Rick Guerrero interviews mortgage chief Gavin Ekstrom about hiring, tradition and constructing a group on a agency basis.
Whether or not it’s refining your online business mannequin, mastering new applied sciences, or discovering methods to capitalize on the following market surge, Inman Join New York will put together you to take daring steps ahead. The Subsequent Chapter is about to start. Be a part of it. Be part of us and hundreds of actual property leaders Jan. 22-24, 2025.
Just lately 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 monitor document, management and skill to scale groups make him somebody value listening to if you wish to develop your online business.
Ekstrom’s achievements are nothing in need of spectacular. He’s constructed a large, high-performing group by specializing in core values, growing folks and fostering a robust group tradition.
His journey hasn’t been simple, however he’s navigated each private {and professional} challenges, together with his daughter’s battle with leukemia, with resilience and dedication. His capability to steer by instance and encourage his group makes him somebody anybody in actual property or mortgage ought to take note of.
What units Ekstrom aside is his perception in folks. He is aware of {that a} chief’s true success comes from increase these round them, which is why his management fashion is all about affect. 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 couple of takeaways from my dialog with Gavin that may assist you to stage up your online business:
1. Rent based mostly on core values
Ekstrom’s success comes from hiring individuals who align together with his group’s core values. His group makes use of an “avatar” for hiring, making certain each new rent suits 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 trendy methods
Ekstrom has tailored to the altering market by utilizing 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 methods to succeed in your purchasers and supply extra worth.
3. Encompass your self with the proper folks
Ekstrom believes that the folks 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: Repeatedly assess your community, and ensure it’s full of individuals who problem and encourage you.
The underside line
Ekstrom’s story is a testomony to the ability of management, resilience and intentional development. He’s proof that you may keep true to your values and nonetheless obtain huge success. His capability to scale groups, overcome challenges and keep targeted on the massive 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 proper folks, his classes are actionable and might make an actual distinction in your online business.
Rick Guerrero is the Director of Department Gross sales and Strategic Partnerships at US Mortgage Corp. You may comply with him on Fb or join with him on LinkedIn.