In an era characterized by technological advancements and ever-evolving financial landscapes, William Erbey’s career emerges as an exemplary entrepreneur, innovator, and philanthropist. After completing his Harvard MBA, Erbey started his career in General Electric and moved into various ventures, representing both the insight and ethical compass requisite for enduring success.
Once he left General Electric, Erbey’s first venture was Oxford Financial Group, a merchant banking and financial institution he co-founded in his early 30s. After leaving Oxford, Erbey became the CEO of Ocwen Bank and Trust, which later became Ocwen Financial. Throughout the years, Erbey led the company to become the largest mortgage servicer in the United States.
At 65, Erbey moved on to start six tech companies focused on providing innovative solutions using math and statistics. His vision focused on changing the paradigm and developing a better business model instead of competing on the same basis as everyone else. He also focused on having tangible, demonstrable value in his businesses. Erbey’s entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks have paid off throughout his career, resulting in many successful ventures.
Along with his business success, Erbey is actively involved in philanthropic efforts. He is passionate about education and financial literacy, believing that people must have the right skill sets to function in a world undergoing rapid technological change stating, “We need more people able to function in new conditions.”
Looking back on his career and personal life, Erbey has had many accomplishments. These include getting into Harvard Business School and achieving academic excellence, being one of the few students with no prior experience, building Ocwen, and helping millions of families keep their homes during the 2008 financial crisis.
For those entering the workforce, Erbey advises to learn from a well-run company before starting their own. He believes finding leaders who inspire you and can give valuable knowledge is critical to success. As for what’s next for him, Erbey plans to make all six of his tech companies successful and use technology to solve significant problems in areas like the internet and healthcare. Erbey’s success in business and philanthropy inspires many, and his contributions to society will continue to impact lives for years.
