Meet Chris Elgert, a Loan Officer at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (lincolnfed.com).

Tell us a little about your business. – I am a mortgage loan officer providing financing for those interested in purchasing a home or refinancing their current home.

How did you get started in the business? – I actually started with an interest in getting my real estate license. My father was the President/Managing Broker of Home Real Estate in Lincoln until 2010. After taking the real estate classes in 2000, it was he who said I might want to take a look on the financing side. There was a Home Real Estate office that was opening on North 27th Street here in Lincoln and they were in need of an in-house loan officer (HomeServices Lending). I decided to take my father’s advice, probably for the first time in my life, and I have never looked back. It has been an incredibly rewarding career and I have many clients who have turned into friends/family and I have some of the best relationships possible with some of my real estate agent colleagues. I have been at Lincoln Federal since 2010 and plan continue in the for many years.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I would just say just the overall volatility of the interest rates create a challenge in our industry. Through my entire career, navigating through COVID-19 was one of the most unique challenges and honestly not something I would like to experience again. Not only was the way in which we do business turned upside down without being able to meet and guide people through the process in person, but it was also the most productive time in our industry due to the uniquely low rates. In 2020, I closed over 500 loans. I found out very quickly that my love for this industry has to do more with the people and very little to do with the numbers or transactions.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Honestly, just the friendships and clients I have over the years. I have been in the industry over 20 years and have worked with families multiple times. In fact, I have some clients who came in as children with their parents and now have used me to purchase their first home. I’m also nearing $1 Billion in total loan production. That is a milestone that I never thought I would reach and I am honored that so many clients have put their faith and trust in working with me.

Tell us a little about your family. – My family consists of my wife (Laurissa), my daughter (Isabella – 18) and my son (Miles – 16). I also have three golden doodles (Max, Rex and Sandy). To say they are my “WHY” would be an understatement.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Getting married and having children has been the greatest gift of my life. I’m getting closer to being an “empty nester” with my wife and I hate every minute of it. If I could, I would have my kids and their families live with me forever. My children are both very competitive golfers and it has been wonderful just being their Dad and watching them grow as young adults and in their love for the game.

Who inspires you? – My brother. I have a brother that is 11 years younger than I who has Down’s Syndrome. He is the most loving person I have ever known, calls me every day and is never in a bad mood.

What local nonprofit organizations are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Teammates, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Malone Center. More than anything, I’m passionate about giving children opportunities/support that they would not otherwise have the opportunity for.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do? – Best way to contact is via email (celgert@lincolnfed.com).