In the mortgage blogosphere, we talking heads tend to say the same thing when it comes to mortgage marketing. One of the pervasive themes we hear about every day: What Makes You Different?
Well I’m sick of asking that question. Instead, my columns here at Lenderama will focus on what mortgage professionals just like you are doing to answer it.
Jan Wagner
Today, I’m featuring Canton Street Mortgage located in Roswell, Georgia. I’ve known Jan Wagner for four years and have watched her company ascend from “cute little shop” to the #7 rated “Top Gun” in the state. There are quite a few unique qualities about Jan, but it wasn’t until I visited her office again last week until I realized why they’ve been gobbling up market share every year.
When I walked into the office I was warmly greeted by a team member. That shouldn’t surprise you. But what SHOULD is the fact that the team member had four legs and a wagging tail! Yep, dogs are allowed at Canton Street Mortgage. Right away, I felt at home. I just knew I could relax and be myself for a couple of hours. But the surprise had only begun.
Jan and I conducted a brief business meeting in her office, and then she invited me to stay for lunch with the rest of her team. I was relieved because the aromas coming from the kitchen and BBQ grill outside had gotten me really hungry. You see, Canton Street Mortgage has 15 employees – and once every three weeks one of the employees is in charge of cooking lunch for the rest of the office! And I’m not just talking PB & J sandwiches either. On the menu for my visit was Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu, Roasted Vegetables with a Pesto Sauce, and Jan had even baked a cake for dessert. So Jan, Mike, and a few other team members grabbed a plate full of food and headed out onto the patio for some fresh air and lively conversation. What seemed like a party to me was simply the standard every day meal for them.
Things continued to get more interesting as our meal progressed. Out of nowhere, friends of Canton Street began dropping in for a quick bite and conversation. I met one of their preferred closing attorneys, a local realtor, and a few other folks I can’t remember. Canton Street employees know that when it’s their turn to cook, it’s a good idea to make a little extra just in case some unexpected guests arrive.
Jan also lets her vendors get in on the fun – because they get to provide the goodies for a “lunch and learn” once every three weeks as well!
Jan explained to me that her unique lunch system has not only helped her create a vibrant and unique culture, but also brought her employees’ lunch costs WAY DOWN. The fact that they eat together as a team also fosters a deeper sense of teamwork and friendship amongst the entire staff. Want your processor to put in that extra hour getting your file submitted to underwriting? Just cut her a bigger piece of pecan pie!
Employers: Have you found that your big recruiting tool has become aggressive splits? Maybe there are some other ways to attract and maintain top talent other than giving the store away.
Employees: Does it help for you to work alongside your friends? That’s what happens when everyone shares a plate every day. Don’t leave it up to your boss to liven things up around the office. Why not surprise your co-workers with a home cooked meal one day next week and see how they react?
Will Jan and Canton Street Mortgage ever reach the #1 spot on Georgia’s “Top Guns”? Maybe, maybe not. But there’s no questioning the fact that her entire team is thrilled to be a part of what she’s cookin’ up. And quite frankly, so am I.
I work at an office with a good family culture. Well, we have a small team, so that helps. Either way, I think the monthly lunches are a great idea. Thanks for sharing Mark.
Hey Mark,
I think I need to clarify in my article. They do lunch every single day together.
- 15 employees
- Everyone takes a turn every three weeks (15 business days)
- So essentially, they have a gourmet lunch together every single day with each employee taking their turn every 15 business days.
Monthly would be special in and of itself.
Every day is an epiphany I had to share.
Thanks for the comment.
What a interesting concept. Not sure how that would work in northern california but i defnitely love how original the lunch and team idea is. I am defnitely looking to change or build a good culture at my office. Thanks for the food for thought.
Sounds like fun. We try and do a happy hour once per month. I think building strong relationships with co-workers increases job satisfaction and thus helps retain employees.