Here’s what you said about Ben Szabo, Wholesale Support Specialist, when you nominated him to be named Eleven Mortgage’s first rising star!
Speaking with and getting to know Szabo was a pleasure that I’m happy to share with you all in this write up. Each winner will be showcased and celebrated in this way.
Szabo was born in Florida, grew up in Carrolton, Texas, and now lives in the Colony, Texas with his wife of 8 years, Kara, and their two children, son Wyatt (4), and daughter, Isabel “Izzy” (6).
At the University of North Texas, Szabo changed his major 8 times, before landing on Sociology. “Just call me Dr. Szabo,” Szabo chuckled as he went through the list of attempted studies. “I started with architecture, then aerospace engineering, then arts. I was all over the place. Then, I went to UT Arlington for Civil Engineering.”
This could or could not be why Szabo is a jack of all trades, and solver of all scenarios. “I enjoy being able to solve issues,” Szabo said humbly. “My job is all about problem solving, and 99 percent of the time I know how to fix and resolve. It’s a very good fit for me. I’m good with the systems, and I like helping people.”
Szabo poked fun at himself for overkilling with instruction when it comes to helping teach teammates how to fix something. “I highlight, screenshot, draw circles and arrows to documents. I love that snipping program,” snickers Szabo.
His first job out of college was in sales at circuit city. Through his friend/roommate/work manager, he moved on to become a loan officer, debt settler/repairing credit, a Director of Underwriting and help desk for underwriters.
“When I got to Eleven Mortgage in March 2020, I took over Scott Sabo’s job,” said Szabo. “I started the week everyone was sent home at the start of the pandemic.”
Talk about needing support in a time of such uncertainty and transition! “I’ve been a support type role for a while now, and I really enjoy helping people out,” said Szabo. “I help the brokers and talk to AEs often. I think my calm demeanor helps with overall angst & frustrations.”
A day in the life of Ben Szabo looks like one email after another regarding trouble with one thing or another. “I help out so many people on a daily basis, but I still try to go above and beyond to explain and show them how to handle a situation,” said Szabo. “I don’t want to just fix it for someone, I want to make sure they understand how to remedy something to make their life easier. Some AEs say they save my emails to go back and reference.”
Szabo is responsible for writing the tutorials and how to guidelines that can be accessed on Share point’s the hub for Eleven Mortgage. “I like that I get to show everyone the updated guidelines for the new URLA that went from 4 pages to 20 pages.”
Szabo recounted what it felt like when it was announced that he was the first Rising Star recipient.
“I was very caught off guard, but very appreciative,” said Szabo. “It makes me feel good that I can help out so many people. Makes me want to do more.”
Fun Facts about Ben Szabo:
- Ben has two sisters that were adopted from Moscow, Russia. On his 15th birthday, he went to Russia with his parents to meet them and bring them home. They were 1 and 2 years old. “I didn’t want them back then,” Szabo recalled. “I liked being an only child.”
- Ben got married on one of his sister’s birthdays, so she is returning the favor by getting married on his birthday.
- Ben has been mistaken for Jason Aldeen and has even signed autographs.
- Ben loves heavy metal music. “I’m a quiet and calm guy, so I don’t think people would guess this about me.
- Ben drives a pick up and wears cowboy boots, but he isn’t much of a country music fan.