1. John Poast
Senior Vice President of Residential Lending
johnpoast@msn.com
Summary
John Poast
jpoast@chicagobancorp.com
312-543-0688
John Poast grew up in Cincinnati Ohio. He moved to Chicago for college and then graduate school.
John began his career in finance over 14 years ago. John currently lives in River North. He has lived
there for over ten years save several in Manhattan.
His unfailing enthusiasm, integrity, and positive attitude, combined with technical expertise and
knowledge of the industry, make John indispensible to Chicago Bancorp his customers and referral
sources.
Chicago Bancorp offers a Varity of superior financing programs for my clients as well as the
professional atmosphere that allows their loans to be quickly processed, approved and closed.
Chicago Bancorp is Chicago’s largest privately held mortgage bank. John’s focus is relationship
lending with delivering the highest level of service, while providing the most desirable mortgage
products available.
Beyond work John is quite active. Besides running and cycling, John’s real passion is competitive
sailboat racing, where his team has earned numerous honors.
John’s values, his focus on client service, and his work ethic all help set him well apart from other
mortgage lenders, 100%of my business comes from client and trusted advisor referrals, and it is my
promise to make my sources proud that they referred their clients and friends.
Specialties
First Time Homebuyer, Investments, Second Homes, Condos, Commercial, Asset Based Loans, FHA
Experience
Senior Vice President of Residential Lending at Chicago Bancorp
December 2005 - Present (5 years 5 months)
We are fully licensed in:
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2. Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas,
Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
Whom do you know that I may Pr-Approve or take a loan application from right now!
17 recommendations available upon request
Lead trader in DJX, DIA, DJH options at Goldman Sachs
January 2000 - September 2003 (3 years 9 months)
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Spear Hull Derivatives LLC, Chicago, IL
Associate, Floor Market Maker, Electronic Market Maker
Member of CBOT, CBOE, ISE, and CBOE Direct
DJX, DIA, DJH, SPX, MNX, QQQ, OEX, XEO, RUT
Lead trader in DJX, DIA, DJH options.
Maintained 18% market share in a pit of over 40 competitor traders. Averaged 38% expected edge
retention on $200,000 weekly edge. Completed Financial Engineering curriculum to learn Hull
system and algorithms. Enhanced profit opportunities by implementing arbitrage techniques,
utilizing technical expertise, and leveraging technology. Created automated summary which
tracked position, volatility, delta, vega, and skew targets. Firm implemented use of normalized
strike process for instrument multiplier based on my recommendation. Set daily volatility levels for
index portfolio based on CBOE Direct trading activity. Marketed new CBOE trading products to
bulge-bracket dealer firms. Provided practical guidance on trading rules which CBOE Direct
regulations committee implemented. Assisted in supervising AT rotations and trader
advancements.
5 recommendations available upon request
Lead Options Trader in DJX, DIA, DJH options at Hull Trading
January 2000 - September 2003 (3 years 9 months)
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Spear Hull Derivatives LLC, Chicago, IL
Associate, Floor Market Maker, Electronic Market Maker
Member of CBOT, CBOE, ISE, and CBOE Direct
DJX, DIA, DJH, SPX, MNX, QQQ, OEX, XEO, RUT
Lead trader in DJX, DIA, DJH options.
Maintained 18% market share in a pit of over 40 competitor traders. Averaged 38% expected edge
retention on $200,000 weekly edge. Completed Financial Engineering curriculum to learn Hull
system and algorithms. Enhanced profit opportunities by implementing arbitrage techniques,
utilizing technical expertise, and leveraging technology. Created automated summary which
tracked position, volatility, delta, vega, and skew targets. Firm implemented use of normalized
strike process for instrument multiplier based on my recommendation. Set daily volatility levels for
index portfolio based on CBOE Direct trading activity. Marketed new CBOE trading products to
bulge-bracket dealer firms. Provided practical guidance on trading rules which CBOE Direct
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3. regulations committee implemented. Assisted in supervising AT rotations and trader
advancements.
