In a recent interview, Mary O’Sullivan, Chief Operations Officer at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers (NMB), shared her experiences and insights from her remarkable career spanning over 23 years. Her journey from an originator to a pivotal operations leader offers a profound understanding of the mortgage industry’s dynamics and the core values that drive NMB’s success.
From Originator to Operations: A Unique Perspective
Mary’s career began as an originator, a role she held for six years before transitioning into operations. Reflecting on this transition, she emphasized how her sales background significantly influenced her operational approach.
“I think that my sales background probably had the biggest impact in my operational background because I feel like I’m a salesperson at heart. From a lender or a leadership perspective, we all have clients,” she noted.
For Mary, her clients include both the sales teams and the end customers, creating a trickledown effect where providing excellent service to loan officers (LOs) translates into exceptional service for clients.
Building Bonds and Maintaining Integrity
Mary takes immense pride in the longevity and loyalty of the NMB team. She highlighted the unique bond she shares with her colleagues, many of whom have worked alongside her for nearly two decades.
“What’s so fortunate is because this industry is rather small, particularly in the demographic where our home base is, I’ve had the opportunity to be with some of these people for close to 20 years. That bond is like no other,” she shared. This long-standing camaraderie is a testament to the cohesive and supportive work environment at NMB.
Integrity stands at the forefront of NMB’s values, a principle Mary passionately advocates. She explained how competitors might make grand promises, but NMB consistently delivers by closing loans efficiently and effectively.
“One of our biggest attributes to either work with us as a client or work for us as an employee, is our integrity. Nationwide Mortgage Bankers closes loans and we do it well.”
Core Values: People Matter
Among NMB’s core values, Mary holds “People Matter” in the highest regard. This value encapsulates the company’s commitment to fostering a caring and inclusive culture.
“If we care about the people, we’re going to care about the culture. We’re going to care about your careers because People Matter. So, I really think that People Matter is really our mantra and our recipe for success here at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers,” Mary explained. This ethos drives NMB’s approach to business, ensuring that the well-being and development of their employees are always prioritized.
A Commitment for Life
When asked what she would say to someone considering a position at NMB, Mary emphasized the importance of passion and dedication.
“I would ask them to ask themselves do they really want this type of position, and if they’re willing to give it their all. If they can say yes to those two things, then I would ask, ‘Are you ready to be here for life?’ because that’s what we want.”
Mary’s words reflect NMB’s commitment to nurturing long-term relationships with their employees, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty that extends beyond mere employment.
Mary O’Sullivan’s journey at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers is a story of integrity, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to the people she works with and serves. Her leadership exemplifies the values that have made NMB a trusted name in the mortgage industry, highlighting the importance of a supportive and values-driven work environment. Through her insights, it’s clear that NMB’s success is deeply rooted in its dedication to its people and its unwavering integrity.
If you’re looking to jumpstart your career with a winning team, reach out for a confidential conversation at https://nmbbranchnow.com.
