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In the world of mortgage, 2020 was an exhausting year, pushing many of us to our limits. While others slowed down or stayed home, we were deemed essential workers, managing an unprecedented surge in demand. It seemed as though everyone wanted to move, refinance, or take cash out! The volume was staggering, and with limited housing inventory, the pressure on both buyers and mortgage professionals was relentless. We barely had time to catch our breath, let alone spend meaningful time with our families. Although it was a financially rewarding time, the toll it took — both physically and mentally — left many of us feeling drained. For me, it became a turning point. I loved my work, but I began to question my place in an industry that felt increasingly disconnected from the values that had drawn me to it in the first place. Just before the start of the pandemic, though, as I sat in a mastermind session, I realized something that, for me, changed everything.
It wasn’t that I didn’t love mortgage — I truly did, and still do. But after nearly two decades, I was exhausted from wearing 800 hats, managing all aspects of the process, and constantly being let down by others in the industry. It felt like every time a big company promised the world, they’d fall short, leaving me and others to pick up the pieces. I felt like giving up. Mortgage had become less a career and more an endless cycle of being pushed beyond my limits. What I needed was something new, something I could feel proud of. I needed off the hamster wheel!
That mastermind session was the turning point. In a moment of frustration, I was challenged to do something I hadn’t done before: make a list of everything I loved, hated, and excelled at in mortgage. And for the first time, I allowed myself to be honest about the parts of the business that made me feel alive versus the parts that drained me. What emerged from that list wasn’t just a reflection on my career — it was the beginning of PBJ Mortgage, a brand as unique as my journey and as grounded in my values as I could have imagined. So in March of 2020, literally a week before the pandemic began, PBJ Mortgage was born.
I still remember the sense of relief as I began writing that list. In many ways, it felt like shedding years of built-up pressure, finally allowing myself to get real about what I enjoyed and where I wanted to go. I found myself zeroing in on one thing: education. Teaching clients about mortgages was the part I loved the most. Sure, I enjoyed the financial side, but nothing compared to the satisfaction I got from helping people understand one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
This realization was huge. I wasn’t in mortgage for the money; I was in it for the people. I loved guiding clients through the process, taking away some of the stress, and ensuring they felt supported and informed. This wasn’t about making a sale. It was about helping people feel comfortable and capable in an industry that often overwhelms them. For me, mortgage was more than a transaction — it was a journey. A journey of helping people get to where they wanted to be in life with the house just being a big piece of that puzzle.
The deeper I thought about it, the more I realized that the educational aspect of mortgage could be something unique I could build on, a way to differentiate myself in a crowded market and avoid the burnout I was feeling. If I could just focus on that — on making the process easier and clearer for clients — then maybe I could create a brand that felt like “home” for me, too.
After the mastermind session, I knew I needed to reimagine how I approached mortgage. My goal wasn’t just to have a brand; I wanted to build something deeply personal, something I could proudly own no matter where my career took me. This branding couldn’t be stripped from me or compromised by industry changes. It needed to be a direct reflection of who I was, blending professionalism with a touch of playfulness.
And that’s how PBJ Mortgage was born.
The concept of making mortgage “as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich” became my beacon. Mortgage is typically seen as dry and complex — a necessary evil for those who don’t have the funds to buy a home outright. I always joke, we aren’t the sexy part of the transaction. Boring, but necessary. By likening it to something as familiar and simple as peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I knew I could create a brand that was memorable and approachable, a breath of fresh air in an industry bogged down by jargon and red tape. Even the playful name, PBJ Mortgage, added an element of light-heartedness to the work, a reminder that things don’t have to be so serious all the time.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable. By focusing on education, empathy, and empowerment, I created a framework that resonated with clients and kept me grounded in the work I loved. I was no longer just another mortgage professional; I was building something of my own, something I could share with the world in a way that felt true to me.
