friends and they assured me Chris was stand-up guy, I agreed to meet and pick him up at one of the Orlando I-75 exits.
For the trip, my Mother also decided to tag along for ride, as she had never been to Miami. Needless to say, Chris and my Mom hit it off immediately and for the first hour of the trip, they discussed and shared their favorite Bible passages. As for me, if my Mom likes someone, that is normally a good sign. For the last three hours of our journey, Chris and I engaged in a Socratic learning experience that truly impressed me. Quite frankly, Chris loves learning and implementing strategies that put his clients in the best overall financial position, even if that means he makes a lesser commission or recommends NOT getting a home loan (no commission). Having been in the mortgage business for twenty-three years, believe me; I can spot and smell a bull shitter a mile away…Chris’ sincerity and concern for his clients and referral partners is genuine.
In addition, Chris was aware of my background and the success I had experienced as a mortgage originator, sales manager and mega-bank executive. In a nutshell, he maximized his time with me asking questions on how to take his game to the next level. While I have provided this same information to countless individuals in the past, most originators do not follow the advice and continue being average. That again is what impressed and separated Chris from a majority of originators; he IMMEDIATELY implemented the strategies and techniques we had discussed. Guess what, they worked and I was beaming with pride watching Chris professionally and ethically cultivate and harvest referral partner relationships.
Don’t get me wrong, we also had fun while staying in the heart of South Beach Miami. However, I did learn one personal non-business thing about myself…I don’t like Mojito’s!
Long story short, it always makes my day, when I see there are mortgage professionals like Chris Brown representing the mortgage lending industry.
P.S. I am not specifically calling out Florida loan originators, rather, highlighting Chris as someone who impressed me.
Chris Brown says:
Wow – Tony. I am speechless… and anyone that knows me knows that is not easy to do. I am honored and humbled by your endorsement and kind words.
Really – I do not know what to say. Thank you seems so insufficient but i offer it nonetheless. =0)
Chris the Implementer
September 24, 2009 — 4:48 pm
James Boyer says:
It is hard to be above average, that is why most never aspire to it. Congrats Chris Brown!!!
September 24, 2009 — 6:48 pm
Greg Dallaire says:
Tony,
Sounds like Chris Brown would be a perfect candidate for actually helping make true changes in the mortgage industry.
We need people like Chris and yourself in positions where they can actually make real changes in our systems.
Enough politicians we need true real life leaders to jump in the water.
By the way i’m not a mojito guy and my wife ordered one for the first time and didn’t finish it. Must be a bloodhound thing.
September 24, 2009 — 8:33 pm
Brian Brady says:
Chris is an Unchained alumnus as well, T. Teri L., Sean and I had the good fortune of lunching with him and Kevin Sandridge last year.
Why am I not surprised that Chris seized the opportunity for (a) a ride and (b) free mortgage originator training? Good thinking, Chris.
September 24, 2009 — 9:21 pm
Chris Brown says:
— James -thanks… Tony’s post was quite unexpected but most appreciated. Coming from someone LIKE Tony… even more so. =0)
–Greg – we are looking at doing just that… changing our industry from the inside out and from the grass root level. you can follow that effort by checking out http://www.MortgageRevloution.info, or on twitter #mrev if you are not already.
— Brian – spending that time with you, Teri, and Sean was inspiring as well. I love to put myself in the pathway of genius hoping something will ‘rub-off’.
Chris the Implementer
September 25, 2009 — 7:12 am
Mike Mueller says:
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Chris for a while now and Yes he’s one of the good guys!
Congrats to you Chris for getting the official “Tony Gallegos Tip of the Hat”
That’s something to frame and put up on your shelf.
September 25, 2009 — 7:35 am
Teri Lussier says:
Okay, I really dislike piling on, atta boy commenting, but in this case, totally warranted. Chris IS one of the good guys.
He’s definitely a great connection to have in this world, and from him I’m learning about growing and maintaining a blooming referral system of lenders and Realtors across the country.
September 25, 2009 — 7:47 am
Ines says:
Booooooo!!! on the mojitos tony!!! LOL (I am so glad you made it and it’s not really about the mojitos, it’s about the beginning of great conversation). Agreed about Chris….I wish he was in Miami.
cheers!
September 25, 2009 — 7:47 am
Dave Woodson says:
Chris is great last April when my family was going to Disney. I made plans to meet with Chris and talk shop and other assorted gossip. What a great time over cigars. A true pro in our business.
September 25, 2009 — 8:03 am
Jennifer S. Levine says:
It was such a please meeting both Tony and Chris at REBCMIA! Both of you seem like really great guys, and I look forward to continuing to read about both of your accomplishments. Thank you for being two individuals than bring positive feedback into the real estate industry. Best wishes for continued success!!
September 25, 2009 — 8:09 am
Vlad Zablotskyy says:
Go Chris!!!
I known Chris only through online interaction. But I know that if I ever move to Florida- he would be the mortgage guy I would turn to.
September 25, 2009 — 8:42 am
Joe says:
I think it’s illegal to use the words loan officer and ninja in the same sentence.
September 25, 2009 — 9:58 am
Chris Brown says:
— Mike – The “hat Tip” is not something I take lightly. Accolades from people you trust and admire [you included] are truly humbling.
— Teri – As one who’s ‘batteries are charged’ by words of encouragement, feel free to pile on! LOL. All joking aside, my batteries just got super-charged!
