ELS Spotlight With Pedro Ramirez
Pedro Ramirez is a Mortgage Development and Originator for Centennial Bank in Jonesboro, AR.
As a Mortgage Development and Originator, I have two main responsibilities. Mortgage Development includes educating the community on the home loan process, raising awareness about new loan programs and developing relationships with our local community. So, they know they can reach out to us for any mortgage related questions or concerns they may have. Buying a home is a huge financial and emotional decision, and we are here to make it simple, while you make it home.
As a Mortgage Originator I get the pleasure of being able to take the time to talk to a potential buyer, one on one, and prequalify them for a home loan. Sometimes they are ready to purchase a house, sometimes we need to work on a plan to build their credit up over a year or so to be ready to purchase a house, or sometimes they realize they are just simply not ready to purchase a home. We are here to help them be aware of all of their choices and guide them through the options that will work best for them.
What is the most important leadership lesson that you’ve learned?
Leadership is making tough, important decisions and accepting responsibility for things that may be out of your control, but doing something about it. Change is constant.
What’s your biggest leadership struggle?
Wanting to be too comfortable. I’ve gotten as far as I have by doing more than asked of me and always learning. There are times when I get very tired or lazy, even though I want to continue to grow in my career. That requires time and effort. I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of putting in hard work, and that motivates me to continue moving forward instead of staying stagnant. Because I know, as long as you put in the time and effort, and you really want it, you can achieve any goal you set for yourself.
What is the most effective daily habit you possess?
Besides drinking coffee, my most effective daily habit is constant and open communication. I remind myself every day that without proper communication to everyone involved in a transaction, things can fall apart very easily. Lack of proper communication can lead to a deal to fall through, but proper communication can lead to clients becoming friends and a smooth, happy process for everyone involved.
What is the greatest advice you have ever been given?
Responsibility is your ability to respond to situations. Even if it was something that was not entirely your fault, if you do not accept responsibility then there is nothing you can do to change the situation. But if you accept responsibility then you can make a change. I learned this in the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink.
What does effective leadership look like to you?
Effective Leadership is a combination of many different skill sets. Being able to work with and manage a team well, accepting responsibility, continuing to work hard and always looking for more learning opportunities, being able to listen to input from others, accepting constructive criticism and much more. There’s not an end to a list of what makes a great leader. You can always do more.
How has leadership changed in 2021?
2020 and 2021 were tough times for many, many people – not just in their work life but personal life as well. If you were able to keep your job throughout the pandemic, it was a blessing and a curse because you had more responsibility put on you to mind the safety of others while still trying to protect yourself. That’s why in these times it’s very important to have a leader and a leadership structure that is willing and able to take the time to listen to their team, see how we can help, not just them but their families and loved ones as well, make that extra step to show we care and they are being appreciated. When we spend 40 hours a week and sometimes even more at work, our work family becomes our real family. And it’s important that we take care of our family.