As I began shaping PBJ Mortgage, I knew that my brand needed a core set of values that went beyond the typical business goals. I got challenged to pick goals that I would hire based on, and even fire based on. I wanted my brand to feel personal, driven by principles that not only guided my interactions with clients but also inspired others in the industry. Those values became the pillars of PBJ Mortgage: Educate, Empathize, and Empower.
Educate: My goal has always been to demystify the mortgage process. I believe that knowledge is power, and by explaining each step clearly and patiently, I can help clients feel in control of their decisions.
Empathize: Mortgage is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make, and it’s often stressful. Empathy is essential to understanding clients’ fears, concerns, and dreams. I aim to provide not just a service but genuine support for their financial lives as a whole.
Empower: My role isn’t to make choices for my clients but to give them the tools to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Empowerment is about equipping clients with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable.
These core values became my North Star. They reminded me why I loved the industry in the first place and gave me a way to connect with clients on a deeper level. When you know that your work is helping others understand, feel seen, and make empowered choices, burnout fades, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we’re not limited to a single path. Mortgage is a versatile industry, and there’s room for women to explore, adapt, and find what truly resonates with them. Many women come to me for advice about where to hang their mortgage license or what direction to take in their careers. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few guiding principles I always share.
First, understand that no company or role will be perfect. When you’re seeking out a place to grow, start by listing your top 10 needs or non-negotiables. Rank them from most to least important, but keep in mind that you’ll likely only find 2–3 from your top five and about half of your full list. By setting realistic expectations and focusing on what you value most, you’ll be better prepared to make choices that truly serve you.
Second, don’t be afraid to create something of your own. We often feel pressure to fit into existing structures, but if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that there’s power in personal branding. Whether you’re starting your own business or developing a niche within a larger company, defining your brand will give you a sense of purpose that’s uniquely yours. You’re not just “another professional” in the mortgage industry — you have your own approach, values, and insights to offer. Embrace that.
Lastly, prioritize fulfillment over status. For me, the journey toward building PBJ Mortgage was about finding the parts of my work that truly lit me up — like educating clients and making mortgage approachable. If you find yourself in a role that’s draining, consider what aspects of your work you enjoy most and focus on building a path that allows you to do more of those things.
PBJ Mortgage has become more than a business — it’s a personal brand built from my own journey of burnout, rediscovery, and empowerment. My goal wasn’t just to create a memorable name or logo; I wanted a brand that could make a real difference for clients and inspire other women to carve out their own unique spaces in this industry.
Building a brand is about more than just recognition; it’s about relevance and impact. By focusing on what truly matters — education, empathy, and empowerment — I’ve been able to create a business that’s not only fulfilling for me but also resonates deeply with my clients.
So, to every woman in mortgage feeling stuck or uninspired, I say this: don’t be afraid to define success on your terms. Make a list of what matters to you, embrace the parts of your work that feel meaningful, and don’t settle for anything less. Whether you create a brand or simply redefine your role, remember that there’s always room for growth, change, and, most importantly, joy.
In the world of mortgage, 2020 was an exhausting year, pushing many of us to our limits. While others slowed down or stayed home, we were deemed essential workers, managing an unprecedented surge in demand. It seemed as though everyone wanted to move, refinance, or take cash out! The volume was staggering, and with limited housing inventory, the pressure on both buyers and mortgage professionals was relentless. We barely had time to catch our breath, let alone spend meaningful time with our families. Although it was a financially rewarding time, the toll it took — both physically and mentally — left many of us feeling drained. For me, it became a turning point. I loved my work, but I began to question my place in an industry that felt increasingly disconnected from the values that had drawn me to it in the first place. Just before the start of the pandemic, though, as I sat in a mastermind session, I realized something that, for me, changed everything.
It wasn’t that I didn’t love mortgage — I truly did, and still do. But after nearly two decades, I was exhausted from wearing 800 hats, managing all aspects of the process, and constantly being let down by others in the industry. It felt like every time a big company promised the world, they’d fall short, leaving me and others to pick up the pieces. I felt like giving up. Mortgage had become less a career and more an endless cycle of being pushed beyond my limits. What I needed was something new, something I could feel proud of. I needed off the hamster wheel!
