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Hidden Gems: Meet Travis Erickson of Bonelli Financial Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Erickson.

Hi Travis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. From a young age, I was passionate about skateboarding, and by the time I turned 18, that passion gave me an incredible opportunity. I became a sponsored skateboarder with Nike, which allowed me to move to San Francisco and pursue my dream of becoming a professional skateboarder. Living in San Francisco at that time was a life-changing experience. It taught me independence, perseverance, and the importance of following your passions.

While skateboarding was my main focus, I also wanted to develop skills that could support my future. I started working part-time at a local credit union in Berkeley, California. That experience introduced me to the financial industry and sparked an interest in helping people achieve their goals through smart financial decisions.

In 2013, I moved to Arizona and began my career as a loan officer at Desert Financial Credit Union. Over the next five years, I built my knowledge and expertise in mortgage lending while helping many clients navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives. I found fulfillment in guiding people through the process and making what could be a complicated experience much easier for them.

After gaining solid experience, I transitioned into management at AmeriSave Mortgage. I took on new responsibilities, developed teams, and learned the business from a leadership perspective. Over time, I advanced to Vice President. Those years were crucial in teaching me how to lead, plan strategically, and run a successful operation.

In 2024, I decided it was time to start our own venture. Today, I focus on creating a company that combines my experience, knowledge, and commitment to helping clients achieve their homeownership goals. Looking back, my journey began with skateboarding in Madison and took me through San Francisco, Berkeley, and Arizona. Each step taught me lessons that have shaped who I am today and the business I am building.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been smooth, but I think that’s part of the journey. Moving across the country at 18 to pursue skateboarding was exciting but also challenging. I was far from home, figuring out a new city, and trying to make it as a professional athlete. Later, transitioning into the financial world came with its own learning curve. I had to start from the bottom, understand an entirely new industry, and earn the trust of clients and colleagues. Even in management, there were challenges in leading teams and making decisions that affected both people and business outcomes. Looking back, those struggles taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance. Each obstacle really shaped the person and professional I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of Bonelli Financial Group. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Bonelli Financial Group, we are focused on redefining the mortgage experience by putting our clients first. Our goal is to provide a seamless, personalized process built on trust, transparency, and timing. What really sets us apart is our ability to combine expert knowledge, a broad network of trusted lending partners, and an efficient, low-overhead approach to deliver real value to our clients.

Unlike traditional big-box lenders, our streamlined business model keeps overhead low. This efficiency allows us to keep fees minimal and offer highly competitive mortgage options. The savings we gain through our approach are passed directly to our clients, making their home financing more affordable.

At Bonelli Financial Group, we focus on building lasting relationships. We take the time to understand your goals and deliver solutions that align with your financial needs. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a mortgage, you’re gaining a dedicated partner committed to saving you money and guiding you through one of the most important financial decisions of your life.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is being challenged and feeling valued, both at work and in life. I love pushing myself to improve and tackling things that stretch my abilities. My family, my wife and three kids, brings me the most joy. I also have a passion for golf. After transitioning from skateboarding, it is the only thing I have found that challenges me in the same way while still being something I truly enjoy.

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