Managing Member, Market Maker at Poast Gusweiler LLC
May 1998 - January 2000 (1 year 9 months)
Member of the American Stock Exchange, New York, NY
1999 – 2000
Market Maker
Market maker in Phillip Morris and Ebay options for proprietary account. Dynamically hedged risk
exposures to protect existing position while keeping cost of protection as low as possible. Followed
industry news, interest rates, and volatility index to determine relative value and personality of the
market. Developed firm valuation and dividend models to determine liquidation exposure and
shadow volatility. Created profit/loss models to assess trade profitability and optimization of locked
structures. Continually evaluated my
position and disseminated markets for increased value recognition. Organized option meeting
group to discuss activities and products of each crowd.
Actively made markets in Phillip Morris options for personal account. Dynamically hedged risk
exposures to limit the portfolio exposure. Follow industry news, interest rates, and the volatility
index to determine relative valuation and personality of the market. Built firm valuation and dividend
models to determine liquidation exposure and shadow volatility. Continually evaluated my firms’
position and markets for increased value recognition.
Capital Markets Group, Intern at First Chicago NBD
April 1998 - September 1998 (6 months)
Utilized Open Bloomberg to analyze investment grade securities to support fixed-income securities
origination, sales, and trading. Developed models to examine hedging methods using futures and
options. Assisted senior research analysts in preparing customer presentations in the futures and
asset-backed securities markets.
Investment Services, Traders’ Assistant Intern at Dempsey & Company, LLC
May 1996 - October 1996 (6 months)
Provided customer service support for traders. Determined commission rebates. Analyzed trading
activity for the business review process. Assisted in keeping individual traders within their own risk
tolerances. Provided detailed reports of macroeconomic and stock specific news from prior day,
overnight, that morning, and expectations for the day. Reviewed clerical reports for accuracy.
Created and analyzed profit and loss summaries. Executed and managed order flow. Managed
traders’ accounts when not present.
Brokers’ Assistant at Ilene Resnick Incorporated (CBOE)
June 1995 - June 1996 (1 year 1 month)
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4. Verified trades. Solicited customer orders. Improved performance by managing order flow to
facilitate competitive markets in over twenty stocks, half of which are traded on multiple exchanges.
Maintained solid rapport with management, clients, brokers, traders, and competing exchanges by
utilizing my strong communication and technical skills. Provided customers with pertinent and timely
market information.
Equity Options Desk Head Runner/ Clerk at First Options Corporation
March 1995 - July 1995 (5 months)
Educated and Trained new hires. Assistant Phone clerk. Introduction to Options Certificate.
Intermediate Options Certificate.
Floor Clerk/ Runner Futures Execution Services at The Chicago Corporation
September 1994 - March 1995 (7 months)
Future Execution Services. Main Bond Desk. Floor Clerk. Because of my abilities and adaptation I
was promoted from the main wheat desk to the main Bond/ Bond Options desk.
Waite Rawls
Lab Technician at Motophoto
1993 - 1994 (1 year)
Develop Film and Pictures. Salesperson. Cleaned equipment and store. Customer relations.
Cashier. Chemist.
Janet?
Audio-Visual Assistant at DePaul University
1993 - 1994 (1 year)
Cataloged. Organized. Delivered.
Assistant Store Manager. Staff Technical Epert at Uncle Dan's
1991 - 1993 (2 years)
Top in Sales every month. Educated Employees. Dressed Store. Cashier. Assisted in buying
decisions. Assisted in compiling and analyzing data to implement marketing decesions. Strong
communication and technical skills helped establish strong raport with management and clients.
Customer Relations at Gentry Clothiers
1990 - 1991 (1 year)
Salesperson. Assistant Tailor. Stock person.
Bag Boy at Kroger
1988 - 1990 (2 years)
Bagged Groceries. Cleaned Store. Stocked Shelves. Named best Bag Boy.
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5. Education
Illinois Institute of Technology - Stuart School of Business
MBA & MS, Master of Science in Financial Markets & Trading, Master of Business Administration with
Management, 1995 - 1998
Activities and Societies: • Stuart School of Business Academic Scholarship.