That mastermind session was the turning point. In a moment of frustration, I was challenged to do something I hadn’t done before: make a list of everything I loved, hated, and excelled at in mortgage. And for the first time, I allowed myself to be honest about the parts of the business that made me feel alive versus the parts that drained me. What emerged from that list wasn’t just a reflection on my career — it was the beginning of PBJ Mortgage, a brand as unique as my journey and as grounded in my values as I could have imagined. So in March of 2020, literally a week before the pandemic began, PBJ Mortgage was born.
I still remember the sense of relief as I began writing that list. In many ways, it felt like shedding years of built-up pressure, finally allowing myself to get real about what I enjoyed and where I wanted to go. I found myself zeroing in on one thing: education. Teaching clients about mortgages was the part I loved the most. Sure, I enjoyed the financial side, but nothing compared to the satisfaction I got from helping people understand one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
This realization was huge. I wasn’t in mortgage for the money; I was in it for the people. I loved guiding clients through the process, taking away some of the stress, and ensuring they felt supported and informed. This wasn’t about making a sale. It was about helping people feel comfortable and capable in an industry that often overwhelms them. For me, mortgage was more than a transaction — it was a journey. A journey of helping people get to where they wanted to be in life with the house just being a big piece of that puzzle.
The deeper I thought about it, the more I realized that the educational aspect of mortgage could be something unique I could build on, a way to differentiate myself in a crowded market and avoid the burnout I was feeling. If I could just focus on that — on making the process easier and clearer for clients — then maybe I could create a brand that felt like “home” for me, too.
After the mastermind session, I knew I needed to reimagine how I approached mortgage. My goal wasn’t just to have a brand; I wanted to build something deeply personal, something I could proudly own no matter where my career took me. This branding couldn’t be stripped from me or compromised by industry changes. It needed to be a direct reflection of who I was, blending professionalism with a touch of playfulness.
And that’s how PBJ Mortgage was born.
The concept of making mortgage “as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich” became my beacon. Mortgage is typically seen as dry and complex — a necessary evil for those who don’t have the funds to buy a home outright. I always joke, we aren’t the sexy part of the transaction. Boring, but necessary. By likening it to something as familiar and simple as peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I knew I could create a brand that was memorable and approachable, a breath of fresh air in an industry bogged down by jargon and red tape. Even the playful name, PBJ Mortgage, added an element of light-heartedness to the work, a reminder that things don’t have to be so serious all the time.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable. By focusing on education, empathy, and empowerment, I created a framework that resonated with clients and kept me grounded in the work I loved. I was no longer just another mortgage professional; I was building something of my own, something I could share with the world in a way that felt true to me.
As I began shaping PBJ Mortgage, I knew that my brand needed a core set of values that went beyond the typical business goals. I got challenged to pick goals that I would hire based on, and even fire based on. I wanted my brand to feel personal, driven by principles that not only guided my interactions with clients but also inspired others in the industry. Those values became the pillars of PBJ Mortgage: Educate, Empathize, and Empower.
Educate: My goal has always been to demystify the mortgage process. I believe that knowledge is power, and by explaining each step clearly and patiently, I can help clients feel in control of their decisions.
Empathize: Mortgage is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make, and it’s often stressful. Empathy is essential to understanding clients’ fears, concerns, and dreams. I aim to provide not just a service but genuine support for their financial lives as a whole.
Empower: My role isn’t to make choices for my clients but to give them the tools to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Empowerment is about equipping clients with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable.
These core values became my North Star. They reminded me why I loved the industry in the first place and gave me a way to connect with clients on a deeper level. When you know that your work is helping others understand, feel seen, and make empowered choices, burnout fades, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we’re not limited to a single path. Mortgage is a versatile industry, and there’s room for women to explore, adapt, and find what truly resonates with them. Many women come to me for advice about where to hang their mortgage license or what direction to take in their careers. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few guiding principles I always share.
