self employed

Leland von Syring, of Houston, Texas, was tired of working long hours and weekends as a restaurateur. Although successful, he wanted an opportunity that would allow him to have more quality time with his family. A friend suggested that Leland consider a note brokering business—buying and selling privately held mortgages—that didn’t require “a lot of hours” and offered commissions.

            Leland gave the note brokering business a try in 1992 under the company name, Charter Financial. He researched the industry, located some investors, and placed a classified ad in the local newspaper for his business. Within the first two weeks, working about two hours a week, Leland was able to locate two note holders and make commissions, while still running his restaurants.

           Realizing the great potential of the note brokering business, Leland quickly began placing more ads in different newspapers around his area, sought out new note buyers, and began the transition to sell his restaurants. Nine months after starting Charter Financial, Leland sold his restaurants and started working full-time on his note brokering business.

           Leland expanded Charter Financial by advertising in newspapers nationwide and by purchasing structured court settlements and lottery winnings, as well as business notes. He also secured lines of credit to purchase the notes on his own. Because of his business’ success, Leland eventually had to hire assistants to help him process transactions.

          After having worked the business for several years and acquiring great knowledge about the note brokering business, Leland decided to write his own training manual and recruit his own brokers. He also set up a corporate structure to create a win-win relationship for both the brokers and Charter Financial. Leland set up a broker support “hotline” and he staffed Charter Financial with experienced “contract buyers” who would help the brokers quote and process deals. “I have personally handpicked each member that works on the support level,” says Leland. “Charter has recruited some of the most successful brokers in the industry to come work as part of our successful support staff.”

          With the manual complete and the support staff in place, Leland von Syring and Charter Financial began promoting a program, “Building Wealth Together” in 1999. Since that time, the Charter Financial organization that once started with one individual and an opportunity, now consists of offices in 5 states with 30+ employees. For more information, visit www.brokeropp.com or call 888-539-3707. HBM