Marketing

More Than A Logo, Less Than A Lecture

Real talk on branding that actually resonates

More Than A Logo, Less Than A Lecture
More Than A Logo, Less Than A Lecture

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More Than A Logo, Less Than A Lecture

Branding is more than just a fancy logo or a memorable tagline; it’s the heartbeat of your business. For women in the mortgage industry, personal branding has the power to elevate your career, distinguish your services, and create a lasting impact. But let’s be honest — branding in the mortgage space can be tricky. Mortgage, after all, is often seen as the boring part of a transaction, a necessary step on the way to the dream of homeownership. So, how do you create a brand that not only stands out but also feels authentic and resonates with your clients?

The Birth Of A Playful Brand

When I set out to create my brand, I knew two things: my name is notoriously difficult to spell and pronounce, and mortgage is rarely the part of the process that excites people. I wanted something different — something playful, memorable, and approachable. That’s how PBJ Mortgage was born, a brand built on the idea of making mortgages as simple and comforting as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The concept wasn’t just about being catchy; it was about creating a “sticky factor” (pun intended). I wanted a brand that could evolve and stay relevant for years to come. Whether PBJ Mortgage was represented by one loan officer or 1,000, the branding needed to be flexible yet cohesive, allowing anyone in the team to embrace the personality and marketing strategies behind it.

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients.

Personality: The Secret Sauce Of Authentic Branding

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients. People don’t just want a service; they want a connection. In today’s market, inundated with AI-driven interactions and overly polished corporate messaging, authenticity has become a rare commodity.

As mortgage professionals, we sometimes forget that the market has shifted. Clients crave brands with personality, brands that feel human. The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents. Clients want to know that you care, that you understand their journey, and that you’re more than just a provider of financial products.

This is where branding becomes transformational. By aligning your brand with your personality and values, you create a connection that goes beyond transactions. You’re no longer just a mortgage expert — you’re a trusted partner in one of the most significant decisions of their lives.

Relevance Over Recognition

A memorable brand isn’t about being recognized; it’s about being relevant. Recognition can fade, but relevance endures because it taps into core human emotions and needs. For me, PBJ Mortgage’s relevance comes from its simplicity, playfulness, and focus on making a traditionally complex process approachable.

Think about your brand. What emotional need does it fulfill for your clients that your competitors might overlook? Are you solving a problem, easing a worry, or fulfilling an unspoken desire? Relevance comes from understanding what truly matters to your audience and delivering on it consistently.

Building A Brand That Can Evolve

One of the key aspects of creating PBJ Mortgage was ensuring the brand could grow alongside the business. A strong brand isn’t static — it evolves with the market, the audience, and the vision of the business.

For example, I wanted PBJ Mortgage to be scalable, allowing other loan officers to join the team and adopt the branding without losing the core values or personality behind it. This meant creating a brand that was more than just me, Jax Crider. It needed to be something bigger — a concept and a system that others could believe in and build upon.

This scalability is what makes branding so critical for women in mortgage. Whether you’re a solo professional or part of a larger team, your brand should be adaptable, enduring, and meaningful enough to carry you through market shifts and industry changes.

The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents.

Practical Tips For Branding Success

If you’re ready to create or refine your brand, here are a few practical tips to get you started:

Start with Your Values: What do you stand for? What do you want your clients to feel when they interact with you? Your values should be the foundation of your brand.

Infuse Your Personality: Don’t be afraid to let your unique traits shine through. Whether it’s humor, empathy, or a no-nonsense approach, your personality is what makes your brand authentic.

Focus on Emotional Connection: Go beyond the technical aspects of your work and connect with clients on a deeper level. Ask yourself, “What emotional need am I fulfilling?”

Think Long-Term: Your brand should be relevant not just today but in the years to come. Consider how it can grow and evolve with your career or team.

Be Consistent: From your website to your social media to your client interactions, your brand should feel cohesive and aligned with your values.

The Emotional Power Of Authentic Branding

In an industry that’s often viewed as transactional, a strong, authentic brand has the power to transform. It allows you to connect with clients on a human level, build trust, and create a lasting impact. For women in mortgage, branding isn’t just about standing out—it’s about showing up as your true self and creating a business that feels aligned with who you are.

As you think about your brand, remember this: authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive edge. In a world craving realness, your brand’s personality is its most valuable asset.