First, understand that no company or role will be perfect. When you’re seeking out a place to grow, start by listing your top 10 needs or non-negotiables. Rank them from most to least important, but keep in mind that you’ll likely only find 2–3 from your top five and about half of your full list. By setting realistic expectations and focusing on what you value most, you’ll be better prepared to make choices that truly serve you.
Second, don’t be afraid to create something of your own. We often feel pressure to fit into existing structures, but if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that there’s power in personal branding. Whether you’re starting your own business or developing a niche within a larger company, defining your brand will give you a sense of purpose that’s uniquely yours. You’re not just “another professional” in the mortgage industry — you have your own approach, values, and insights to offer. Embrace that.
Lastly, prioritize fulfillment over status. For me, the journey toward building PBJ Mortgage was about finding the parts of my work that truly lit me up — like educating clients and making mortgage approachable. If you find yourself in a role that’s draining, consider what aspects of your work you enjoy most and focus on building a path that allows you to do more of those things.
PBJ Mortgage has become more than a business — it’s a personal brand built from my own journey of burnout, rediscovery, and empowerment. My goal wasn’t just to create a memorable name or logo; I wanted a brand that could make a real difference for clients and inspire other women to carve out their own unique spaces in this industry.
Building a brand is about more than just recognition; it’s about relevance and impact. By focusing on what truly matters — education, empathy, and empowerment — I’ve been able to create a business that’s not only fulfilling for me but also resonates deeply with my clients.
So, to every woman in mortgage feeling stuck or uninspired, I say this: don’t be afraid to define success on your terms. Make a list of what matters to you, embrace the parts of your work that feel meaningful, and don’t settle for anything less. Whether you create a brand or simply redefine your role, remember that there’s always room for growth, change, and, most importantly, joy.
In the world of mortgage, 2020 was an exhausting year, pushing many of us to our limits. While others slowed down or stayed home, we were deemed essential workers, managing an unprecedented surge in demand. It seemed as though everyone wanted to move, refinance, or take cash out! The volume was staggering, and with limited housing inventory, the pressure on both buyers and mortgage professionals was relentless. We barely had time to catch our breath, let alone spend meaningful time with our families. Although it was a financially rewarding time, the toll it took — both physically and mentally — left many of us feeling drained. For me, it became a turning point. I loved my work, but I began to question my place in an industry that felt increasingly disconnected from the values that had drawn me to it in the first place. Just before the start of the pandemic, though, as I sat in a mastermind session, I realized something that, for me, changed everything.
It wasn’t that I didn’t love mortgage — I truly did, and still do. But after nearly two decades, I was exhausted from wearing 800 hats, managing all aspects of the process, and constantly being let down by others in the industry. It felt like every time a big company promised the world, they’d fall short, leaving me and others to pick up the pieces. I felt like giving up. Mortgage had become less a career and more an endless cycle of being pushed beyond my limits. What I needed was something new, something I could feel proud of. I needed off the hamster wheel!
That mastermind session was the turning point. In a moment of frustration, I was challenged to do something I hadn’t done before: make a list of everything I loved, hated, and excelled at in mortgage. And for the first time, I allowed myself to be honest about the parts of the business that made me feel alive versus the parts that drained me. What emerged from that list wasn’t just a reflection on my career — it was the beginning of PBJ Mortgage, a brand as unique as my journey and as grounded in my values as I could have imagined. So in March of 2020, literally a week before the pandemic began, PBJ Mortgage was born.
I still remember the sense of relief as I began writing that list. In many ways, it felt like shedding years of built-up pressure, finally allowing myself to get real about what I enjoyed and where I wanted to go. I found myself zeroing in on one thing: education. Teaching clients about mortgages was the part I loved the most. Sure, I enjoyed the financial side, but nothing compared to the satisfaction I got from helping people understand one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
This realization was huge. I wasn’t in mortgage for the money; I was in it for the people. I loved guiding clients through the process, taking away some of the stress, and ensuring they felt supported and informed. This wasn’t about making a sale. It was about helping people feel comfortable and capable in an industry that often overwhelms them. For me, mortgage was more than a transaction — it was a journey. A journey of helping people get to where they wanted to be in life with the house just being a big piece of that puzzle.
