The C-Suite

The C-Suite

ALYSSE PROSNICK

SVP Operations | Angel Oak Lending

What is most rewarding about your position?

Providing mortgage solutions to borrowers who do not fit the agency “box” is certainly rewarding. Over the last year, I started an operations trainee program, and it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. We look for recent college grads or those whose careers were displaced due to COVID.

We then put the operations trainees through a four-week class to learn the mortgage business. At the end of the class, we place the trainees in an entry level position that they help choose based on their own interest and career goals. They are expected to stay in that role for at least six months to learn the business after which they will have the opportunity to grow within the organization.

It has been such a pleasure to watch the trainees develop their skills and grow with Angel Oak. If we look 10 years down the road, I will be so delighted to see them leading different areas of the organization and helping others to launch their careers through this program. It is part of our people first culture that makes Angel Oak a great place to work.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for the mortgage banking industry currently?

I believe the industry has struggled with the rapid pace of growth this year. It can be easy to grow, but at what cost to quality? Finding the right balance of onboarding and ensuring your current team is not burning out has been a struggle for many.

What time do you get up?

6 a.m.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

Get ready, start a cup of coffee, and have five minutes of quiet time before waking up the kiddos.

What is your mantra?

Trust the process.

What is on your desk?

Dual monitors, Angel Oak lip balm (it is the best), hand sanitizer, phone, pictures of my husband, two boys, and dog.

What is your best work practice?

Building and maintaining great working relationships. Receiving regular feedback from my team and intently listening to their needs so I can deliver results based on their feedback.

What time do you go to bed?

10 p.m.

What is your best habit?

Regular exercise. It allows me to de-stress, feel energized, and see things more clearly.

What is the last thing you do at night?

Snuggle with my hubby. Before unwinding for the night, I get things prepped for the next day. Clean the kitchen, pack bookbags and snacks, get the water bottles ready, and prep the coffee.

ALYSSE PROSNICK

PAUL BUEGE

President and COO | Inlanta Mortgage

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The greatest reward of my job is also its greatest challenge: it’s about meeting the high standards expected from a leader, while working to meet the expectations set by ownership, customers, partners, and team professionals. Fostering a business culture where teams and processes come together to produce positive results, especially for our customers, is one of the more exciting aspects of my role.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing what happens when team members become centered and focused together. Then I love to see the energy that develops when team professionals recognize that they are trusted, empowered, and valued.

Ultimately, what drives me is being able to help people realize all their potential. That’s the best part of my job!

What do you think is the biggest challenge for the mortgage banking industry currently?

Getting out of the here and now and shifting focus to what’s up next! This last year was historic by nearly every measure and it’s hard not to want it to continue. We all understand that markets change and it’s important to keep an eye on what’s ahead. We are seeing an exciting crossover point inside our industry where our professionals and our clients all recognize the importance of a high touch service experience supported by a digital delivery. It will be a careful blending of each.

What time do you get up?

5:30 a.m., my day starts early. That’s what I like.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

My day begins with a large cup of coffee, a digital read of my top news publication, and then time on the treadmill to get in my daily exercise before business starts.

What is your mantra?

How we work together matters the most. All team professionals know this, it’s true and it’s part of our company’s secret sauce to success.

What is on your desk?

It’s clean and has a laptop and a phone, with a note pad and a big cup of coffee or matcha green tea. Superefficient and not distracting.

What is your best habit?

Learning by listening, watching, reading, and being open to input and perspectives shared by others.

What is the last thing you do at night?

Reflect with gratitude and thanks for everything.

What time do you go to bed at night?

With my Kindle in hand by ten.

PAUL BUEGE

Each month, Mortgage Banker magazine features two mortgage banking executives in the C-Suite.