Brian Griffin
Lake Elmo,Minnesota
Summary
Senior Mortgage Broker with extensive experience guiding clients through complex residential and investment lending solutions. Proven track record of driving high-volume production, securing competitive financing, and delivering a seamless loan experience from application to closing. Skilled in building strong referral networks, partnering with real estate professionals, and navigating a wide range of loan programs including conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and non-QM. Recognized for exceptional communication, strategic problem-solving, and the ability to structure deals that help clients achieve long-term financial success. Committed to providing transparent guidance, fast turnaround times, and outstanding customer service.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Mortgage Broker
Citywide Home Mortgage
04.2025 - Current
- Streamlined documentation procedures, reducing processing time for loan approvals significantly.
- Evaluated market trends to provide strategic insights into product offerings and client needs.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms, improving service delivery and satisfaction ratings across the board.
- Managed risk effectively by assessing borrowers'' creditworthiness based on established criteria while adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Achieved a strong track record of closing loans quickly and efficiently by collaborating with all parties involved, overcoming any obstacles that may arise throughout the process.
- Navigated complex financial situations with professionalism, guiding clients towards suitable mortgage products that fit their specific needs.
- Utilized online marketing platforms to promote real estate services and generate leads.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers, lenders and other third parties.
- Identified opportunities to cross-sell and upsell loan products to customers.
- Negotiated loan terms and conditions with customers to secure best deal.
- Led mortgage application processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Improved client retention by proactively addressing concerns, resolving issues promptly, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the loan process.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring their unique needs were met with personalized attention.
Sr. Mortgage Broker
Three Bays, LP
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Analyzed client financial profiles to determine optimal mortgage solutions.
- Developed and maintained relationships with lenders to secure competitive rates for clients.
- Led mortgage application processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Mentored junior brokers, enhancing team performance through training and knowledge sharing.
- Collaborated with real estate agents to facilitate smooth transactions for clients purchasing homes.
- Improved client retention by proactively addressing concerns, resolving issues promptly, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the loan process.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, ensuring their unique needs were met with personalized attention.
Senior Loan Officer
Bay Equity Home Loans
05.2017 - 08.2024
- Oversee the loan origination process from inception to completion and initiate aggressive business growth opportunities in a highly competitive market.
- Maintain close relationships with loan processors and problem-solve upcoming issues to ensure quality loan origination and minimize last-minute conditions of approval.
- Prepare FNMA 1003 and RESPA documents.
- Underwrite over 30 FNMA modification loans determining terms of trial and permanent modifications.
- Utilize automated underwriting engines to assess credit and collateral risk for all options for lending.
- Establish communication with escrow officers, processors, loan officers and underwriter regarding loan status and/or missing information.
- Experience in FHA/VA, USDA, conventional, sub-prime, fix, adjustable, commercial, and balloon loans.
- In-depth knowledge of computers and banking software.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
- Customer service-oriented with exceptional sales skills.
Senior Mortgage Consultant
CMG Financial
07.2015 - 06.2017
- Interview clients evaluate creditworthiness and eligibility for obtaining a mortgage loan. Collect financial information
- Guide clients through mortgage loan options
- Prepare and submit mortgage loan applications
- Ensure data are in line with national and local financial rules
- Monitor and report on application processes
- Inform clients about loan approval or how to get approved
- Help resolve problems with applications
- Research new mortgage loan policies
- Ensure compliance with privacy laws and confidentiality policies throughout the process
- Build a supportive referral network (e.g. with clients, lenders, real estate agents, banks and builders)
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Thorough understanding of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA), Federal National Mortgage (Fannie Mae), and other types of construction and conventional loans.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Mortgage Specialist
Marketplace Home Mortgage
09.2012 - 07.2015
- Evaluated mortgage applications for compliance with lending guidelines and regulations.
- Provided expert guidance to clients regarding loan options and mortgage processes.
- Analyzed financial documents to assess borrower eligibility and risk factors.
- Collaborated with underwriting team to expedite application reviews and approvals.
- Developed and maintained relationships with real estate agents to generate referrals.
- Developed new business and increased sales through targeted market penetration, extensive training, business partnerships and customer relationships.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently processing mortgage applications and providing timely updates.
- Attracted new mortgage loan applications by developing relationships within community.
- Achieved success in closing challenging loan scenarios through creative problem-solving and persistence.
Loan Officer
American Equity Mortgage, Inc.
08.2011 - 09.2012
- Evaluated credit histories and financial data to assess loan eligibility.
