Rate Expands Roles of Chris Knapp and James Elliott to Lead Nationwide Sales and Recruiting Efforts
Rate, one of the largest retail mortgage lenders in the nation, today 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,” says 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 Rate. Their dedication to attracting the best of the best to 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, oversees sales, management and recruiting within Rate’s Central, East and Southeast markets. His entrepreneurial background as a mortgage business owner and problem-solving style have been tremendous assets to the company during his tenure. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Miami University. 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 Rate; just as we make our customers’ lives easier, we also focus on making our loan officers’ lives easier,” says 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 1% producer after joining 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 Rate in 2013. He oversees all facets of retail production for the company in the West, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, Mountain and Plains states markets. Instilling in his elite teams the practices and core values that drive the company’s success, he is focused on organic growth, recruiting the best talent and creating new ways to improve the borrower experience. He is a University of Wisconsin – Madison alum with a BBA in Marketing and Management. Divisional Managers Julia Borst and Pat Bolan will report directly to Elliott.
“Rate’s platform and value proposition are second to none,” says 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 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 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.”
Candidates interested in career opportunities with Rate can visit JoinGRNow.com for more information. To learn more about Rate’s leadership, visit Rate.com/about-us/leadership.