Ernie Saltmarsh has been the senior lender and manager of the mortgage division at AmSouth Bank for three years.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I manage a team of six in Jacksonville. Our primary function is to originate residential loans.”
HOW DID YOU GET INTO LENDING?
He was a human resource director for Barnett Bank and recruited for lending positions for many years. “I learned a lot about the business and the field from recruiting. I knew what was needed to be a good lender, and as I sat back recruiting people, I realized that I could do the job and do it well. It was a very good fit for me personally.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LENDING?
“I love the variety. I love meeting with people.”
BEFORE CURRENT COMPANY?
He was with Barnett Bank, which then became NationsBank and then Bank of America, for 10 years.
WHERE IS YOUR COMPANY LOCATED?
Southpoint.
WHERE IS YOUR PARENT COMPANY LOCATED?
Birmingham.
WHAT IS THE ORIGINATION VOLUME FOR AMSOUTH IN JACKSONVILLE?
$120-130 million a year.
HOW MANY ARE ON YOUR STAFF?
Six, including four loan officers and two assistants.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE LENDING OF AMSOUTH?
“We are more of a conventional lender. We also do government lending, including Federal Housing Authority and Veterans Administration loans, and we do a lot of non-conventional jumbo lending.”
HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY?
“A lot of it is through word of mouth from satisfied customers. Also, through advertising on television, radio and print.”
BIRTHPLACE
Washington, D.C., but he was raised in Jacksonville.
COLLEGE
He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with emphasis on finance and a minor in economics from Florida State University.
FAMILY
He has been married to Karen for 22 years. They have three children, Ernie IV, 15, Emily, 13, and Grace, 10.
HOBBIES
Fishing, golfing, boating and anything outdoors.
RESIDES
San Marco.
FAVORITES
He cites Ernest Hemingway as his favorite author. He also enjoys James Bond movies and “Seinfeld.” When dining out, he enjoys Beech Street Grill in Fernandina Beach. When traveling, he loves the islands, including Bermuda and the Bahamas.
— by Michele Newbern Gillis