With over 30 years of experience in real estate financing, Jacques Poujade is in a unique position to manage LendPlus, a real estate brokerage and financing firm that helps borrowers finance the homes of their dreams. He wears numerous hats as managing partner, from motivating employees to building and executing strategic plans crucial in giving clients the best mortgage terms possible.
Poujade obtained his Bachelors in Commerce from Concordia University before earning his Masters in Finance from McGill University in Canada. He began his career in finance with a supervisory position in Coopers & Lybrand before moving on to serve in various capacities in other firms, including the First National Bank of Boston and Zimcor Group.
We caught up with him to talk business, crypto payments and how social media is crucial for marketing.
What inspired you to start LendPlus?
I have always been drawn to real estate. My experience in finance has opened my eyes to the difficulties that come with buying a home. It is often an uphill climb for so many people and traditional lenders don’t want to make it any easier.
The process of buying a home can be too complicated and it comes with so many restrictions especially for people who don’t have stellar credit records. I started LendPlus to simplify the process and help clients make better decisions before buying a home.
Any current trends in finance and real estate that excites you?
The increasing relevance of cryptocurrency and how Bitcoin, Litecoin and other currencies are becoming commonplace is one trend that I am very excited about. I know that cryptocurrencies are the future, it is just a matter of time.
This is the reason why we are among the first real estate finance firms accepting crypto payments for mortgages. Payments and transactions using cryptocurrencies are not only safe, but they are also very sound investments.
What role does social media play in your business?
Social media is a crucial part of our marketing strategy. We reach most of our clients through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We can also provide resources and guides to homeowners through our website and blog. It makes us more accessible and visible to old, current and potential clients and this is something that no other marketing tool has done for us.
How would you describe LendPlus to someone hearing about it for the first time?
LendPlus is a direct lender that focuses on providing alternative mortgage solutions for real estate transactions. We provide solutions for people who want to own homes but find it difficult to do so using conventional loans.
Name one piece of advice that you would give someone who wants to start his own business.
Focus on what customers need and continue to improve your services. If you build a reputation for reliability and transparency, you can gain a solid clientele that will allow you to roll with the punches, no matter how shaky the market becomes.
Get fresh and unique business insights from the man himself by following his blog at www.jacquespoujade.com. You can also follow Jacques on Twitter for useful resources on real estate financing and current market trends.