Michael Leland: Why My Stapler Convinced Me to Start Mortgage Trust

Prior to starting Mortgage Trust in 2000, nearly 15 years ago, he worked as the top producer for a now-defunct mortgage company in Portland, Oregon. He closed deals and made brought in a lot of cash for the owners of the company. He also had to process his own loans, perform needless administrative tasks and even pay for his own office supplies. 

All of these administrative tasks took him away from revenue-generating activities and reduced his opportunities to bring in more business. The company was kind enough to buy him a new stapler when his old stapler broke, a $15 saving. He still has this stapler and it serves as a reminder of why he started Mortgage Trust: Never step over dollars to pick up pennies. Read more at Michael Leland's blog.