Why Leader One

Case Study

Jimmy Webber

Regional VP

NMLS #1277615

Case Study

From Ambitious Originator to Nationally Ranked Producer – Jimmy Webber's Journey with The Gabrione Group & LeaderOne Financial

When Jimmy Webber entered the mortgage industry, he had the drive and determination to succeed—but needed the right partner to help him scale, build a powerful brand, and operate at the highest level. That’s where The Gabrione Group and LeaderOne Financial came in.

With hands-on guidance from The Gabrione Group, Jimmy gained the tools, structure, and mentorship to grow his mortgage business on his terms. He was empowered to make strategic decisions, craft a brand that reflected his values, and implement systems designed for sustainable, long-term success.

Combined with the support and forward-thinking platform of LeaderOne Financial, Jimmy has built a high-performing team, launched a thriving brand, and earned national recognition.

Today, Jimmy is proudly ranked as a Top Producer in the country by Scotsman Guide, proving that with the right vision, mentorship, and tools—anything is possible.

If you’re a loan officer looking to take your business to the next level, grow your personal brand, and surround yourself with people who truly get it—The Gabrione Group and LeaderOne Financial are your launchpad.

Case Study

From Startup to President's Club: How Jimmy White Built a Thriving Mortgage Brand with The Gabrione Group

When Jimmy White set out to build his mortgage business, he knew he needed more than just ambition—he needed the right guidance, tools, and support to create something sustainable and scalable.

Through the mentorship and leadership of The Gabrione Group, Jimmy was empowered to run his business his way. From branding and marketing strategy to operations and long-term growth planning, The Gabrione Group provided the structure and flexibility that allowed Jimmy to make decisions that were best for his clients and his vision.

With the backing of LeaderOne Financial, Jimmy not only gained access to cutting-edge tools and resources, but also a company culture that celebrates autonomy, innovation, and excellence.

The result? Jimmy has grown a recognizable and trusted brand in his market, achieved President's Club Award Winner status, and become a go-to name for homebuyers and homeowners alike.

If you're looking to elevate your mortgage business, build a real brand, and have the freedom to lead with integrity, LeaderOne Financial—with the guidance of The Gabrione Group—is where you want to be.

Jimmy White

Branch Manager

NMLS# 1363362

Tim

Loan Officer

NMLS ID # 1443050

Case Study

Case Study: Taking the Next Step — Tim’s Growth Journey with LeaderOne Financial & The Gabrione Group

Background: A Legacy of Service and Integrity

Tim’s introduction to the mortgage industry began long before he issued his first loan. Growing up with a father who dedicated his career to helping families achieve homeownership, Tim saw firsthand the profound impact a trusted loan officer could have on people’s lives. Inspired by that legacy, Tim made the decision to follow in his father’s footsteps after college.

I decided to become a loan officer after college because I knew it was a career with tremendous upside. Watching my father guide our neighbors toward homeownership and financial freedom instilled in me a sense of pride. Being a trusted name in this industry and having my clients’ best interests at heart is something I take very seriously.”
— Tim, Loan Officer, The Gabrione Group

Challenge: Breaking Through to the Next Level

As a newly minted loan officer, Tim brought work ethic, heart, and integrity to every client relationship. But he quickly realized that to truly grow — to build a scalable, referral-based business — he needed not only support, but the right environment. He sought mentorship, operational efficiency, and a platform that allowed him to focus on doing what he does best: serving clients and partners with honesty and diligence.

The Solution: Partnering with the Gabrione Group at LeaderOne

Joining LeaderOne Financial through the Gabrione Group became the catalyst Tim needed. From day one, he was immersed in a team culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and getting deals across the finish line.

One of the most impactful aspects of the transition was direct access to underwriters, allowing Tim to collaborate in real-time on deal structures, solve problems quickly, and creatively navigate challenges.

“Having direct access to the underwriters and working on solutions to get our clients to the closing table is something I do not think you find at all companies. It’s a game changer.”
— Tim

Results: Sustainable Growth and a Trusted Name

Since joining the Gabrione Group, Tim’s business has seen meaningful and sustainable growth. With an exceptional team behind him — from processors to leadership — every transaction is smoother, every partner touchpoint more impactful.

