Since I was very young, I’ve been interested in financially-related topics. At 13 years old, when most other kids were reading comics or playing Dungeons & Dragons, I was reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki, dreaming of owning rental property, and being my own boss. Looking back, I see now that I had defined my future path in Finance before even taking a single class in economics.
While attending college at California State University San Bernardino, I began working in sales. As a bit of an adrenaline junkie and a former motocross rider, I worked for an internationally recognized snowboarding company. At first glance it might seem like I was veering away from achieving my goals in Finance and entrepreneurship, but this experience has proven to be absolutely invaluable on my road to success. It was there that I honed my skills in going above and beyond to anticipate, understand, and meet the unique needs of clients. Most importantly, though, I learned that building authentic, personal relationships with people is the most fundamental piece of growing and succeeding in business.
I’ve never been afraid to take risks or pursue my passions and, once graduating from college, I was finally able to dedicate all of my knowledge and experience gained over the years to begin fulfilling my dream as an entrepreneur—specifically in the Mortgage Industry. I started by processing loans, followed by transitioning into loan origination and becoming a top producer in my area. I soon realized I made my 13-year-old self’s dream a reality: I was building my own business, helping people realize their own dreams of owning a home, and still having the time to achieve successful work-life balance.
As my client list steadily grew due to positive client referrals, sound financial advice, a solid understanding of market trends, and my ability to advise people looking to buy a home based on their individualized best interests and not on my own financial gain, I recognized the underlying passion that drives my love for what I do is the satisfaction and fulfillment I get from helping other people achieve their own goals.
In addition, I’ve realized that after 20+ years of experience and enjoying a successful career, I’m in the fortunate position of being able to impart what I’ve learned along the way. Not only can I help clients navigate the mortgage process, but want to help coach my peers in the Mortgage Industry in how to: authentically connect with people, foster relationships with existing and potential clients, streamline processes, increase efficiency and growth, and demonstrate how I’ve learned to work smarter and not harder, so hopefully more people can enjoy that work-life balance for which we all strive.
Being born and raised in Southern California, I’m lucky enough to indulge in my many outdoor hobbies year-round. If I’m not in the office, I’m likely hitting the slopes with Amber, my wife of 18 years; golfing; mountain biking; off on a daily walk with my two Dobermans, Kona and Tyson; or traveling the world, always in search of my next adventure!
Larry Iest is a Branch Manager at MegaStar Financial, with branches in Riverside and Hemet. From a young age, Larry showed great interest in all matters relating to finance and how money worked. After several years working at Nordstrom, and another four years working in international sales within the snowboard industry, he combined his interest in finance with his experiences in sales and customer service, and began his career in the Mortgage Industry in 2002.“My mortgage career has been built mainly on referrals by providing sound mortgage advice and putting my client’s best interest first,”Larry says. “My goal has always been that my clients leave our meetings better informed regarding their financial matters. I enjoy serving my clients, and strive to create a uniquely pleasurable mortgage experience.”
Larry is fully devoted to helping his clients through what can sometimes be an overwhelming process. He works hard to establish tailor-made solutions that meet each of his client’s unique mortgage needs. He also communicates clearly with his clients to educate them on all their options, and keeps them informed throughout the process so they are confident and comfortable with their loan when it is time to close
When Larry isn’t busy working with his clients, he enjoys snowboarding, riding motocross, walking his dogs, woodworking, and traveling with his
wife.