With over 25 years of experience, Mike Jackson, Mortgage Area Manager in Spokane, WA, has helped countless clients and colleagues achieve their dreams.
Mike began his career in the mortgage industry as a loan officer at a local Spokane broker and then moved to a local bank where he worked for nearly 12 years before joining Sunflower Bank in 2021. At his previous bank, he was the only loan originator and didn’t have the opportunity to learn from other successful mortgage professionals.
When Sunflower Bank’s mortgage leaders invited Mike to work with Josh Martin, now Sunflower Bank’s Managing Director of Mortgage Lending, Mike saw it as an opportunity to grow as both a leader and loan originator. Mike started as an Assistant National Director and then advanced to a Mortgage Area Manager, where he continues to influence performance, develop talent, and drive results across multiple markets.
“It’s been an incredible growth journey,” says Mike. “This move gave me the opportunity to step into a role where my strengths could make the greatest impact. The experience allowed me to lead through change—something I now value as a core part of my development.”
As Mike reflects on his experience at Sunflower Bank, he notes three qualities that set it apart from other brokers and banks.
- The people,
- the leadership team,
- and the Bank’s ability to service a majority of its loans.
“I think the cool thing about the culture at Sunflower Bank is that everyone has an interest in the success of the company as a whole, but also in making sure each individual succeeds.”
A Culture of Support and Shared Success
Whether an MLO is asking for help or providing an answer, at Sunflower Bank, everyone steps up to help the client and each other. It’s ingrained in how teams work together and how they help each other across the entire organization, from the top down.
“There are always challenges in closing mortgage loans,” Mike says. “The teamwork that is involved in getting files to the finish line when there are issues, and everyone’s willingness to answer the phone and talk through a file, is amazing.”
Accessible Leadership
Mike appreciates the access Sunflower Bank provides to leadership in multiple departments. These leaders are always eager to lend a hand or help colleagues work through a problem.
“There are so many good leaders here that you have a lot of outlets to reach out to for help or advice in every department,” shares Mike.
He also highlights the monthly national sales call, where everyone has an opportunity to discuss what’s working and which tactics are driving success across different areas.
“Loan originators can easily grab ideas from other people that can help them build their business,” says Mike of these sales calls.
A Bank that Services the Majority of Its Loans
“This is the first bank that I’ve worked for that services the majority of its loans,” Mike shares.
As an MLO, this is a key selling point for clients because it demonstrates Sunflower Bank’s relationship focus. By servicing the majority of our loans, we can offer clients several advantages:
- Better loan pricing and long-term savings
- Counsel on opportunities, such as refinancing, because we monitor the loan over time
- Recast options to adjust monthly payments without a full refinance
- Accurate data and records
Sunflower Bank also includes direct MLO contact information on its monthly mortgage statements, which keeps our MLOs top of mind and lines of communication open.
Finding Success Through Helping Others
Mike looks forward to continuing his journey with Sunflower Bank, where helping others is at the heart of his success. He values being a part of a growth-oriented institution with people he respects and with whom he enjoys working. Most of all, Mike’s excited about the opportunity to keep building a strong future at Sunflower Bank.
"I get the most pleasure when an MLO that I’m working with has a record month. Most of my joy comes from seeing others succeed. It warms my heart and makes me feel like I’m at the right place.”