2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Bryan Cates

Bryan Maxwell Cates’ list of proudest accomplishments is topped by managing the growth of Midwest Metro Foreclosures Inc.

In just seven years, the company grew tenfold to gross sales of $2.4 million.

Cates, the company’s CEO and president, says his staff also has grown, to 50 employees from just two.

Managing staff growth has presented his biggest challenge.

“Basically, training is a huge issue,” Cates says. “You have to have people who know what they are doing and that takes time. You’ve got to take care of your people, pay them well and show that you have their best interests at heart.”

Cates cites God’s will in everything he does and says that God lets him know when he is not getting it right. “I am far from perfect and do not always make the correct decision, but I have found that when I do what God wants me to do, things turn out much better for the business.”

Cates says his success also comes from his ability to manage money and his research skills.

“The company’s operating budget has increased exponentially – from $10,000 to $500,000 – in the past seven years, and we have never taken a loan to expand,” Cates says. “Instead, we have relied on our own resources and ability to generate profits.”

Cates says research has facilitated Midwest Metro’s growth and its services, which help mortgage companies preserve and protect their real estate assets.

“Having started with one client, (we’ve grown) to currently working with almost all the nation’s largest mortgage companies: Countrywide, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, Safeguard and Bank of America,” he says.

Cates works hard on a variety of civic events including the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Miles for Minds, Convoy of Hope, Rock ‘n’ Ribs, Price Cutter Charity Championship, and various events with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Ozarks.

Cates wants to create a new division in the company this year to develop new real estate, rehabilitate distressed properties and accrue affordable rentals. Cates says his business work ultimately feeds his good works. “That’s the reason we make money, to give back to other people,” Cates says. “That’s what I think life is all about, really.”

Double Play

Birth date: April 23, 1976

Family: I married my beautiful wife, Jessica, in 2001. God has given us two wonderful children; Emily is 3 and Eli is 1. My wife is from Puerto Rico, and we make frequent visits to the island to keep our relationship with her family strong. My immediate family is based in Springfield, and we almost always find something to celebrate together.

Philosophy to live/work by: We are put here on Earth to help each other, so that is what we should do. Also, I honestly attempt to serve the people that work for me and help them in any way I can. That, in turn, comes back full circle as it assists me in having a successful business.

In a fantasy world, which professional sport would you play? Football. I admire the characteristics one must possess to play football. I am enthralled by the excitement levels the sport generates in its fans.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.