For years, Chicago Agent Magazine has been the residential real estate professional’s leading source of local news and information. Its content allows readers access to breaking news and in-depth features which provide Chicagoland’s real estate professionals the information and insight they need to build their businesses and stay connected to the communities they serve.
Annually, the magazine compiles a list of the best Chicagoland real estate professionals in its Who’s Who segment of the publication. This year, Wintrust Mortgage had four agents featured on the list. We’re proud to be part of the communities we serve, so seeing members of our team recognized for their excellent work and commitment is a great honor. The following Wintrust Mortgage staff members were featured in the list and, in addition, Tricia Brouwers was featured on the cover of the issue.

Mark Bechtold, Senior Residential Lender
A veteran in the industry, Mark Bechtold has been confident in his career choice since graduating from the University of Kansas more than two decades ago. Mark specializes in construction lending, specifically for clients building new homes or rehabbing existing homes. With an understanding of the importance these transactions hold in the lives of those he serves, Mark refuses to turn any client away and works hard to find a solution to fit each of their unique needs. Throughout his career, Mark has served as a mentor to colleagues and has used his knowledge and experience “to help change the face of the industry.”

Tricia Brouwers, AVP/Business Development Manager of Mortgage Loan Originations
For Tricia Brouwers, finding herself in the mortgage industry came as a bit of a surprise. She was presented with the opportunity to learn the mortgage business and jumped on it. Twenty-seven years later, Tricia has received countless awards, including Wintrust’s 2016 Sales Manager of the Year, and has found herself in the Honors Circle and President’s Circle. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of her clients, she challenges those around her to be better each day. Tricia credits much of her success to the mentors and influencers that surround her. She believes in treating every client individually with the understanding that everybody’s background and goals are different. “They are not files; they are families,” she says.
Aside from her success in the mortgage industry, Tricia is a national speaker, presenting Gary Keller and Jay Papasan’s best-selling book “The ONE Thing” to more than 2,150 real estate professionals last year alone. In honor of her son who is affected, she has long been an advocate for autism awareness, serving on the board in Chicago for Autism Speaks since it began in 2005.

Robert Curtis, Senior Loan Originator
With a knack for customer service, and the ability to anticipate a client’s needs before they’ve even expressed them, Robert Curtis’ success in the mortgage industry isn’t a surprise. Robert is both a Qualified Loan Professional (QPL) and holds USA Cares certification. He uses a consultative approach to identify client concerns and address them early, allowing Robert to establish a true partnership with his clients. He is a firm believer in taking a proactive approach versus a reactive one and is very solutions-focused. “There are many solutions,” he says. “The key is finding one that meets the client’s objectives.” When he is away from the office, Robert enjoys being involved in his kids’ activities and volunteering in his community.

Kelly Price, Senior Mortgage Consultant
With 15 years of experience, Kelly Price works primarily in Chicagoland and the Midwest, while helping clients across the country who are looking to relocate or buy vacation homes. Recognized as a President’s Club Member for achieving top sales volume, Kelly is also a winner of the National Five Star Mortgage Professionals Award for customer satisfaction. Kelly isn’t afraid of any obstacle thrown her way. She acknowledges that nothing in business makes her day more than making clients happy and closing loans that others couldn’t. She and her husband reside on the North Side of Chicago and enjoy traveling between their vacation homes in Michigan and Mexico.

To see the full list of Chicago Agent Magazine’s Who’s Who 2018, click here.