Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Kelly-Ruiz.
Hi Melanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career journey has been a little unconventional. I spent nearly 28 years in retail leadership, a career that taught me so much about people, relationships, and the importance of creating meaningful experiences. But eventually, I reached a point where I no longer felt challenged or fulfilled in the same way. I wanted something different- not necessarily a complete departure from what I had always done, but a career where I could continue building relationships, have more freedom to build something of my own, be more present for my family, and give back to my community in a meaningful way.
That led me to residential mortgage lending. In 2024, I made the leap into the industry with CrossCountry Mortgage, essentially starting a new career after nearly three decades in another one. It was exciting, challenging, and definitely a little intimidating to start over, but I quickly realized that so much of what I had learned throughout my career came with me. Listening to people, understanding what they need, solving problems, building trust, and genuinely caring about the experience are all things I had been doing for years- I was simply applying them in a new way.
Today, I’m a mortgage loan officer serving clients throughout Texas and Florida, with my business based in Houston and my home in Fort Bend County. One of my favorite things about this career is how many different people I get to meet. Every client has a different story, a different goal, and a different path to homeownership. I get to help people navigate what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process and, ultimately, help them achieve something that is often a lifelong dream: purchasing a home.
My career has also given me the flexibility to become more involved in my community, which has become incredibly important to me. I’m proud to be a member of the Fort Bend Junior Service League, and I’ve recently stepped into the role of Director of Public Relations. Being involved in the League has given me the opportunity to connect with incredible women, support organizations doing meaningful work throughout Fort Bend County, and use my professional skills in a completely different way to help promote an organization and causes I truly believe in. It has been incredibly rewarding to realize that the skills I developed throughout my career can also be used to give back.
Looking back, I never would have imagined that after 28 years in one industry, I would start over and find myself building a career that feels so much more aligned with the life I want. It has given me the opportunity to continue doing what I’ve always loved- connecting with people- but with more freedom, more purpose, and the ability to make a difference in both my clients’ lives and my community.
Alright, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I’m not sure I would want it to be. Starting over in a completely new industry after nearly 28 years came with a pretty steep learning curve. I went from being very comfortable and experienced in my previous career to being the person who had to learn something new every single day. There were certainly moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision.
One of the biggest challenges has been building a business from the ground up. In my previous career, I had spent decades developing relationships and establishing myself, so starting over meant putting myself out there again, creating a new network, learning a new industry, and finding my place in it. Mortgage lending is also an industry with a tremendous amount to learn, and I quickly realized that there is always another guideline, another scenario, or another situation that can teach you something new.
There have also been plenty of moments where things simply didn’t go according to plan. In this business, you can do everything right and still encounter challenges that are outside your control. I’ve learned to focus on what I can control, communicate honestly, keep learning, and, most importantly, keep moving forward.
I think one of the biggest lessons for me has been that starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. I brought years of experience in working with people, solving problems, building relationships, and leading with me. I just had to learn how to apply those skills in a completely different environment.
Every challenge has made me more confident, more resilient, and more comfortable with being uncomfortable. And I think that’s an important part of growth- sometimes the best things happen when you’re willing to be the beginner again.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a residential mortgage loan officer with CrossCountry Mortgage, helping clients throughout Texas and Florida navigate the home-buying and financing process. I work with a wide variety of buyers and loan programs, from first-time homebuyers to clients purchasing their dream home, refinancing, or looking for a financing solution that may be outside the traditional box.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Buying a home can feel overwhelming, and I want my clients to feel educated, comfortable, and confident throughout the process- not like they’re just another loan number.
I think what sets me apart is my approach. I understand the importance of listening, communicating, and taking care of people. I bring that same mindset to my mortgage business. I’m known for being accessible, responsive, and willing to find solutions when a situation isn’t straightforward.
Ultimately, I love that I get to help people achieve something that can be life-changing while building genuine relationships along the way.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success is having the freedom to build a career and a life that I’m proud of. It means being there for my family, helping people achieve their goals, growing a business that reflects who I am, and giving back to my community. If I can do those things while making a positive impact on the people around me, that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/The-Caballero-Team/Melanie-Kelly-Ruiz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortgagewithmelanie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieKRuizCCM/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelanieKelly-Ruiz
