Manny Kagan started Pacific Bay Financial in his garage 33 years ago, when he and his wife Elfa were newly arrived in the U.S. from Latvia, by way of Israel. He assists clients throughout the Bay Area find mortgage solutions that are right for them, whether they’re buying a first home, refinancing an existing mortgage, or purchasing an office or investment property.

Manny approaches his business with the belief that what he’s really doing is helping people achieve their dreams. “A mortgage is just a tool,” Manny says. “People come to me to get something else, to live a better life. If I can help them do that, I’m happy.”

While he’s written two books on the mortgage industry — Mortgage Solutions for Smart People and The Mortgage Game — these days Manny is most energized by sharing stories and images of love. He regularly showcases moments of joy and connection on his website and Instagram account, and he’s published two photography books: 42 Encounters in San Francisco and 42 Encounters with Dog Lovers. You can read his weekly “Encounters” and see his images on mannykagan.com.

Manny joined the Hebrew Free Loan Business Circle to give back to his Northern California Jewish community. “Being involved with Hebrew Free Loan is another way to integrate my work in the mortgage industry with people’s deeper needs,” he says. “When you care for others, then you will learn enough to enjoy everything about life.”

For more information about Pacific Bay Financial, visit mannykagan.com or call Manny at (415) 225-7290.

Would you like to join the Business Circle? Learn more here, or contact Jamie Hyams, Development Director, at jamie@hflasf.org or (415) 546-9902 x106.