The CBT Q&A: Mary Ropp, Flat Branch Home Loans

Flat Branch Home Loans prides itself on impeccable local service that makes their customers feel comfortable; recently they hired Mary Ropp as the director of sales and marketing for the company. She focuses on sales tracking, strategy, and success for the business and is dedicated to helping individuals with home lending needs. Ropp is well known in Columbia as a businesswoman who exhibits success and trustworthiness among customers, and as someone who gives back to the community. Ropp won a 2016 Top of the Town Award as Top Seasoned Pro.

 Recently, you transitioned to a new company, Flat Branch Home Loans. How has that change been for you?

 I think it’s been refreshing. I’ve always worked with really smart people. I sell everything, but they make it all happen, they’re the magic! This company is full of people who are really energetic. They get up every morning with a pep in their step, and it’s really refreshing — it is a lot more laid back here. I’m the stuffy one, I’m the one still wearing the dressy, nice clothes and they are like, “You have to get that stuff off.”

What are you most looking forward to with this new company?

This is so cheesy, but truly, making peoples dreams come true. It’s about creating life memories for people. Everyone wants what their parents and grandparents have, that home-sweet-home feel, and that’s what this is all about. It is pretty cool. Flat Branch Home loans is also young and exciting. Before I got here, I was only doing the sales. And in business, there’s often a disconnect between marketing and sales. So now I’m driving the message both ways and finding the right balance between marketing and sales. It is the perfect package.

What parts of your job do you find most challenging?

This is going to be the same with anyone, but regulations. They are difficult, but you can also look at them as an opportunity for guidelines to follow. Think of it as not having any stop signs — it would be crazy!

 You have been referenced as being a high energy, professional, and trustworthy advisor. Is there a certain philosophy that you live by when it comes to your career that helps to give you that reputation?

Don’t get worked up about things. Pause, stop, and breathe for 24 hours, because everything gets really clear when you just have a minute to think.

You have been involved with several organizations within the community, including the City of Refuge, Junior Achievement of Central Missouri, and the Heart of Missouri United Way. Tell us a little about why you wanted to get involved with them.

I was the chair of United Way last year, and we really changed the direction of the organization and changed the trajectory and turned it into this great, beautiful thing. I think the main reason why I do it, though, is because it feels good. I believe that those who can, should. There is a calling to do that and give back. When people are kind to you, you just have this feeling to be kind back.

What advice do you have for someone who is just starting on a career path similar to your own?

Don’t burn any bridges. I am not ever going to set out to offend someone. That’s silly. I always like to say the phrase, “Do no harm.” This doesn’t mean do nothing though. If you decide to not take any action because you are worried about something, you better figure it out so that you can take action. But don’t let your personal agendas interfere.

If you could start all over, would you change anything?

I would have more kids! If you have more kids, then you get more grandkids. The multiplying factor, that would have been a lot of fun. I love the kids that I have though. I also think that I would’ve started in finance sooner, because I really get excited about finances. But then again, without my first start in sales, I wouldn’t have found my love for what I do now.