This week's contributor profile is Jeff Chalmers. Check out his work on his Inman profile. I had a little q-and-a session with him, and here is what he had to say: JEFF'S INMAN BIO A nationally renowned and tech-savvy mortgage expert, Jeff is famous for his H.O.T. loan process – Honest, Open and Transparent – a laser-focused approach to enhancing the consumer mortgage experience. A 20+ year industry veteran and Senior Loan Officer for Guaranteed Rate, Jeff uses his knowledge and tech expertise at events such as NAR’s Tech Edge and REach Insight programs to show agents from across the country how to best leverage and utilize today’s robust, cloud-based social media and marketing applications. | How long have you been a contributor? 3 years or since birth (contributing smiles). What made you want to contribute? To give back or mentor those just starting out or trying to figure out their roles in the industry. What has been your favorite article to write so far? My first because it took a bunch of friends to convince me that what I had to write or say actually mattered. I think I had something like 75 rewrites. I wanted it to have the right content, tone and message. “A career in sales means putting customer relationships first, ego last.” What has been your favorite piece of feedback so far? I can't honestly mention one because I've had so many amazing people provide so much productive feedback. However, most said, "continue writing because people genuinely care about your opinion and insight." I also have my Inman sis, Kelly Mitchell, to thank for her wise and spot-on guidance. What do you do in your spare time? What's that? LOL! First, and foremost, I have two amazing kids, Daniel and Brady, who are the loves and joys of my life. If you're a friend of mine on Facebook over the last several years, you've most definitely watched them grow up over social media (sound familiar Katie Lance, Stephen Pacinelli and Sean Carpenter). When I'm not clowning around with them, I'm talking finance, real estate, business or -- my other love -- tech. Those who know me understand that I don't believe in wasting a second of my life. I sincerely thank my dad for that grateful perspective. My primary job is as branch manager and VP of productivity for Ross Mortgage Company, a New England lender/broker. About two years ago, after several years away from the business management space and increasing speaking opportunities and requests, I founded a strategy consulting company, REsults Consulting, to feed my passion to teach and mentor professionals in and out of our industry about the immense pros and cons of technology in every-day business, as well as the importance of fundamental, old-school, professional customer service. During my "other" spare time, I get to travel this amazing country emceeing for the National Association of Realtors, teaching members all over New England as the Regional Director of Communications and Technology for the Women's Council of Realtors and presenting to local, state and regional real estate boards, associations and companies from Massachusetts to California and at the my favorite real estate conferences such as Inman Connect and Xplode. I've always believed that the best way to conduct business is just by living and getting involved. What's the saying? "It takes a village to raise a child." So, I also serve on the board of two separate school committees, DECA entrepreneur program and co-chair their technology committees, my town's Zoning Board of Appeals and the Norfolk Cable Corporation. I'm also very active in my community and state with multiple charities and volunteer organizations including one of my favorite, the Pine Street Inn, where I spend almost every early Thanksgiving morning feeding and caring for the homeless. I have to thank my incredibly selfless mom and my grandmother, Polly Chalmers, for this tireless dedication. As a long-time athlete, I've spent the last 40 years as either a player or coach in football, baseball and track and field. So as a passionate teacher I fit right in when working with "kids" from ages 5 all the way to age 35. Yup, 35. This past month, because I had loads of free time, I accepted a position as the new Head Coach/GM for the Central Massachusetts Sabercats, a premier semi-pro football team that competes in the New England Football League (NEFL), the oldest football conference in the country. How do I possibly get to do all these things? I'm crazy about three things: time management, setting expectations and priorities. What is your passion? People and customer service. Always, always, always build 'ships. What advice would you give to other aspiring real estate professionals? Don't change who and what you are, and never lose focus on what matters most -- people. Always be good to them and the universe will return the favor. Second, find a passion that turns into something that people will pay you to do. Third, explore places and ask tons of questions. Nothing beats self-education and perspective. What advice would you give to new contributors? Take the time to talk with strangers in your life and in your industry. Safe is no fun. Leave the shore and explore people, places and opportunities. Also, always write from the heart and give your knowledge like you're going to die tomorrow. |