Primary Residential Mortgage Receives August Small Business Award

Radley Brooks first go into the mortgage industry during the initial phase of the housing crisis during 2007. Property values were diminishing and foreclosures were on the rise. During this time especially Banks and Credit Unions were starting to restrict who they lent money to, making home ownership more challenging. Radley felt it was a great opportunity, and after researching all the options he decided to partner with a company called Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. This allowed him access to over 50 different investors to offer a wide range of mortgage loan products. He started his first office in the basement of Coldwell Banker with a Loan Processor in March of 2008. Since then he has expanded to three locations in Hutchinson and an office in Newton. Most recently, he purchased the old Venue 302 building where he consolidated his three Hutchinson locations into one making operations even more efficient and easier for customers.

With PRMI, they offer more mortgage options than any other lender in Hutchinson. They specialize in FHA, VA, USDA Rural Development, Reverse Mortgages, and are a direct Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae seller/servicer. That means that any mortgage product offered by these agencies they can originate for their clients. There is no one size fits all mortgage product, so being knowledgeable about all these loan programs and helping clients find the best financial solution for them is what makes them different.

Because the loan products they offer require countless hours of education and training, that has been their biggest challenge. When there is no other company similar to PRMI locally, they have had to invest time and money into their staff to train them to be the best in their role. They have in-house Loan Processing, Originator's, Underwriters, and Closers. Guidelines and loan products are always changing, so staying on top of those are always a challenge.

Each employee has a different career goals and/or objectives. Radley says he enjoys discovering the strengths that each person has and placing them into a position to utilize what they do best. Sometimes in the interview process he might think they are better fit for a specific job, but after six months they show more interest in another aspect of the mortgage process and he will move them into a role they thrive in. What also helps retain employees is the opportunity for advancement. If someone wants to advance to different roles or pay structures, they are put on a track to achieve those goals with trainings and certifications. The environment is fast paced and stressful at times, but everyone works together like a family.

Over the years PRMI has been involved in many local and national organizations. Radley has participated with and sponsored organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Reno County, Fox Theater, Nickerson/Buhler/Hutchinson Schools, Open Door Pregnancy, Sweet Adelines, Hutchinson Zoo, Veteran's Memorial in South Hutchinson, Hutchinson Builders Association, Prairie Land Partners and TECH.

Congratulations and thank you for all you do for our community.