Anthony Lee

Anthony Lee used the same self-motivation that drove him to a career as an Air Force officer and an elite triathlete to build his successful real estate business.

“Just like he did in athletics and the military, he put everything he had into making something out of nothing in an industry he knew nothing about,” his staff at Zap Mortgage said.

Lee founded Zap Mortgage in 2016 with the aim to cater to millennials and become the most trusted provider of mortgages to first-time homebuyers. His plan is to use technology to energize and disrupt the industry with transparency, speed and user engagement, and he’s done more than $1 billion in sales already.

Lee’s business uses 10% of net proceeds of every loan to address the lofty mission to eradicate homelessness among women and children and ensure free healthcare for all women in the U.S. not covered by insurance.

“We are going to keep expanding in all ways around the country. We will keep innovating with new technology to keep up with the ever-changing environment,” Lee said. “Then we will stay true to our mission in striving to eliminate homelessness among women and children in the United States. There is no reason to be an industry leader or titan without giving back to humanity.”

Lee’s background in the military drives his mindset today. He lives by the mantra: A promise made is a promise kept. “I learned this as a young commander in the Air Force,” he said. “My squadron commander drilled this into our heads, and it has stuck throughout my career. When I tell someone, either a team member or client, that I am going to do something, I do it and I do it with ferocity and excellence. As industry leaders, I think we all have a responsibility to our team members and clients to always give 100% and make good on what we say we are going to do.”

Lee was the first in his family to graduate from college and is a 17-time Ironman Triathlon athlete and five-time Boston Marathon finisher.

Lee believes the industry is falling into old habits and technology is leaving non-adapters in the dust, unable to meet the demands of the next generation of homebuyers. Today’s mortgage professionals need to know cryptocurrency and be comfortable with automated loan applications and approvals, for example.

“You want to be a badass, rock star, elite special forces mortgage professional, then STEP UP, be a Zapper and become part of something bigger than yourself,” he said.