Since founding Williston Financial Group, Patrick Stone has worked to take isolated elements of the real estate industry and create collaboration in order to increase efficiency and improve the mortgage experience for homebuyers. 

This has been evident in the past year, as Stone has established a client-first culture at WFG that’s best summated by the fact their Netpromoter score hit 81 in August. During the time leading up to this telling score, Stone oversaw the launch of WFG’s DecisionPoint, a completely automated title decisioning system. Using this, lenders will know almost instantly the application-to-close time, as well as any curative steps needed based on the results. 

Stone also spearheaded the expansion of the use of My Home from real estate agents to homebuyers and lenders. My Home is a secure messaging network where real estate agents, homebuyers and lenders can all safely track a real estate transaction’s progress in a way that is both customizable and mobile friendly. Stone recognized the value in offering this service to lenders, so they can also track a loan’s progress. 

Stone brings a wealth of industry experience, previously running Fidelity National Financial, where he oversaw 2,000 offices. But now, he is leading the Williston Financial Group of companies toward increased consolidation. 

The results of his emphasis on and investment in technology versus physical addresses has been phenomenal. This year, WFG is on track to generate significantly more revenue per office than its competitors, despite needing only a fraction of the office space and related overhead costs.

What has been your secret to success?

“I strongly believe in and have had great success with rejecting a hierarchical organizational model. I encourage everyone to say what’s on their mind, there’s no downside to disagreeing with me. I would rather people say what they are thinking right now than find out later that they thought differently.”