Lending isn’t just about numbers on a page for Rick A. King; it’s about people, their goals and their dreams. As a sales manager with Movement Mortgage, his career is built on tailoring loans to fit the unique circumstances of each client. His secret is active listening. “It’s more than hearing words, it’s about understanding what’s beneath the surface; needs, goals and even the challenges clients might face,” King explains. “Effective communication and active listening are the foundation of trust, which ensures that the solutions I recommend truly align with my clients’ vision.”

King’s path to lending was not exactly a straight line. After two years in the tech world, a friend suggested he consider mortgages. Twenty-three years later, he still calls it the best career decision of his life. In truth, finance had always been in his blood. As a high school student, King took on a co-op position at a local credit union which later led to roles with Prudential Insurance in Atlanta and Cargill in Milwaukee. “It was a demanding period of intense implementation and endless travel,” he recalls. “When it wrapped, I realized I wanted something more personal, such as lending.”

Now, with 38 years in the financial and customer service industries, King brings expertise, as well as perspective, to his clients. Understanding that purchasing a home is likely their single largest investment, his approach ensures his clients feel informed, supported and even excited along the way. “I remind them to enjoy the process,” he says. “Buying a home shouldn’t be a source of stress but a step toward the lifestyle they are working hard to build.”

Outside the office, King enjoys giving back to causes close to his heart and spending time with family and friends.