The deeper I thought about it, the more I realized that the educational aspect of mortgage could be something unique I could build on, a way to differentiate myself in a crowded market and avoid the burnout I was feeling. If I could just focus on that — on making the process easier and clearer for clients — then maybe I could create a brand that felt like “home” for me, too.
After the mastermind session, I knew I needed to reimagine how I approached mortgage. My goal wasn’t just to have a brand; I wanted to build something deeply personal, something I could proudly own no matter where my career took me. This branding couldn’t be stripped from me or compromised by industry changes. It needed to be a direct reflection of who I was, blending professionalism with a touch of playfulness.
And that’s how PBJ Mortgage was born.
The concept of making mortgage “as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich” became my beacon. Mortgage is typically seen as dry and complex — a necessary evil for those who don’t have the funds to buy a home outright. I always joke, we aren’t the sexy part of the transaction. Boring, but necessary. By likening it to something as familiar and simple as peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I knew I could create a brand that was memorable and approachable, a breath of fresh air in an industry bogged down by jargon and red tape. Even the playful name, PBJ Mortgage, added an element of light-heartedness to the work, a reminder that things don’t have to be so serious all the time.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable. By focusing on education, empathy, and empowerment, I created a framework that resonated with clients and kept me grounded in the work I loved. I was no longer just another mortgage professional; I was building something of my own, something I could share with the world in a way that felt true to me.
As I began shaping PBJ Mortgage, I knew that my brand needed a core set of values that went beyond the typical business goals. I got challenged to pick goals that I would hire based on, and even fire based on. I wanted my brand to feel personal, driven by principles that not only guided my interactions with clients but also inspired others in the industry. Those values became the pillars of PBJ Mortgage: Educate, Empathize, and Empower.
Educate: My goal has always been to demystify the mortgage process. I believe that knowledge is power, and by explaining each step clearly and patiently, I can help clients feel in control of their decisions.
Empathize: Mortgage is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make, and it’s often stressful. Empathy is essential to understanding clients’ fears, concerns, and dreams. I aim to provide not just a service but genuine support for their financial lives as a whole.
Empower: My role isn’t to make choices for my clients but to give them the tools to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Empowerment is about equipping clients with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable.
These core values became my North Star. They reminded me why I loved the industry in the first place and gave me a way to connect with clients on a deeper level. When you know that your work is helping others understand, feel seen, and make empowered choices, burnout fades, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we’re not limited to a single path. Mortgage is a versatile industry, and there’s room for women to explore, adapt, and find what truly resonates with them. Many women come to me for advice about where to hang their mortgage license or what direction to take in their careers. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few guiding principles I always share.
First, understand that no company or role will be perfect. When you’re seeking out a place to grow, start by listing your top 10 needs or non-negotiables. Rank them from most to least important, but keep in mind that you’ll likely only find 2–3 from your top five and about half of your full list. By setting realistic expectations and focusing on what you value most, you’ll be better prepared to make choices that truly serve you.
Second, don’t be afraid to create something of your own. We often feel pressure to fit into existing structures, but if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that there’s power in personal branding. Whether you’re starting your own business or developing a niche within a larger company, defining your brand will give you a sense of purpose that’s uniquely yours. You’re not just “another professional” in the mortgage industry — you have your own approach, values, and insights to offer. Embrace that.
Lastly, prioritize fulfillment over status. For me, the journey toward building PBJ Mortgage was about finding the parts of my work that truly lit me up — like educating clients and making mortgage approachable. If you find yourself in a role that’s draining, consider what aspects of your work you enjoy most and focus on building a path that allows you to do more of those things.
PBJ Mortgage has become more than a business — it’s a personal brand built from my own journey of burnout, rediscovery, and empowerment. My goal wasn’t just to create a memorable name or logo; I wanted a brand that could make a real difference for clients and inspire other women to carve out their own unique spaces in this industry.
Building a brand is about more than just recognition; it’s about relevance and impact. By focusing on what truly matters — education, empathy, and empowerment — I’ve been able to create a business that’s not only fulfilling for me but also resonates deeply with my clients.
So, to every woman in mortgage feeling stuck or uninspired, I say this: don’t be afraid to define success on your terms. Make a list of what matters to you, embrace the parts of your work that feel meaningful, and don’t settle for anything less. Whether you create a brand or simply redefine your role, remember that there’s always room for growth, change, and, most importantly, joy.
In the world of mortgage, 2020 was an exhausting year, pushing many of us to our limits. While others slowed down or stayed home, we were deemed essential workers, managing an unprecedented surge in demand. It seemed as though everyone wanted to move, refinance, or take cash out! The volume was staggering, and with limited housing inventory, the pressure on both buyers and mortgage professionals was relentless. We barely had time to catch our breath, let alone spend meaningful time with our families. Although it was a financially rewarding time, the toll it took — both physically and mentally — left many of us feeling drained. For me, it became a turning point. I loved my work, but I began to question my place in an industry that felt increasingly disconnected from the values that had drawn me to it in the first place. Just before the start of the pandemic, though, as I sat in a mastermind session, I realized something that, for me, changed everything.
It wasn’t that I didn’t love mortgage — I truly did, and still do. But after nearly two decades, I was exhausted from wearing 800 hats, managing all aspects of the process, and constantly being let down by others in the industry. It felt like every time a big company promised the world, they’d fall short, leaving me and others to pick up the pieces. I felt like giving up. Mortgage had become less a career and more an endless cycle of being pushed beyond my limits. What I needed was something new, something I could feel proud of. I needed off the hamster wheel!
That mastermind session was the turning point. In a moment of frustration, I was challenged to do something I hadn’t done before: make a list of everything I loved, hated, and excelled at in mortgage. And for the first time, I allowed myself to be honest about the parts of the business that made me feel alive versus the parts that drained me. What emerged from that list wasn’t just a reflection on my career — it was the beginning of PBJ Mortgage, a brand as unique as my journey and as grounded in my values as I could have imagined. So in March of 2020, literally a week before the pandemic began, PBJ Mortgage was born.
I still remember the sense of relief as I began writing that list. In many ways, it felt like shedding years of built-up pressure, finally allowing myself to get real about what I enjoyed and where I wanted to go. I found myself zeroing in on one thing: education. Teaching clients about mortgages was the part I loved the most. Sure, I enjoyed the financial side, but nothing compared to the satisfaction I got from helping people understand one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
This realization was huge. I wasn’t in mortgage for the money; I was in it for the people. I loved guiding clients through the process, taking away some of the stress, and ensuring they felt supported and informed. This wasn’t about making a sale. It was about helping people feel comfortable and capable in an industry that often overwhelms them. For me, mortgage was more than a transaction — it was a journey. A journey of helping people get to where they wanted to be in life with the house just being a big piece of that puzzle.
The deeper I thought about it, the more I realized that the educational aspect of mortgage could be something unique I could build on, a way to differentiate myself in a crowded market and avoid the burnout I was feeling. If I could just focus on that — on making the process easier and clearer for clients — then maybe I could create a brand that felt like “home” for me, too.
After the mastermind session, I knew I needed to reimagine how I approached mortgage. My goal wasn’t just to have a brand; I wanted to build something deeply personal, something I could proudly own no matter where my career took me. This branding couldn’t be stripped from me or compromised by industry changes. It needed to be a direct reflection of who I was, blending professionalism with a touch of playfulness.
And that’s how PBJ Mortgage was born.
