From his most unforgettable memory to his thoughts about the reverse space, we get the personal and professional facts from Robert D. Yeary, chairman of Reverse Mortgage Solutions, in our monthly edition of The Hot Seat.
You can’t always be the best, but you’d better strive to be the best.
My favorite magazine is Popular Mechanics. I love to see the wild and crazy things that are in our future and excerpts from years gone by.
When I was younger I wanted to be a lawyer, but I got sidetracked by military service.
Every morning I thank God for being born in the USA, where opportunities abound.
When I was a kid I was fortunate to have a great childhood. We did not have much money (though I didn’t know that), but we had a lot of love.
I’ll never forget riding on the Concorde to England, traveling at mach 2 speed 52,000 feet in the air and seeing the curvature of the earth. Sadly, I will also never forget watching the planes fly into the twin towers on 9/11.
The best job I’ve ever had is the one I have now. It is such a good feeling to help seniors. Plus, we have great competitors who all have the same concern for the customers.
The worst job I’ve ever had I can’t say I have ever had a bad job. I have always been thankful for the opportunity to work.
My parents taught me how to have a positive attitude about life. My parents taught me that through hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
A good friend is someone you can always count on in both the good times and the bad times.. I am blessed to have a number of great friends—three of them are my business partners.
The biggest challenge in the reverse mortgage industry is the growing need for capital.
People should seek a career in the reverse mortgage industry because this business will be around for a long time; there is steady growth.
The most fascinating thing about the reverse mortgage industry is the attitudes of people in the business. I have been in mortgage banking for 44 years and I have never seen the level of concern that the professionals in our industry have for the consumer. I can also say that I like almost all of my competitors. They play by the rules and compete fairly. It’s fun to go to the NRMLA meetings—it’s one big, happy family.
I entered this industry because I saw an opportunity to help grow the business and to help people. I often say: “When I was in my 20s, I helped young families acquire a home. Now that I’m in my 60s, I am helping older folks keep their home.” I came full circle.
I would encourage a family member to consider a reverse mortgage because it is a good tool for managing your money. I have helped my sister and a number of my friends obtain reverse mortgages. I would not suggest the product to my family and friends if I did not believe in it. That said, the reverse mortgage is not for everyone.
