Kelly McReynolds - Success Story
Leading MLO in Santa Fe and Los Alamos, Making Dreams of Homeownership a Reality
Passionate, dedicated, and fun-loving Kelly McReynolds has made a name for herself in the Santa Fe and Los Alamos, NM offices. She continually ranks as one of the area’s top MLOs and enjoys the immense satisfaction she receives from helping her customers realize their dreams of homeownership.
Specializing in a variety of loans, Kelly helps clients at all stages of the home-buying journey. Whether they are first-time homeowners, buying their next investment property, second home, or next home, she provides comprehensive and knowledgeable assistance for their mortgage needs. A go-getter by nature, Kelly carved a career in the mortgage industry one step at a time and continues to learn and excel with Guardian Mortgage.
Career Advancement in the Mortgage Industry
After working as a manager in the retail and restaurant industries, Kelly knew she wanted to take her career in a different direction. She embarked on her financial services journey in 2015 as a receptionist for a mortgage banking company. Kelly quickly saw the potential for a career in the mortgage industry and decided to blaze her own path.
As a self-starter eager to advance her career, Kelly asked her area manager for guidance on obtaining a mortgage loan officer license. With her license in hand, she became a loan officer assistant (LOA).
In the role, Kelly handled loans from application to closing. She found herself functioning at a higher level than your typical LOA. In fact, she was already doing the job of a mortgage loan originator (MLO) and she realized it was time, once again, to advance herself.
While Kelly’s previous boss didn’t think she was ready for the next move in her career, an area manager for Guardian Mortgage recognized Kelly’s bright personality, self-motivation, and dedication to her clients, and reached out to her about taking the next step as an MLO. This area manager not only believed in Kelly’s potential as an MLO, but she gave her a shot to realize that potential as well.
Finding Success at Guardian Mortgage
Kelly joined Guardian Mortgage as an MLO in 2018. Her tenacity, focus on customer experience, and loyalty have skyrocketed her career. She’s worked her way into the President’s Club, a prestigious group of MLOs who have the highest total dollar origination volume and net contribution for the past two years.
Every day, she creates memorable experiences for her clients by counseling and guiding them toward the best loan program for their short- and long-term financial success. She dedicates herself to consistent, attentive service and always makes her clients and their needs a top priority.
Kelly believes that one size does not fit all in service. She listens to understand and provides individualized assistance to her clients based on their goals and financial needs. She continually works to achieve her goal of creating lasting relationships with clients and colleagues built on trust, honesty, and reliability.
Guardian Mortgage shares these values. Staying true to its community bank roots, the mortgage lender cares about the people it interacts with and the family-like relationships it forms.
Kelly McReynolds (center), with Josh Martin, Director of Mortgage Sales (left) and Marcus McCue, Mortgage Strategy and Project Manager Director (right), receiving an Award of Excellence at the 2023 Sales Excellence Retreat.
Benefiting From a Community Bank with the Culture of a Boutique Lender
Guardian Mortgage is the mortgage lending division of Sunflower Bank, N.A. This means Kelly enjoys the benefits of an established community bank, paired with the culture of a boutique mortgage lender.
Founded in 1965 on the values of integrity, superior customer service and mutual trust, Guardian Mortgage prioritizes the customer experience, making it a great fit for customer first MLOs like Kelly. Over the years, the division has maintained the infrastructure, relationship focus and advantages valued by mortgage loan professionals, while adding the stability and financial backing of a bank by joining Sunflower Bank and First National 1870. This allows Guardian Mortgage to stand behind its customers and team members alike through the bank’s innovative practices and commitment to those it serves. A characteristic Kelly deeply appreciates.
Creating Possibility for Customers and Team Members
When thinking about what encourages her to keep growing her career with the Guardian Mortgage team, three reasons come to Kelly’s mind:
Family-like Loyalty and Support
While Kelly doesn’t often use the word family when it comes to business, she likes the culture at Guardian Mortgage to that of a family or friend reunion. There is always someone there for you to cheer you on, support and encourage you to be better, and lift you up when needed. Loyalty is earned, not expected, and Guardian fosters that loyalty by creating an atmosphere where team members feel appreciated, heard, and supported. From leadership to peers, the Guardian Mortgage team is available and committed to helping each other succeed.
Loan Products Designed to Fit Customers’ Needs
Guardian’s unique mortgage programs and products separate them from other mortgage lenders and allow Kelly and other MLOs to find the best solutions for their clients. Especially in a challenging market, Kelly has been impressed with the products and special incentives that Guardian provides to help set her apart from the competition and allow her to shine in front of realtors. From conventional, FHA, and VA loans to jumbo or construction loans, Kelly feels she has the options needed to suit her individual client’s needs. In addition, as part of Sunflower Bank, Kelly also gains a wide geographical net under which to help her clients. Since Guardian Mortgage originates loans in 40+ states, no matter where life or real estate dreams take her customers, she knows she can take care of them.
Innovation
Guardian Mortgage continually evolves to meet the needs of its customers and MLOs. Whether through technology, marketing resources, or loan products and incentives, the team works to stay one step ahead of the market. This means team members at Guardian are not only surviving but thriving. With a team of industry-leading experts, Guardian Mortgage stays ahead of the industry by implementing new products and technologies to meet customer needs. One such innovation is utilizing advanced technology and automation to streamline the lending process, ensuring speed and efficiency on all sides.
Kelly McReynolds partnering with other Sunflower Bank, N.A. employees to participate in a community event in Los Alamos.
Kelly McReynolds (right), with Rhett Broussard, Director of Sales Development (left) and Julia Trejo, Assistant Branch Manager (center), at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum’s “Move For The Museum.” A 5K Walk/Run Event in honor of a late Guardian Mortgage colleague, Michaelann Perea.
As Kelly looks to the future, she sees a great one with Guardian Mortgage. She knows leadership cares about her success, something she feels is rare in the mortgage industry. She has always had a cheerleader and confidant available in her teammates, and the relationships she forms with her clients are strong thanks to the products and services she can provide through Guardian Mortgage. Knowing these truths, Kelly is optimistic about the possibilities and career opportunities available with Guardian Mortgage’s support.