Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Wingerter.
Hi Steve, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I found myself entering the mortgage industry somewhat unexpectedly after a dot-com venture I had been part of suddenly lost its funding, I was left asking, “What now?” That question launched a period of career exploration that ultimately led me to mortgage lending. I obtained my mortgage originator license, joined a small local broker shop, and—with nothing more than a phone and a Rolodex (yes, it was a different time)—began reaching out to everyone I knew. I had no idea that 23 years later I’d be running my own firm.
Those early years were trial by fire. I leaned heavily on my sales and business background, adapting to a new industry and a 100% commission structure. Over the next four years, I built a consistent, referral-driven business—one relationship at a time.
In late 2006 I moved to a large regional bank, which turned out to be a fortunate decision as 2007 brought the beginning of the mortgage crisis. It was an incredibly challenging period, but like many others, I weathered the storm. I eventually transitioned into regional management, leading a top-producing team responsible for $340 million in annual loan volume. It was an honor to work with such a strong group and to be part of a company that prioritized clients and community.
After 12 years, I was recruited by an even larger bank to build and grow a mortgage team across Eastern North Carolina. But shortly after making the leap, I realized I had gone from big… to bigger. Something in my heart kept asking whether this was how I wanted to spend the rest of my career.
So, in an unconventional move, I stepped away. That decision began a period of introspection and humility as I explored entirely new opportunities. I networked everywhere I could, did consulting work, researched different industries, and even evaluated several franchise models. I was genuinely open to reinventing myself.
Then, unexpectedly, I reconnected with a former colleague who had launched his own mortgage brokerage. I hadn’t realized that the broker model had resurged. The idea sparked something in me. I thought, If I can build this my way—a boutique experience with highly competitive pricing and exceptional service—this could be a win-win.
Instead of starting from scratch in a brand-new industry, I could leverage decades of experience and relationships into a modern, client-first mortgage firm—one with a reasonable startup cost and unlimited potential.
That’s where the next chapter began. As I explored the idea further, I began formally laying the groundwork for the business. With support from the colleague I mentioned—and from lending partners who believed in the vision—I launched the practice. Around that same time, I had been volunteering with LaunchRaleigh, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in under-resourced communities. While mentoring participants, I realized that I was on a journey of my own. In many ways, I was learning just as much as they were.
Being part of that vibrant, diverse entrepreneurial community gave me a deeper appreciation for what it truly means to start something from scratch. I developed a newfound respect for the many hats that business owners wear. Unlike my years in large organizations, I no longer had departments to rely on. I was the originator, the processor, the compliance officer—and, when something broke, the IT department. My boss could be demanding and had high expectations… but that boss was me.
Today, 7 Locks Lending has just celebrated its sixth anniversary, and I’m more energized than ever about what lies ahead. Looking back, every turn in the journey—intentional or unexpected—led to this chapter, and I’m grateful for all of it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has had some potholes along the way—and I’ve definitely replaced a few tires. The journey hasn’t been easy, and there have been moments along the way when I questioned the ongoing viability of the business. Shortly after launching, the industry experienced another period of volatility as liquidity concerns surfaced among certain lenders. Because brokers rely on wholesale lending partners to fund loans, that instability had a direct impact on us.
Then the era of historically low interest rates ended. Loan volume tightened, competition intensified, and consumers—having grown used to 2–3% mortgage rates—pulled back. Refinancing virtually disappeared, and many potential homebuyers chose to stay put rather than enter an environment of higher rates and limited inventory.
Navigating COVID added another layer of complexity. Lending guidelines tightened as employment stability came under increased scrutiny, and closings often took place in parking lots—literally car closings—as attorney offices worked to maintain health and safety protocols. At the same time, rapid home-price appreciation created its own challenges: bidding wars, elevated due diligence deposits, and clients losing out simply because multiple offers became the norm.
But like any industry, mortgage lending goes through cycles. These challenges forced us to adapt, rethink processes, and embrace new norms. In the end, the bumps in the road made us more resilient, more creative, and more committed to helping clients succeed no matter what the market is doing.
We’ve been impressed with 7 Locks Lending, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At 7 Locks Lending, we do far more than quote interest rates—we advocate for your goals. Our mission is to help clients align their homeownership decisions with their broader financial and life objectives. We listen first, then build a lending strategy around you.
By partnering with multiple top-tier wholesale lenders, we shop the market on your behalf to secure competitive rates and loan programs tailored to your needs—not the other way around. We also offer a broad range of loan options, including Conventional, FHA, VA, JUMBO, and Non-QM programs, ensuring we can support clients across a wide variety of financial situations and homeownership goals.
Transparency is at the core of everything we do. From your first application to the closing table, we walk you through each step—timelines, documentation, costs, and expectations—so you’re never left guessing. For purchase clients, we often attend closings to celebrate that milestone right alongside you.
Our relationship doesn’t end at closing. We stay connected through annual mortgage reviews, market updates, and proactive strategies like monitoring PMI removal opportunities, tracking your home value, and identifying when a refinance could be beneficial. We maintain a trusted network of local professionals—financial advisors, CPAs, realtors, insurance agents, and home service providers—so you have reliable support beyond the mortgage itself.
And while we certainly shop our lending partners for the lowest possible rate, we are equally committed to advocacy, transparency, and long-term guidance throughout your homeownership journey.
Rooted in the local market. Invested in our community. Committed to your journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck can play a role—but only when it intersects with preparation, timing, and the people around you. In both life and business, the “lucky” moments I’ve experienced usually came after a long stretch of groundwork: learning the industry, building relationships, refining systems, and staying ready for opportunities that might appear without warning. I didn’t know that I was going to start this business. Was that luck?
When timing aligns—whether it’s a market shift, a new connection, or a client referral—it can feel like luck. But those moments only become meaningful when you’re prepared to act on them. I’ve learned that luck shows up most often when you’re consistently doing the right things, even when no one is watching.
Another key factor is collaboration. The support of great lending partners, realtors, clients, and professional peers has created opportunities that no amount of individual effort could produce alone. Surrounding yourself with people who share your values has a way of turning challenges into breakthroughs.
I see luck much like coincidence—rarely just chance, and often the result of something deeper happening beneath the surface. Maybe it is a combination of preparation, timing, and strong relationships that truly shape the paths forward. And, maybe faith plays a part as well.
Pricing:
- Mortgages are not one size fits all. Each client’s unique circumstances and qualifying criteria impact what is available.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.7lockslending.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_wingerter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7lockslending
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7-locks-lending-llc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7IwrKm_Sir4NestT5oekrQ
