Showing posts with label #respect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #respect. Show all posts

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Outcomes are derived from choice, Choose You.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "change your zip code"?  This means if your current actions create the same outcome time and time again, you have to change your zip code to get a different outcome.

I learned many lessons from my mentors during my Banking Career.  One of the most valuable lessons was the Bank always does what is in the best interest of its Shareholders.  It is the fundamental responsibility of a Corporation.  Early in my Bank career my mentor granted me stock based on performance and I quickly understood the generous recognition to be a Shareholder.  The wealth created by the sale of that stock was life changing and an experience and dynamic I wanted at the core of Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

One person cannot build a company, it takes a Village.  The Village should benefit.  This belief is part of your culture or not.  If its not, what is your longer term outcome?

Banks can sell many products if mortgage origination is determined not to be in the Shareholders best interest.  Read the News, its the trend.  Southeast Mortgage sells one product and evolves with media and technology.  We originate mortgages only and are all in and have been for 25 years.  Your career deserves a company that is all in on what your income is dependent on.

Over the past 25 years, I have seen a lot of Mortgage Operations go out of business and a few sell.  Poor judgment, poorly conceived plans, and unsustainable strategies were the cause and cost good employees their jobs and the valuable time they spent away from their family growing the company.  When it comes to taking care of your family or planning for retirement, you need proven leadership that can help you accomplish your goals long term and provide equality.  Change your zip code for a path to retirement.

When your Bank or Non-Bank sells and asks you to stay with the company they sold, who's best interest is it?  Yours or the New Shareholders?  You basically accept a new job (sometimes with pay cuts) without an interview and without comparing other opportunities.  The company being bought and the reasons you worked there ended with the purchase.  The new Bank or Non-Bank will do what is in their Shareholder's best interest in the manner they believe maximizes their Shareholder's value.  Its important to understand your new leadership works for their Shareholders not as your fiduciary.  Change your zip code and take a chance on a path to be a Shareholder.

When a Bank or Non-Bank sells you only hear about a few people that got a big check.  Search Google, Search Google2, Search Google3, SEC filings are public knowledge and show how many shares and how much each made on the sale and where the expense cuts come from to create efficiencies.  Mergers rely on expense cuts to leverage combined revenue into a higher net income for Shareholders.  IMO the Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from the sale should also benefit the employees that created the value.  The reality? The employees who created the Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in value do not share equitably in the sale.  After the close of the sale, employees at the company being bought have to find a new job or hope the new company they were sold to continues in a manner that allows them to make the same income.  No Bank operates the same nor has the same strategy.  There is a reason one Bank buys another and it is usually about Deposits and cutting non-interest expense to create a higher net income.  Expense is always cut from the company being bought.  Bank sales are SEC regulated and public knowledge.  Read the agreementMerger

Loyalty is a two-way street.  If you are loyal, you should be rewarded when good things happen.  If your leader just moves you from company to company 2 - 3 times

with the same outcome, turn the page (Change your zip code) and try a better path.  You only have a few opportunities in life to make a better path.  Change your zip code to a path that makes you the owner.

What do your Shareholder's look like?  Do they represent you?  Do you have a path to become an owner?  Have you ever met your Shareholders or Board Members?

We work side by side daily.  At Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc., our shareholders are our Processors, Underwriters, Closers, Originators, and Administration.  Four of our Shareholders have retired comfortably.

This is what our SEM shareholders looks like.  Every year we add those that help us grow.  From 2 shareholders to 41 is equitable distribution of our success.

They all changed their zip code at some point in their career to make a better path for themselves and their family.

With change comes an opportunity for a better outcome.


#truth #respect #history
www.southeastmortgage.com Phone: 770-279-0222

Monday, September 3, 2018

Imitation Reinforces Southeast Mortgage is Effective

I truly get excited when competitors copy or mock what we do.  We have always
chased the horizon with a mindful eye on sustainability and benefit to our Shareholders.  Every day we find a new island as we voyage forward using innovative and effective tools.

SEM Innovations & Difference:
> 20001- Internal Appraisal Management
> CRM - Image based highly customized art that creates new applications for MLOs at no charge.  Also, capable of targeting market opportunity daily.
> Social Based relationship development (Social MAX Offices)
> Employee Stock Ownership Programs (Not an ESOP! ESOPs cash out an existing Owner)
> Media Studio in house with Partner Image services
> Video based awareness media with proprietary outreach programs
> Powerful Social Media Presence - Simply Drives Traffic & Sales to our Partners
> Life / Work Balance Corporate Center
> Best in Class Builder / Realtor support proven to increase Partner Sales
> Employees that Retire comfortably - who retired from your company?

Lately I have seen videos with our Green Screen Studio, Better Camera Work than the Selfie from a car, Professional Editing, Southeast signage, Announcing a CRM (SEM started its CRM in 2003), Mobile Applications, etc.  Imitation is Flattery.  

The problem with Imitation is you have to be able to execute the cool stuff into a monetization strategy.  Its similar to those announcing the next new loan program that they may close one this year.  Its better for your Employees and Owners to focus on better delivery of the 99% of the products you actually sell. 


Imitation reinforces our leadership in innovation and ability to disrupt the status quo.  As long as I can remember, the Mortgage Industry in Georgia has been primarily non-risk taking followers that tend to only do what the pack is doing.  The 2008-2009 Implode List filled up quickly due to this herd mentality.

I have found this is a dynamic industry.  You have to steer daily and innovate monthly to stay fresh and relevant.  If you do it well, MLOs, Partners, and Clients all benefit.  The scenery is always better from the front of the pack.

You have to work with those that have attained the success you want.  Look at your manager's lifestyle?  Have they attained the success you strive for?  Are they moving from company to company?  If not, how can they show you the way if they can't find sustainable success?  Since 1993, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.  25 years of Innovation and Success.

The front of the pack is a better view!  Make your move !

If your company is always talking about Southeast Mortgage, come visit us and learn why.  If your "LLC or Family Owned Company" is not prepared to share ownership or equity, there is a path to ownership at SEM.   


www.southeastmortgage.com Call US: 770-279-0222