For Zach Starnes, mortgage lending has never been about simply getting a transaction to the closing table. It has always been about helping people accomplish goals they once thought were out of reach.

Six years into his career, Zach serves as Regional VP and Director of Non-QM Lending at Element Mortgage, where he has built a reputation for tackling complex lending scenarios with persistence and creativity. Whether he's helping a first-time homebuyer, an experienced investor, or someone searching for an unconventional financing solution, his focus remains the same: serving people well.

"After reflecting on my years in the business, what drives me every single day is bringing results for clients," Zach says. "They come to me and my team to solve a goal or a problem, and I will do whatever it takes to help them solve their problem or to achieve their goal."

That philosophy aligns closely with Element Mortgage's approach. As a full-service mortgage company, the team offers conventional, FHA, VA, construction, commercial, and Non-QM loan products. Their guiding principle is straightforward.

"If it has four walls and a roof we will fund it," Zach says.

Behind that slogan is a commitment to finding solutions rather than obstacles. Zach believes many lending situations require creativity and an open mind instead of an immediate "no."

"I've been able to build a reputation in the market of being the relentless problem solver," he explains. "When a client calls us and has an idea, instead of saying no right off the bat like many lenders do, I always listen intently and go into problem solving mode."

That mindset has become especially valuable in Zach's area of expertise. While he oversees Wisconsin branches for Element Mortgage, he has devoted much of the past several years to Non-QM lending, particularly Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans. These products help real estate investors qualify based on rental income rather than traditional employment documentation, allowing many clients to continue expanding their investment portfolios.

His ideal clients range from aspiring investors purchasing their first rental property to seasoned professionals adding multiple properties each year. More important than any single transaction, however, is the relationship that follows.

"I tell all of my investor clients on the first call, I'm in this with you to build a lasting relationship," Zach says. "I'm not just after the current transaction. I want to do 10, 20, 30 or more loans with you over the long-term and be a true partner to you as you are growing your operations."

That long-term mindset extends beyond lending. Zach regularly connects clients with other professionals, shares educational resources, and works to provide value throughout their investment journey.

His own journey into the mortgage industry came after working in the title business, where relationships with lending professionals sparked a new career path. Once he made the transition, he committed himself completely.

"The biggest reason for my success is God and His grace," Zach says. "Additionally, I made a mental decision to give it everything I have through total devotion."

Originally born and raised in the Detroit area before moving to South Carolina during middle school, Zach eventually attended Maranatha Baptist University in Wisconsin. There he met his wife, Kelly. After graduation, the couple settled in the Milwaukee area, where they are now raising their two sons, Samson and Cyrus.

Away from work, family remains his greatest priority. The Starnes family enjoys traveling, exploring Milwaukee, visiting gardens and museums, discovering new restaurants, spending time outdoors, and remaining active in their church.

Like many business leaders, Zach admits work-life balance is still evolving.

"Working on it always," he says with a laugh. "I've been focused more on work-life integration... because in this industry there's never a clear cut shut off due to serving clients and referral partners. What's allowed me to reel in a bit of normalcy to my schedule is building a wonderful and dedicated team around me."

Looking ahead, Zach and his team are pursuing ambitious goals, including closing 500 loans and approximately $100 million in loan volume during 2026. Long term, he hopes to expand throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest while continuing to grow a team centered on service, education, and excellence.

For Zach, success isn't measured solely by production numbers.

"How many people you can serve, help and make a positive impact on," he says, is what matters most. "Success isn't about reaching a goal but about getting better along the way and fully loving the process."

His favorite quote reflects the perspective that continues to guide both his career and his clients: "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."