Rose Wageman has always loved real estate. While in college she read an article about a loan officer, and decided it’s what she wanted to do. Wageman graduated with a degree in finance in 1984 and was lucky enough to work for River Oaks Bank, a very successful commercial real estate bank that was sold to Exchange National Bank and then LaSalle National Bank. She worked there until 1991 and then joined the owners at another bank they acquired—First Eagle.
Wageman has remained in commercial real estate for thirty years for one reason: She absolutely loves it.
“It is always interesting and I continue to learn, and face new challenges, every day,” Wageman said, executive vice president and chief lending officer at First Eagle Bank. “There is never a dull day. The best part of my job is working with customers, many of whom have been clients for 20-plus years.”
“We do a lot of construction lending and the market is hot right now,” she added. “Projects are selling out very quickly at every price point. Lots of builders are coming back into the market. When I drive through some neighborhoods, it seems there are new projects on every block.”
First Eagle’s vision is to make a positive difference in people’s lives—their customers, community, and each other. Wageman truly believes that the company is different and that everyone should bank with them.
“We are very strong, a 5- star rated bank with Bauer Financial. You have access to decision makers with no loans being approved by loan committees. We truly value relationships. We believe in making a difference.”
Wageman noted that last year for First Eagle, was a record year with loan growth up 30%. “This year lender’s pipelines are strong,” she said. “Loan portfolio is strong with $0 in OREO. We are financing some interesting deals. Our Chicago office is on the corner of Madison and Racine, right in the center of one of the hottest neighborhoods in the country.”
With having worked for First Eagle for so long, it comes as no surprise that her biggest mentors are Joel Salk, Chairman of the company, and his son, Andy Salk, President and CEO of First Eagle.
“I have been fortunate to spend my entire career working with them, and everything I have learned has been from them. They are great business people and excellent negotiators.”
Family, friends, and health are most important to her. So it should be easy to guess what Wageman likes to do when she isn’t working. “I like to spend time with my three teenagers. I run every day. During the fall running season, I run a Half Marathon every weekend. I also like to check out new restaurants with my girlfriends from college. We often meet in the City on Friday nights.”
