Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Schwartz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is a testament to the values and principles imparted to me by my parents.
Both began their professional journeys at a young age, displaying unmatched resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering spirit of determination. My mother was not only an entrepreneur who took her business from a single-employee venture to a flourishing enterprise but also showcased her versatility by transitioning into the medical field. Her drive led her to further her education and reinvent herself multiple times, culminating in a successful stint as a project manager. Similarly, my father’s narrative is one of perseverance. Starting his career in the Air Force, he pursued higher education, attained numerous certifications, and, through consistent effort, navigated his way to leadership positions, including roles as an instructor, project manager, and vice president in diverse companies. Their collective journey has been a beacon for my professional growth. They ingrained in me the philosophy that success, especially in a competitive environment like mine, isn’t merely about talent but dedication and sustained effort. They’ve been my guiding lights, teaching me that if I aim for something, the path may be challenging, but it’s always attainable with hard work. As a professional woman who has earned her place in a predominantly male-dominated sector, I can’t stress enough how pivotal their teachings have shaped my ambition and tenacity.”
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At the core of my work, I assist families in securing home financing. This means that I get the privilege of making dreams come true every day. In a world where having a roof over one’s head is not just a luxury but a necessity, my role goes beyond financial transactions – it’s about changing lives.
What I find most exhilarating about my job is my impact on an individual level. Housing is a fundamental human need, and to be at the forefront of this journey is truly special. It’s not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about securing futures, creating legacies, and forging memories. I take immense pride in helping first-time homebuyers realize their dream home is within reach. But it doesn’t stop there; I also assist investors in leveraging real estate as a wealth-building tool and support families in crafting generational wealth through their homes.
What Sets Me Apart: In an industry where transactions can feel daunting and impersonal, I strive to provide more than just financing options. I offer tools, education, and years of experience to make the mortgage process smoother and more understandable. I aim to empower each individual, ensuring they feel confident and informed every step of the way.
While my commitment to my clients remains steadfast, I constantly seek innovative ways to serve them better. Currently, I’m working to expand my reach by adding additional licensing. Also, I frequently attend training and events to continue to educate myself and grow to help provide top-notch service to my clients. In addition, I love to host workshops and events focused on educating the community about home financing, real estate investment, and wealth-building. Knowledge is power, and I’m committed to sharing it with those I serve.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, the three pivotal attributes that drove my success were tenacity, education, and hands-on experience.
Tenacity: The mortgage industry is intricate, and challenges always arise. My unwavering determination ensured that when I encountered a “no,” I would work relentlessly to turn it into a “yes.” My mantra has always been to find a way to guide my clients through every obstacle, seeking solutions that ensure they can achieve homeownership.
Education: Knowledge is power in our industry. I take pride in being a walking encyclopedia of mortgage guidelines. The nuances and ever-evolving nature of these rules mean that continuous learning isn’t just a bonus; it’s a necessity. My commitment to staying updated has often been the difference between a client securing a home or facing disappointment.
Experience: While education provides the theory, experience is the practical application of that knowledge. I’ve faced myriad situations that have honed my instincts and approach. Each client and each case have added a new layer to my expertise, enabling me to navigate even the most complex mortgage landscapes.
For those just beginning in the mortgage industry, my advice is this:
Be a sponge. Absorb everything. Dive deep into the guidelines, read voraciously, and always stay curious. Understand that every question you ask is a step closer to mastery. Surround yourself with a tribe—a community of seasoned professionals who can mentor you, share their insights, and push you to reach your potential. This industry is vast, and there’s always something new to learn. Stay hungry for knowledge, and you’ll not only succeed but excel.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
One individual stands out significantly throughout my journey of overcoming challenges and developing the essential skills required for success: Scott Groves from Consolidated Coaching. Finding a business coach was pivotal in my professional growth, and Scott was the catalyst I needed to elevate my business.
Scott has an unparalleled ability to infuse efficiency and intentionality into one’s work methodology. Before working with him, I struggled to balance my personal and professional life. However, under his guidance, I learned to integrate the two seamlessly. This didn’t just make my life more harmonious; it also led to substantial growth in my business.
But Scott’s teachings extended beyond just work ethics and efficiency. He constantly pushed me to achieve my highest potential, urging me to improve, work harder, and consistently strive for more. Yet, amidst all this, he never let me forget the importance of enjoying the journey. With his mentorship, I learned how to optimize my business practices and rediscovered the joy and passion that initially drew me into this field.
In retrospect, Scott Groves has been instrumental in reshaping my outlook and strategy. I owe much of my present-day success to the foundational skills and knowledge I acquired under his guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mrs-mortgage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.mortgage.raleigh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeliSchwartz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaschwartz/
