We recently connected with Gene Griffin and have shared our conversation below.
Gene, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my childhood. I grew up rather modestly. I choose not to use the word ‘poor’ because I feel that is relative to where you are in the world. We didn’t have much growing up, and there were struggles. As a child, I didn’t have nice clothes, a nice house, and my parents didn’t drive a nice car like the other kids’ parents. My older brother and I were often picked on for this. When we got old enough to play sports, we weren’t the biggest kids. We had to learn to hustle and have heart. This upbringing built great resilience in both of us.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the Founder of Summit Mortgage Solutions, a mortgage operation that specializes in residential, investment, and commercial real estate lending. We have the privilege of helping people become homeowners, build wealth through investing in real estate, or solve complex financial problems with practical solutions. We are true strategic advisors for our clients and truly feel we have a responsibility to society through the work we do. We work harder, care more, and go above and beyond for our clients. That is why we are an award-winning, 5-star rated operation. Our goal is to become the first mortgage brokerage operation to become a household name and to set a new standard in our industry by dominating—by doing business the right way.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe that the desire to do good in this world is a significant quality that has had a profoundly positive impact on my journey. When you have purpose, you have passion, and people can see and feel that.
Two other qualities are what we call ‘Heart & Hustle.’ This is actually our team’s motto. When I talk about ‘Heart,’ I’m referring to being servant-hearted and always doing what’s best for the client, as well as having the heart of a champion. If you get knocked down, take a moment and get right back up. This is what ‘Heart’ means to us.
The ‘Hustle’ aspect is pretty straightforward: it means not sitting around waiting for things to happen. It’s about going out there and finding or creating opportunities, doing something to push your business forward every single day.
We believe that ‘Heart & Hustle’ can’t be taught. You either have it or you don’t. In our business, we can teach people anything else.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m looking for like-minded professionals who want to make a positive impact on society and are willing to do the work required to achieve this.
Maybe you have a podcast, a publication, or a stage where you’d be willing to have me as a guest. I have an interesting story that connects with people. I enjoy sharing my story and motivating others to overcome obstacles, take the leap, and achieve their dreams.
If this resonates with you, please email me at [email protected] or call me at (512) 517-9822.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summitmortgagesolutions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genegriffinmortgage/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gene.griffin.10
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genegriffin/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@genegriffinmortgage?lang=en