• Teaching Assistant for Modeling and Simulation course.
Created comprehensive models to value derivative products using Black-Scholes and binomial
trees. Designed spreadsheet program to immunize bond portfolio against yield curve changes. Built
statistical models and algorithms for analyzing security price returns using distribution analysis.
Studied
deregulation of the utility markets and various energy derivative products.
DePaul University
BA, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, 1990 - 1994
Activities and Societies: College Year in Athens. Debate Team. Philosophy Club. Senior
Leadership Award.
indian hill
col prep, 1986 - 1990
Honors and Awards
• Vice Commodore at Large of the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation of the Chicago Yacht Club.
• Competed in the Chicago-Mackinac Race every year since 1992 and placed in top 3 five times.
• Represented Area K and won the Second Place U.S. Sailing Offshore Championship Award in
1996.
• Enjoy squash, soccer, chess, scuba diving (PADI certified), and trading on personal account.
• Received Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Award for saving the life of a fellow sailor.
• Member of the Manhatten Yacht Club
• Currently writing a book about sailing.
• Member of Global Association of Risk Professionals.
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6. John Poast
Senior Vice President of Residential Lending
johnpoast@msn.com
22 people have recommended John
"My husband and I were first time buyers and John couldnt of made this experience any easier. He
was quick to return calls, answered all our questions, and best of all, was incredibly personable,
friendly, and easy to talk to. I recomment John to any of my friends. It was great working with him!"
— Taryn Lund, was John's client
"Actually all of the "top attributes" apply to John so it's hard to name just three. I have worked with
him several times ---my clients have been impressed and that makes me look good..... He works
very hard to make the transaction go as smoothly as possible. He definitely has my
recommendation."
— Elizabeth Ballis, was John's client
"John is a great mortgage banker.. He kept an eye on the rates and was able to save me a ton of
money on my original mortgage and then a re-finance. He even went out of his way to help me look
for a job. Great Guy"
— Chris Orfitelli, was John's client
"John knows his stuff. He is the person I call on when I need answers or when I have an important
client that I want someone to take excellent care of. I have confidence and trust in his ability."
— Lissa Weinstein, was John's client
"John is extremely professional, knowledgable, detailed oriented and has significant credibility
within the mortgage industry. He is very concerned about the needs of his clients, and will exceed
their expectations to insure that they are receiving the right product, or program, are treated fairly,
and all trantsactions are completed in the desired timeframe. His follow up is second to none, and
he remains in contact with his clients to insure that they are kept abreast of changes and
opportunities to improve their financial position. It is a pleasure to have John on our team."
— Louis Mallers, Director of Private Label Banking, Chicago Bancorp, managed John indirectly at
Chicago Bancorp
"John offered us a range of creative options which we would not have come up with ourselves. He
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7. was very responsive, easy to work with, and simplified what can be an onerous task."
— Laurie Richter, was John's client
"John was suggested to me as a person to discuss my mortgage needs with. I was impressed that
our first meeting was in person rather than an on line application. John made the process simple.
He focused on my objectives and saw them through to reality. Great to work with."
— Jeff Byron, was John's client
"John Poast is an outstandig, very reliable business partner."
— Timm Duerkop, was John's client
"Having referred John as a lender to my buyer clients I was extremely satisfied with John's
knowledge, responsiveness and overall professionalism. I will be happy to refer John to my clients
in the future."
— Scot Green, Realtor, Sudler Sothebys International Realty, was with another company when
working with John at Chicago Bancorp
"John is thorough and professional and gives good results. It is a pleasure to work with him. Jim
Kinney, Vice President Baird and Warner Luxury Home Sales"
— Jim Kinney, was John's client
"It was a pleasure working with John a few years back. John consistently demonstrated his eye for
the details in our business. He was hard working and thorough."