Tim credits this growth to a combination of personal drive and an ecosystem that amplifies it:

  • Client Experience: Faster, more transparent closings.
  • Realtor Partner Satisfaction: Confidence in consistent, knowledgeable service.
  • Brand Recognition: Local market awareness of Tim as a dependable, high-integrity loan officer.

“My business continues to grow not only because of my work ethic and desire to improve, but because I’m surrounded by a team that works just as hard. We make sure every client and realtor experience is smooth, effective, and memorable. That’s how we’ve built a name that’s recognized and trusted.”
— Tim

Conclusion: A Career Built to Last

For Tim, the decision to work with the Gabrione Group wasn’t just about making the next sale — it was about building a 30-year career founded on trust, service, and legacy. With the support of LeaderOne Financial, Tim is not only following in his father’s footsteps — he’s carving a distinct path of leadership and excellence in his own right.

Case Study

From Uncertainty to Unstoppable: My Journey to the Gabrione Group

Humble Beginnings: A Hesitant Start

My story in the mortgage business began in 1994, during a time when manual processes ruled the industry and digital transformation was just beginning. I was juggling college at Chicago State University, working part-time in office management, and testing the waters in real estate—motivated in part by late-night infomercials featuring Carlton Sheets. I didn’t take it too seriously at first, but something about the industry stuck with me.

Before Chicago State, I briefly attended Seattle Pacific University as a student-athlete, returning home in 1991. Initially, I thought my future was in law and spent years working in the legal field, even considering becoming an attorney. But life had other plans.

A Defining Shift: From Legal to Lending

By 2001, everything changed. I met the woman who would become my wife, my son Marco was born, and I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her family—including a high-producing real estate agent—was based.

I was newly unemployed, newly relocated, and financially strained, having spent eight years in college without the stability I was aiming for. But this transition pushed me to go all-in as a loan officer. The learning curve was steep, but Grand Rapids and Detroit became my training ground. I bought distressed properties in Detroit for pennies on the dollar, thinking I had it all figured out.

I didn’t.

Jevon Robertson

Branch Manager

NMLS ID # 763752

School of Hard Knocks: Subprime Crash & Career Reset

The early 2000s were booming—Subprime, No Doc, Stated Income—I was closing deals nonstop and making money I’d never imagined. But I failed to see the economic writing on the wall. When the market collapsed, so did everything I’d built.

Lenders folded. Yield spread premiums vanished. Per-file commissions were all that remained. My career, like the market, was in freefall. I ended up at a bank, closing HARP loans, scraping for commissions, and facing some of life’s biggest personal challenges: divorce, grief, and depression after returning to Chicago.

A Turning Point: Meeting Joe Gabrione

In 2018, everything changed again—this time for the better. I met Joe Gabrione through a mutual colleague. And to be honest? Instant bromance.

Joe didn’t know me well, but he believed in me. Despite my inconsistent production (a silent protest against the corporate banking world), he took a chance and brought me into Midwest Equity Mortgage.

Joe provided leads, strategy, mentorship, and—most importantly—truth. No fluff. No egos. Just roll-up-your-sleeves leadership. I finally had support and direction—and I took off.

A Turning Point: Meeting Joe Gabrione

When Joe moved to LeaderOne, I followed. Why? Because LeaderOne is real. We don’t pretend. We don’t chase shiny objects. We’re not in this for likes or limelight.

We’re in it to close deals, serve families, and support each other.

And the support? It’s unmatched.

From Joe G to “The Dandy Man,” JP (Jennifer Powers), EK (Elizabeth Kozor), and the entire CMG closing & secondary teams, I’ve got what I need, when I need it. It’s not always perfect—but it’s always collaborative.

Are You ready to Pivot?

Schedule your meeting with our Executive Leadership.

Are You ready to Pivot?

Schedule your meeting with our Executive Leadership.

×

Send us a message

"*" indicates required fields