Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Devaney.
Jeremy Devaney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my banking career in 2005 working my way through equity strategy and equity research, rising to become the senior publishing analyst covering Aerospace & Defense for BB&T Capital Markets in their Washington D.C. office. In 2013 my wife, Allison and I relocated back to Massachusetts to our home town of Marshfield to start a family. I joined CSP Associates, a small but highly engaged advisory and strategy consulting firm based in Cambridge, where I advised on more than $2.0B of leverage buyouts in the defense and government services industries. The above is the work history, but the drive and the passion was for the transactions and the incredible amount of diligence put into these transactions. I loved hearing my clients’ goals and struggles, helping them pull apart all the details of their business, and then putting all the puzzle pieces together to get a deal across the finish line. There were some amazing mentors over the years, it was a privilege to work with such talented minds. Investment banking was a fun but challenging way to make a living and unfortunately did not lend itself to having a family or having the time to invest in my community. In the winter of 2014/15 something needed to give – my passions had shifted, my small but growing family deserved my energy and I was increasingly unhappy with my work/life balance.
I did a lot of soul searching – I called a few close friends and talked about life, passion, time, and happiness – mushy stuff but at the end of the day little else really matters if those building blocks are in place. My buddies turned me on to some really insightful thinkers like Tony Robbins, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Simon Sinek and I really began to work on my mindset, asking hard questions of myself. It didn’t take me long to realize that what I really wanted and what really made me happy would be to be home for my family and be an active member of my community. I wanted to take my years of experience and do something where I could help my family, friends, and neighbors. One friend in particular, Rick Scherer, helped me explore a couple of different opportunities but ultimately mortgage banking aligned best with my skill set and my newly reviewed personal goals. Rick and I spent hours discussing business planning and start-up strategy as if we were going to market with a product. I knew if I was going to make a career change I needed to review the opportunity just as I would any of the business ventures I had evaluated over the last decade. Allison, also a former investment banker, helped me pour over the numbers, to the point that we felt confident that our family finances could weather the career transition and possible lengthy business ramp-up. In April of 2015 I made the move and jumped into mortgage banking with both feet spending my first year in the business learning from the bottom up. Rick and his business partner, Rich Clayton, helped me develop a business strategy where I deliver 5-star service to my clients and tons of value to my business partners – I’m really tremendously grateful to those two because that first year really has shaped my business for the growth that I’ve experienced.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life is never a smooth road, particularly when you go through a complete change in careers. It was really challenging to get comfortable with making the leap into mortgages and walk away from a decade’s worth of financial and defense industry experience. In the early days, every day was nerve wracking. I had to stay focused on the plan and then work the plan…and believe in the plan…and convince others to believe in the plan. There are days that you face tough loses or that a stressful situation pops up but I’ve really been blessed to be surrounded by amazing transaction partners, a super talented team, and very empathetic wife. When the day has been rough these people jump in and allow me to focus on finding solutions. I also continually come back to my purpose – my kids, my wife, and my clients – tough days come and go but when my focus stays on my purpose, the end goal is all that matters.
What should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. is a national mortgage bank founded in 1996 and headquartered in Madison, WI and Carrollton, TX. We originate, underwrite, and fund our loans in-house which provides us complete control of the financing process. We offer a wide range of products including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, non-conforming, non-warrantable condo, and portfolio loans programs allowing us to originate loans with incredibly flexible terms at highly competitive rates. My business partners know me for my high level of customer service and impeccable credibility – if I say I can get a deal done, I get it done. My word is my bond. I am most proud of our client first approach – I don’t sell a product; I provide valuable advice to clients so that they can make an informed decision in their best interest. Check out my reviews:https://socialsurvey.
What do you like best about our city? Least?
The proximity to the ocean and mountains; we get spoiled no matter the season! I love boating and spending time with my family on the water or on the beach. We also like to get up to the mountains for skiing and hiking as much as possible.
Least: Traffic/commuting – this was a major pain point when I used to commute into Cambridge daily
Contact Info:
- Phone: 781-680-5626
- Address: 180 Wells Avenue Suite 300 Newton, MA 02459
- Website: www.devaneymortgage.com
- Email: jeremy.devaney@fairwaymc.com
- Instagram: @devaney_mortgage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevaneyMortgage
- Twitter: @JeremyDevaney
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