There’s just something special about coming home.
That’s a feeling we’re certainly familiar with. After all, here at Waterstone Mortgage, we’ve helped thousands of homebuyers come “home” over the years.
But there’s also something deeply satisfying and meaningful about finding your professional home — where you feel supported and empowered to grow in your skills, talents, and career.
Time and time again, our sales team members have told us how much they value our supportive culture here at Waterstone Mortgage. Whether it’s reaching out to our knowledgeable operations and product team members for quick responses to questions… or collaborating with peers at our regular sales meetings and events, many of our loan originators express that our supportive environment is truly one-of-a-kind.
Over the years, we’ve noticed a phenomenon: sales team members who depart to work for another lender and then return to Waterstone Mortgage, realizing it’s the best place for them to be. We were curious…. What drew them back to us? And what makes them sure that Waterstone Mortgage is their professional “forever home”?
So, we decided to ask three of our returning sales team members to share their experiences. What we discovered was a truly encouraging message about our culture…
Brian Kimball, Branch Manager, Knoxville, TN
What led you to rejoin Waterstone Mortgage after working for another lender?
When I left Waterstone Mortgage, I thought that I was going to find a different model that worked better. And I realized that the grass was not greener, that what Waterstone's leadership had told me was right, and that I needed to make some adjustments.
After I made those adjustments at the other company that I was at, I realized that it wasn't really the right environment. The people weren't right, and the culture wasn't right. It wasn't the “better” that I thought it was going to be.
So, I went back and did a whole search. I researched again what other companies are out there, and I put together my list of what I was looking for. I talked to seven different companies. And as I talked to them, I realized that Waterstone was better than all of them, overall. As far as the total package goes, I didn't find another shop that I was confident was going to be better than Waterstone. So Waterstone won me back.
What are Waterstone Mortgage’s strengths — what makes us the “total package”?
One of the things I love about Waterstone Mortgage is our leadership… We have a great leadership team up top, all the way through. Every department head is fantastic. Each team member is a reflection of their leader and — as you look through our leadership structure of the organization —you see that we've got the right people in the right places, and our culture is fantastic.
The people are just a huge part of what makes this company great… I haven't talked to a person that isn't unified in the vision to help get loans closed. From the receptionists and the underwriters to the funders and post-closers, everyone cares about the customer. Everyone wants to see loans close smoothly.
And so, what does Waterstone Mortgage do better? We've got great products, we've got great operations, we've got great people, and we also have a very entrepreneurial culture.
Each branch can be structured a bit different; this is not a one-size-fits-all. Branch managers have the ability to build something unique that fits their personality and their market.
What do you enjoy the most about working here at Waterstone Mortgage?
The thing that I enjoy most here is being in an environment where everyone encourages and supports and uplifts one another, and we also have the freedom to be entrepreneurial, to create our own vision, to pursue our own dreams.
In your time here at Waterstone Mortgage, what is one of your best memories?
I have a lot of great memories here… A couple key memories are our sales conferences. Those have been fantastic times to connect, to collaborate, and to both receive help from others and give help to others.
How did you know you found your professional “forever home” at Waterstone Mortgage?
Waterstone Mortgage is the company that I hope to retire from the mortgage business from. And I think that if people would really give this place a chance and understand what's different — it's not just the products or the programs or the pricing, but the overall culture — they would make the same decision.
I get recruiting calls all the time. I've had 6-figure offers to make a change to another shop. And there's just no amount of money that would get me to move, because it's not about the money. It's about being at a place that you love to work.
At Waterstone Mortgage, I'm happy to get on company calls and manager calls. I like seeing my peers, because this place is full of great people. And that's something obviously you can't replace, or you can't replicate at a different company.
I feel like I found my people here and it's hard to ever think about leaving that.
Clarissa Hernandez, Sales Manager, Austin, TX
What led you to rejoin Waterstone Mortgage after working for another lender?
I was drawn back by the exceptional communication and the experience that I had with the underwriting and management teams.
The environment wasn't overly competitive or cutthroat. Everyone was willing to share their knowledge and their support without anyone feeling threatened. It truly felt like being part of a family and an “I want to see others succeed” type of environment.
