Gary Kirt bought his first home when he was still in high school, an investment that launched what would become a 50-plus year career in mortgage banking.

After stints with Conservative Mortgage and Midwest Federal, Kirt purchased Minneapolis-based Bell Mortgage (then known as the David C. Bell Investment Co.) in 1980. He’s credited with growing the 100-year-old business into the largest privately owned mortgage company in the Midwest with nearly $2 billion in annual closings. Kirt stayed on as an adviser after Fargo, North Dakota-based State Bank & Trust acquired Bell in 2011.

Now retired and focused largely on volunteer work, Kirt joined an elite group recently when the Minnesota Bankers Association inducted him into its Pioneer Banking Club, which recognizes Minnesota bankers for 50 years or more of industry leadership.

In the following interview, Kirt talks with Reporter Brian Johnson about his long journey in the mortgage banking industry from precocious homebuyer to Pioneer Club member.