Meet Jose Tejada | Lender and speaker on financial topics specially around the Hispanic community

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Tejada and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi jose, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I disagree with competition. I firmly believe that competition limits growth. I believe in collaboration and going further together. That said, the art is in knowing who to collaborate with and in having mutual respect and benefit so as to form long lasting relationships.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I landed in the financial industry like most, by accident. I have been in the financial industry for over 24 years at various positions. I have been a Bank Teller, Bank Branch Manager, Private Wealth Banker and most recently a Mortgage Banker with Rate Inc.

In 24 years, I have seen many dips and valleys. I have seen folks lose businesses and homes. I have myself experienced feast and famine. The short answer is no, it has not been easy, but it’s that same struggle that motivates me to transfer my knowledge to others especially those in the Hispanic community. I have been lucky to have received a depository of knowledge not only from my own experience and training but from the thousands of families and entrepreneurs I have worked with over the decades.

My mortgage practice is highly focused on an educational approach, where we make sure all of our clients learn and are aware of the financial principals we are implementing. We want our clients to walk away confident of the decisions we have made together. I think this is the reason we have so many families returning to work with us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m in love with Los Angeles. I think it’s one of the most beautiful and accepting places in the world.
The first thing I like to show off is our geography. Since migrating here from El Salvador at 10 years old I have spent the bulk of my time in the West San Fernando Valley. It would go like this:

Day1- Cruise from Woodland Hills through Topanga Canyon to arrive at PCH. We hit a left and spend half the day at Lake Shrine. Then cruise PCH to Cholada for the most amazing Thai Food.

Day 2- We’re heading to the West Side. Walk Beverly Hills, Century City and hit Shamshiri for incredible Persian food

Day3- DTLA- cruise the sights, Disney Hall, Broadway Bar, 71 Above and end with a meal in the arts district at Terraza Cha Cha Cha

Day4- Venice beach, not my favorite place but a must see. Get lost in all that is Venice and eat at any random hole in the wall

Day5 – The observatory, with a hike up to really earn it and catch the views and finish with a tour of La Luz De Jesus Gallery

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
By far my wife Mimi Tejada and my mother Marina Tejada. Both of these incredible women have supported my wild dreams and endured the long hours it has taken to get there.
My mother never had formal education but has been a successful entrepreneur time and time again. My wife has a relentless spirit that keeps our family focused.

Website: https://www.guaranteedrate.com/josetejada

Instagram: the_talented_jt_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejadalending

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tejadalending

Yelp: Jose Tejada- Guaranteed Rate

Other: Spotify and Apple Podcast- Hispanic Wealth Matters