Tamra Carrell, a veteran mortgage loan originator (MLO) and mortgage sales manager, knows firsthand the impact of working for a mortgage lender that supports, empowers and inspires you. With more than two decades in the industry, she’s worked for her fair share of lenders and feels one thing’s for certain... Sunflower Bank stands above the rest for its culture, leadership and operations.
After several years working as a civil servant for the Department of Health and Human Resources, Tamra channeled her passion for identifying barriers and aiding others' success into the finance industry. Beginning as a consumer loan advisor for HELOCs, personal loans and refinances, she transitioned to become a mortgage broker in 2006. Over the next 18 years, she navigated various roles within the industry before joining Sunflower Bank in 2024.
“I have been at several mortgage companies over the years,” shares Tamra. “Most of them are no longer in business. The stability of Sunflower Bank and the nimbleness within the business is nothing short of fabulous. I do believe I have finally landed in "mortgage heaven."
“I have been at several mortgage companies over the years. Most of them are no longer in business. The stability of Sunflower Bank and the nimbleness within the business is nothing short of fabulous. I do believe I have finally landed in "mortgage heaven."”
Mortgage Heaven Revealed
Joining Sunflower Bank has injected Tamra with renewed energy. As a sales manager, she directs her team under the guidance of regional and national leadership, endearing colleagues, clients, and industry partners with her positive attitude and servant's heart. Tamra credits the leadership at Sunflower Bank as one of many traits that set the organization apart as an employer and lender.
“The leadership here is first class. There is not one leader that I have come across that does not have time for questions or suggestions,” shares Tamra. “Our leaders get in the trenches and solve problems quickly. It’s one of the things Sunflower Bank does better than others.”
Tamra values the organization’s streamlined operations. She describes its operations as “a well-oiled machine” and highlights how its processes enable her to approve and close loans quickly and efficiently—a significant benefit for borrowers, title companies and realtors.
As a former mortgage broker, Tamra also likes knowing that the products she offers are not brokered but instead portfolio products offered by the bank. She and her clients benefit from the bank’s financial stability, streamlined operations process and from the fact that it services the majority of the loans it funds.
Sunflower Bank allows us to offer borrowers a diverse range of portfolio products that we wouldn't otherwise have access to. Since the bank holds the loan instead of selling it off, we can provide our customers with unique financial opportunities. This opens up a whole new avenue for our mortgage customers to explore, benefiting their overall financial well-being."
Following Your Passions Leads to Success
After joining Sunflower Bank, Tamra felt the positive energy and collaborative environment renew her spirit and ignite her passion for achieving her personal business goals.
While Tamra has earned many awards over the years, including Circle of Excellence, Rookie of the Year, the CLEAR award for going above and beyond, The President’s Club Award, Sales Excellence Award and Affiliate of the Year for the Women’s Council of Realtors, she believes success comes not in the awards you receive but in pursuing your passions.
“Success is not power and money,” expresses Tamra. “Success is pursuing personal passions and helping others obtain their goals as well. If you are willing to help others obtain their goals in business, your personal goals will follow.”
Sunflower Bank’s culture champions helping others, a core reason Tamra cherishes her role here. At Sunflower Bank, she witnesses a level of teamwork reminiscent of Super Bowl champions—a relentless drive where every team member is proactive, eager to contribute and unified in purpose. Whether tackling daily queries or devising marketing strategies, everyone collaborates seamlessly, fueling collective success and achieving milestones together.
“Success is not power and money. Success is pursuing personal passions and helping others obtain their goals as well. If you are willing to help others obtain their goals in business, your personal goals will follow.”
Tamra’s Top Six Tips for Fellow MLOs and Sales Leaders
From developing pricing engines to creating training programs for loan originators and realtors, Tamra continually works to better the industry. She provides the following guidance for fellow MLOs and sales leaders looking to succeed in the industry.
- Stay committed and informed: Whether you're new to the industry or switching lenders, Tamra emphasizes the importance of determination and thorough research.
- Maintain consistency: Keep your marketing efforts, phone calls and daily/weekly activities on track. Stay focused and avoid distractions.
- Seek support: Don't hesitate to ask for help and rely on your leaders and peers in the industry for advice and guidance.
- Choose stability and flexibility: Look for a mortgage lender with a strong financial background and the ability to adapt quickly in terms of products, pricing and marketing strategies.
- Prioritize culture and teamwork: Your team plays a significant role in your success and overall satisfaction. Find a culture and team dynamic that resonates with you.
- Be authentic: While seeking advice from successful industry peers is valuable, always stay true to yourself. Embrace your unique qualities and avoid trying to mimic others.
As Tamra looks toward her career future, she is excited to be at Sunflower Bank, working, leading and learning at an organization that provides her with the tools, team, and support to succeed.