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 mortgage loan originators 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 homebuying 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 First National 1870 and Sunflower Bank.
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, as the bank's mortgage services were known at the time, talked 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 in Mortgage Lending at First National 1870
Kelly joined the bank’s mortgage division as an MLO in 2018. Her tenacity, focus on customer experience and loyalty have skyrocketed her career. She’s worked her way into the Guardian Mortgage President’s Club, a prestigious group of MLOs who have the highest total dollar origination volume and net contribution, for three 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.
Sunflower Bank shares these values. Staying true to its community bank roots, the mortgage division 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
Working for Sunflower Bank, in its First National 1870 markets, means Kelly enjoys the benefits of an established community bank, paired with the familial culture the bank is known for.
Over the years, mortgage lending at Sunflower Bank has maintained the infrastructure, relationship focus and advantages valued by mortgage loan professionals, while adding the financial stability, innovative practices and community-commitment core to Sunflower Bank. With values including integrity, superior customer service and mutual trust at the heart of the organization, Sunflower Bank is a great fit for customer-first MLOs like Kelly.
Creating Possibility for Customers and Team Members
When thinking about what encourages her to keep growing her career with the Sunflower Bank 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 likens the culture at Sunflower Bank to that of a family or friend reunion. There is always someone there to cheer you on, support and encourage you to be better and lift you up when needed. Loyalty is earned, not expected, and Sunflower Bank fosters that loyalty by creating an atmosphere where team members feel appreciated, heard and supported. From leadership to peers, the team is available and committed to helping each other succeed.
Loan Products Designed to Fit Customers’ Needs
Sunflower Bank’s unique mortgage programs and products separate it 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 Sunflower Bank 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 Sunflower Bank originates mortgage loans in 44 states, no matter where life or real estate dreams take her customers, she knows she can likely take care of them.
Innovation
Sunflower Bank continually evolves to meet the needs of its customers and MLOs. Whether through technology and marketing resources or loan products and incentives, the team works to stay one step ahead of the market. This means team members are not only surviving but thriving. With a team of industry-leading experts, Sunflower Bank 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.
As Kelly looks to the future, she sees a great one with Sunflower Bank. 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 Sunflower Bank. Knowing these truths, Kelly is optimistic about the possibilities and career opportunities available with Sunflower Bank’s support.