I also appreciated that I was never over-promised anything. The team consistently delivered on what they committed to and — most importantly — I felt that my loans and myself genuinely mattered to the company… and that level of care and dedication just made the world of the difference for me.
What are Waterstone Mortgage’s strengths — what makes us the “total package”?
I think one of the standout strengths is the leadership that we have in underwriting. The head of underwriting, she's incredible. Her “Find the Way to ‘Yes’” mindset has not only made me a stronger lender but it's also helped uncover creative solutions for clients who might have been turned away elsewhere. This approach has opened up doors for my clients and it strengthens my relationships with my Realtor partners.
Another key strength is the expertise at every level of the company, from top to bottom. I feel that each department brings a high level of professionalism [and] knowledge, and it just makes it for a smoother process, all the way from start to finish.
I think my clients' experience has been collectively good — across the board — and it can't just be because of me; it's because every department plays a factor in the loan process.
Lastly, our communication is unmatched… [I can] go to each department without having to go through a manager, [and] it… makes it better for communication. It makes it feel more like a team and like a family.
Dawn Orbits, Loan Originator, Waldorf, MD
What led you rejoin Waterstone Mortgage after working for another lender?
After leaving Waterstone Mortgage, I worked at two different companies, but they didn't deliver on the products they promised me. This experience left me feeling disheartened, and my family noticed the toll it was taking on me.
I asked my family where they thought I was the happiest in my career, and their answer was, unanimously, Waterstone Mortgage.
That realization, combined with my own positive memories, led me to rejoin the team where I knew I'd feel fulfilled and supported.
What are Waterstone Mortgage’s strengths — what makes us the “total package”?
This was an easy one. I genuinely can't say a single negative thing about Waterstone Mortgage…
Marketing: They're incredibly responsive. In contrast, the companies I worked at previously rarely answered my inquiries or requests.
Operations: If I send an email to Operations, I get reply within an hour. I don't expect that level of efficiency, but it's what they consistently deliver.
Company culture: Everyone is honest and respectful, regardless of production levels. Whether you're a smaller producer or top performer, everyone is treated with the same level of respect and professionalism.
What do you enjoy the most about working here at Waterstone Mortgage?
When I first joined Waterstone Mortgage in 2008, I immediately felt like part of a family. Now that I've returned, the same feeling is stronger than ever. The supportive environment and general commodities make it an incredible place to work.
In your time here at Waterstone Mortgage, what is one of your best memories?
My best memory at Waterstone Mortgage is attending the sales conference. These events are inspiring, as top loan officers share their strategy and success with the team.
The first year I attended, I received an outstanding achievement award, which was a proud moment for me. Every year after that, I earned a spot in the President’s Club, which is a testament to the motivation and resources Waterstone provides to help us succeed.
At my other companies, I never went to any of the sales conferences because they barely had any. [The ones that did were] nothing like what Waterstone does. I was not receiving information from the top loan officers… At a lot of companies, it's almost like a job security [issue], and they don't want the next person to succeed. That's totally different at Waterstone Mortgage. At Waterstone, they want everybody to succeed.
How did you know you found your professional “forever home” at Waterstone Mortgage?
I knew once I came back to Waterstone, and I had recruiters calling me and promising me everything… and I was honest with them. I'm not going to go to another company that's going to offer me false promises again. [I knew I was going] back to where I was the happiest.
It’s so funny because once I came back, I [said to the Waterstone Mortgage leadership], “I'm either going to die here or you guys are going to have to fire me, because I'm never leaving… because it just feels that good.”
I haven't been sad… since I've been back. It’s been a great change again. I was so down, being at the other companies. My kids wanted me to just get out of the business and take a break for a while. I wasn't happy anymore, and now I'm just back to my normal self. I'm happy.
What would you say to a loan officer who’s on the fence about joining Waterstone Mortgage?
I am always available to tell them… just do it. Just come, because you will not regret it. I tell people that all the time: you will not regret it.
Are you looking for a supportive and forward-thinking employer that will help you grow in your skills and serve your customers efficiently? Learn more about sales careers at Waterstone Mortgage or contact our Sales Development team for more information.
