The Founders

founders2

Landmark Mortgage Group was formed by industry professionals Rick Benitez, Tony Russo and Todd Allen. Together, they bring more than 45 years of aggregate experience in mortgage finance, and possess extensive product knowledge, database management expertise and unique marketing concepts.

These three executives have one shared philosophy: “Keep the focus on YOU our client for life.”. This philosophy is integrated in every facet of the Landmark business model: Customers get the one-on-one attention they deserve, Mortgage Advisors are given the tools and training to differentiate them from others in the industry and make them shine in their clients’ eyes, and Realtors and referral partners receive an unprecedented level of service that is focused on growing their business.

By shifting the focus from “I… to YOU.”, Landmark has earned it’s reputation for honesty and integrity, has made the industry take notice, and has become one of the fastest growing mortgage companies in the tri-valley area.

In 2007 Landmark became a division of Opes Advisors, Inc., and since then Landmark Mortgage Group has grown from 7 employees and a single location to 35 employees and 4 locations, with more growth on the horizon. It is important to note that all this was accomplished during the most challenging real estate and lending environment since the Great Depression.

Todd Allen

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Todd Allen has spent 15 years in the real estate industry, working alongside his best friends. When the opportunity came to go into business with these very same friends, he jumped at the chance. Todd places a lot of emphasis on respect, family, and friendship, and through these ideals, he’s helped make Landmark Mortgage Group one of the Bay Area’s most successful mortgage lending companies.

ON ETHICS:
“We’re not just owners pointing fingers. We’re always going to be originators, and continue to do loans. It gives us a higher level of respect, being in the trenches with our Mortgage Advisors. It keeps us fresh.”

ON LONGEVITY:
“I’ve had some clients so long that now I’m originating loans for their children. It makes me feel like I’m a part of their family.”

ON FRIENDSHIP:
“When we went into business, we always said ‘friendship comes first.’ If work got in the way, we’d walk away. But here we are. It’s because we have a mutual respect for each other. It’s really a special thing.”

Rick Benitez

A native Californian, Rick grew up in San Diego, and relocated to the Bay Area to pursue his passion in 1994. Since then, working closely with his friends and holding true to his ideals, he helped take Landmark to soaring new heights in an otherwise challenged economy and industry. Rick thrives on helping clients navigate the often-complicated real estate finance arena, and being the link that connects families to their dream homes.

ON SERVICE:
“You have to think of each loan as establishing a relationship, not conducting a transaction.”

ON BEING PROACTIVE:
“You have to answer your clients’ questions before they think to ask them. It is important to understand it from their perspective – if they haven’t heard from you in a few days, drop them a note.”

ON POST-CLOSING:
“I strive to teach everyone here at Landmark the importance of managing their database – it’s critical to stay in touch with them on a regular basis. The bulk of my business comes from past clients.”

Tony Russo

Tony began his career in the hotel industry, but found his calling in real estate. A lifelong native of the Bay Area, Tony soon became passionate about helping people with getting into their dream homes. And with 15 years of experience under his belt, he has the ability and the drive to define success on his own terms.

ON KEEPING UP:
“There’s no one “fix” for everyone – everyone has such a different need. That’s why it’s so important to keep an open dialogue in the office, and to be constantly learning.”

ON COMMUNITY:
“Family comes first. We don’t have a family so you can work, you work so you can go home to your family.”

ON FUTURE OUTLOOK:
“Honestly, as long as we’re able to do what we’re doing and support our Mortgage Advisors, size doesn’t really matter. I’d rather stay small, smartly, than grow too big too fast, and abandon our principles.”

The Founders

We're Here for YOU.

Recommend Us

Contact us

Presets