So, what does your brand say about you? More importantly, what does it make your clients feel? n

Branding is more than just a fancy logo or a memorable tagline; it’s the heartbeat of your business. For women in the mortgage industry, personal branding has the power to elevate your career, distinguish your services, and create a lasting impact. But let’s be honest — branding in the mortgage space can be tricky. Mortgage, after all, is often seen as the boring part of a transaction, a necessary step on the way to the dream of homeownership. So, how do you create a brand that not only stands out but also feels authentic and resonates with your clients?

The Birth Of A Playful Brand

When I set out to create my brand, I knew two things: my name is notoriously difficult to spell and pronounce, and mortgage is rarely the part of the process that excites people. I wanted something different — something playful, memorable, and approachable. That’s how PBJ Mortgage was born, a brand built on the idea of making mortgages as simple and comforting as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The concept wasn’t just about being catchy; it was about creating a “sticky factor” (pun intended). I wanted a brand that could evolve and stay relevant for years to come. Whether PBJ Mortgage was represented by one loan officer or 1,000, the branding needed to be flexible yet cohesive, allowing anyone in the team to embrace the personality and marketing strategies behind it.

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients.

Personality: The Secret Sauce Of Authentic Branding

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients. People don’t just want a service; they want a connection. In today’s market, inundated with AI-driven interactions and overly polished corporate messaging, authenticity has become a rare commodity.

As mortgage professionals, we sometimes forget that the market has shifted. Clients crave brands with personality, brands that feel human. The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents. Clients want to know that you care, that you understand their journey, and that you’re more than just a provider of financial products.

This is where branding becomes transformational. By aligning your brand with your personality and values, you create a connection that goes beyond transactions. You’re no longer just a mortgage expert — you’re a trusted partner in one of the most significant decisions of their lives.

Relevance Over Recognition

A memorable brand isn’t about being recognized; it’s about being relevant. Recognition can fade, but relevance endures because it taps into core human emotions and needs. For me, PBJ Mortgage’s relevance comes from its simplicity, playfulness, and focus on making a traditionally complex process approachable.

Think about your brand. What emotional need does it fulfill for your clients that your competitors might overlook? Are you solving a problem, easing a worry, or fulfilling an unspoken desire? Relevance comes from understanding what truly matters to your audience and delivering on it consistently.

Building A Brand That Can Evolve

One of the key aspects of creating PBJ Mortgage was ensuring the brand could grow alongside the business. A strong brand isn’t static — it evolves with the market, the audience, and the vision of the business.

For example, I wanted PBJ Mortgage to be scalable, allowing other loan officers to join the team and adopt the branding without losing the core values or personality behind it. This meant creating a brand that was more than just me, Jax Crider. It needed to be something bigger — a concept and a system that others could believe in and build upon.

This scalability is what makes branding so critical for women in mortgage. Whether you’re a solo professional or part of a larger team, your brand should be adaptable, enduring, and meaningful enough to carry you through market shifts and industry changes.

The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents.

Practical Tips For Branding Success

If you’re ready to create or refine your brand, here are a few practical tips to get you started:

Start with Your Values: What do you stand for? What do you want your clients to feel when they interact with you? Your values should be the foundation of your brand.

Infuse Your Personality: Don’t be afraid to let your unique traits shine through. Whether it’s humor, empathy, or a no-nonsense approach, your personality is what makes your brand authentic.

Focus on Emotional Connection: Go beyond the technical aspects of your work and connect with clients on a deeper level. Ask yourself, “What emotional need am I fulfilling?”

Think Long-Term: Your brand should be relevant not just today but in the years to come. Consider how it can grow and evolve with your career or team.

Be Consistent: From your website to your social media to your client interactions, your brand should feel cohesive and aligned with your values.

The Emotional Power Of Authentic Branding

In an industry that’s often viewed as transactional, a strong, authentic brand has the power to transform. It allows you to connect with clients on a human level, build trust, and create a lasting impact. For women in mortgage, branding isn’t just about standing out—it’s about showing up as your true self and creating a business that feels aligned with who you are.

As you think about your brand, remember this: authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive edge. In a world craving realness, your brand’s personality is its most valuable asset.

