Rising Stars: Meet Vipul Hapani of Troy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vipul Hapani.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My professional journey began in healthcare — working as a licensed physical therapist in skilled nursing and home health settings. Over several years, I treated more than a thousand geriatric patients. Those experiences shaped my philosophy of leading with empathy, trust, and consistent service — values that continue to guide me today.

During that time, I began to notice how deeply people’s financial health affected their overall well-being. I became fascinated by how credit, insurance, and real estate form the foundation of stability for families — something I often sum up by saying, “America runs on credit, insurance, and coffee.”

That realization inspired a career shift. I first became a licensed insurance agent, then obtained real estate licenses in North Carolina, Michigan, and Oklahoma, before finally finding my calling in the mortgage industry.

In 2019, I joined Vema Mortgage, where I applied the same patient-care approach from my healthcare days to lending — listening carefully, simplifying complex information, and always putting clients first. With that mindset, I quickly grew into one of the top producers in the company and eventually became an equity partner, leading a team of over 65 loan officers across multiple states.

Since then, I’ve been honored to be recognized as a two-time NAMB Mortgage Broker of the Year,2024 , 2025 a Top Mortgage Loan Officer in North Carolina, and a nationally ranked broker by publications like Scotsman Guide and National Mortgage Professional Magazine.

Beyond business, my most meaningful work is through the Little Lights Foundation, a nonprofit started by my son that supports terminally ill pediatric patients. Giving back through that platform reminds me daily why I do what I do — to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never been a smooth road. I started as a new loan officer right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic — a time of market uncertainty, constantly changing guidelines, and intense competition. I didn’t fully understand the mortgage market then, so I had to learn everything from the ground up while serving clients who were themselves anxious about their financial futures.

Even after gaining experience, the challenges never disappeared — they just evolved. Every client has different needs, goals, and emotions tied to their home journey, and truly understanding each one requires patience and adaptability.

Now, as an equity partner leading a large team, the responsibility has grown even more. Balancing leadership, mentorship, and production comes with its own set of struggles — but those challenges are also what push me to grow, innovate, and stay grounded in service.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Mortgage Loan Officer and Equity Partner at Vema Mortgage, where I help individuals and families achieve homeownership through transparent, efficient, and service-driven lending. My focus is on simplifying the mortgage process — turning what’s often a stressful experience into one that’s structured, educational, and empowering for clients.

I specialize in residential lending, working with first-time homebuyers, investors, and homeowners looking to refinance or scale their real estate portfolios. My background as a former physical therapist has shaped my approach: I listen carefully, personalize every plan, and build relationships based on trust — not transactions.

I’m best known for combining a patient-care mindset with data-driven systems and technology, which has helped me and my team maintain consistency and scale sustainably.

I’m proud to have been recognized as a two-time NAMB Mortgage Broker of the Year and the #1 Loan Officer in North Carolina, but what I’m most proud of is building a culture of integrity and growth within our team.

What sets me apart is my belief that success in this industry isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people, process, and purpose. Every loan we close represents a dream realized, and that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do every day.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality behind my success has been consistency with empathy. Whether it was caring for patients as a physical therapist or guiding clients through complex mortgage decisions, I’ve learned that showing up every day with genuine care and discipline makes all the difference.

I don’t focus on being the smartest person in the room — I focus on being the most consistent and the most trusted. In this business, people don’t remember the rate you offered as much as they remember how you made them feel during the process.

That mindset — combining empathy, adaptability, and relentless follow-through — has helped me build lasting relationships, scale my business, and lead my team with purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vemamortgage.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vipul-hapani-9b5b05216/