WHERE LENDING MEETS POSSIBILITY

Chicago’s only woman-owned mortgage lender, A and N Mortgage, is redefining the future of finance.

Early on, Neena Vlamis honed a rare professional skill: to transform the mortgage process into an experience built on trust, expertise, and confidence. Armed with that skill, along with determination and a clear vision, she launched A and N Mortgage at the crisp age of 27 as its Owner and CEO.

“I’ve dedicated the last 20 years to educating people about homeownership and mentoring employees in their career paths,” explains Vlamis. “While it’s a field that has been historically male-dominated, I saw it as an opportunity rather than a barrier to bring a fresh perspective. I focus on delivering results while remaining relentless.”

Now, Vlamis stands out as Chicago’s only woman-owned mortgage lender—licensed in 22 states, with more than $5 billion funded, and over two decades of helping clients make sense of homeownership. Moreover, she has built a team grounded in her core values—crafting financial strategies tailored to each client’s unique life goals.

“What drives me to thrive in this space is a combination of resilience and results,” she says. “Thriving in this industry isn’t about fitting into a mold, but rather redefining it by creating relationships, mentoring others, and proving through performance that success isn’t limited by gender.”

Vlamis shapes A and N Mortgage’s philosophy around resilience and helping clients feel confident in their decisions. She credits that success to building trust, mentoring her team, and offering clear guidance people can actually use.

“The mortgage process can often feel intimidating,” she says. “My focus when working with our clients is to understand their story so I can frame the mortgage in the context of their life goals. It’s important to communicate this with clarity and empathy.”

For Vlamis, luxury isn’t just about high-net-worth transactions—it’s about creating an experience that feels personal, refined, and intentional. From carefully crafted brand guidelines with her art director to a team culture built on compassion, expertise, and attention to detail, every interaction reflects the sophistication that defines A and N Mortgage. “We show up consistently,” she says. “Our messaging, visuals, and personal touches show clients they are valued and understood.”

Vlamis and her team ensure that their focus stays on opportunities, not obstacles. Her approach for high-end clients blends clarity with understanding—taking time to outline options and trade-offs ensures clients feel confident in every decision. “I care about their long-term financial well-being, not just a single deal,” she explains.

Looking ahead, Vlamis envisions A and N Mortgage growing not just in volume but in impact. The firm aims to create proprietary products and serve more families, solidifying a legacy built on expertise, trust, and personal empowerment. Her guiding principle is straightforward yet profound: “If you say you’re going to be there, show up. Show up as the best version of yourself and always help others.”

At A and N Mortgage, the team is more than a group of brokers—they’re architects of opportunity, mentors, and visionaries redefining what it means to offer luxury financial services with heart, sophistication, and purpose.

A and N Mortgage is located at 1945 N. Elston Avenue in Chicago, anmtg.com, @aandnmtg.