“The quality of the people in your circle matter a lot more than the quantity.”
— Rob Dance
When you think of someone who radiates warmth, positivity, and authenticity in every interaction—both professionally and personally—John Lee immediately comes to mind. Since joining Homeowners Financial Group in December 2018, John Lee has become not only a cornerstone of the St. Pete branch but also a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, humility, and humor.
Homeowners Founder/CEO Bill Rogers paused the standard proceeding during a recent All Sales Call, “We are so grateful and blessed that we have a John Lee in our organization because he just brings smiles to everyone’s faces.” Just like John Lee, Bill comments was his own spark of genuine emotion, moved to share with the company in that format amongst his peers. Reciprocating what John Lee brings in lifting up others.
After graduating from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, John Lee spent 27 years in the financial services industry. Before discovering his passion for mortgage origination in 2015, he held leadership roles in both retail branch management and mass affluent client management across several large financial institutions. Those years shaped his expertise in client care and financial strategy—but it was in helping people achieve homeownership that John Lee found his true calling.
“It may sound cliché,” our Highlight shares, “but I truly love being able to walk alongside my clients as they make one of the most important purchases of their lives.”
That statement perfectly captures who John is—to his clients, his colleagues, and his community. Whether assisting a first-time homebuyer or guiding a seasoned investor with multiple properties, John approaches every conversation with the same level of dedication and sincerity. He acts as a trusted advisor, ensuring every borrower feels informed, supported, and confident through every step of the mortgage journey.
“JohnLee. You speak his name as if it’s one word…because so many of the greats go by just one name.” Erin Dueck Executive Administrator and reigning Cultural Ambassador of the Year exudes, then adds, “JohnLee is an enormous ray of sunshine and the rare human who is the definition of effervescent. With his unconventional and glorious sense of humor, he projects love and positivity everywhere he goes. To know JohnLee is to be blessed by the universe.”
In the St. Pete office where they know him best, John is the heartbeat of the team. He’s the steady voice of reason when the days get hectic and the spark of laughter that fills the room when it’s needed most. His colleagues know him as the guy who always brings good energy, great stories, and the occasional groan-worthy dad joke—often shared with strangers, much to his daughters’ chagrin.
That joy and steadiness are echoed by Originating Branch Manager Tammy Boldt, who shared, “John Lee is about as reliable as a person can be. He’s my north star when things get chaotic—steady, thoughtful, and always leading with kindness. I honestly don’t know how I could ever repay the support he’s shown me or the kindness I see him show everyone around him.”
And as longtime teammate and loan origination partner Lauren Iglesias added with a laugh, “To know John Lee is to love him. He’s one of the most kind-hearted people I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. Not only does he care fiercely about each and every borrower he assists, he’s invested in every human who crosses his path, even if just for a brief elevator ride. He’s also one of the best storytellers of his generation (ask him about his trip to the dump or the mattress saga—you won’t be disappointed!) and an innovative dancer—dogs with worms, need I say more?”
A St. Petersburg native, John and his wife, Maris, along with their two adult daughters, Megan and Maddy, are deeply rooted in the Florida lifestyle. They love exploring local parks and beaches, taking sunset walks, and visiting Disney World as often as possible. It’s that same sense of wonder and joy that John brings into his work every day—creating experiences that feel meaningful, memorable, and filled with care.
At Homeowners, we often say our people are our greatest asset—and John Lee is the perfect reminder of why. His professionalism, compassion, and humor make him not just a remarkable mortgage professional, but a remarkable person.
Thank you, John, for making every day brighter, every laugh louder, and every client experience better. Homeowners is truly lucky to have you.
3 words that best describe John Lee: Reliable. Genuine. Joyful.
