Denysis Rodriguez is a senior loan processor at Columbus Capital Lending in Penbroke Pines, Fla., and is president of the Broward Chapter of the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals (FAMP). National Mortgage Professional Magazine spoke with her about her work with FAMP and the state of the Florida mortgage market.
How and why did you get involved in your association? And can you share the track within your association that led to the leadership role?
My journey with FAMP began some years ago when I initially joined and became a member of the Miami Chapter. Later, while working as a wholesale account executive, the Broward Chapter invited me to join them in their Membership and Education Committees. I had never been part of a board of directors for any association and this was pretty exciting for me. At the time, we were dealing with all of the changes that came with the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act. I became very involved, working with the members that like me had to go through all the new licensing and education requirements. It was a very big change for those of us that had been licensed in this industry for so long. We now had to go through more tests and more education.
The next year, I was elected to the executive board of directors as treasurer for the Broward Chapter. From there I became the vice president for two years and in June 2015 I was elected as the new president. I insisted on remaining on as the vice president for two years because I wanted to be fully prepared to fill those big shoes and take on the role of president. Our chapter has a history of always being on the forefront and has been well represented. I take this position very serious and wanted to do the best job that I could for our members.
Why do you feel members of the mortgage profession in your state should join FAMP?
Networking is a priority for us and bringing our members together with each other or with related businesses helps establish new relationships that can help members find new ways to succeed. We offer educational luncheons, legislative events, charity work and recognition of those members that excel within the association.
What role does your association play in the state legislative and regulatory environment, and is there any item on the current agenda you would like to highlight?
As a local association, we keep in contact with our legislators as they are a very intricate part of our path to success. Even when we don't have any specific items that we are working on it is of the utmost importance that we keep reminding them who we are and what we do locally and statewide. Our yearly visit to our state legislators in Tallahassee establishes recognition and is a constant reminder that we matter and that we are here to support and help them so they can also support and help us. This is such an important part of what we do. You cannot just sit back and hope that things will work out.
What do you see as your most significant accomplishments with FAMP?
We just had our annual trade show which is one of the largest in the state, second only to the FAMP State Convention. It was the most successful show we have had in the last few years and the feedback we received showed that attendees and exhibitors were very pleased. We have increased our membership and continue to grow and be the largest chapter in all of Florida.
I am proud to be not only a member and president of the Broward Chapter, but also to have such an amazing board of directors that help me shine.
In your opinion, what can be done to bring more young people into mortgage careers?
The average age in our industry is around 55 years young, but we need to get younger. We need to get them involved, get them to love this industry the same way we have; teach them the values and benefits that represents being a mortgage professional.
As a local organization, we constantly try to secure younger members to join. We are seeing that change now. We are seeking young professionals to grow within our chapter and continue our legacy. Our board is always looking for young exciting individuals that are already somehow involved in the industry—especially young professionals that already work as entry level for mortgage brokers or attend school earning a financing degree. Recently, we have offered classes at the Florida International University campus of Broward County hoping to lure some of the students.
How would you define your state's housing market?
This is a great time for us. Florida's market is once again thriving and especially the South Florida market. We see new buildings soaring throughout the city, new subdivisions and schools being built. Highways are getting wider and more people are moving to Florida. Is there a better time than now to be part of this great industry?
Phil Hall is managing editor of National Mortgage Professional Magazine. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].
