Today we’d like to introduce you to Geroldine Contrasto.
Geroldine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I came from what I consider the result of the most romantic love story ever told, followed by lots of love, obstacles, and some misfortunes. Mom is from Mexico born and raised, and Dad from Italy but living in Canada. They met on one of his fun trips to Acapulco, Mexico. She was only 18 and was working at a jewelry store when my dad noticed her beauty, it was love at first sight. Dad went back home and they wrote each other love letters, and about six months later he came back to Acapulco to see my mother for the second time and to marry her. Nope, she was no pregnant haha. Being that my dad is Italian and my mom Mexican, the cultures are very similar to one another and for both of them family was extremely important as well as enjoying the simple things in life, such as music, wine, good food and family gatherings. Almost a decade later, while they were living in Canada, I came into this world to learn how to live with only one parent, as my parents decided to get divorced only 40 days after my birth.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a business owner is not an easy commitment, there have been many sleepless nights and many tears and moments of frustration, but the reward is so great and every day I remind myself that with every conversation, smile, handshake we give to others, whether they are our clients or not, reinforces our principles, values, confidence in our mission.
After working many different jobs such as; Selling the infamous ATT&T caller ID at a telemarketing co, my after school job, to selling tacos out of the trunk of my car, cleaning offices at night with my mom, working at the flea market selling sunglasses and cowboy hats, buying wrecked cars at the auction and reselling them, etc. At the age of 20, knowing that college was simply not something I could continue to support, I decided to invest my time in a skill set, and use my strengths in an industry that could offer opportunities to grow. So I took a job as a receptionist at a Real Estate firm and managed to work two other jobs so I could pay my bills while I was learning. I later became a loan processor and learned my products and guidelines, as well as what banks and wholesalers are looking for when evaluating a borrower. Five years later, I took on the challenge of becoming an originator and investing in coaching as well as my license. After several years and many late nights at the office, I was a top producer in volume and units year after year. Many times I wanted to quit, for example during 2008 when the uncertainty of our economy created a lot of fear, stress and a sense of defeat in everyone, not just in my industry. But I could not think of anything I could do this well, so I decided to keep fighting and change perspective. I knew I had to re-define my “Why” in order to keep the passion and fight going, so I did some soul searching.
Please tell us about Boxwood Mortgage and Divas and Gents Cooking Club.
On January of 2017, I incorporated Boxwood Mortgage LLC, however I believe in my heart that the real birthdate of Boxwood Mortgage was that day I took on that job as a receptionist and decided to never stop until I became great at it. From that day, I have continued to cultivate the soil the Boxwood Mortgage seed was growing in, by working hard and learning every aspect of the mortgage industry. The long germination period not only gave me ample time to gain experience but in the process, I met amazing people which invested in my coaching, vision, desire for growth, and without them I would not be here today. Such career path has become for me a tool to be a greater version of my self and to give back to humanity, and today I am so grateful that such skillset and experience allowed me to help over 1800 families move into their new homes.
Many have asked why the name “Boxwood Mortgage”? A Boxwood tree is not known for its size, but rather its strength and strong roots. This makes the boxwood a perfect match for our vision: strength and quality surpasses size and appearance. On behalf of Boxwood Mortgage LLC; Thank you for your trust in our mission! What should we know about Boxwood Mortgage LLC? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our specialties are to handle financing for; Purchases, Refinance, Cash out Loans, Construction, Investor Friendly, Private Money, and First Time Home Buyers. As a mortgage broker, we offer the most competitive rates and terms in the marketplace and with our access to portfolio products, we aggressively seek to help all types of investors achieve their financing objectives. Specially those with more complex situations. We offer conventional and government loans for first time home buyers, VA loans for our Veterans, and portfolio loans for investors. We are also specialists in Foreign National loans. Our commercial loan division offers solutions for investors looking to finance shopping centers, multi-family buildings, warehouses, and office buildings with values over 1 million USD. We cater to the small business owner and welcome self-employed borrowers who seek financing for owner-occupied properties.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up in Mexico brings me many happy stories, but also stories where I lacked resources, financial opportunities, a father figure, quality time with mom as she was worked three jobs to support us both. This is what I describe as the worse, yet the best thing that could have happened to me. An extenuating circumstance that developed a mindset of Endless Possibilities because of where I came from and lots of gratitude because of who I’ve become. Ever heard the saying; “When Life Gives you Lemons make Lemonade?” Well, I wake up every day and I don’t make lemonade, it’s simply too easy. I rather make Lemon Pie and share @cookingclubfordivasandgents.
Contact Info:
- Address: Address: 2700 Post Oak Blvd Floor 21 (We Work Office), Houston TX 77056
- Website: www.patticontrasto.com
- Phone: 7133879521
- Email: pcontrasto@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattimuscles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BoxwoodMortgage/about/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boxwood-mortgage-houston
- Other: https://home-loans-by-patti-contrasto.business.site/
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