So, what does your brand say about you? More importantly, what does it make your clients feel? n

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Branding is more than just a fancy logo or a memorable tagline; it’s the heartbeat of your business. For women in the mortgage industry, personal branding has the power to elevate your career, distinguish your services, and create a lasting impact. But let’s be honest — branding in the mortgage space can be tricky. Mortgage, after all, is often seen as the boring part of a transaction, a necessary step on the way to the dream of homeownership. So, how do you create a brand that not only stands out but also feels authentic and resonates with your clients?

The Birth Of A Playful Brand

When I set out to create my brand, I knew two things: my name is notoriously difficult to spell and pronounce, and mortgage is rarely the part of the process that excites people. I wanted something different — something playful, memorable, and approachable. That’s how PBJ Mortgage was born, a brand built on the idea of making mortgages as simple and comforting as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The concept wasn’t just about being catchy; it was about creating a “sticky factor” (pun intended). I wanted a brand that could evolve and stay relevant for years to come. Whether PBJ Mortgage was represented by one loan officer or 1,000, the branding needed to be flexible yet cohesive, allowing anyone in the team to embrace the personality and marketing strategies behind it.

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients.

Personality: The Secret Sauce Of Authentic Branding

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients. People don’t just want a service; they want a connection. In today’s market, inundated with AI-driven interactions and overly polished corporate messaging, authenticity has become a rare commodity.

As mortgage professionals, we sometimes forget that the market has shifted. Clients crave brands with personality, brands that feel human. The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents. Clients want to know that you care, that you understand their journey, and that you’re more than just a provider of financial products.

This is where branding becomes transformational. By aligning your brand with your personality and values, you create a connection that goes beyond transactions. You’re no longer just a mortgage expert — you’re a trusted partner in one of the most significant decisions of their lives.

Relevance Over Recognition

A memorable brand isn’t about being recognized; it’s about being relevant. Recognition can fade, but relevance endures because it taps into core human emotions and needs. For me, PBJ Mortgage’s relevance comes from its simplicity, playfulness, and focus on making a traditionally complex process approachable.

Think about your brand. What emotional need does it fulfill for your clients that your competitors might overlook? Are you solving a problem, easing a worry, or fulfilling an unspoken desire? Relevance comes from understanding what truly matters to your audience and delivering on it consistently.

Building A Brand That Can Evolve

One of the key aspects of creating PBJ Mortgage was ensuring the brand could grow alongside the business. A strong brand isn’t static — it evolves with the market, the audience, and the vision of the business.

For example, I wanted PBJ Mortgage to be scalable, allowing other loan officers to join the team and adopt the branding without losing the core values or personality behind it. This meant creating a brand that was more than just me, Jax Crider. It needed to be something bigger — a concept and a system that others could believe in and build upon.

This scalability is what makes branding so critical for women in mortgage. Whether you’re a solo professional or part of a larger team, your brand should be adaptable, enduring, and meaningful enough to carry you through market shifts and industry changes.

The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents.

Practical Tips For Branding Success

If you’re ready to create or refine your brand, here are a few practical tips to get you started:

Start with Your Values: What do you stand for? What do you want your clients to feel when they interact with you? Your values should be the foundation of your brand.

Infuse Your Personality: Don’t be afraid to let your unique traits shine through. Whether it’s humor, empathy, or a no-nonsense approach, your personality is what makes your brand authentic.

Focus on Emotional Connection: Go beyond the technical aspects of your work and connect with clients on a deeper level. Ask yourself, “What emotional need am I fulfilling?”

Think Long-Term: Your brand should be relevant not just today but in the years to come. Consider how it can grow and evolve with your career or team.

Be Consistent: From your website to your social media to your client interactions, your brand should feel cohesive and aligned with your values.

The Emotional Power Of Authentic Branding

In an industry that’s often viewed as transactional, a strong, authentic brand has the power to transform. It allows you to connect with clients on a human level, build trust, and create a lasting impact. For women in mortgage, branding isn’t just about standing out—it’s about showing up as your true self and creating a business that feels aligned with who you are.

As you think about your brand, remember this: authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive edge. In a world craving realness, your brand’s personality is its most valuable asset.

So, what does your brand say about you? More importantly, what does it make your clients feel? n

Branding is more than just a fancy logo or a memorable tagline; it’s the heartbeat of your business. For women in the mortgage industry, personal branding has the power to elevate your career, distinguish your services, and create a lasting impact. But let’s be honest — branding in the mortgage space can be tricky. Mortgage, after all, is often seen as the boring part of a transaction, a necessary step on the way to the dream of homeownership. So, how do you create a brand that not only stands out but also feels authentic and resonates with your clients?

