The History of Samuel Scott Financial Group
Todd Pianin and Brian Reynolds Found Samuel Scott FG in 2006
Samuel Scott Financial Group was founded by Todd “Samuel” Pianin and Brian “Scott” Reynolds on November 15th 2006. Having worked together in the lending industry since 1995, Todd and Brian recognized that the market was rapidly changing and the needs of their clients were increasing. By opening Samuel Scott Financial Group, a boutique mortgage company located in the heart of San Diego, they were able to maintain the high level of customer service they had built their reputations on.
The Carmel Valley office, which is now home to nearly 50 mortgage professionals, opened with just four loan originators and a small supporting staff. Todd, who serves as the company President knew the key to their success would be having the most lending options to fit their clients’ individual needs. In 2007 the financial market was contracting under the pressures of new regulations, but Samuel Scott Financial Group was expanding their platform of mortgage solutions.
They partnered with Platinum Capital, who in 2008 merged with RPM Mortgage. The calculated move to a hybrid bank gave Samuel Scott an acute advantage in a competitive market.
They were now able to secure loans from multiple investors and offer their clients a wide variety of products that monolithic banks couldn’t access.
In September 2010 they hired Russ Schreier to direct their sales team and lead business development. The mission was simple: to earn the repeat business of
clients by consistently putting their needs first and providing every Mortgage
Alex Scoma, Brian Reynolds, Todd Pianin and Mark Robertson: The first four Mortgage Advisors of Samuel Scott
Advisor with an abundance of support.
With nearly 25 years experience in the residential lending industry, Russ was quick to help Samuel Scott improve their productivity and establish strong partnerships in the real estate community. Leading by example, he works with the Mortgage Advisors to bring value added items to clients and position their brokerage as a favorite among agents.
Samuel Scott’s outstanding reputation quickly spread and business thrived. Not only were they earning great amounts of repeat business from clients, but they also formed strategic relationships with local brokerages. Samuel Scott Financial Group is the exclusive lending partner for Real Living Lifestyles Real Estate, Windermere Signature Properties and JMR Properties. Through a value-based marketing program, they are able to generate more opportunities and close more transactions for the brokers and agents.
Jamie Wheat and Russ Schreier lead the Processing and Sales Teams at Samuel Scott Financial Group
Delivering first class service was the top priority for Samuel Scott. To stay in front of a growing business, they continued to hire highly experienced Mortgage Advisors, Mortgage Advisor Assistants, Senior Loan Processors and Junior Loan Processors. In April 2011 they recruited Jamie Wheat to lead the processing team as Vice President of Operations and expanded their Carmel Valley office. Under Jamie’s management, Samuel Scott’s operations excelled and they achieved record-breaking turn times and closings.
The next tactical move by Samuel Scott was their decision in August 2011 to join Opes Advisors, a mortgage bank that combines the best of what a traditional bank and mortgage broker have to offer. Through the Opes platform, their local team is able to maintain control over the entire loan process, from origination through funding. The added benefit of being able to broker out loans frees Samuel Scott Mortgage Advisors from being beholden to any single investor’s loan programs or rates and ultimately gives clients more options.
Today, Samuel Scott is recognized as the Best Mortgage Company in San Diego. Clients may not see all of the hard work going on behind the scenes, but everyone understands the value of a transaction that closes on time and without complications.
As Samuel Scott expands their business in San Diego and to new offices through out Southern California, they will bring with them an unparalleled expertise and a relentless dedication to first class customer service.
