Jordan Lee

Born and raised in Salem, Jordan left Oregon to pursue a double major in Chinese and Anthropology at Grinnell College. Four years later, he left rural Iowa on a Grinnell Fellowship to teach English in Nanjing. During his year-long stint teaching, he ate his way across China before attending Culinary School in Portland.

Today, Jordan is a Certified Mortgage Advisor. He works closely with quality professionals across the country. In 2008 he graduated from Grinnell College with degrees in Chinese & Anthropology. After accepting a fellowship to teach English for a year in Nanjing, Jordan moved back home to Portland to pursue a career in fine dining, which happened to be  at the peak of the financial crisis. After culinary school and six years of cooking local, ingredient-focused meals, he decided to change careers. Following a passion to positively impact families financial goals, Jordan joined the mortgage company that financed his first home.

Current member and former president of the Portland Asian Real Estate Association of America chapter, Jordan teams with more than 18,000 professionals in the US & Canada to advocate for sustainable home ownership opportunities for the Asian American & Pacific Islander Community.

In addition to helping people achieve the American dream Jordan enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, cooking, playing board games, strumming guitar, trail running, shooting hoops, racing dragon boats, and playing tennis.

 

How did you arrive at this business? What path brought you here?

After six great years working as a chef on the Portland fine dining scene, I decided to change careers in search of more work-life balance, a new skill set, and the opportunity to put my toddler to bed at night. My interest in finance coupled with my desire to meaningfully impact others led me to get back in touch with Kristen Martha Brown, who secured my first mortgage. I am happy to say we are still working together!

Where can we find you when you're not working?

Spending time with my wife Kate and our kids. Outside of work I enjoy cooking and entertaining at home and for the occasional professional gig. Longboarding at Mt. Tabor, running and/or bird-watching in Forest Park.

My greatest athletic accomplishment...

Athletics have always been a major part of my life and I enjoy participating in all sports. One of my proudest accomplishments was completing the 2015 Portland Marathon with my wife and five other family members!

What are you most passionate about professionally? What most excites you about your work and the contribution you can make?

I am passionate about providing excellent service to my clients. When I got my mortgage through Mortgage Trust, it changed my life dramatically and I am thrilled with the opportunity to provide that service to others.

What is your favorite thing about working at Mortgage Trust?

The best thing about working at Mortgage Trust is the fantastic culture. I love being surrounded by friendly, intelligent people who love what they do and are willing to take time to help each other grow.

Why have you chosen to live in Portland? What do you love about Portland?

After teaching English for a year in Nanjing, China, on a fellowship grant through my alma mater, Grinnell College, I moved to Portland in 2009. I chose to attend culinary school in Portland because the rent was still affordable, there was a dynamic food scene, and it was close to my hometown of Salem. I love the friendly people, the ever-growing food scene and the weather in Portland.