The Birth Of A Playful Brand

When I set out to create my brand, I knew two things: my name is notoriously difficult to spell and pronounce, and mortgage is rarely the part of the process that excites people. I wanted something different — something playful, memorable, and approachable. That’s how PBJ Mortgage was born, a brand built on the idea of making mortgages as simple and comforting as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The concept wasn’t just about being catchy; it was about creating a “sticky factor” (pun intended). I wanted a brand that could evolve and stay relevant for years to come. Whether PBJ Mortgage was represented by one loan officer or 1,000, the branding needed to be flexible yet cohesive, allowing anyone in the team to embrace the personality and marketing strategies behind it.

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients.

Personality: The Secret Sauce Of Authentic Branding

What I’ve learned in this industry is that personality is what makes a brand resonate — not just with you, but with your ideal clients. People don’t just want a service; they want a connection. In today’s market, inundated with AI-driven interactions and overly polished corporate messaging, authenticity has become a rare commodity.

As mortgage professionals, we sometimes forget that the market has shifted. Clients crave brands with personality, brands that feel human. The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents. Clients want to know that you care, that you understand their journey, and that you’re more than just a provider of financial products.

This is where branding becomes transformational. By aligning your brand with your personality and values, you create a connection that goes beyond transactions. You’re no longer just a mortgage expert — you’re a trusted partner in one of the most significant decisions of their lives.

Relevance Over Recognition

A memorable brand isn’t about being recognized; it’s about being relevant. Recognition can fade, but relevance endures because it taps into core human emotions and needs. For me, PBJ Mortgage’s relevance comes from its simplicity, playfulness, and focus on making a traditionally complex process approachable.

Think about your brand. What emotional need does it fulfill for your clients that your competitors might overlook? Are you solving a problem, easing a worry, or fulfilling an unspoken desire? Relevance comes from understanding what truly matters to your audience and delivering on it consistently.

Building A Brand That Can Evolve

One of the key aspects of creating PBJ Mortgage was ensuring the brand could grow alongside the business. A strong brand isn’t static — it evolves with the market, the audience, and the vision of the business.

For example, I wanted PBJ Mortgage to be scalable, allowing other loan officers to join the team and adopt the branding without losing the core values or personality behind it. This meant creating a brand that was more than just me, Jax Crider. It needed to be something bigger — a concept and a system that others could believe in and build upon.

This scalability is what makes branding so critical for women in mortgage. Whether you’re a solo professional or part of a larger team, your brand should be adaptable, enduring, and meaningful enough to carry you through market shifts and industry changes.

The emotional connection that comes from a brand with heart is powerful — especially in an industry like ours, which is often seen as all dollars and cents.

Practical Tips For Branding Success

If you’re ready to create or refine your brand, here are a few practical tips to get you started:

Start with Your Values: What do you stand for? What do you want your clients to feel when they interact with you? Your values should be the foundation of your brand.

Infuse Your Personality: Don’t be afraid to let your unique traits shine through. Whether it’s humor, empathy, or a no-nonsense approach, your personality is what makes your brand authentic.

Focus on Emotional Connection: Go beyond the technical aspects of your work and connect with clients on a deeper level. Ask yourself, “What emotional need am I fulfilling?”

Think Long-Term: Your brand should be relevant not just today but in the years to come. Consider how it can grow and evolve with your career or team.

Be Consistent: From your website to your social media to your client interactions, your brand should feel cohesive and aligned with your values.

The Emotional Power Of Authentic Branding

In an industry that’s often viewed as transactional, a strong, authentic brand has the power to transform. It allows you to connect with clients on a human level, build trust, and create a lasting impact. For women in mortgage, branding isn’t just about standing out—it’s about showing up as your true self and creating a business that feels aligned with who you are.

As you think about your brand, remember this: authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive edge. In a world craving realness, your brand’s personality is its most valuable asset.

So, what does your brand say about you? More importantly, what does it make your clients feel? n

This article published in the 
July
 
2025
 issue.
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MaxClass is a woman-owned company, and we're offering MWLC members 65% off your continuing education when you use our code WOMENWIN.

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