It was 2015 when I moved to Plainfield. I knew nobody in the town of 40,000 people at the time. My brother, Phil, and I had just started a brand-new mortgage business in downtown Plainfield called Oak Leaf Community Mortgage, A Division of Mutual Federal Bank.
Being new in town didn’t intimidate me as much as it motivated me. I’ve never been one to blend into the background or hesitate to jump into the action, so I immediately embraced whatever opportunities I could to be an active member of the community.
I joined the Plainfield Lions Club—one of the largest, most long-standing service organizations, where I even had the pleasure to serve a term as president. I got involved in any event hosted by the village, chamber of commerce, or a neighbor. I was determined to make Plainfield home for my wife, Kandice, and the family we were just starting.
I’ve been in the mortgage industry since before I was in my twenties. However, I was determined to do it differently this time. I didn’t want my life in the mortgage industry to be self-serving. This time, I wanted to base my business on serving others.
The Oak Leaf culture is based on Faith, Family, Business—in that order. Without the first two, business means nothing. The people I’ve met through service organizations, community events, and even those I’ve served as clients have become life-long friends of mine.
I also host a video podcast that features members of our local community. Maybe you’ve heard of Not Your Average Joe, which highlights the unsung heroes among us.
This is what I had in mind six years ago when I decided I wouldn’t be in this business with a self-serving heart. I can’t help but smile now when I realize how much better it worked out this way. My family couldn’t be happier calling Plainfield our home, and my success isn’t about numbers… unless it’s counting how many families I helped make a home for themselves.
