Today we’d like to introduce you to Shant Berberian.
Hi Shant, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began with a desire to help people, leading me to pre-med studies and a job as an EMT, where I gained invaluable, but intense, insights into healthcare. Witnessing people during their most vulnerable moments, I realized I wanted to assist people not just in crisis, but also during more positive life decisions, specifically, helping them navigate what’s often one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. This led me to the mortgage industry, where I find great satisfaction in helping individuals and families through the complex process of purchasing or refinancing a home, minimizing stress with my experience and knowledge. My career started at HouseAmerica Financial, where I spent six years. In December of 2024 my partner, Fredrik Megerdichian, and I decided to establishing our own brokerage. It was a big leap of faith, to go out on your own, but I am happy we did it. In my opinion, nothing great in life, will come without risk. We named our company Icon Mortgage. Now, as Senior Vice President, I lead our growing team, which has already expanded with two new hires in our first three months. We leverage our combined 40+ years of experience to serve a diverse clientele—from first-time homebuyers to high-profile individuals—with a wide array of loan options, including conventional, government (FHA and VA), non-QM, HELOCs, construction loans, and commercial loans. This path, though different from my initial aspirations, allows me to make a meaningful difference by helping people navigate their home financing needs and helping them build wealth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My path has definitely not been without its challenges. One of the earliest hurdles was the self-reflection required when transitioning away from my initial pursuit of medicine. I had to grapple with discerning whether my dissatisfaction stemmed from a temporary setback or a fundamental misalignment with the field. Ultimately, I recognized that while medicine was interesting and helping people was fulfilling, the day-to-day reality wasn’t the right fit for me.
More recently, the mortgage industry has experienced significant volatility. The shift from the high transaction volumes and low interest rates of the COVID era to a rapid decline in purchasing and refinancing presented a major challenge. This turbulence led many industry professionals to leave the field, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining stability. During this time, my partner and I concentrated on strengthening our business and persevering.
Finally, the decision to leave a comfortable position to establish our own brokerage was another pivotal challenge. Venturing out on your own inherently involves risk and the potential for missteps. However, we were driven by the belief that this move would ultimately lead to a brighter future. While there have been both internal and external struggles, a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to our chosen path have been essential in navigating these obstacles.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Icon Mortgage specializes in providing mortgage solutions to clients with complex financial situations. This includes those facing credit issues, challenges with taxes and filings, legal issues, and individuals who are retired or have non-standard loan profiles. We’re known for our expertise in navigating these complexities; for instance, we’ve helped retired athletes with significant assets but without traditional income, and we assist clients in leveraging home equity for financial stability and real estate investment.
What sets us apart is our deep knowledge and commitment to exceptional service, evidenced by the fact that 90% of our business comes from repeat clients. We’re proud that our brand, Icon Mortgage, is increasingly recognized for its respect and trustworthiness. We offer a comprehensive suite of loan products, handling virtually any loan a client may require, tailored to their unique circumstances.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me, is not a static end point, but a dynamic process of continuous growth. It’s the ability to adapt, change, and consistently improve your skills, learning from mistakes to master your chosen craft. It’s about embodying these qualities and actively working to enhance your skill set each day. While some may define success by the final outcome, I believe it’s found in the small victories and daily progress along the journey. It’s about the commitment to getting up each day and striving to be better, all while effectively balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities, such as being a good father and husband. That holistic balance and ongoing self-improvement, in all facets of life, is what I truly consider success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantberberian_/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shant-berberian-329814344/
