TAKING FLIGHT ON A NEW CAREER PATH

Becoming an independent mortgage broker or loan officer isn’t just a great opportunity for those already in the origination business – it can also be the right choice for people in other industries. If you have the right skillset and a desire to help people, the sky’s the limit. In the case of Elliott Bowman, that expression has dual meaning.

WRITING ON THE WALL

Elliott has been a commercial airline pilot since 2011. Flying was his dream ever since he was a little kid. But as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the country in the spring of 2020, Elliott decided to chart a new course. “One of my last flights only had about five people on the airplane when normally we have 179,” said Elliott. “I knew it was time to start looking for something else to get into.”

After reaching out to a few friends, Elliott learned about the mortgage origination business and thought it could be a fit. “I was always a numbers person. Being in aviation, it’s all about task prioritization and working together as a team.” For Elliott, joining a broker shop as a loan officer was an easy decision because he of the ability to decide his own work schedule that would still allow him to fly. “Assuming one day aviation will be back to normal, I wanted something where I could be on the road and still doing loans,” said Elliott. “Being an (independent mortgage) broker provides that flexibility, which is key.”

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

After passing his NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry) exam and getting licensed, Elliott joined Aslan Home Lending in Denver, Colorado. Aslan offered Elliott the support he needed as a brand new loan officer.

“The key is finding a mentor in the industry,” said Elliott. “They are a team that treats you like family and they’ve had so many great resources to train me and teach me the business. That has been fundamental to my growth.”

BUSINESS TAKES OFF

Just as he used a simulator before flying on his own, Elliott did plenty of practice scenarios before he started originating loans. And it didn’t take long for his business to take off. Elliott even leveraged his ‘other’ career to create his own marketing brand: Your Mortgage Co-Pilot.

Even in the midst of a pandemic, Elliott sees clear skies ahead thanks to his new career path. “Business has been booming and I am so thankful to have found a new passion in mortgages!”


* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.