Travis Nguyen: An adventurer and a mortgage underwriter
Name: Travis Nguyen
Role: Mortgage Underwriter with Bridgewater Bank
Years worked in financial services: 7
Work location: Alberta
Superpower: Always being there
If you’re looking for someone who is always there—to listen, pitch in, and answer questions—look no further than Travis Nguyen. He is big on teamwork, and his door is always open to a colleague in need. He’s also an excellent underwriter and recent finalist for the Mortgage Awards of Excellence Best Lender Underwriter.
THE PATH TO BECOMING A MORTGAGE UNDERWRITER
Q: Tell us a little bit about your work background.
Travis: I started my career in financial services working for one of the Big five banks in 2011. After a couple of years, I wanted to try something new and adventurous. So, I taught English in Korea for three years. I came back to the same bank in 2016 and worked as a teller and financial advisor until I left to join Bridgewater Bank a couple of years ago.
Q: Why did you decide to work in the mortgage industry and more specifically, as an underwriter?
Travis: As a financial advisor, my focus was on putting clients first. This led me to mortgages because I enjoy finding solutions for loan applicants, and I’m interested in really understanding what goes on behind a mortgage approval.
ALTERNATIVE LENDING AND CREATIVITY
Q: Why did you make the move to alternative lending?
Travis: I like creativity, and I did not want to be restrained by finding mortgage solutions within a rigid set of boxes. I really challenge myself to look at the big picture when it comes to mortgage applications. Bridgewater Bank lets me do that.
Q: How do you stay informed about what’s happening in the market, especially in your region?
Travis: I watch the deals coming in, and I explore it further when I see a trend. I chat with our group of underwriters about the current trends and conditions in the market, and I keep up with online blogs and postings about market conditions. Another function of an underwriter is looking at houses as though I’m a prospective buyer—someday I will be.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
Q: What’s your most treasured item?
Travis: My iPod Classic. I can’t update it anymore because it’s so old, but it holds the classics–90s music. Music plays a big part in how I get through life. I even teach hip-hop dance to adults.
Q: What’s a skill you’d like to learn and why?
Travis: Actually, there are two. First, I want to learn to play acoustic guitar. People who play seem to be in tune with their soul, and it’s captivating to hear someone strumming away at a guitar.
I also want to learn how to flip an omelet or pancake right in the pan. Mine always end up on the floor.
Q: Who do you most admire in life?
Travis: I admire a lot of people for different reasons. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say my father and grandfather. They work hard and always do what’s right. It’s just evident in the way they carry themselves.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Q: Do you want to share some final thoughts about your career as an underwriter?
Travis: I love being a mortgage underwriter with Bridgewater Bank. Understanding alt lending gives me the freedom to help people. I enjoy putting the pieces of the problem-solving puzzle together to understand their story, background and financial picture. Using my underwriting expertise to help my clients realize a dream is what I find most rewarding.