Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius James.
Hi Darius, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After attending Mayville State University in North Dakota, where I played football, I came home and began working in the mortgage industry as a mortgage banker for Quicken loans in Detroit, MI at the age of 19, while also serving in the United States Army Reserves.
One of my lifelong mentors, sparked my interest in the mortgage industry. He helped me in landing my first job in the industry. At Quicken Loans, I was able to gain extensive experience in the mortgage industry, including origination, underwriting, processing, and closing loans.
We’ve come a long way in ten years. At 29 years old, I am the Founder, President, and CEO of Porch Point Mortgage, one of the country’s fastest-growing mortgage companies based in Huntsville, Alabama.
Early in my work as a mortgage banker, I was captivated by the influence and assistance that a truly caring originator could bring to borrowers.
I specialized in refinance mortgage transactions for the first couple of years of my work, assisting consumers wishing to refinance their house loans. This is the first time I’ve seen how impactful a loan officer can be.
I was frequently able to combine debt through a cash-out refinance, allowing clients to free up hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in monthly cash flow.
The amount of gratitude I received was frequently unbelievable. Caring about the other person on the other end of the transaction encouraged me to ask more personal questions, which was quite humbling. For some, the savings were life-changing, allowing them to pay for items that they were previously anxious about.
What those clients didn’t realize was that they were transforming my life at the same time. I grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where the poverty rate is over 30%, and helping them improve their financial conditions allowed me to build a financial foundation for myself that was also life-changing.
That’s when I realized I’m going to spend the rest of my life doing this. I was about 21 years old at the time, and I made a promise to myself that I would stay committed and learn everything there was to know about running a mortgage company. From that day forward, I began strategically planning my career, taking several positions to study various aspects of the business. So, one day, I could start my own mortgage company and multiply that impact.
I moved on from QL to work in other areas of the mortgage industry, where I gained experience in business development and leadership.
Quicken Loans, Loan Depot, Caliber Home Loans, and Home Point Financial are among the country’s largest and most successful lenders, and I’ve worked for them all. I served as Director of Business Development for Home Point Financial, where I played an integral role in acquiring new business and developing relationships.
Prior to starting Porch Point Mortgage, I had founded several ventures as an entrepreneur, all of which were excellent learning experiences. Every position I’ve held and every business I’ve launched has prepared me for my current role as President & CEO of Porch Point Mortgage.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been an easy road; there have been a number of roadblocks and hurdles along the way, and the problems and challenges haven’t gone away. Various problems and challenges continue to present themselves to this day. You can’t use them as an excuse; the key is to concentrate on finding answers to difficulties as soon as they arise and to never give up.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Porch Point Mortgage provides modern mortgages to homeowners and refinancers through a tech-enhanced process. We believe in a simplified and technology-enabled process. We are dedicated to helping our clients obtain a mortgage that fits their needs, whether it’s for purchasing a home or refinancing an existing loan. Porch Point uses tech to ensure a smooth borrower experience while still providing a personal touch. Porch Point will not only find you the best rate our team of experienced professionals also work closely with our borrowers every step of the way—from pre-qualifying them for a loan all the way through closing day.
NMLS: 2184523
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
No matter how long it takes or what obstacles arise, stay committed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.porchpointmortgage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdariusj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsdjjames
