Women in Mortgage Spotlight
Pam Gonzales
Loan Officer
“After all these years, I am still passionate about getting people into homes.”
An unexpected opening in banking led Pam to mortgage lending and a career in origination beginning in 1993. Her story reflects a lasting passion for helping people find a home, listening to each client, and leading with respect.
How did you find your way into the mortgage industry?
It was quite by accident. I started in the banking industry right out of high school and was placed in the branch where the mortgage group was housed. I had a desk in the lobby and was a customer service rep. I admired the mortgage manager and was always asking if they needed any help. I copied documents for them and typed the checks for closing. OK, this was in the ’80s when many things were done manually. An opening for a processor came up and the mortgage manager asked if I was interested. I jumped at it. Once I had the job, I hated it. I did it for about 6 months, then they needed a closer. I held that position for a few years and loved it. I became an originator in 1993. After all these years, I am still passionate about getting people into homes.
What kept you going during a season when this work felt especially hard?
I worked through the mortgage crisis in 2009 and talked to many people who had to let their homes go. There were a few that I was able to help, and I will never forget that time. These times are tough now, but I made it through and will again.
What’s a lesson you learned through experience that you couldn’t have learned from a training manual?
How to talk to people. You learn that some people want a full explanation and others want just the numbers. I love to hear people’s stories. They are always happy to share them.
How has your definition of success changed over the years?
In the beginning it was about how much money I could make, and now it is about how satisfied the clients are at closing.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be intimidated by people in charge.
What advice would you give a woman in this industry who is going through a difficult season but wants to keep growing?
Find out what works for you. It is not the same thing for all of us. Find your strong points and highlight those.
What chapter of your story are you in now, and what are you learning from it?
I am in the last chapter of my career, and I still think I learn something every day. I am eager to see how new technology will change our business.
When you think about the legacy you’re building, what do you hope people carry forward?
Respect. We have a tough job and need to lead people in the right direction, and that is different for every client.