by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Fellow WMBA Family,
Well as I sit down this afternoon to send my last President’s Message I clearly have a full range of emotions. As you all know by now I have a great deal of passion and care for the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association and this industry. The last two years have been nothing short of unprecedented, amazing and a learning experience for me.
I have been so honored to be the President of this great organization for two terms and to have the privilege and honor to be the 100th and 101st President of the organization. I never took for granted the expectation and legacy left for me by the 99 other great leaders, mentors and President’s and how truly amazing it is this organization has been operating now for 101 years through so many industry cycles, changes and times.
As I look back at the last two years I could not have done this without an amazing board. My Vice President Lisa Goldsmith has been the most amazing human being I have ever had the privilege of serving with. Along with Lisa my Executive Board Andy McDonough and Jim DeMarco who committed to meeting a minimum of every two weeks to work on the organization versus just working in the organization. These three are your next three President’s and are so committed and ready to take this organization forward.
I also had a full and amazing board, plus committee chairs. They say it takes a village we definitely needed everyone who worked so hard to bring value to our members and industry.
As I reflect on my time as the President of this great organization one word keeps coming to mind over and over GRATEFUL.
I’m so grateful for my Mortgage Industry Family and all of the people who wake up every day to help American’s with the Dream of Home Ownership and leverage their homes to better their families lives.
On September 15th as I hand over the reigns and baton to Lisa Goldsmith I can tell you that you are in amazing hands. Lisa is qualified, driven and someone that deeply cares about making a difference and working on bettering our organization every day.
Lisa has been such an integral part of the success of this organization and worked hand in hand with the board, our lobbyist Jessica, National MBA and anyone and everyone to help navigate all of the craziness that has happened since COVID 19 started.
If you remember anything from my time at the podium I hope you remember two things.
- Vote with your two feet – Show up and be present at anything and everything. The biggest investment you can make is in yourself and being involved.
- The most powerful tool you have is your voice. Be involved and use your voice to help support our organization, our industry and your families future ability to earn.
As I move from President to “Past President” I ask you to attend our September meeting and help us swear in our new board. They are committed and ready to support your voice and take our organization to it’s 102nd year of success.
Thank you for the opportunity and privilege of serving you all and this organization.
Stay Healthy, Safe and strong.
Robert Lipston
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Dear WMBA Members,
As we begin this WMBA year together, change is virtually overwhelming. Our industry and our organizations are changing in the moment, day in day out. And, we are navigating that change together virtually. I believe that we are uniquely qualified to serve and lead now and into the new future.
For more than a year, I’ve consulted with past WMBA presidents and our leaders about how we can lead WMBA into what’s next. How can we both, preserve the legacy of the 101 years of our leadership, and, how can we find the path to a sustainable future? In the end, we all know that WMBA is the power of our united voices, visions, and collective share of knowledge. I believe that we have all always benefited from networking and exchanging ideas and experience.
If there is only one leadership outcome that we can generate in this time, let’s share and collaborate, leading from the top of all our member organizations, in a common cause to diversify WMBA, our member organizations, and our communities. We have the potential to make a meaningful difference by closing the gap in homeownership, building wealth for the broader population, and recruiting a diverse new generation of mortgage bankers. I believe that we are at a pivot point and now is the time that will sustain our future opportunities.
We are a fortunate group of essential workers. Many are accomplishing unimaginable results that will impact our organizations, communities, and families for future generations. I believe that all of us can recognize this opportunity and create this higher possibility.
I believe that we are inherently responsible to give back, pay it forward, create opportunity, and generate outreach, that reflects, replenishes, and sustains the power and privilege of our current and future economic and social position. Will you join me?
Lisa Goldsmith
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Dear WMBA Members,
In the season of gratitude, there are almost too many blessings to mention this year. We are essential workers, surviving long intense weeks of hard work, conveniently working from home. I believe that we are insulated from the challenges of many in this world.
Most of us have been blessed with safety and health for ourselves, our families, and our organizations. We are not on the frontline and can choose to shelter or be public. I believe that we are privileged in surprising ways.
Many of us have achieved unimaginable results in our work and our careers. Earlier this year I heard a prediction that we would have this opportunity, but, who could have known?!? I believe that we have a responsibility to share and pay it forward.
Because of all of us the Washington Mortgage Bankers Association is evolving, expanding, and generating new possibilities for our industry.
Consider ways that together we can share and give back and have an impact on our communities:
It is my honor and privilege to have this virtual podium and I appreciate every one of you who have read and consider these remarks!
Lisa Goldsmith
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Dear WMBA Members,
Last year our 2020 Vision seemed to be full of potential and possibilities. As we roll into 2021 what could possibly happen next?
