You’ve been in the mortgage business for over 28 years. What has propelled you to stay in the industry? And what's your favorite thing about what you do?

I get to help people buy something tangible that will change their lives in more ways than one. They’re buying a home where they may start a family. A home where they will create memories and a sense of security. But It’s much more than that. A home is likely the most significant asset the average person will ever own. That purchase also comes with the largest debt that most people will incur.

Real Estate can be a powerful tool to create generational wealth, which genuinely changes lives. My job doesn’t stop at just getting them into the home. I educate and support my clients to manage that asset and the debt that comes with it, at the highest level possible. I also teach them how to leverage that debt to create more wealth.

What was your strategy to take your business to the next level?

When I decided to grow my business in 2018, I started by signing up for a coaching program and went all in. I was my coach's best student because I did every scary, uncomfortable, crazy thing she told me to do. Additionally, I immersed myself in mortgage industry business development books, podcasts, and online coaching. Just when I was getting frustrated with the lack of results, something shifted, and my business took off!

Through this work, I met the creators of the company I now work for. I genuinely believe that I manifested these leaders into my life, who have continued to mentor and support me in my growth. The people you surround yourself with matters and will influence your success, good or bad. Be intentional with your choices.

Do you have any additional credentials that help you serve your clients?

I believe it is vital to continuously grow and evolve, both personally and professionally. Any opportunity I have to expand my knowledge on a product or gain a certification, I’m up for the challenge. I am currently a Certified Mortgage Advisor and a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist. This additional training and knowledge helps me educate my clients and my Realtor partners.

What are some growing pains that you had to overcome when scaling your business?

One that comes to mind relates to people management. The last four years have been challenging as the market has shifted multiple times. You have to hire before it gets too busy so that you can train new team members or train up existing team members. But the most challenging part has been knowing when to let go of people you genuinely care about because the market simply cannot support the team you needed when business was booming.

What is your vision for the future of your business?

Over the next ten years, I want to grow my branch and dial in my systems and processes so that someone can seamlessly step into my role and keep the business going. I would love it if one of my children wanted to take it over. I've loved this career and the freedom, security, and rewards that have come with it over the last 28 years. It would be amazing to pass that on to my family.

Do you have a favorite quote that resonates with you?

“We can choose courage, or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time.” Brené Brown - I love this quote and find it to be very accurate in my experience. Anytime I’ve had significant growth, I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone, but the payoff is always worth it!

Jody Amend is a mortgage advisor and branch manager at Neo Home Loans and is licensed to originate mortgages across the nation. She can be reached at amendteam.com.

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