Amanda McKenzie is the Production Manager at First Community Mortgage in Portage, where she brings years of experience to the mortgage industry. Her journey began in high school when she took a business vocational class, and her internship led her to a real estate company, Century 21 Viking, in Portage. This early exposure sparked her passion for the industry and set the stage for her successful career.
"Barb White was the owner, and they hired me as an intern,” said McKenzie. "After my internship, I stayed on working at the client desk. I helped advertise, placed listings in ‘Homes & Lifestyles’ magazine, and scheduled appraisals. When I went to college, I studied finance and later interned at a mortgage company, and since I already had connections with realtors, the transition felt natural. From there, I worked in processing and became a loan officer assistant. After working with the same loan officer for 17 years, I took over the position when they retired.”
Working with the public, especially in the mortgage industry, always presents challenges. McKenzie knows how to overcome those challenges.
"Every situation is different with mortgages and everything that comes with them,” said Mckenzie. "It's a people business, so it'll never be perfect. Sometimes, clients don't always know what they need to share or think certain details aren't a big deal when, in reality, they can be. There are always challenges in this industry, and, of course, in 2008, we had the market crash which changed everything."
McKenzie has experienced adversity before and knows how to push through. When the market dropped, interest rates declined, leading to a surge in refinancing and foreclosure purchases. Despite many leaving the industry, McKenzie and her team stayed busy and persevered, making it work through tough times.
"I've been in this industry for a while and have seen it all," said McKenzie. "During the 2008 market crash, I was a loan officer assistant with Barb Tidoff. Then, when COVID hit, it was almost the opposite situation. We were swamped because the rates were so low, and with so many people buying homes, there was intense competition with buyers outbidding each other to secure a property."
Balancing work and life can be challenging, but McKenzie finds a way to make it work. She stays dedicated to her career while making time for the things that matter most.
"I work a lot of hours, but I also co-founded a dog rescue with another realtor," said McKenzie. "My husband and I love to travel, so I prioritize time for family and friends. Crystal Zamora, who works for Listing Leaders, founded Big Dogs Don't Cry Animal Rescue in Northwest Indiana. It's a foster-based rescue that began in October, and so far, we've taken in 91 animals, with 48 adoptions. We still have many in our care, especially puppies. It's something we're truly passionate about."
McKenzie had worked as a loan officer assistant for over 17 years with her colleague before taking over after her retirement. Initially unsure if she could succeed independently, McKenzie ultimately exceeded expectations, proving she could handle the challenge.
"It's a referral-based business; as mortgage loan originators, we work on commission and don't operate within a bank, so customers aren't just walking in looking for a mortgage," said McKenzie. "We're in outside sales and rely on relationships with clients and realtors to send us business. Some of those connections were hers when she retired, and I wasn't sure if they would still send business my way, but they did, and I've also built new connections."
Being a top-notch mortgage professional isn't easy; it demands hard work, and McKenzie certainly possesses that drive. Her dedication and commitment set her apart in the industry.
"I'd say quality is about hard work, especially in a commission-based job," said McKenzie. "It's easy to get distracted when working for yourself, but you can be flexible with your time. However, you don't get paid if you're not doing the work. You've got to be willing to work hard, and customer service is key. If you want people to continue sending you business, you must provide excellent service so they'll feel comfortable sending more your way."
Outside of work, McKenzie travels frequently with her husband, who has four dogs. They are passionate about helping animals in need and finding them homes. She finds it truly rewarding to see people doing good for the community, particularly when it involves rescuing neglected pets or giving them a home.
"We travel a lot as that's a big thing for us," said McKenzie. "We enjoy cruising and have been to Europe a few times, just my husband and I. Then, of course, we have our dogs. Community involvement is also important to me. I've sponsored the Portage Police K9 Unit and have helped the Ashley House, which supports domestic violence victims and women and children at risk for trafficking. I've also supported Gabriel's Horn in South Haven. I like to stay involved and help whenever I can."
Please visit here for more information on McKenzie and First Community Mortgage.