Her Story
About Heidi
Heidi Hawk is a seasoned real estate finance executive with over 20 years of experience in SFR/MFR development, construction lending, and investment-focused capital solutions. She currently serves as Regional Vice President of Builder Finance at Dunmor, where she structures acquisition and development (A&D), ground-up construction, bridge financing, and permanent debt (DSCR) solutions for builders and developers nationwide. Her work is centered on aligning capital strategy with project execution, helping clients scale efficiently while building strong, sustainable housing communities. Her professional journey is defined by resilience, reinvention, and a deep understanding of both the physical and financial sides of real estate. She holds dual academic foundations in Exercise Physiology and Latin American Studies after studying abroad in Mexico. Her original passion led her to build a successful private training business in Seattle serving athletes and high-end clientele. A life-changing car accident during college, followed by major surgeries years later, ultimately shifted her career path and perspective. After being advised to leave physical practice behind, she transitioned into real estate and construction in the late 1990s, quickly rising to become a designated broker for Oregon and Washington, leading acquisitions, sales operations, and running her own real estate company. After the 2008 market downturn, she stepped away from the industry, later rebuilding with renewed purpose and balance through yoga certification and personal reset. In 2018, she re-entered the industry on the finance side, where she discovered her long-term calling in builder lending and capital markets. Since then, she has built a national lending career rooted in partnership, trust, and long-term relationships with builders. Today, she works remotely across the Mountain States and West Coast while traveling full-time with her husband in a Sprinter van setup, engaging directly with clients, job sites, and industry partners. She is also deeply involved in the homebuilding community as Co-Chair of the Salt Lake Home Builders Association Parade of Homes and continues to focus on helping builders create thriving communities while intentionally designing a life centered on purpose, mobility, and meaningful work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heidi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mindset, resilience, and ability to keep moving forward through life’s challenges. After overcoming a severe car accident, relearning how to walk, and rebuilding after losing everything in the market crash, I chose to focus on growth rather than setbacks. I’ve learned to surround myself with positive people, let go of negativity, and stay open to learning and reinvention. My family has always been my foundation, and many of my decisions have been driven by a desire to provide for and support my children, even through sacrifice and simplicity. Today, I continue to build a life and career aligned with my values one that allows me to work remotely, travel, and stay deeply connected to the builders and communities I serve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay grounded in my values, trust my instincts, and not be afraid to reinvent myself when circumstances change. Early in my career, I learned from leaders who recognized potential in me and encouraged me to take on more responsibility, which showed me the importance of stepping into opportunity even when I didn’t feel fully ready. My family has also been a constant source of guidance and strength, reminding me to stay patient, resilient, and focused during periods of uncertainty and change. Over time, I’ve learned that strong careers are built not on a straight path, but on the ability to adapt, recover, and keep moving forward with purpose and integrity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is not to be intimidated by its male dominance, because while it is still a male-dominated space, more women are stepping into it and succeeding every day. If you want to build a career here, you have to truly understand the industry, your customer, and your market better than anyone else. Master your craft, stay curious, and be willing to put in the time to learn even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable. You will make mistakes, and you will face challenges, but those experiences will ultimately shape your expertise and confidence. Don’t be afraid of competition or of not being “there yet,” because growth takes time and everyone is on their own path. Most importantly, find a strong mentor who can guide you, support you through tough conversations, and help you grow faster than you would on your own having the right guidance early on can make all the difference.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are navigating ongoing market volatility, shifting lending conditions, and the increasing complexity of construction financing, all while maintaining speed, accuracy, and strong execution for builders under pressure from rising costs and regulatory changes. At the same time, working in a historically male-dominated industry requires consistently establishing credibility and demonstrating expertise at a high level. Despite these challenges, the opportunities are significant, particularly in partnering with builders who need experienced capital solutions to scale effectively, improve affordability, and bring projects to market more efficiently. For me, the greatest opportunity lies in bridging construction and finance in a way that supports long-term development and helps create stronger, more sustainable communities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, integrity, and living with intention. My family is my foundation—they’ve been my greatest source of strength, guidance, and encouragement throughout every stage of my journey, and many of my decisions have been driven by a desire to support and provide for them. I also deeply value positivity and the importance of surrounding myself with the right people, choosing to step away from negativity so I can stay focused on growth and the work I love. Kindness, resilience, and simplicity are also central to how I live and lead, and I strive to stay grounded in gratitude while intentionally designing a life that aligns with my values, gives me freedom, and allows me to fully experience and enjoy the work I do and the life I’ve built.
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