In the late 1990s, Eric Portnoy was attracted to the mortgage industry after refinancing a multifamily property and noticing the mortgage broker’s commission listed on the HUD form, sparking thoughts about changing careers. Coincidentally, the following week, his boss at the Massachusetts Highway Department informed him he would be working nights on a bridge over water in February. “I kindly told the foreman he would never see me again,” Portnoy recalls. “I’ll never forget his words: ‘Nobody quits a state job. You will be back.’ After five years as a full-time mortgage originator, I sent the foreman a picture of my W-2 and a note stating, ‘I told you so.’”

As director of sales for the eastern region at NewFed Mortgage, Portnoy oversees a team of loan officers and a billion-dollar pipeline of production in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, South Carolina, Florida, Maryland and New Jersey. Despite his professional success, Portnoy remains grounded. Growing up in Chelsea, he has never forgotten his roots. After 25 years in the industry, most of his referrals come from his urban hometown.

One memorable night at dinner in Chelsea with his teenage daughter, a group of public works employees, some clients, surprised him and picked up his tab. “They said that if it weren’t for me coaching them through their credit issues, they wouldn’t have the homes they own today.”

Known for being accessible, responsive, and knowledgeable, Portnoy always receives compliments from clients. His transparent approach to explaining the lending process makes it easy for borrowers to understand. A dedicated leader, Portnoy has the trust of his staff, who know that he always has their backs. Beyond work, Portnoy goes out of his way to help people, including teaching fiscal literacy at sober houses to individuals in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse.