Marc Navarro, Chief Financial Officer
California Funding & Investments

What we do:  This is our 10th year. Our anniversary is in March. We do government FHA loans. We also do private money (lending). We do a full service including investments.
I spend most of my day reacting to something. Every night I put things together to do the next day. But it’s hard to plan when things pop up.
Education:  I was always entrepreneurial. I signed up for the classes I wanted. I attended Fresno City College and Fresno State.
Age:  51
Family:  Wife, Sherrie Smith-Navarro; son, Mychael, 23; and daughter, Alleha, 21. All live in the Fresno area.

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How long have you lived in the Fresno area and how did you become involved in mortgage lending, Marc?

I was born here in 1961. I started out in sales and securities. I’ve had lots of sales training. I was not satisfied. I searched and searched and decided what I can sell. I came up with money.

Have you seen improvements in the Fresno area real estate market over the past six to 12 months, Marc?

Absolutely. The Fresno real estate market has grown over the last six to 12 months. The golden rule is supply and demand. Few homes are for sale and they receive multiple offers. Affordability has gone up so much. But I think we are in an artificially deflated market.

What is your key business strategy, Marc?

The regulatory environment is so choppy right now. Our business strategy is to be as flexible as possible. Most of our contracts are for month to month. We are agile. It has kept us alive.

What was the best advice you received, Marc?

Own 100 percent of your responsibility and none of everybody else’s. I can’t tell you how valuable that has been.

What was your first job, Marc?

Picking grapes in the field.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or sports interests? What kind of entertainment do you enjoy?

I run a lot. I like wakeboard boating, off-road biking and off-road racing.