Spotlighting Rock Star team members, TMS sits down with newest additions to the team to share a few facts about them and why they joined TMS. In this Q&A, TMS interviewed Kai Hopton, TMS Vice President Correspondent Sales West.

Q: How did you end up in the mortgage industry?

Kai: I was lucky. At the age of 21, I’d just moved to Los Angeles and was looking for a full-time sales position. I had sent my resume to a few different industries. (Insurance, Financial Planning, and Mortgage).

Mortgage sounded the most interesting to me but I knew I’d have to do well in the interview if I wanted the job.  The sales manager asked me to sell him a pen and I guess he liked my answer. I was hired as a Loan officer and I never looked back.

Q: What made you want to join TMS?

Kai: Strong leadership and technology were very important in my decision. TMS has both and that excited me as I wanted to be part of an organization that values the voice of its employees and supports them along the way.

Ultimately, I felt TMS has a clear direction and roadmap to find success in a very competitive environment.

Q: What’s your favorite quote or motto?

Kai: “Carpe Diem”

Q: What is your favorite way to spend your free time?

Kai: Traveling adventures with my family, surfing and Snowboarding.

Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Kai: Don’t settle, work hard and be patient

Q: What are your top strengths?

Kai: Achiever / Learner / Responsibility / Analytical / Restorative

Q: What does Happiness mean to you?

Kai: Doing the things you love and spending time with the people you care about most.