Working in the frozen-food industry isn’t the typical start of a mortgage professional’s career, but it helped S. John Murray get to where he is today. When he graduated from the University of Michigan in 1985 with a degree in economics, Murray took a job in residential food sales, where he quickly rose to the top and became a branch manager and sales trainer. However, he knew he wanted to make a bigger difference in the lives of his clients and their families, so in 1986, he jumped at the opportunity to become a loan officer.

Today, with 35 years of mortgage lending experience, Murray is ranked by industry publications Mortgage Executive Magazine and Scotsman Guide among the top mortgage originators in the nation based on annual loan volume. As a senior vice president at the Danvers branch of Draper and Kramer Mortgage, Murray uses his extensive lending experience and his education in economics to advise and guide his clients on all aspects of the home financing process. His ability to find details other lenders may overlook stems from his decades of experience and allows him to help his clients avoid issues that could prevent them from closing.

Because he’s handled all kinds of loan transactions, Murray enjoys working with every type of borrower. “I’m especially proud to help my longtime clients’ children finance their first homes,” he says. With repeat customers’ loyalty and referrals, he believes his business thrives on being as transparent and ethical as possible, especially after the economic troubles of 2008.

In 2020, Murray originated 325 loans and over $122.3 million in total home financing. In 2021, he looks to build on that level of production and utilize Draper and Kramer Mortgage’s cutting-edge technology to educate and connect with clients new and old.