Q&A with Mary Beth

What is it that you love about the mortgage business?
I literally grew up in the mortgage business starting as a receptionist for a regional company, Cameron Brown, back in the late 60’s. I never really liked school but I did like to work and I was a world class typist. My job in the mortgage business made me feel important and smart. I developed a lot of pride in what I was doing. I was very fortunate to have great bosses and I learned everything I could about the business from them. Plus I got paid for what I was doing. It was a free education. The mortgage business got in my blood and now it is in my DNA. I love this business for many reasons. Early in my career it gave me independence and the ability to buy shoes, jewelry, clothing and even a house. I later realized that I was helping people buy their first house and that made me feel good about my job and my future in this business. Helping people realize home ownership and their happiness and satisfaction is why I love this business!

What are your fondest memories from the business?
My early days in the mortgage business were the best. I was a receptionist and I had fun. I was carefree and I had a job. I met a lot of important people in the business and made long lasting friends that helped me succeed. Even today I can call on them for advice. So many friends, great bosses even going through the closing of the mortgage company that I was managing that ultimately caused me to become an entrepreneur and open Midland Mortgage Corporation. The ups and downs of a career, hard work, great friends create many fond memories of a lifetime.

If you could change one thing about the mortgage business what would it be?
Over regulation has caused unnecessary and wasteful practices for the mortgage industry today. Guidelines imposed on the industry are causing headaches for the consumers and are slowing down the business of lending money to a prospective homeowner. Over regulation is eliminating many possible and credit worthy applicants. It has stifled the industry to a point of negativity.

What is it you would like for every to know about you?
I really enjoy what I do. I feel lucky to have found something early in my life that helped working everyday seem important and I was helping people become homeowners. I care a great deal about my customers, my employees and the respect of my peers. It makes me feel proud.