Hunter Financial Group Interview...

Max Heidel: Where is your company headquartered? How long has your company been in the mortgage industry?
Hunter Financial Group: HFG corporate office is located in Tempe, Arizona and have been operating since 2000.

Max Heidel: What milestone or accomplishment are you most proud of your company for?
Hunter Financial Group: There are very few independent mortgage bankers of our size who survived the mortgage loan crisis of 2007-2009.  HFG’s ethical business practices and integrity resulted in a solid portfolio that allowed us to continue operations in a depressed market. 

MH: What brought your company to the mortgage industry? What do you attribute the company’s success to?
HFG: Our CEO and owner has been in the mortgage industry for over 18 years.  After working in a variety of large wholesale and retail environments, he saw an opportunity to create a solid lending platform on a smaller scale to offer highly competitive rates.

MH: In your opinion, what does a company need to build a successful business? What were the biggest trials and tribulations your company faced?
HFG: A successful lending company understands that the customer is the sole priority.  Every single job in the company must be designed to service and keep our customers.  HFG has gone through a number of evolutions to ensure all facets of our company, from sales, to operations to compliance, are working constantly for the customer.

MH: Can you highlight one particularly rough problem you went through and how you, as a company, overcame this issue?
HFG: The economic and financial markets experienced an unprecedented downslide.  Consumer trust in the lending process eroded and significant legislative and regulatory requirements were implemented.  HFG took the appropriate steps to meet these new requirements and kept our customers confidence and trust while providing transparency in our loan process.

MH: What do you see in the future for not only your company but the mortgage industry as a whole?
HFG: 2013 will bring a number of additional lending regulations.  With the advent of Frank-Dodd, compliance and manufacturing quality has become paramount.  All companies in our industry, from the smallest to the largest outfits, will be required to spend more time and resources on standards for quality.  Support for these standards will help ensure our success as an industry and that of the homeowners we serve.

MH: What has created a buzz around the office lately? Any specific or exciting endeavors?
HFG: We continue to be excited about the government sponsored refinance relief programs.  These programs have helped hundreds of homeowners whose property values are underwater take advantage of the historic low interest rates.

MH: For eager individuals looking to get into your industry what is more important, in your experience, previous jobs or education?
HFG: In the mortgage industry, previous jobs are the most important.  That previous job doesn’t need to have been in mortgage originations.  A sales professional can be taught the basics of mortgage lending, but you can’t teach motivation and drive.  Those are not learned skills and they are critical in the fast paced and demanding lending environment.

MH: What are the current strengths your company is trying to expand upon and weaknesses you’re working on? What helps keep staff motivated?
HFG: One of HFG’s current strengths is our reliable lending platform.  We have developed a solid processing, underwriting and closing work flow, which results in fast turn times for our customers.   We are currently working on expanding our sales force, bringing in new talented professionals to meet the boom refinance market.

MH: What is the best advice your company perpetuates to all employees? Is there a specific individual, quote, or motto that impacts the passion your company brings to this industry?
HFG: Cultivate and respond with a sense of urgency.  This includes a drive at all levels to get things done in a timely manner and communicate all news, good or bad, now.

MH: What are some personal long-term goals you have with the company? Is there any goal you could help the company reach that would be ‘enough’? If money were not a concern what is one dream you have for your company?
HFG: If money were not a concern, the one dream I would have for our company is to be able to offer and service our own portfolio of self-funded loan products, that would not be required to meet the tight guidelines of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  There are many, many, borrowers that are a solid credit risk, but don’t qualify for one reason or another for traditional financing in this tight credit market.

MH: What is a favorite quote or motto used around your office? Does the author of this quote have special significance for your company?
HFG: HFG and our employees pride ourselves on Accountability.  We subscribe to the Krantz Doctrine that accountability is comprised of 3 key components:  acknowledgement, acceptance and action.

MH: Does your company have a Twitter account or Facebook fan page?
HFG: Yes both, @HFGLending and Facebook Hunter Financial Group.

Hunter Financial Group is a financial lending group that has proved continued success through the current economic struggle is possible.

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