As an industry, we’ve become experts at what I call being “Change Agents” – from Dodd Frank right up and through 2020 – we are poised to pivot. Are we prepared for changes that will happen in 2021?
With 2020 so close in the rearview mirror, it’s like a MAC truck following us too closely. How will you develop a vision for 2021? We often hear the recommendation that we need to get Back to Basics; I’m guessing you’ve mastered the basics. Whether you have a business plan, a coaching system, or state of the art systems and technology, WMBA’s goal is here to support and provide you current, relevant, topics and conversations to plan and adapt.
Let’s get focused with the January events that WMBA is hosting:
- CEO panel – featuring top CEOs and Presidents along with Moderator Rose Marie David.
- Lennox Scott – 2021 Housing Forecast: Cyclone of Sales Activity Intensity™ – How long will it last???
The WMBA PAC contributions are more important in 2021 as we have a very long session. There will be plenty of issues to address. And, our preeminent lobbyist – Jessica Fortescue – will be working overtime to support our industry in Olympia. You will benefit corporately and personally and making a PAC contribution is an opportunity for each of you to contribute to generating a stronger industry.
It is my honor and privilege to have this virtual podium and I appreciate every one of you who have read and consider these remarks!
Lisa Goldsmith
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Dear WMBA Members,
January was a powerful month (emphasis on FULL), wasn’t it?!? We had the opportunity to both reflect on 2020 and consider how it informs our 2021 plans.
John Mitchell provided his annual forecast in the framework of Apollo’s Arrow (an invisible force that pushes us apart). He educated the more erudite amongst us in monetary and fiscal policy. There are so many more variations given the pandemic, the vaccine, and our economic condition. The recovery is underway, but the trajectory is uncertain.
Our CEO panel was expertly moderated by our very own legendary leader, and Chairman of the WMBA Board, Rose Marie David. And she masterfully guided the CEOs through big issues that are confronting them, diversity, affordable housing, post-election/post pandemic economy. What I found most exciting was how they coalesced around the possibility that their collaborative leadership could strengthen our industry going forward.
Lennox Scott rounded out the month with his annual real estate forecast. He introduce the “Sales Activity Intensity™” meter. You will probably see it soon in real estate listings. He forecasts that on a scale of slow to frenzy, our region will have cyclone activity in 2021.
If you missed these events, I’m sorry, but ask us about how to get a recording of the CEO panel or a link to Lennox’s forecast. And, don’t miss Steve Richman, February 16th, “There’s no Going Back” will give you more to think about as you plan 2021.
Phew! What a month! And, we’re looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming events in March (Realtor Panel), April (Top Producing Manager Panel), May (Auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity), and July (Annual Golf Classic). All are open for registration at www.wa-mba.org/events now.
As always, It is my honor and privilege to have this virtual podium and I appreciate every one of you who have read and consider these remarks!
Lisa Goldsmith
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
by admin admin | Dec 26, 2022 | President's Message (Archived)
Dear WMBA Members,
It’s March already – The end of Q1 and what have you accomplished? We are measured in this business by our accomplishments, goals, metrics, volume.
For many years I have had a New Year’s Resolution or business plan designed to accomplish my business and personal goals. With the advent of the pandemic, my focus has shifted and I’m sure that yours has too. What is most important to you now? This year my resolution is one immeasurable word that defines everything that I do. Meaningful. Are my efforts and actions meaningful and generating what I want to accomplish in 2021? A simple easy stake in the ground, a milepost on the map of my journey, a measurement for the work that I am doing every day.
With the shift and change we have experienced with 2020, I believe that we can all make a meaningful difference for our industry. We can and should be looking for ways to give back, now more than ever. With the new administration, the economy uncertainty, the unpredictable nature of our world, we need to support our industry. We will all benefit by contributing to our industry. Supporting WMBA is an example of how you can serve and give back.
Your membership in the WMBA is a meaningful act of service. It is a demonstration of your willingness to believe in something bigger than what you can do alone. And WMBA is an model of the power of unity in joining a community to make a difference.
At WMBA we need you! To get involved – Please see our
https://wa-mba.org/get-involved/ to learn how you can contribute and gain from the commitment that is your WMBA membership.
- Contact us with what you see as a possibility – sponsorship, committee participation, board leadership
- Open positions are available for you and we have the strength of amazing leadership to mentor and support you
- Future leaders, you are especially important to WMBA. Our aged white community has made great strides in diversity. We need a cohort of even more diverse 25-45-year-old leaders.
Please reach out. Email me at
admin@wa-mba.org or call me at 206-947-4031. I welcome your suggestions, advice, support, and contribution to what is next for WMBA.
As always, It is my honor and privilege to have this virtual podium and I appreciate every one of you who have read and considered these remarks!
Lisa Goldsmith
President
Washington Mortgage Bankers Association
