"If it can be done, we’ll find a way to do it,” says Neena Vlamis, founder, owner, and CEO of A and N Mortgage. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all lending. Instead, we work closely with each client to find the right solution for their individual goals.”

That approach has carried Neena and her husband, Dean, the COO of A and N, through decades of industry evolution, personal growth, and professional milestones both as individuals and as a couple. Their story is one of resilience, vision, and a shared commitment to building something bigger than themselves.

Neena was no stranger to the mortgage industry growing up. Her mother worked in the industry, planting the seeds of curiosity and familiarity for her daughter early on. After graduating from college, Neena began her career as a representative for M&I Bank (and later at Perl Mortgage), pounding the pavement with in-person sales calls to mortgage companies across the region. It didn’t take long for her to spot a gap in the market. 

“There was an opportunity to do things differently, and to build a company rooted in personal relationships, expert service, and a culture people wanted to be a part of,” Neena says.

That insight ultimately led to the founding of her own firm more than two decades ago. Neena envisioned a place where clients felt genuinely cared for and mortgage professionals were empowered to succeed while staying true to themselves. Her instincts were spot-on.

Dean came to mortgage services along a different path. A former trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, he spent the early part of his career navigating the fast-paced world of finance until 1998. As the once-dynamic and interactive trading floor changed on account of new technologies, Dean felt a pull toward something more sustainable and more personal.

“In 2000, I walked into Perl Mortgage and that’s where I met Neena,” he recalls. “From that moment on, we grew alongside each other in the business, supporting each other's professional paths while building a life together.” 

That life would include raising three children—Michael (20), Kosta (18), and Eleni (14)—and eventually merging their careers in 2023 when Dean officially joined A and N. It was a full-circle moment, years in the making. 

In A and N’s early days, the lending landscape was rapidly shifting, especially due to increasing regulations. Yet Neena and her team remained undeterred. Instead of resisting change, they leaned into it, harnessing technology while preserving the personalized service that defines their brand.

“We’ve built a system that prioritizes people, flexibility, and results,” explains Neena. “We’re not just closing loans; we’re helping people build their future.”

Today, A and N Mortgage stands out as a 100 percent woman-owned, Chicago-based lender that offers a full suite of residential loan products, including conventional, jumbo, FHA, and VA options. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to tackle complex scenarios with confidence and care. The company’s localized teams and solutions-first culture ensure that even the toughest deals find a path forward.

“Our in-house operations team combined with our flexible product mix allows us to move quickly and provide consistent, reliable service—something that’s become increasingly rare in this industry,” says Neena. “We’ve spent years refining our process, as well as training our team to think like problem-solvers, not paper-pushers.”

Neena and Dean’s dynamic is their superpower: her high-energy creativity is perfectly complemented by his grounded, analytical mindset. Together, they strike a balance that has fueled not only a successful marriage, but also a thriving business.

“We spend a lot of time discussing new ideas for Neena’s business and how we can continue to grow it together,” says Dean. “It’s one of my favorite things to do: having those conversations and working side by side to bring new visions to life.”

Outside of the office, the Vlamis family is just as intentional about how they spend their time. Travel plays a central role, especially their trips to Greece, where they explore ancient ruins, bask in island sunsets, and connect with their cultural roots.

Looking ahead, the couple remains focused on growth, and on the company’s culture and impact. They hope to attract professionals who value authenticity and want to be part of a team where collaboration and passion are more than just buzzwords.

“We want to inspire others in the industry—to show them you can love where you work and still scale your business,” says Dean.

For Neena and Dean, success isn’t about titles or trophies; it’s about happiness. It’s about building a business where people feel seen, clients feel supported, and teams feel at home. 

“That mindset has fueled our growth and helped us earn the trust of clients and referral partners alike,” Neena concludes. “We’ve built a track record with REALTORS® who trust us not only because we’re experts in our field, but also because we genuinely care about the success of every deal.”

To reach Neena and Dean, and to learn more about the services A and N Mortgage provides its clients, visit their website, anmtg.com, or call 773-305-5626.