by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Work ethic. Rigorous training. Long hours. Dedication. These are all things demanded from athletes and people in sports. They are also the ideal qualities that Homebanc Mortgage Company looks for in former athletes and members of athletic staffs to become members of the company’s team.
Jamie Zeitz’s resume is littered with 12 years of experience in collegiate athletic administration including stints at Jacksonville University, the University of Rhode Island, the University of Massachusetts and the University of Maryland. He no longer mans the offices of any college sports or communications departments, though. Today, he’s a mortgage banker for Homebanc.
“I was given the right opportunity at the right place at the right time,” said Zeitz, who has been with Homebanc since July of last year.
Zeitz was an assistant director of media relations at the University of Maryland as recently as early 2006 when he was recruited by Brian Yekelevitz, a former Long Beach State basketball player and University of South Florida assistant men’s basketball coach, who is now with Homebanc.
Did You Know?
• What’s the most important factor influencing the choice of a real estate professional? Thirty-five percent of sellers said reputation was the most important factor in selecting an agent, followed by the agent’s honesty and trustworthiness (21 percent). Other important factors included whether the seller knew the agent (as a friend or family member) and the agent’s knowledge of the neighborhood.
(2006 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers)
The teamwork mentality, the leadership role, communication and dedication are some of the reasons Homebanc has offered former athletes positions.
“You have to be competitive if you want to be successful,” said Yekelevitz, referring to why he thinks people formerly in athletic fields are ideal candidates.
After leaving the University of Maryland and going to Homebanc’s training courses, Zeitz returned to Jacksonville and now works in the office here. His training is constant. He learns from his mistakes and relies on strong communication around the office in order to learn from the experience of others
“It’s a huge learning curve,” said Zeitz. “Every day I still learn maybe 10 things.”
Though he says he misses the packed arenas, the adrenaline rushes and the animated crowds from his days working in sports, Zeitz’s goal is to be successful, just as it was his goal in his former positions.
“My focus from day to day is to just be successful,” said Zeitz. “You’ve got to put all your energy into your jobs.”
It’s that background and drive that Homebanc recruiters look for when hiring former athletes and people in sports atmospheres. Former athletic personnel that work for Homebanc include former Florida State University and University of South Florida assistant coach David Zimroth, former Florida State defensive back and collegiate and NFL coach Joe Wessel, former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Eric Zeier, former Stanford baseball player David Holbrook and former Auburn Tigers long snapper Chas Crofoot.
Though it isn’t sports, Zeitz is part of a team again. He works with the same customer service representative, processor and underwriter for his job to keep a team mentality and continuity with each client, he said.
According to Zeitz, being a leader on the court, on the field and in the athletic department translates well into the business world and helps companies like Homebanc succeed.
“It shows you people who have skills to lead simply have the skills to lead,” he said.