Alex Margulis, vice president of lending at CrossCountry Mortgage, approaches his business with a philosophy that prioritizes people over profits. Since his first feature in Chicago Real Producers, Alex has continued to grow his success, not by focusing on numbers, but by building meaningful connections with his partners and clients. His strategy is rooted in the belief that business should feel less like a sales pitch and more like a genuine partnership—one built on trust, understanding, and shared goals.

“Going deeper on a personal level with my referral partners has been a big change for me,” Alex shares. “Getting to know them as people rather than just as business partners makes every real estate transaction feel more like friends collaborating on a shared goal, rather than a transaction between a vendor and a client.”

This transformative approach has fostered a loyal network of clients and partners who view Alex as a trusted ally and mortgage advisor. Of course, Alex still provides practical support for his partners’ businesses as well. From providing social media content, to sponsoring client appreciation events, to offering industry updates and expertise at first-time homebuyer seminars, Alex is always looking for ways to contribute to his partners’ success. 

“I want to be a resource for my partners,” he says. “It’s not just about closing deals—it’s about creating value in ways that matter to them.” 

Alex’s team at CrossCountry Mortgage—Steve Morrie, Jim Wrzala, and Christine Sciortino—play a key role in ensuring this high standard of service. Steve Morrie, who has over a decade of industry experience, acts as Alex’s right-hand man. He ensures loans are creatively structured and maintains client communication when Alex is unavailable. Jim Wrzala, the team’s loan analyst, prepares packages thoroughly, streamlining the underwriting process. Rounding out the team is Christine Sciortino, a thirty-year veteran whose operational expertise ensures everything runs seamlessly. Together, they provide a powerhouse of support, offering clients a comprehensive experience from start to finish.

One of the mottos that drives Alex’s business is the simple yet powerful Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s this guiding principle that influences how he advises clients—always putting their long-term best interests first, even if it means recommending a path that doesn’t result in immediate financial gain for himself.

In fact, Alex often hears from clients that they chose to work with him because they felt he truly had their best interests at heart—something they couldn’t always say about his competitors. “I respect my clients enough to know that they can tell the difference between being sold to and being consulted,” Alex says.

This commitment to integrity has earned Alex not just business success but genuine respect and appreciation from those he works with. “It’s about building trust,” he reflects. “When your clients and partners know that you’re focused on helping them reach their goals, they become your biggest advocates.”

After nearly twenty-five years in the mortgage industry, Alex’s view of success has also shifted. Where once he chased rankings and quantifiable goals, he now takes the time to appreciate the excellence of his team and the success of the present. “It’s about being happy with where you are and recognizing the success you’ve already achieved,” he notes.

Outside of work, Alex loves spending time with his family and indulging his passion for travel—a hobby he admits he hasn’t been able to pursue as much recently. However, Alex has competed in multiple triathlons in Chicago and now hopes to combine his love of fitness and travel by participating in triathlons in different cities and countries.

Alex is also an avid motorcyclist. “I love riding my motorcycle. It’s an expression of freedom both physically and mentally,” he shares. “It allows me to be truly in the moment. If I could have a superpower, it would be to fly, and this is the closest I can get to that dream.”

As Alex continues building on his success at CrossCountry Mortgage, he’s focused on the principles that have guided him: staying connected with clients, providing value to his partners, and staying sharp in a changing industry. “I want to keep doing the small things that got me to this point: staying in touch with past clients in meaningful ways and continually adding value.”