Mike Roberts

President & Founder

Certified Mortgage Advisor, NMLS ID 79053

I remember as a young child knowing that I wanted to be a part of the financial service industry.  As the son of a retired stock broker, I used to visit my dad’s office and was fascinated by the business.  I had a dream that someday I would be a part of the financial world as well.

Working in all aspects of the construction industry through college, I eventually became a general contractor.  Realizing that I was not following the direction that I had pre-set as a child, I decided it was time to get back to my original dream.  So in December of 1996, I left the construction industry.  With a newborn baby, no money and no plan, I set out in pursuit of my childhood dream.

With the support of a wife who believed in me, I scheduled meetings with the top financial planning firms in the valley.  The first one I met with scheduled me a series of aptitude tests to see if I was cut out for the ups and downs of the financial industry.  I passed with ease (thankfully…) and was offered a job.  They were willing to pay me a salary, health insurance, and fantastic benefits.  Although excited to have the opportunity I had dreamed of for most my life, something wasn’t right.

The day after I was offered the job, I made a list of all the industries I would consider devoting my career to. One of these turned out to be mortgage. Since I had never considered mortgage lending as a career option, I decided that I needed to research the industry. I actually took a college course while at Westminster College called ‘Real Estate Finance,’ in which I learned about all aspects of the business. This proved to be helpful later in life.

Since I had only a short time to make a decision on accepting the job I was offered, there was no time to waste. I jumped in my car and drove to an area in the Salt Lake Valley called Union Park, where many mortgage companies were located. The first company I walked into was First City Financial, a national mortgage company based out of Colorado. Sitting behind the receptionist desk was someone who later became an important person in my life, Jennifer Racine. As I walked in the office, I remember how nervous I was. I asked if the manager was in the office. He wasn’t, so I handed Jennifer my resume and asked if her manager would call me when he returned.

A couple hours later, I received a call from the manager, Jim Lyman. He graciously met with me that afternoon and gave me an introduction to how the mortgage business worked, and ultimately offered me a job.

I remember going home after the meeting and telling my wife about my experience that day and how I think this was the direction I wanted to take. She looked at me and reminded me that I would be giving up a stable salary for a 100% commission job. She told me that she believed in me either way and that she would support whatever I decided. I immediately called the financial planning company that was waiting for me to accept their job offer and told them thank you, but I’m going to pursue another path. They reminded me how many people were begging for the opportunity I was passing on. However, I had faith that I was making the right decision.

I worked for First City Mortgage from January of 1997 until I left in July of 1998 to start City Creek Mortgage. At the time, it was simple to start a mortgage company. With only a small investment, I opened the doors and hired our first employee. Our second employee turned out to be Jennifer Racine, who to this day is still a great friend and supporter of City Creek Mortgage.

When I look back on how things played out, I realize how amazingly protected I have been. As many small business owners can attest, there are times when running a business is absolutely terrifying, and other times when it is like standing on a cliff in a windstorm without a parachute. However, when you have a purpose that drives you, and a vision of how things can be, you just keep going.

Running this company is an honor and privilege that I am tremendously grateful for. I get to come to work every day with a group of committed people who not only believe in me, but also believe in our vision. Some of my greatest friendships are with those I work with. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.

Tobi Roberts

CEO & Founder

NMLS ID 137701

If there is a ‘Women of Influence’ award for the mortgage industry, the title should be owned by Tobi.  Not only does she own half of City Creek Mortgage, she is also the one who has had the greatest influence on the vision and values of this company.

From the beginning, Tobi has shed more blood, sweat and tears (this one for sure) than anyone.  When our kids were young, she would bring them into the office while she met with our partners and helped run the business.  She is truly an icon in this industry, and someone who is highly valued and respected.

One of my favorite stories about Tobi was when she and I were sitting around a table being interviewed on camera.  She was asked a question about our mission and values.  I remember her looking into the camera and saying:

“At the end of the day, we just want to be the most trusted, respected and loved mortgage company in Utah.”

I sat there in astonishment.  The second the camera stopped rolling, I looked at her and said, “Write that down.  You just nailed our mission statement.”  By the next day, on the wall as you enter our office, those words were posted to remind us each day what we are fighting for.  Today, those are more than just words to every member of our team.  They are rules we live by.