We recently connected with Trevor Otsuka and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Trevor, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
My empathy was developed through firsthand experience. Shortly before entering the mortgage industry, I went through the process of purchasing my first home with a new home builder. Unfortunately, the loan officer assigned to our transaction showed a significant lack of communication, empathy, and genuine care. That experience was frustrating, stressful, and disheartening—especially during a milestone as significant as buying a home.
When I chose to become a mortgage professional myself, I made a personal commitment rooted in that experience: that none of my clients or professional colleagues would ever feel the frustration and confusion I felt. That experience taught me how important clear communication, proactive guidance, and genuine understanding are when people are navigating major financial decisions.
Since then, empathy has become a foundational principle in my business. I always put myself in my clients’ shoes, understanding that a mortgage isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s deeply personal, emotional, and impactful. It’s about their homes, their investment properties, their dreams, and their families. Remembering how it felt to be overlooked inspires me every day to provide the attentive, compassionate service that I wished I’d received.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a professional mortgage broker specializing in both residential and commercial lending, and I’m incredibly passionate about what I do. Currently, my primary focus and what excites me most is spearheading the pilot launch of a commercial lending division.
What’s truly special about this initiative is that it addresses a clear gap in the marketplace, providing our clients with more flexible, creative, and beneficial financing solutions for commercial properties. Whether they’re looking to finance multifamily housing, retail spaces, office buildings, or industrial properties, we’re creating tailored solutions designed to support their long-term goals and growth.
Beyond serving clients, this project is also aimed at empowering our existing team members by expanding their professional toolkits and enhancing their career trajectories. It’s also a fantastic way to bolster our recruitment, attracting talented professionals who are eager to join an innovative and growth-oriented environment.
As we roll out this pilot, we’re committed to fostering an advisory-first approach—emphasizing transparency, education, and a deep commitment to understanding our clients’ needs. This aligns directly with my personal mission to provide an experience far superior to what many traditionally associate with lending, rooted in proactive communication and genuine empathy.
I’m truly excited about the potential impact of this new division. It represents not only growth and opportunity for our firm and team but also significant benefits for the broader business community we serve.
Stay tuned—big things are coming, and we’re just getting started!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities most impactful on my journey have been purpose, discipline, and gratitude.
Purpose:
Finding alignment with my purpose was foundational. For me, purpose means helping people—whether it’s serving my clients, mentoring my team, collaborating with business associates, or strengthening referral partnerships. My professional and personal development is geared toward positively impacting those around me.
Discipline:
Discipline is about controlling the controllable. It’s choosing daily habits, being intentional with my diet, the media and information I consume, what I read, and who I surround myself with. Discipline has been the key to perseverance, especially during challenging times. It’s deciding, every day, that quitting isn’t an option.
Gratitude:
Finally, gratitude grounds me. Taking time every day to reflect on the blessings and lessons in my life helps me stay motivated and humble. Gratitude is about recognizing and stewarding the gifts that God has entrusted to me.
For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: get clear on your purpose, cultivate discipline in your daily actions, and practice gratitude relentlessly. These three qualities create momentum and meaning, turning challenges into growth and setbacks into strength. I believe in you. You are worthy of everything this life has to offer.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with commercial real estate brokers and residential broker-owners who are looking to enhance their offerings with a reliable commercial financing solution.
We provide access to over 300 national commercial lenders through our innovative platform, bringing the capital market directly to your clients. This not only streamlines the financing process—saving valuable time and effort—but also ensures a superior client experience. Our advisory team prioritizes exceptional communication, transparency, and guidance at every stage of the financing journey.
If you’re interested in exploring a partnership or want to learn more about how we can support your clients together, please reach out directly to me. I’d love to discuss how our services can add significant value to your brokerage or firm.
You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or find me on all social media platforms @trevorotsuka. Let’s talk about how we can collaborate and succeed together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barrettfinancial.com/trevor-otsuka
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevorotsuka/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trevorotsuka.loanofficer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorotsuka/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lasvegashomeloans
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mortgage-mindset/id1712256291
Image Credits
Photography by Bob Marley Domeck – Instagram @marley_domeck_luxury_media
