A resident of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Bill Huemmer began his career in the mortgage loan industry in 1985. Since that time, Bill Huemmer has worked with financial institutions such as Shelter Mortgage, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, and Old National Bank.
In his recent role as mortgage loan originator with Old National Bank, Mr. Huemmer interviewed, solicited, processed, and communicated with Realtors, builders, and clients regarding mortgage loans. His role involved managing the loan origination process from beginning to end. He also helped train new mortgage officers and walked first-time homebuyers through the process.
Mr. Huemmer has been a top producer in Wisconsin for 30 of his 40 years in the industry. Additionally, he has served as charter president of the Optimist Club in Monona. His training includes an associate degree in accounting from Madison Area Technical College.
Mr. Huemmer enjoys fitness and weightlifting, gardening, and spending time with his family. He also likes to compete with his son in different sporting activities.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day is arriving at the office before normal banking hours and return emails and voicemail messages before 8:00 am. I always had my days planned out with preapprovals and with clients receiving an accepted offer to purchase. Marketing half an hour a day, minimum.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I have always been self-motivated and would discuss new ideas with my assistant and seek his input as well.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Loan originations each month excites me! I am always asking for business!
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I am very driven or a self-starter. I like to always be busy and strive to be number 1 in number of loans and loan volume.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I wish I would have marketed myself more when I became a mortgage loan originator.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
The number of hours that I would work a week! To me, this is not a job because I enjoy what I do so much.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I do marketing at least a half hour a day, if not more.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I am laser focused from the time I arrive and until the time that I leave for the day. I never had much idle time in my 40 years of mortgage lending.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I prided myself on doing the best job for each client, realtor, and builder referral. Taking realtors and builders to lunch or dinner. Out of sight, out of mind. Constantly being visible and asking for business. I am a very good multitasker!
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Use a marketing CD-ROM to keep in constant contact with clients, realtors, and builders. Providing updates on new programs being offered and holiday wishes.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I am constantly reviewing the updates from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
All American, and the teamwork needed to be number 1!
Key learnings
- Learn effective marketing early in your career and make marketing an ongoing priority.
- Self-motivation, planning, and discussion support productivity and foster idea development and implementation.
- Each day is an opportunity to be the best!
- Be open to change in policies and procedures in your field.