NAMB Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Candy Sirirotpiboon Director of Client Relations, PCV Murcor Pomona, California

What motivates you in your current position? I love helping people. With the teams I lead, I always try to instill that every file we handle has a homeowner behind it. For our part of the transaction, I want to make sure it’s a smooth customer experience. If there is an issue, let's be proactive in resolving it to communicate what the next steps need to be & not delay the transaction.

Why did you choose mortgage? I have always been interested in Real Estate and helping people. These interests combined led me to PCV Murcor, which is a nationwide appraisal management company. We help homeowners & clients every day by being their advocate during the appraisal process. The owner & CEO Keith Murray's words stuck with me when I first started with the company: “Behind each appraisal may be a first-time home buyer or a customer we are helping make their homeownership dreams come true.”

What was your first paying job? My first paying job was at Taco Bell when I was in high school. I worked every position from the food line, food prep, cashier, drive-thru, etc. As I look back, I think that's where my desire to know & learn all positions came from. Taco Bell encouraged me to learn every position so we can be cross-trained to help where we need to.

Favorite vacation spot? I have two: Ko Chang, Thailand & Vientiane, Laos. Ko Chang translated is Elephant Island. It’s located along the Eastern part of Thailand near the border of Cambodia. The untouched beauty of the rainforest & pristine teal blue beaches are truly breath taking. Vientiane, Laos, is where my mother's family lives. It's wonderful to return home to lots of aunts, uncles & cousins. The outdoor markets & temples are my favorite places to visit & see in Vientiane. Street food is a must – Gordon Ramsey did name Laos as one of the world's top food destinations!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would love to say in 10 years I would be in early retirement sitting on a beach in Ko Chang but I am far from retirement age! I see myself continuing to advance in my career, expand my reach in helping clients & lead successful teams. I am looking forward to what the future holds!

Thuan NguyenLoan Factory, CEO San Jose, California

Why did you choose mortgage? I love to help consumers buy a house & save a lot of money!

What motivates you in your current position? The sky is the limit. I [hope] to expand Loan Factory so that there are more consumers receiving excellent services & lower interest rates.

What was your first paying job? I worked as an assembly worker in a factory at minimum wage.

If you could have a career doing anything else, what would it be? None. I love what I am doing now.

How does NAMB membership help you? I have learned so much from NAMB leadership & networking with others brokers/loan o cers. NAMB National events are a great occasion for me to learn so much from lenders & other successful loan o cers.

What’s your favorite hobby? Watching movies.

Your healthiest habit? Going to the gym daily.

Favorite vacation spot? Cancun!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Running the same company but so much bigger!

Gary OgamiOwner/President, Pinnacle Peak Lending, Inc. Scottsdale, Arizona

Why did you choose mortgage? While I worked for over a dozen years in transfer agent operations with a large investment management services company, I had an interest in real estate, more specifically, the finance side of it. I left that industry to pursue home financing as a loan o cer, obtained my license & opened my own brokerage!

What do you love about your current position? Helping people achieve homeownership or improve their financial situation is makes the job so rewarding.

Describe a work highlight. As AZAMP President from 2021-2023, overseeing the re-start, if you will, of the organization post-COVID. A lot of exceptional people on the board got us going again, which led to a record turnout at AZAMP’s Fall 2021 Expo.

What was your first paying job? I worked as a proof of deposit (POD) operator for Wells Fargo Bank, part-time after school each day.

Describe your professional mentor: I'd have to say Michael J. Maher, with whom I conferred frequently right before transitioning from an LO to starting my own brokerage. He was relatively new as well, but he was supportive & encouraging. I also liked his approach to building relationships. He authored “The 7 Levels of Communication.”

Favorite business app: Oooh, good question! Podium has been helpful with helping manage online inquiries. I also like Chat GPT as a quick way to help me put together my newsletter each month. As for LOS, I'm currently exploring options. Any suggestions, anyone!?

Your healthiest habit? Starting CrossFit 2.5 yrs ago, even though I probably should have started it 12.5 years ago, LOL.

Favorite vacation spot? I'd have to say Hawaii (Maui, Kauai, the big island) or Mexico (Cabo or Cancun).

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I think I see myself still doing what I've been doing - helping people reach their financial goals via the service I provide. Maybe a little less as I would be well into retirement age... but not much less!