The concept of making mortgage “as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich” became my beacon. Mortgage is typically seen as dry and complex — a necessary evil for those who don’t have the funds to buy a home outright. I always joke, we aren’t the sexy part of the transaction. Boring, but necessary. By likening it to something as familiar and simple as peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I knew I could create a brand that was memorable and approachable, a breath of fresh air in an industry bogged down by jargon and red tape. Even the playful name, PBJ Mortgage, added an element of light-heartedness to the work, a reminder that things don’t have to be so serious all the time.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable. By focusing on education, empathy, and empowerment, I created a framework that resonated with clients and kept me grounded in the work I loved. I was no longer just another mortgage professional; I was building something of my own, something I could share with the world in a way that felt true to me.
As I began shaping PBJ Mortgage, I knew that my brand needed a core set of values that went beyond the typical business goals. I got challenged to pick goals that I would hire based on, and even fire based on. I wanted my brand to feel personal, driven by principles that not only guided my interactions with clients but also inspired others in the industry. Those values became the pillars of PBJ Mortgage: Educate, Empathize, and Empower.
Educate: My goal has always been to demystify the mortgage process. I believe that knowledge is power, and by explaining each step clearly and patiently, I can help clients feel in control of their decisions.
Empathize: Mortgage is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make, and it’s often stressful. Empathy is essential to understanding clients’ fears, concerns, and dreams. I aim to provide not just a service but genuine support for their financial lives as a whole.
Empower: My role isn’t to make choices for my clients but to give them the tools to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Empowerment is about equipping clients with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
PBJ Mortgage wasn’t just a catchy name. It embodied everything I wanted my brand to be: fun, approachable, and, most importantly, memorable.
These core values became my North Star. They reminded me why I loved the industry in the first place and gave me a way to connect with clients on a deeper level. When you know that your work is helping others understand, feel seen, and make empowered choices, burnout fades, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we’re not limited to a single path. Mortgage is a versatile industry, and there’s room for women to explore, adapt, and find what truly resonates with them. Many women come to me for advice about where to hang their mortgage license or what direction to take in their careers. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few guiding principles I always share.
First, understand that no company or role will be perfect. When you’re seeking out a place to grow, start by listing your top 10 needs or non-negotiables. Rank them from most to least important, but keep in mind that you’ll likely only find 2–3 from your top five and about half of your full list. By setting realistic expectations and focusing on what you value most, you’ll be better prepared to make choices that truly serve you.
Second, don’t be afraid to create something of your own. We often feel pressure to fit into existing structures, but if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that there’s power in personal branding. Whether you’re starting your own business or developing a niche within a larger company, defining your brand will give you a sense of purpose that’s uniquely yours. You’re not just “another professional” in the mortgage industry — you have your own approach, values, and insights to offer. Embrace that.
Lastly, prioritize fulfillment over status. For me, the journey toward building PBJ Mortgage was about finding the parts of my work that truly lit me up — like educating clients and making mortgage approachable. If you find yourself in a role that’s draining, consider what aspects of your work you enjoy most and focus on building a path that allows you to do more of those things.
PBJ Mortgage has become more than a business — it’s a personal brand built from my own journey of burnout, rediscovery, and empowerment. My goal wasn’t just to create a memorable name or logo; I wanted a brand that could make a real difference for clients and inspire other women to carve out their own unique spaces in this industry.
Building a brand is about more than just recognition; it’s about relevance and impact. By focusing on what truly matters — education, empathy, and empowerment — I’ve been able to create a business that’s not only fulfilling for me but also resonates deeply with my clients.
So, to every woman in mortgage feeling stuck or uninspired, I say this: don’t be afraid to define success on your terms. Make a list of what matters to you, embrace the parts of your work that feel meaningful, and don’t settle for anything less. Whether you create a brand or simply redefine your role, remember that there’s always room for growth, change, and, most importantly, joy.
MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education when you use our code WOMENWIN.
MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education. Become a member for our unique code.
MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education when you use our code WOMENWIN.
MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education. Become a member for our unique code.
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Dive deep into the challenges women face in the professional world.
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You've earned your place. Don't let others make you feel differently.
Stories of reinvention and the untapped power of mortgage talent
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