Education alum’s lesson plan for a meaningful career: Embrace the unexpected
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—If you ask Western Michigan University alumnus Jonny Shatter, B.S.’20, teaching isn’t about what you can’t do; it’s about what you can inspire, whether the learning happens inside a classroom or at the closing table.
“I’ve always been interested in helping people understand things and improve their situations,” he says. “Teaching felt like the most direct way to make an impact on people’s lives.”
While Shatter was sure of his calling, Western gave him the tools to turn his bachelor’s degree in education into practical skills for an eventual career in the mortgage industry.
“Between the on-campus programs and resources and the off-campus internships and opportunities, you’re constantly being put in positions to grow,” he says. “That combination helps students become more well-rounded and better prepared for the real world, not just their first job.”
Through WMU Signature, a program that empowers Broncos to complete a culminating integrative learning project, Shatter sharpened his communication, critical thinking and leadership proficiency—assets that proved essential as his professional goals evolved. Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, he began reconsidering where he could find meaning and security for himself while still making a difference for others.
Out of job uncertainty came clarity in a surprising shift in career focus. “The pivot wasn’t easy at first because I had invested so much into the idea of becoming a teacher,” he says, “but I realized the core reason I chose education didn’t have to be tied to one specific career track.”
The transition unlocked a new kind of classroom for Shatter as an executive loan officer for Zoom Home Lending, an independent mortgage brokerage based in Livonia. Many of the core competencies he now relies on were honed at WMU.
“Communication is probably the biggest one,” he says, “being able to break down complex topics in a way that people understand. Also, patience, adaptability and emotional awareness.
“In both education and mortgages, you’re working with people who may feel overwhelmed or unsure,” he continues. “Meeting them where they’re at and guiding them through the process is huge.”
Shatter has thrived as a mortgage broker, becoming one of the company’s top producers. His hope is that individuals and families who choose to work with him feel supported, informed and cared for throughout one of life’s biggest and most stressful financial decisions. “I make it a priority to break everything down in a simple, transparent way so clients feel confident in their decisions,” he says.
“Jonathan is one of our standout bankers not only because of his skill in helping our customers but because of his character and work ethic,” says Alan Turfe, chairman of Zoom Home Lending and chair of the WMU Board of Trustees. “He’s a colleague who lifts up the entire team and is always willing to support others.
“His journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit, initiative and adaptability that Western instills,” Turfe adds. He notes that Zoom Home Lending is one of the top five U.S. mortgage brokers, underscoring that Shatter’s success shows how Broncos can succeed at the highest levels.
Shatter hopes to connect with other Western students and alumni and support them in their success, encouraging them to blaze their own paths.
To Shatter, there’s more to the job than simply closing out a loan. He strives to ensure his clients walk away with a clearer understanding of how homeownership can benefit their long-term wealth and stability.
“Owning a home isn’t just about having a place to live,” he says. “It’s about building equity and putting yourself in a position to grow. If I can help clients see that bigger picture and use it to their advantage, that’s something that will stick with them well beyond the transaction.”
Looking back, Shatter knows the same purpose that first drew him to WMU continues to shape his career today. With the foundation he built at Western, a momentary detour became the road that carried him forward.
“The journey doesn’t have to look exactly how you planned it,” he says. “These can be some of the best years of your life, but make every moment count and branch out as much as possible.”
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.