Our guest today is one of our own- Matthew Kirk, Licensed Senior Mortgage Banker at Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group. Matthew has a never-say-die attitude that got him (and his wife- they have shared passions) to the top of Kilimanjaro after two years of preparatory training.

Matthew shares with us some of the inspirational books, a-ha moments, and pivotal career points in his life that brought him to his current level of success and happiness. From working hard on gratitude, to reading every day, there are lots of little things you can do to make every day count, and live a meaningful life while making a good living.

Lending Forward is a weekly podcast hosted by Taylor Ellard and powered by Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group. We bring you raw stories from real people in the mortgage industry. We're covering what's next in lending, forward-thinking, and reflecting on lessons learned from Mortgage Bankers, Realtors, Financial Advisors, Coaches, and more! How are you lending it forward?

Founded in 1996, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group® is a privately owned mortgage lender headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va. Atlantic Bay has been recognized as a Top 100 Mortgage Company in America, Best Mortgage Company, Most Enjoyable Place to Work, and an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company.

Discussion Points:

• How do you define perseverance?
• What led you and your wife to that moment where you decided to summit Kilimanjaro?
• Matthew and his wife wanted more than spending every weekend out to dinner with friends
• “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins was instrumental in motivating Matthew
• Matthew gets very emotional speaking about the time alone with his wife on that mountain in Africa
• How did you get to where you are at Atlantic Bay? What was your background?
• The restaurant business is thankless and will suck the life out of you!
• Plans for the ‘next gen’ of mortgage bankers
• What is the DNA of a good mortgage banker?
• Can you give us some of the habits that helped you build your life so far?
• Lending it Forward advice: although it sounds cliche’, follow your heart!

Resources/Links:

Matthew Kirk LinkedIn

Matthew Kirk at Atlantic Bay Mortgage

Book: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Taylor Ellard LinkedIn

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group