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What is your favorite thing about being a part of YPP?
I am usually in the trenches and focused on just getting stuff done. Sometimes the calls would feel like they were interrupting my work, but they are always exactly what I need. Working with YPP makes me step back to look at the business I am building. I love being taken out to the bigger picture because my habit is being trapped in the grind and I can quickly forget about what I’m building. The perspective is huge.
What do you love about your industry?
I like knowing that you get paid on the value you bring. Lending is a relationship business and I like focusing on the value I bring to the people I work with. I used to work in a call center and everything felt very transactional. The business I run is the opposite of that.
How do you provide value?
With my team, I focus on providing leads, business, stability, and support.
With our clients, we provide confidence and security. When people work with us they can trust that their stuff will get done. We partner with our clients, look out for their future, and keep in touch with them. They can trust that we have an eye on their financial future and have their best interest in mind.
What do you believe makes a good leader?
I believe in focusing first on the people you are leading, caring for them is the key. I meet with them one on one. I listen and come from curiosity, I focus on how I can help them. I focus on the people first and then look at what I can bring them as far as tools and training to meet their goals.
I think every leader needs to care about people and have a willingness to work hard.
Do you think leadership is born or developed?
Developed for sure. I am a shy person and I feel like leadership is outside my wheelhouse. I have worked very hard on how to be the best leader for my people.
What would you say is the biggest challenge when building a team?
Finding the right people. I have had to spend a lot of time learning how to find the right people, and my coach has helped me immensely through that process. Right behind finding the right people, the next biggest challenge is learning how to support them without getting in their way. It is natural to want to do everything, but you’ll never grow if you don’t learn how to let go.
How would you define success?
First, if we are moving people towards their goals. My vow is to hire good people, stay out of their way and let them do it. I mentor and coach, but I am more focused on letting them own their role.
What is a book you think everyone should read?
Good to Great by Jim Collins. If you’re looking for tips on building your business, I recommend taking the time to explore any of his books.
Winning by Tim Grover. I love sports analogies and Tim has worked with some of the most impressive athletes of all time. He is very insightful, and his stuff is not based on theory, it is based on what actually works in the real world.
What is your top tip for someone in the industry?
Focus on the relationship. Focus on building lasting relationships with anyone who works with you. If you are new in the business, think about joining a team. A team allows you to get used to working with high volume and on the right team, you can get 10 years of experience in one year. The tough thing about being new in the business is getting the experience, a team allows you to do that quickly.
Who inspires you?
Earl Nightingale. When you take the time to listen to him talk, he changes your mindset. He’s very upbeat, optimistic, and inspiring.
