As a kid, Ash W. Ibrahim loved to build and plan cities. After receiving a degree in urban economics and development, he considered becoming an urban planner — until he discovered the pay scale. When a friend offered him a financial services position, he found a way to combine his career and interests.

“I love helping people,” says Ibrahim, president and CEO of Sunset Coast Capital. “I help people find the right home loan product so they can get into a home they didn’t think they could afford. My philosophy is to build relationships by always putting the customer first.”

Ibrahim’s commitment to helping others goes beyond loans. He serves on the board of directors and the communications committee of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce as well as vice president of strategic planning of the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad, where his company is a corporate sponsor. He is active in a capital campaign for his church and even his three children volunteer through the Carlsbad Recreation Events Workers.

“To succeed in life, I believe you have to put people first,” he says. “I can’t run my business one way, then go home and live my life differently.”