Heather D'Aun Garon

I attribute my success to persistence, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to lifelong learning. Along the way, I have been fortunate to have key mentors not just my family and friends who have always supported and encouraged me to keep reaching for the stars, but those I have had the privilege to work with—such as Janet Zuppa, who helped me transition into underwriting; Jake Podewils, who recognized my potential in underwriting; and Jenna Hill, who supported my growth into management and Cheryl Harris, who encouraged my faith. Their guidance encouraged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and embrace challenging opportunities. I have found that saying yes to learning, even when it is difficult or time-consuming, has been central to my long-term growth. I have been in the mortgage industry for 29 years, starting at age 19, and have steadily worked my way up from a receptionist role into increasingly technical and leadership positions. Over nearly three decades, I have developed a comprehensive, end-to-end understanding of the mortgage process—from front-desk customer service to complex underwriting decisions. One of my proudest achievements was graduating from college with honors in my mid-forties while working full-time in the mortgage industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. That accomplishment directly led to my advancement into a management role and reinforced my belief that it is never too late to invest in oneself. I am especially proud that I was able to excel academically, earning induction into multiple honor societies, while continuing to serve borrowers and support my team.

The most meaningful career advice I have received is to be intentional with my words and communication, especially as I stepped into leadership and underwriting roles. I learned that how something is said can be just as important as what is said, particularly when delivering difficult news or guiding a team. This guidance helped me develop my own leadership style—firm yet respectful, always focused on clarity and fairness.

My advice to young women entering the mortgage industry is to be patient with yourself and commit to learning the guidelines and processes thoroughly, rather than rushing toward a title. I encourage them not to underestimate “entry-level” roles—every position, from receptionist to processor to underwriter, provides critical insight into the bigger picture. I also recommend seeking out strong mentors, asking questions without hesitation, and remembering that it is never too late to return to school or pursue additional credentials.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is keeping up with constantly changing mortgage guidelines and market conditions, which can feel overwhelming for both borrowers and loan officers. At the same time, I see this as an opportunity for experienced underwriters like myself to add value by interpreting complex rules, finding legitimate solutions for challenging files, and leveraging programs such as down payment assistance loans to help more families achieve homeownership. I believe that professionals who stay educated, adaptable, and proactive will be the ones who thrive in this environment.

The values that are most important to me in my work are integrity, accuracy, and responsibility, particularly because my decisions directly impact families’ dreams of homeownership. I believe in doing things the right way, even when it takes extra time, and in being honest with borrowers and colleagues about what is needed for a file to succeed. In my personal life, I place a high value on family, kindness, and emotional well-being. I embrace practices like reading and color therapy to manage stress and stay grounded.