Roger Reynolds, one of the original reverse mortgage industry pioneers, passed away this weekend. Remembered for his very early participation in the reverse mortgage business as one of just 50 initial lenders in a reverse mortgage pilot program launched in the early 1990s, Reynolds worked for several companies in the business and made an impression on those with whom he worked.
“He will be remembered as one of the original guys in getting NRMLA started,” says Jeff Taylor, founder of Wendover Consulting of Reynolds’ participation in the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.
In his work with Director’s Mortgage and later NorWest Mortgage, Reynolds was known for listening and understanding what his senior clients were trying to achieve.
“He was famous for making sure everyone he trained remembered: When you are speaking to a senior, you must first ask ‘What are you trying to accomplish?'” Taylor says.
Reynolds later worked in the reverse mortgage division of Wells Fargo, working to grow the bank’s business.
“Roger loved the program and his senior clients. He was such an advocate and shared his passion with all that would listen,” says Kim Wagoner, who worked with Reynolds at Wells Fargo and now serves as senior vice president, PMB fulfillment center. “He will be sorely missed.”
Written by Elizabeth Ecker
