John Heck on being a forward-looking problem solver

The senior advisor of lending solutions at Capacity outlines solutions that only a veteran industry leader can create

John Heck on being a forward-looking problem solver

As a 32-year industry professional, John Heck, senior advisor of lending solutions at Capacity, has always looked at the bigger picture to head off problems before they even take shape.

“I had an undergraduate and graduate degree in another industry and wanted to enter an industry with higher compensation and no academic prerequisite. The mortgage industry fit my objective,” Heck told MBN. “I initially entered in the sales area, then transitioned into operations, then process optimization of operations, then technology, data, and now AI. I have always solved for the future needs of the industry, so it has always surpassed my expectations.”

“I started my mortgage career as a loan officer, transitioned to an area manager, then founded my own mortgage brokerage, and then my own mortgage banking company,” Heck added. “Then I transitioned into founding my own technology company. The mortgage banker and technology companies were both acquired by larger companies. I find much pleasure with start-up companies and/or start-up divisions of companies.”

Having held high-level posts at CitiGroup, PNC Financial, Fidelity National Financial, First American, EMC, and IBM, Heck brings to bear a keen business sense that only a veteran industry leader is fortunate to have.

“I have always focused on leadership as my core competency and I sincerely believe that leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality,” Heck said.

A forward-looking approach has served him well over the decades.

“Along those same lines, like any relationship, ‘giving to get’ is my operating model – that is, always ascertain what others need, fulfill those needs, and positive results will always come back your way. It’s all about implementing innovative services and solutions that help customers succeed financially while generating shareholder value.”

And as for the core components of long-term success?

“Understanding all aspects of the mortgage ecosystem, being an active listener, asking and comprehending the answers to very salient questions, surrounding myself with quality people who have areas of expertise that are greater than mine, and being honest with everyone,” Heck said.

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