Rick Guerrero interviews mortgage chief Gavin Ekstrom about hiring, tradition and constructing a crew on a agency basis.
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Not too long ago on “Real Estate Rockstars with Rick,” I had an unimaginable dialog with Gavin Ekstrom, senior vice chairman at CrossCountry Mortgage. Ekstrom is a real powerhouse within the mortgage business, managing over 27 branches and main a area that hit over $3 billion in manufacturing.
His observe file, management and talent to scale groups make him somebody price listening to if you wish to develop your small business.
Ekstrom’s achievements are nothing in need of spectacular. He’s constructed a large, high-performing crew by specializing in core values, creating individuals and fostering a robust crew tradition.
His journey hasn’t been straightforward, however he’s navigated each private {and professional} challenges, together with his daughter’s battle with leukemia, with resilience and dedication. His capacity to guide by instance and encourage his crew makes him somebody anybody in actual property or mortgage ought to take note of.
What units Ekstrom aside is his perception in individuals. He is aware of {that a} chief’s true success comes from build up these round them, which is why his management fashion is all about impression. He’s not nearly hitting numbers — he’s about serving to others attain their full potential.
Key takeaways that will help you develop
Listed below are a number of takeaways from my dialog with Gavin that may show you how to stage up your small business:
1. Rent based mostly on core values
Ekstrom’s success comes from hiring individuals who align together with his crew’s core values. His crew makes use of an “avatar” for hiring, making certain each new rent matches into the tradition and imaginative and prescient. This technique ensures that everybody is working towards the identical purpose.
Takeaway: Outline your core values and ensure each rent aligns with them.
2. Embrace fashionable methods
Ekstrom has tailored to the altering market through the use of social media, in-person occasions and Zoom to remain related. He’s not simply promoting mortgage merchandise; he’s constructing relationships and creating experiences that add worth to his purchasers.
Takeaway: Embrace new instruments and techniques to achieve your purchasers and supply extra worth.
3. Encompass your self with the correct individuals
Ekstrom believes that the individuals round you outline your success. He emphasizes the significance of shedding relationships that now not serve you and surrounding your self with individuals who push you to develop.
Takeaway: Commonly assess your community, and ensure it’s crammed with individuals who problem and encourage you.
The underside line
Ekstrom’s story is a testomony to the facility of management, resilience and intentional progress. He’s proof you could keep true to your values and nonetheless obtain huge success. His capacity to scale groups, overcome challenges and keep targeted on the large image is what units him aside as a pacesetter.
Whether or not you’re in actual property, mortgage or one other enterprise, Ekstrom’s insights supply sensible recommendation that will help you develop. From refining your hiring course of to embracing new market methods and surrounding your self with the correct individuals, his classes are actionable and may make an actual distinction in your small business.
Rick Guerrero is the Director of Department Gross sales and Strategic Partnerships at US Mortgage Corp. You’ll be able to observe him on Fb or join with him on LinkedIn.