Option One Mortgage Corp. has its own tradition of excellence and innovation, with a strong focus on the importance of people. “Even though it’s an overused term, our associates are empowered and are self-starters. Everyone understands the big picture and is encouraged to initiate and implement projects that satisfy the company’s goals,” says Bill O’Neill, Option One’s senior vice president and chief financial officer.

“We live the company’s values: ‘Do what is ethical, fair and makes good business sense.’ It permeates everything we do and every decision we make.”

These values empower associates to take actions that benefit the client and the company. “When everyone in an organization shares common values, stays focused on common goals, and actively contributes to improving the company every day they come to work, great results are sure to follow,” says Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Nadon. “The people who work here never lose sight of the reason we are in business, which is to serve the needs of our clients.”

Strong values build a strong corporate culture. “Option One is a community. It seems like a ‘mom and pop’ business until you walk around and see how many people actually work here,” says Cameron Bass-Jackson, customer service research representative, based in Irvine, Calif.
In this environment, associates are confident to take action on behalf of the client. “Management gives us authority and trusts us to make sound decisions for the company. We always have their support when we need it,” says Lesley Flournoy, a loan counselor in Irvine.

Consequently, Option One has established strong relationships with the brokers and mortgage companies that sell its loans to the consumer, as well as with the investment community that buys its mortgages.

“Option One has an excellent reputation. Investors who come on site to look around and get a feel for our atmosphere can see that Option One is unique. The company shows that it values the client and knows the client is who keeps us in business,” says Summer Salinas, a portfolio counselor in the Collection Department, in Irvine. “We keep an open mind when dealing with each client. The circumstances vary and cover anything and everything you can imagine. The bottom line is that we work for the client,” says Summer.

Associates have a client-friendly attitude. “The people in our call center answer calls with a smile. You can hear it in their voice when they’re talking,” says Martina Gonzales, customer service research specialist, also in Irvine.