The Lofty Lender: A Conversation with Chuck West, Head Honcho of Midwest Family Lending
Welcome back to another engaging episode of The Lofty Lender! This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chuck West, the driving force behind Midwest Family Lending. Since 1996, Chuck has dedicated his career to making a positive impact in the communities he serves, embracing a philosophy of saying yes to dreams, goals, and possibilities. Our conversation delved into Chuck's journey from a mechanical engineer to a mortgage industry leader, the significance of family, and the impactful MFL Cares program.
From Engineering to Lending
Chuck's journey into the mortgage industry is both inspiring and unconventional. With a background in mechanical engineering, Chuck and his wife, Jean, who holds a chemical engineering degree, initially built their careers at Shell Oil in California. However, the desire to raise their family in a more desirable location led them back to the Midwest. Chuck's sister, who started Midwest Family Lending in 1996, needed help with her growing business. This opportunity allowed Chuck to transition from engineering to the world of mortgages, where he has thrived ever since.
The Importance of Family
Family has always been at the heart of Chuck's decisions. Moving back to the Midwest was driven by the desire to raise their two boys closer to home. Chuck emphasizes the importance of family in both his personal and professional life. His role at Midwest Family Lending has afforded him more quality time with his family, allowing him to coach and play sports with his kids. Chuck's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond his family to the communities he serves.
MFL Cares: Making a Difference
One of the highlights of our conversation was discussing the MFL Cares program, Chuck's favorite part of the job. Launched in 2015, this initiative was inspired by a sermon about the importance of giving. Chuck and Jean spent hours brainstorming ways to give back to the community. The result was a program that empowers employees to choose causes close to their hearts, fostering intrinsic motivation and a genuine connection to the community. MFL Cares has supported over 80 different organizations, making a significant impact through both financial contributions and raising awareness.
Golf, Growth, and Gratitude
On a lighter note, Chuck shared his passion for golf and the joy it brings him, whether it's with friends, family, or on couples' trips. We also discussed the future of Midwest Family Lending. Chuck envisions continued growth, driven by the dedication and expertise of his team. He emphasized the importance of personalized service in the mortgage industry, comparing it to getting a tailored suit rather than one off the rack.
Quick Picks and Fun Insights
To add some fun to our conversation, we went through a series of quick picks, revealing Chuck's preferences for sweet over savory, steak over seafood, and country music, thanks to his wife. We also touched on his pet peeves and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.
Navigating Mortgage Complexities
We concluded our conversation with a trending topic: navigating the complexities of mortgage guidelines. Chuck highlighted the importance of personalized service from licensed and local loan officers. He emphasized that one size does not fit all in the mortgage industry. Taking the time to understand a client's unique financial situation can have significant long-term benefits. Chuck's analogy of tailoring a suit perfectly illustrated the value of expert guidance in finding the best mortgage solution.
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Chuck West was enlightening and inspiring. Family, community, and personalized service are the pillars of Midwest Family Lending, making it a standout in the mortgage industry. To learn more about Midwest Family Lending, visit MidwestFamilyLending.com.
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