- Developed tailored loan solutions based on client needs and financial situations.
- Facilitated communication between clients and underwriting teams to streamline the approval process.
- Enhanced customer service by providing timely updates throughout the loan process.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing client concerns and resolving issues as they arose during the lending process.
- Examined customer loan applications for loan approvals and denials.
- Developed strong relationships with customers through high levels of customer service.
Restaurant Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
05.2001 - 08.2011
- Led daily operations, ensuring optimal staffing and inventory levels across restaurant locations.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff, enhancing service quality and efficiency.
- Managed scheduling to align with peak business hours, improving customer satisfaction rates.
- Oversaw food safety compliance and maintained high health inspection scores consistently.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and team-building activities.
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Monitored inventory of supplies and purchased orders to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Reduced staff turnover rate with effective leadership, open communication, and employee development opportunities.
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere with open communication channels for all employees to voice concerns or suggestions freely.
- Mentored and developed staff members for career advancement opportunities, leading to a more skilled and motivated workforce.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Music Performance/Business
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Whitewater, WI05.1999
Bachelor's Degree - Business/Commerce
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Whitewater, WI05.1999
Skills
- Loan origination expertise
- Goal-oriented mindset
- Strong analytical skills
- Conflict resolution
- Credit evaluation expertise
- Mortgage lending
- Commercial real estate
- Teamwork
- Customer service
Timeline
Sr. Mortgage Broker
Citywide Home Mortgage
04.2025 - Current
Sr. Mortgage Broker
Three Bays, LP
08.2024 - 04.2025
Senior Loan Officer
Bay Equity Home Loans
05.2017 - 08.2024
Senior Mortgage Consultant
CMG Financial
07.2015 - 06.2017
Mortgage Specialist
Marketplace Home Mortgage
09.2012 - 07.2015
Loan Officer
American Equity Mortgage, Inc.
08.2011 - 09.2012
Restaurant Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
05.2001 - 08.2011
Bachelor's Degree - Music Performance/Business
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Bachelor's Degree - Business/Commerce
University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Reviews
• Great service! Rosemary from Burnsville, MN
Brian Griffin was an awesome person. From the beginning of the process of refinancing my house to the very end, he was very patient, thoughtful and kind through it all. There were so many times where I wanted to quit the process due to the frustrations that arose but with his help, I overcame those too. He spoke to my boss once and he left an amazing impression on her. I couldn't recommend him enough. He's the best!
• Always in Communication! Carrie M from Blaine, MN
Brian worked very hard to find the best just for me. He was always in communication with me, always went over the options. If I didn't understand something he took the time to walk me through it. He did everything he could that was in my best interest. If you are looking for someone who will work hard for you Brian is your guy! Brian, thank you for your time and dedication it is greatly appreciated!! Thanks for helping me save money!
• Personal and Informative! Luke A from Burnsville, MN
This is the 2nd time I've used Brian. He is honest and has a great response time. He taught me every step of the way and is extremely personal. He listened to us and anticipated how we might feel and what we would be nervous about. At ever turn, he was there to provide advice and information. Seriously, hire this guy!
• The best of the best!!! Tim from Bayport, MN
I've purchased 3 homes in my life and have dealt with many lenders and never had such a fulfilling experience until I met Brian. His ability to adapt to my unique situation was unparalleled. He is always prompt with answering my questions and educating me when I didn't know the answers. Brian took the time to sit me down and go over all topics in detail until I understood and was comfortable. I would recommend Brian Griffin to anyone looking for an honest hardworking lender. Thanks again Brian for your dedication and getting me and my three little girls in our beautiful new home!!
• WOW! Mark from Princeton, MN
What an amazing job! Brian was given one of the most difficult files (mine), late in the game, and pulled it off. If you want someone who will get you through even the most difficult of processes, Brian is your guy! Great job Brian!
• One of the Best! Leslie from Inver Grove Heights, MN
I've known Brian for several years and he has helped not only me, but several of my clients as well! As an insurance agent I've dealt with several lenders over the years, and I have to say that Brian has always had all the needed information for me to ensure that I properly protect my insured's.
This spring Brian helped me on the purchase of my new townhouse. Brian made the transaction as smooth as it could be. I had a close on my sold home and new home on the same day and Brian and his team made sure that nothing fell through the cracks and everything went as planned. If you are looking for a lender that has YOUR best interest in mind, Brian is your Man!
• Great Service! user3809289 from Ramsey, MN
Brian was extremely helpful and answered my calls at all times of days, so I wasn't left wondering about anything! I strongly recommend him for any business.