Loan Officers and Leaders: Demand Respect, Not Contracts That Silence You.

Nearly three years ago, our family walked through one of the most difficult days of our lives.

Less than two weeks after completing my 60-day resignation notice period and beginning my 18-month required non-competition out of the industry period; my husband and longtime business partner, was fired and served with a lawsuit, on the same day, from the company I had left.  What followed were two years and ten months of legal battles, sleepless nights, and challenges we never imagined we would endure.

Yesterday, on the eve of trial, everything shifted.
After a powerful and courageous deposition, we accepted an offer to walk away—no money exchanged, no admissions, simply the freedom to move forward.

This was never about winning a financial battle. It was about standing firm for what is right, no matter the cost. I am deeply proud of how Manuel chose to stand up publicly for others and what is right—even when it cost him dearly.  

The mortgage industry, in many ways, has become a world of ugly competition, goliath-like intimidation, character assassinations, and overreliance on non-competes and litigation. We must do better!  To owners and CEOs in our industry, I call on us to lead with honor and choose to compete fairly and openly in the marketplace, not in the courtroom.

To loan officers, branch managers and executive leaders:  Never sign over your right to compete.  In doing so, we rob ourselves, our customers and our industry from innovation, fair competition, and diversity.  Stand strong and find a company that values your leadership without demanding your silence, your required loyalty through fear, or your freedom as the cost of entry.

Through it all, I am profoundly grateful to God, who carried us every step of the way.
We were surrounded by incredible attorneys at Sanford Heisler (civil rights, harassment, and employment rights attorneys pictured above at the top of courthouse steps), Brandi McKay(employment law) and Andrew K. Meade (trial law) who walked this road with integrity, precision, loyalty, and love. I would highly recommend each of them for their various areas of expertise.  And to our friends and team—thank you for standing with us, even when it seemed unpopular and meant enduring criticism or persecution.

Today, I can say with a full and grateful heart:
God has been faithful and just.

A new chapter begins—and I am excited for what lies ahead.