— Ines – I am with you on the Mojitos… a personal favorite of mine. =0)
— Dave – Always available for a good cigar. =0)
— Jen – The ‘good guys’ gotta stick together, do they not?
— Vlad – Thanks! I can manage the whole state Vlad – just pick a piece of Paradise!
September 25, 2009 — 10:01 am
Tony Gallegos - The Mortgage Cicerone says:
Chris – What can I say that I didn’t already…you really impressed.
James – So very true!
Greg – Actually Chris is involved in a very important movement called The Mortgage Revolution (http://www.mortgagerevloution.info/), that I think all ethical mortgage professionals would find of great value. So you are not a mojito fan either!
Brian – What can we say about you buddy…you are definitely the leading thinker and dean of mortgage university!
Mike – And you my friend are a class act and one I highly admire!
Teri – You are spot on and I know Chris appreciates your kind words.
Ines – Ines, sorry about the mojitos…my taste buds are just not as refined and sophisticated as yours (mean that sincerely). It was great finally meeting you in person and wish I could have gotten more time to talk to you more, however you were CRAZY busy and I wanted to respect your time. You put together a great REBar and your location strategy was pure genius!
Joe – Now that is funny…LMAO!
Dave – Chris and I had a good time sitting outside people watching at a South Beach while enjoying a few beers and Chris did smoke a cigar. He is a great guy.
Jennifer – Thanks and it was great meeting and talking to you too. Looked at your Smarter Agent product (http://www.smarteragent.com/) and it looks like a fantastic tool for Realtors!
Vlad – Have to say, you have a very cool name…love it. Yes, Chris is a one of the great mortgage guys to be associated with.
September 25, 2009 — 11:05 am
Dustin Hughes says:
I am glad so many others realize what I recognized instantly… Chris is flat out a great loan officer and an amazing person. He knows the business inside and out and happens to be one heck of a charismatic guy.
I am looking forward to attending the Mortgage Revolution event.
See you there.
September 25, 2009 — 2:48 pm
Jerry ( Gerald )Santoro says:
You go Chris! You deserve the recognition. I am proud to know you and look forward to the day when I can savor a good cigar and hang with you too!
September 25, 2009 — 3:08 pm
Ines says:
you are too kind Tony but I think mint is an acquired taste LOL 🙂 (these REBarCamps are a lot of work but once finished and once the feedback starts rolling in, it becomes so worth it)
September 25, 2009 — 3:23 pm
Rob says:
Congratulations Chris. Hope to see you at our closing on Wednesday.
September 25, 2009 — 8:57 pm
Chik Quintans says:
Great write up, Tony. And congratulations to you, Chris for demonstrating what this industry should represent. Hard working honest individuals that put their clients need before their own needs. We have not met in person yet, however I look forward to rubbing elbows with you in the not too distant future. Keep up the great work. You are an inspiration!
September 26, 2009 — 6:13 am
Mark Green says:
I feel a lot of love in this comment thread. Put it this way, if we could clone C the I, the world would be a lot better place. Tony, that was a really nice article.
September 28, 2009 — 8:23 am
Eric Blackwell says:
As Brian said above, I got to meet Chris at Unchained Orlando. I would concur with Tony’s conclusions…great guy who maximizes opportunities.
Nicely done Chris! (And a really kind and nice post Tony.)
Eric
September 28, 2009 — 8:52 am
Chris Brown says:
Thank you all!
@ Dustin – thanks for kind words
@ Jerry – the cigars are on me – you just gotta be at the Mortgage Revolution!
@ Rob – it has been great working with you and thanks for introducing Kim to me. She is super excited about her closing this week!
@ Chik there are a lot of good guys still out there – glad to be in the same class as the people that follow Bloodhound Blog
@ Mark – meeting Tony was a real treat. Nice doesn’t even begin to explain his creation of this post. =0)
@ Eric Thank you – glad you are doing better and looking forward to our call.
I am truly humbled by #1 the post to begin with and now #2 by the additional outpouring of support by so many of the people I know, like, trust, and respect.
September 28, 2009 — 9:19 am
Ines says:
This has to be the most civil thread I have ever read at BB – anything I can do to instigate some fire? 😀
September 28, 2009 — 11:06 am
Chris Brown says:
Quick @Ines – say something about Mojitos! =0)
September 29, 2009 — 12:45 pm
Jen Jones says:
I think I can safely say that I have known Chris well for a number of years. He has always had integrity which I have never had reason to question. That integrity is a valuable trait in any industry, but particularly in the mortgage industry. Putting his clients interests before his own is something that is always to be admired. Coming from his big sister, this is a big compliment! 🙂 I’m proud of you, Chris! Thanks for always sharing your knowledge with us and referring us to people who have been of equal integrity here in the northeast.
PS – Never had a mojito – what is it?
September 29, 2009 — 1:00 pm
Ines says:
see? I knew it…..now you have to introduce your sis to mojitos (smirk)
September 29, 2009 — 2:42 pm
Kim Starr says:
Speaking from my most recent experience of purchasing a home, Chris Brown made the process as stress free as possible and was a joy to work with. My closing happened faster than we all expected. The listing agent and the title company said at closing that working Chris was refreshing and that he was so professional.
I am his biggest fan.
October 2, 2009 — 4:15 am
Chris Brown says:
@Kim – it has been a pleasure serving you and being a part of your “First-time Home buyer experience”.
Chris Brown
October 5, 2009 — 5:53 am