If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home, it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable mortgage expert by your side. Meet Tammy McNeany, an experienced loan officer at Wintrust Mortgage, ready to assist you whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home. With her expertise, Tammy will guide you through your financing options and ensure a seamless closing process. Count on her to handle your transaction professionally and find the right mortgage tailored to your needs. With competitive rates and various programs, Tammy McNeany is dedicated to getting you the perfect mortgage solution.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Tammy McNeany:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
Live by the Golden Rule, in and out of work. I try to be compassionate toward my client’s needs and be as accessible as possible. Outside of work, enjoy family, friends, music venues, and working in the yard at home.
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
I started at another bank right out of high school in the computer operations area. I realized that being behind the desk just wasn’t for me. I had a wonderful mentor who first had me sell credit card machines and then, during a refi boom, had me go to the mortgage department. The rest is history.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I truly believe I have been successful because I try to put myself in my client’s shoes and understand how overwhelming the mortgage process is. This is probably the biggest decision and purchase they are making at this point in their lives. It’s their “home”. It’s important to always be conscious of this. I am down to earth and try to explain things in a way that is understandable vs. mortgage lingo that isn’t understandable to most.
I value building relationships with my clients and referral sources. It gives me a lot of joy to be trusted. And even more joy if they are repeat client’s and/or send family and friends my way.
Which are the major services of the company, and how does the company get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
I work with a lot of first-time buyers. We have grants to offer that a lot of other lenders do not offer. Wintrust offers conventional, government (FHA, VA, USDA), construction, and some portfolio loans. We do loans for not only owner-occupied properties; we also lend for second homes and investment properties. and lend anywhere in the US.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
The reason I came to Wintrust was because of the culture. My previous employer’s culture had changed drastically, and it was affecting me personally. It took me over 2 years of talking with other lenders and deciding where would be the best place for me and what I could offer. I made a really good decision and haven’t looked back.
Wintrust has the goal of getting things done and doing what is right for our clients. Everyone, all the way to the top, is approachable, professional, and caring. Where I was before, things had changed so drastically that we were actually told a client was “lucky” to get a loan from them. Here at Wintrust, we understand we are lucky to have them as clients.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
There is actually a culture of encouraging literally everyone at every level to make suggestions and share ideas of things that can make us better.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
Wintrust relies on both. We know from the mortgage process that it takes a team to get to the finish line. However, we also have a Recognition Program in place to share individual accomplishments that stand out. Someone going the extra mile.
What are your responsibilities as Senior Mortgage Loan Officer of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
I wear a lot of hats. Talk to and counsel potential clients upfront. Take them from start to finish in the mortgage process. Sometimes there are bumps in the road, and I try to find solutions and reassure. Stay involved (probably more than most) throughout the whole process.
My happiest part of my routine is actually getting to know my clients more on a personal basis. And, when we close, I try to attend. The emotions and congratulations at the end are moving.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Always be down to earth. Know that there are going to be ups and downs in the industry. And, never tell a client something you don’t know for sure.
