1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The greatest challenge in my job is keeping up with and adhering to strict regulations while trying to develop and maintain a highly efficient process for home mortgages. However, through that challenge I find the greatest reward. Every day I have the chance to critically think about how I can make the largest purchase in a borrower’s life go painlessly — or as painlessly as the regulations will allow. Settlers bank is a company that values my ideas and creativity and I always feel supported to try something new, and so I am consistently trying to leverage technology and education to enhance our processes. And when a mortgage loan officer can come back from a closing and tell us how happy the borrower(s) were, the “nailed it” feeling cannot be beat.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I’ve had two mentors in my career that I truly admire. My first job after college was at a title company and Christa Sweeney took me under her wing. We were such a good team that we worked at two more companies together. She taught me the art of networking and the importance of people knowing who you are. She also taught me the value of a thank-you note, which is something I feel is lost on younger generations. She knew how to make an employee or coworker feel respected. As a manager I try to follow her lead to make sure that employees’ efforts do not go unappreciated.
My second mentor was my former manager, Jerry Warmus. Jerry taught me to push the limit and to be bold. He also gave me the freedom to have big ideas. When I shared with him that I would be most productive left to my own devices and experiment with processes he was very supportive. Some of my best ideas and biggest innovations came from that time. Christa and Jerry are no longer my bosses but people I consider friends, and I still look to them for advice.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
When I started at Settlers bank there was no mortgage department. Along with Cheryl Paul, our director of mortgage, I have been able to build a department and system from the ground up. Every day was exciting: new problems to solve, new pieces of the mortgage puzzle to put in place, and new personal strengths to discover. In three years I was able to help take this department from a concept to a profitable division of Settlers bank. Beyond being profitable, I have been able to watch the mortgage department develop a culture that has been contagious in the entire bank. The team enjoys what they do and working together, and helping to create that has been very fulfilling. The department continues to grow and I’m very excited to see what we will do next.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
My 21-year-old self was still in college, so I would give the advice to take some business classes. Business was something that always scared me and it wasn’t until after I graduated that I discovered I had an aptitude for it. I stuck so closely to my major that I did not explore other classes to discover my full potential. I would also encourage 21-year-old Jaime to travel and try new things. I feel like the more life experiences I gain the better I am at problem solving and being open to new solutions. And finally, if 21-year-old me was still listening I would say never turn down an opportunity to learn a new skill. Once you master something in your job or life, find a new challenge. Being versatile, eager to learn, and easy to teach will take you far.
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I grew up in Madison and still live in Dane County. I have moved away twice and promptly came back both times. I don’t think I could pick one thing that is the best part about living and working here because I have multiple favorites. First, I always say that the Madison area is as big or as small as you want it to be. It can have all the feel of a big city if that is what you are craving. Or you can drive a little bit and you can surround yourself in nature or explore a smaller town. It really has the “right feel” for everyone. I also love that there is always something to do in Dane County. Madison offers numerous activities year round for every possible interest. And I have recently discovered a love for the surrounding community events, as well, especially ones that celebrate a community’s heritage. If you are bored you aren’t trying very hard to find entertainment because it is everywhere. Finally, I love having all things Badgers so close by!
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I have an uncanny ability to remember song lyrics. No matter where I am there is a 90% chance that I can sing along to whatever is playing on the radio, store music system, or concert. I have had friends make me turn around so I cannot see the TV when playing certain video games that you get scored on for singing along. Despite those tactics I still beat them. I think I developed this talent thanks to my mom. As a toddler she used to sit me in front of MTV and have me watch music videos while she ironed (Michael Jackson was my favorite). I can also quote the entire “Varsity Blues” movie, which is an entirely useless skill but a fun party trick.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
I love children’s and young adult novels. Like many adults I read the Harry Potter series at a slightly-older-than-intended age demographic. I love the genre because it is written in a way to keep kids engaged, so the stories have lots of action and move quickly. Because of my extensive reading of this genre I have been able to recommend books to coworkers for their kids to read based on their interests and reading levels. My recommendations have been so well received by so many coworkers, I feel as if I am running a book club for their kids! It makes me smile when I can recommend a book to a kid who may not love reading and later hear they loved it and picked up the next one. The kids will never run out of recommendations from me because I still find new books monthly to devour!
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