JRMORTGAGE GROUP

Early Riser

The alarm clock begins ringing at 3 am. Instigating the snooze button is not an option as Justin Rocheleau is already out of bed and preparing for the day. By the time 3:30 am rolls around, he has been in the office for 10 minutes already catching up on emails he missed while sleeping. The endless phone notifications roll in all day, not stopping even when he leaves the office, on some days as late as 9 pm.

Justin merely responds with a slight chuckle when questioned if this is how he envisioned his entrepreneurial narrative unfolding. “It isn’t how I would have anticipated, but I just roll with the punches.”

The First Chapter

JR Mortgage Group began in December 2020 when Justin embarked on establishing the premier pioneering mortgage brokerage in Wichita. Previously in retail lending, Justin saw an opportunity to help his clients save money and receive better service by starting his own enterprise with a flatter, more efficient operation that leverages a network of lenders compared to being handcuffed by a single bank or retail lender.

“As a broker, we possess the capability to present a client’s information to the market and procure the most competitive terms, rates, and programs tailored to their specific circumstances,” remarked Justin. “One of the things that sets us apart is the level of communication that we offer. We tailor it to meet each person’s needs, and you can come to our office and talk with us or reach us 24/7.”

Creating a Team

Six months later, after starting to see a small glimmer of success, the next chapter of JR Mortgage began when he brought on a co-founder, Ramona Chapman, a previous co-worker at the retail lender and close friend. Combined with their unquenchable ambition and strong business acumen, they powered JR Mortgage to become the top mortgage broker in Kansas in under 2 years.

The team’s unwavering dedication to their clients is evident. “We dedicate ourselves to what we do on behalf of others,” says Justin. “We understand that the business is built on real estate relationships and a drive to serve, and it’s amazing to be a part of helping people achieve homeownership and improve their financial stability.”

Important Numbers

In 2022, JR Mortgage secured 7th place on the Wichita Business Journal’s Wichita-area Residential Real Estate Mortgage Lenders List.

“In 2022, we focused heavily on hiring a strong team around us, including carefully building out our core leadership team, including a Director of Marketing, a Director of Residential Lending, and a Director of Growth,” Ramona explained. “We have about 20 team members overall.”

The result of their efforts speaks for itself. In 2022, the organization funded over $53.3 million in residential loans.

When asked about his thoughts on ranking above household Wichita names such as Intrust Bank, Legacy Bank, and Emprise Bank, Justin remarked, “It is definitely humbling and not something I fully imagined when I started. We are so thankful for the support of all our clients and referral partners, without whom

But as with all stories, every chapter has a close, and this last chapter found its ending. After an exciting last two years fueled by epic growth, both in mortgage volume, clients assisted, and team members hired, Ramona announced she would be stepping away from the company to focus on her family and business aspirations outside of mortgages, including home development and consulting.

With her first successful business exit in the rearview, Ramona explained, “I want my team only to grow, expand, and help more people. They (JR Mortgage Group) are the only team I trust and know will take the utmost care of my clients and referrals.”

“Ramona gave so much to grow this company, and I’m so excited to see her succeed in her next adventure,” Justin remarked. “JR Mortgage would not be what it is today without her tenacity and leadership, and I’m very thankful for the time she invested in JR Mortgage.”

A New Chapter

In June, JR Mortgage Group will be relocating. The new office will be located downtown at Douglas and Main in the heart of Wichita, making it easier for employees and clients from around Wichita to meet. This is an exciting new step as more people join the JR Mortgage team, and this new space accommodates this growth.

“I think you’ll be surprised at the initiatives we are cooking up currently. Our goal at JR Mortgage has always been to offer a level of personalized service

Justin ensures he maximizes every moment he shares with his wife Marissa and their two sons. — Theo and Emil. In his free time, Justin enjoys playing golf or exploring new wines.

His family holds immense significance to Justin, and he carries that same heartfelt dedication into his work at JR Mortgage Group. “We want all of those we serve to feel heard and comfortable,” says Justin. “We tailor our services to each person’s needs and wants, and we care about their loan and about them

Each chapter presents various challenges and victories. As the sun sets on this most recent chapter for JR Mortgage Group, Justin has already set the alarm to hit the ground running before the next