Guaranteed Rate has announced the promotion and broadened scope of responsibilities for Senior Vice Presidents and Divisional Managers James Elliott and Chris Knapp who, in addition to their current roles, will lead the company’s nationwide sales and recruiting program.
Knapp, whose new title is Executive Vice President of National Retail Production–East, will manage production in the Eastern half of the country while Elliott, as Executive Vice President of National Retail Production–West, will focus on the Western half.
“James and Chris are industry veterans with an incredible depth of knowledge,” said Guaranteed Rate Chief Executive Officer and Founder Victor Ciardelli. “They are also both amazing mentors to the loan officers who serve in their regions and true leaders at Guaranteed Rate. Their dedication to attracting the best of the best to Guaranteed Rate is unmatched and we’re thrilled they are taking on these additional challenges.”
Knapp, who has been with the company for nearly a decade, will oversee sales, management and recruiting within Guaranteed Rate’s Central, East and Southeast markets. Divisional Managers John Palmiotto, Denis St. Marie and Jeff Nelson will report directly to Knapp.
“There is simply no better place to work in this industry than Guaranteed Rate; just as we make our customers’ lives easier, we also focus on making our loan officers’ lives easier,” said Knapp. “The company is uniquely positioned to offer originators the best technology, impeccable operational support and an amazing work-life balance. As an originator who tripled my business and became a top one percent producer after joining Guaranteed Rate, I’m excited to share our value proposition with an even wider range of candidates who want to reach their potential in this industry.”
After 12 years serving as CEO of a highly successful regional mortgage company, Elliott joined Guaranteed Rate in 2013. He oversees all facets of retail production for the company in the West, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Mountain and Plains states markets. Divisional Managers Julia Borst and Pat Bolan will report directly to Elliott.
“Guaranteed Rate’s platform and value proposition are second to none,” said Elliott. “From origination to closing, all aspects of the loan process are easier here than at any other company. Apart from that, the atmosphere at Guaranteed Rate promotes a healthy work-life balance. We encourage people to work hard, but we also want them to spend time with their families. Much of what I do is making Guaranteed Rate a place where people want to be. I’m very proud of the team I’ve assembled and look forward to continuing our exponential growth across the Western half of the U.S. as we head into the new year.”
