Jackie Dunlap

Like so many working professionals in today’s modern times, Jackie Dunlap happened to get her start in mortgage after filling out an online application. She quickly fell in love with the industry once she found that it allowed for the best amount of financial potential and independence as juggled life as a single mother. Little did she know that 11 years into her career she would become much more than your everyday mortgage broker.  
What’s a career highlight you’re most proud of? 
Training over 300 people in processing during the pandemic. This has been an incredibly difficult time for people across the country in so many different ways. One of those difficulties has been how the workplace has been so drastically changed over the course of the past year. It’s been an honor and a privilege to bridge the gap between work and home so we can have as many opportunities for highly skilled processors as possible.  
How important has proper training been to your success as a broker? 
Training has been vital to our success in all areas. I don’t think many people outside of the mortgage industry know how difficult it is to be a truly successful mortgage broker. Many people think it just involves a lot of paperwork and negotiating over a certain amount of money or rate. That’s why I worked so hard to dispel those misconceptions and ensure that any new entrants into this profession truly understand what they are getting into and are ready to succeed on day one!  
Why did you decide to create a processor training program? 
I decided to create my training program because it’s what I needed for my own company. And a lot of other people in the community had questions about training processors, so I wanted to help them by creating a program to help all of us.  
How has continued education and training been vital to your success? 
Education and training are important to increase our efficiencies which allows us to grow in volume and client experience.  
What is one thing that would surprise your coworkers/clients to know about you? 
I have 7 kids, a training company and a mortgage brokerage.  
If you could change one thing about the mortgage industry right now, what would it be? 
It’s crucial for mortgage professionals to consider hiring employees that have transferable skills from other jobs – mortgage experience may not be the most valuable asset or skill set when hiring. There is an entire generation equipped with unique engagement in technology that can be the most impactful additions to any team.  
How do you see the mortgage industry evolving in the future? 
As an industry, we are going to see a change in how we process and execute loans. The pandemic has forced us to push technology forward. 
If you could go back to your first day in the industry, what advice would you give yourself? 
I would just say, ‘Girl, don’t be so in your head. Get on that phone and just do it!’