— Todd Needlman, Options Trader, SLK-Hull Derivatives, a Goldman Sachs Company, worked
with John at Chicago Bancorp
"John provided a one-stop shop for my recent re-finance transaction. He was thorough and concise
and made what could be a drawn-out process less painful. I have already recommended John's
services to a neighbor and would do so again without hesitation."
— Yvonne Gasik, was John's client
"John Poast made a presentation on mortgage financing to my condominium association while I
was already in the process in negotiating refinancing with the lender that currently held my
mortgage. At that point, John took the time to give me some advise and even took my subsequent
telephone calls to answer my additional questions. His willingness to provide customer service to
someone that was not even at the time a customer impressed me. When my mortgage company
suddenly could not come through due to their overly restrictive new regulations, I immediately
contacted John. True to his word, John was able to provide refinancing to me by having the
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8. resources and willingness to overcome the obstacles that were due to overzealous governmental
insurance regulations. John’s business involves a huge amount of paperwork that he processed for
me with organized efficiency and with a quick resolution of the inevitable little glitches. I would
recommend consideration of John for anyone in need of a new or refinanced mortgage."
— Thomas J. Kane, was John's client
"John is a consumate professional and a leader in his field. He not only provides outstanding
service, but feels at home with my high-end clients. I endorse him without hesitation."
— Janet Owen, was John's client
"John was professional, never missed a detail or deadline, kept all parties informed, and even
brought oatmeal cookies to the closing! Terrific service -- I will recommend him to future clients of
mine!"
— Marla Hori, was John's client
"John Poast is an incredible resource during a difficult economy. He is an out-of-the-box thinker and
has a vast background to draw from. In my many years of doing business John has saved me
thousands of dollars. He is also a rising star in the sailing world and under the most difficult of
circumstances he is the guy you want watching your back!"
— Robert Biddle V, was John's client
"John was my mortgage banker for my recent home purchase. I had a wonderful experience
working with John from the very beginning. As a first time home buyer, I had many questions, but
John was patient, understanding, and thorough with his answers. John gave me a detailed
document checklist over week in advance of our application meeting. With this planning, the
application process was swift and efficient. He found and locked in a great rate for me. John worked
with the lawyers and real estate agents for both parties, and he helped make the home-buying
process straightforward for me. John attended the closing, which I heard some bankers do not. The
closing took considerably longer than expected since the wire for the loan funds was “stuck” in the
Fed system. (This was out of anyone’s control.) John could have left the close, but instead he
waited for the funding, with the risk of missing an international flight. In the end, everything worked
out, and John even made his flight. I would highly recommend John and Chicago Bancorp to
anyone looking for a mortgage."
— Christina Weber, was John's client
"John never takes shortcuts, He is knowledgeable and quick thinking. John is always learning about
his market and its trends. John is an expert in his field and knows how to handle just about
anything. I know that with his hard work and willingness to learn John will reach success in anything
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9. he tries to achieve."
— Michael Frank, Managing Member, Gateway Partners LLC, managed John at Gateway Partners
"John is a highly motivated person who understands the demands of the financial world we live in.
John will be dedicated and completely involved, in any situation he finds himself in his business life.
I've always found him to be honest and I believe he will always put his client first."
— John Smollen, Floor Director, Chicago Board Options Exchange, worked directly with John at
Goldman Sachs
"John did a great job managing risk and dealing with a fast paced, stressful environment."
— Jason Urban, associate, Goldman Sachs, worked directly with John at Goldman Sachs
"John is a tenacious, loyal, intelligent, and honest salesperson who always puts the clients interests
first."
— Paul Strehle, Derivatives Trader, Hermitage Group, worked directly with John at Goldman
Sachs
"John was a good trader, co-worker and friend through both prosperous and difficult conditions. He
taught me much, not only in terms of market knowledge and trading mechanics, but also in terms of
how to manage people and situations effectively. He's a talented and saavy individual who's not
afraid to make difficult decisions and thrives in difficult, competitive environments."
— Ken Kwalik, Trader, Goldman Sachs, worked indirectly for John at Goldman Sachs
Contact John on LinkedIn
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