2022 marks 20 successful years in the competitive mortgage industry for Neena Vlamis and her company A and N Mortgage Services. Under Neena's (President and Owner) leadership, A and N has developed from a handful of employees 20 years ago to almost 100. Being a female leader in the mortgage industry has taught Neena several valuable insights. Neena says, “Up until 1975, a woman couldn’t even sign a lease on a car or get a credit card without a male co-signer.” And here she is, with a billion-dollar book of business and a successful mortgage company across ten states.
Neena attributes her entrepreneurial spirit in part to her parents. While growing up, Neena's mother worked in the mortgage industry, and her father was a refugee from India who taught her early on that building wealth is a gift. Her father also made it clear that it requires hard work and dedication. Neena has a passion for working with clients and helping them to expand and strengthen their home loan portfolios. She and her team can also work with clients coming to the U.S. with visas and help teach them about specific home loan products.
Neena is effervescent and does not dwell on negativity. She says that part of being a successful female business owner is setting yourself up to succeed. She believes that a negative mind will not give you a positive life, so she moves forward when she encounters sexism or racism, blatant or microaggressions. “You figure it out, you face a challenge head-on and always come out stronger for it.”
Neena believes that leadership doesn’t stop with her, and she wants to continue to foster more leaders within A and N. A and N works with the motto, ‘With our loans, you’re not alone,’ and the company’s employees take this to heart. A and N is not a company looking to make deals; rather, they are working to build relationships. The company has a fantastic culture and employee camaraderie where everyone is encouraged to contribute, grow, and strengthen their skill sets.
Neena has hired and trained several team members who lost jobs in other industries and inspired them to succeed on a new career path. Neena says, “Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions and learn. Once you are up and running, pull someone else up! Grow the people around you and teach one another.” Whether working with a first-time homebuyer or someone needing a jumbo loan for a vacation property, Neena encourages her team to not just make a living but aspire to make a difference.
Neena aims to expand A and N’s reach by increasing the company’s state licensing and recruitment practices and is opening a new branch in Michigan. Neena adds that the company collaborates with other industry leaders on exciting outreach programs. She said she has loved every minute of the last 20 years and is looking forward to the next!
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. This is not a commitment to lend. A and N Mortgage Services, Inc. is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee and Equal Housing Lender. 1945 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60642p: 773.305.LOAN (5626) ANmtg.com NMLS No. 19291IL MB.0006638. Serving IL, IN, IA, FL, MI, MN, WI, TN, TX. Offer of credit subject to credit approval. Texas Recovery Fund Notice. For licensing information, visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org and anmtg.com/company-info/licensing/. Neena Vlamis LO NMLS No. 37370
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