Jonathan's Career Journey and Success in Real Estate Loans
Jonathan has achieved remarkable success in real estate loans and co-founding Convoy Home Loans, but his path to success has been filled with hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. Although Jonathan graduated from UCSD with an economics degree, he did not have a clear career direction at first. Despite pressure from his family to pursue more prestigious options, Jonathan took a job in real estate sales earning just $12.50 an hour. This decision proved fortuitous, as Jonathan excelled in sales and quickly moved up to manage more experienced loan officers. His strong work ethic and personable nature allowed him to thrive in the real estate industry. After gaining invaluable experience, Jonathan and his business partner Dustin made the bold move to start their own company, Convoy Home Loans. Leaning on their expertise in providing exceptional customer service, Convoy closed over $211 million in loans in their very first year. Rather than treating clients like transactions, Jonathan aims to provide a 'white glove' service by understanding each client's unique needs and goals. He attributes much of his success to the values instilled by his family. Growing up, Jonathan watched his parents work long, hard hours in their factory to provide for their family after immigrating to America. Their sacrifice and determination to create a better life for their children had a profound impact on Jonathan. He feels driven to honor his parents by working just as tirelessly to accomplish his goals and give back to others. Although some may already view Jonathan as highly successful, he maintains the mindset of perpetual growth and improvement. Jonathan continues to feel hungry to learn and achieve more in his career, business, and personal development. His humility and work ethic are integral to his continued success.
Faith and Family: Pillars of Strength
While Jonathan's professional accomplishments are impressive, his faith and devotion to family form his core identity and values. The Christian faith Jonathan practices today is rooted in his grandmother, who was the first Christian in their family and started several churches in Korea. She encouraged Jonathan to foster a personal relationship with God through prayer from a young age. Jonathan's parents also instilled the importance of family, sacrificing greatly to provide for Jonathan and his siblings. He strives to emulate their dedication to family in his own life. Even when business is booming, Jonathan makes time for his wife and kids as his priority. After college, Jonathan stayed in San Diego rather than moving back to LA so he would not financially burden his parents. He lived frugally on eggs and endured lean times to establish independence before returning home. Years later, when the chance arose to start Convoy Home Loans in LA, Jonathan took the risk to follow his entrepreneurial dreams.
Leadership Through Understanding People’s Needs
From managing experienced loan officers at his first real estate job to leading a successful company today, Jonathan has developed an insightful leadership style based on understanding people. He recognizes that each person has unique needs and motivations. By taking the time to listen and connect on an individual level, Jonathan can guide his team most effectively while setting an example through his passion. This servant-minded approach to leadership has been crucial to Convoy Home Loan's exceptional customer service and company culture. Jonathan still makes time to serve at his church weekly and volunteers to teach children, as he has done since his youth. His desire to give back comes from a place of humility and faith.
Persevering Through Challenges
Jonathan’s path has not been without challenges, but his faith and determination have helped him push through. Early on, Jonathan struggled financially after college when he remained in San Diego instead of moving home. Unwilling to burden his parents, Jonathan lived on a tight budget just to get by. However, these lean times only strengthened Jonathan’s resourcefulness and reinforced his work ethic. Later, as an entrepreneur, Jonathan had to overcome the risks and uncertainty that come with starting a new business. But drawing on his experience and problem-solving skills allowed Convoy Home Loans to thrive, even in its first year. Jonathan also keeps challenges in perspective by remembering his blessings. No matter how busy work gets, he carves out time for his faith, family, and rest. The pillars in Jonathan’s life keep him grounded, focused, and energized to achieve his next goals. Driven by Purpose and Passion What truly sets Jonathan apart is his sense of purpose. The work ethic his parents exemplified gave Jonathan his drive, but even more powerful is his passion for serving people by helping them achieve their dreams through real estate loans. Jonathan is motivated by creating win-win scenarios, not by money or status. Though already tremendously accomplished, Jonathan maintains his hunger to continue learning and improving. He recognizes there are always growth opportunities, and he welcomes them. Jonathan's passion is both inspiring and infectious; he leads by example at Convoy Home Loans to create a culture centered around their greater purpose. While Jonathan is grateful for the success he has achieved, he remains firmly grounded in his faith and family. He allows himself to be open and vulnerable, acknowledging that there are still areas he can improve and grow in all aspects of life. Jonathan's humility, combined with his bold vision and passion for service, positions him well for continued success. His journey thus far is a testament to the power of faith, family, perseverance, and living with purpose.
Check out the full version of Episode 105 here.
