About Us
1st Eagle Mortgage is a full-service mortgage company, working closely with current and prospective property owners in the Chicagoland area to create tailor-made mortgages to meet their needs. We work with a multitude of lenders to match you with the right loan, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upgrading to larger home, downsizing, refinancing, or a commercial property owner. Our focus is on you, the customer. We understand that every customer’s situation is unique, and our staff of experienced loan officers considers all aspects of your financial life to customize the right mortgage program for you.
Meet the 1st Eagle Mortgage team:
Herb Levin
Owner, President | herb@1steaglemortgage.com
NMLS 232614
With decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Herb prides himself in providing his clients with personal service that is second to none. Herb’s approach is to always put himself in his client’s shoes and to treat them like family. Herb knows how to conduct high-powered business with Midwest class. Prior to opening 1st Eagle Mortgage, Herb owned a grocery distribution company in Phoenix, Arizona, a marketer and distributor for GD Searle, and in distribution for Armour & Company. Before that, Herb held positions as a plant engineer at Victor Chemical, and researcher at Desoto Chemical Coatings.
Herb earned his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology and his M.B.A. from University of Chicago. Herb enjoys biking (not in the winter), travel, and family time with his four grandchildren.
Amy Levin Schneider
Senior Vice President | amy@1steaglemortgage.com | NMLS 1812070
Amy Levin Schneider has been with 1st Eagle Mortgage since 2013 and is a Senior Loan Officer. Amy is an experienced loan officer who helps guide clients through every step of the lending process. She always puts her customers first and works very closely with them throughout from the intitial contact to the closing. Previously, Amy co-owned a marketing specialty company for 15 years and earned her Bachelor’s in Marketing degree from the University of Arizona. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking and biking
Diane Forsythe
Senior Loan Officer | diane@1steaglemortgage.com
NMLS 207057
Diane brings 30 years of experience and unparalleled expertise to 1st Eagle Mortgage. She has a passion for and specialty in helping first-time buyers, long-time owners, or seniors, with Conventional, VA and FHA loans, including Reverse Mortgages.
Frank Mayer, Jr.
Loan Officer | frank@1steaglemortgage.com | NMLS 1470011
Frank’s customer-first approach allows him to provide customized solutions for clients. He works with property owners by understanding their short and long-term goals and securing mortgage options that best fits their needs. Prior to working at 1st Eagle, Frank worked in the retail floral industry for 40 years. Frank is a motorcycle enthusiast and loves to play guitar.
Pam Kosowski-Guiraa
VP of Operations | pam@1steaglemortgage.com
Pam has over 30 years of experience processing loans for her clients. She helps clients move from point A to Z, performing initial appraisals, assessing credit standings of applicants, and finally evaluating their loan program eligibility. Pam earned her bachelor’s in Accounting from Western Missouri University and her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University. She has a passion for rescuing and fostering dogs, as well as for motorcycles.
Terry Pogofsky
Loan Officer | terry@1steaglemortgage.com | NMLS 197160
Terry has 32 years in the mortgage industry, having worked at a Correspondent lender, and 3 different mortgage broker shops over those years. He is one of less than 1% of all Residential Mortgage originators with the designation of CRMS- Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist. He has a Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois, and an MBA from the University of Chicago in Economics and Organizational Development. Prior to entering into the Mortgage industry, Terry spent 15 years creating and managing 3 departments (Operational Audits and Corporate Security, and Quality Assurance) in a thriving mail order business-Quill Corporation. Terry developed a reputation for integrity, honesty, and getting the most difficult tasks/issues/problems resolved fairly and expeditiously. These traits are also of utmost importance in the mortgage industry, where Terry’s customer base look at him as their “lender for life”. He has received numerous accolades and high praise from clients, lenders, and the Illinois Association of Mortgage Brokers over his many years in the industry. He is also an avid Chicago Sports fan. And his Perl Mortgage Volleyball team retains the 1st Place trophy in the IAMB!
Scott Weinstein
Loan Officer | scott@1steaglemortage.com | NMLS 219816
Scott brings 20+ years of mortgage origination experience. He uses a consultative approach with his customers, ensuring they understand the pros and cons of all of the loan options available to them so that they may make an informed decision on the loan that best suits their specific needs.
Outside of work, Scott enjoys playing pickleball, golf, and Texas Hold ‘Em poker, as well as spending time with his wife, kids and 3 granddaughters.
Roberta Roman
Loan Processor | roberta@1steaglemortgage.com
Roberta Roman has been in the mortgage industry for more than forty-five years, in various positions— processessing loans, to upper management. She is passionate about helping people obtain their goals of purchasing homes or refinancing. As a fan of puzzles, she enjoys the challenges that the work brings to her. Roberta says that working with 1st Eagle Mortgage is the most rewarding experience she has had in her career. She welcomes each client that is placed in her care, and looks forward to working with many more people.
Barbara Bender
Office Assistant
Barbara has a bachelor’s from Concordia University, Chicago. Her early employment included work in the field of education and later as a library assistant. She enjoys supporting family activities, church programs, reviewing family genealogy, and travel with her husband, Al.
