Her Story
About Lori
Lori DeGruise has worked in the mortgage industry since 1994. She began her career as a marketing representative after eight years as an executive assistant to a property developer in New Orleans, Louisiana, followed by service on the staff of United States Senator J. Bennett Johnston until his retirement. In her current role in wholesale lending, DeGruise works with banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers on brokering loans and non-delegated correspondent transactions that include underwriting and purchasing loan files. She earned a certificate in Business Administration from South Louisiana Vocational Technical School in 1981. DeGruise is a member of the Louisiana Mortgage Bankers Association and has achieved recognition in her company's Chairman's Club for $180 million in annual production and President's Club for $120 million. She attributes her success to remaining accessible, committed, and organized while maintaining a strong work-life balance with family time. DeGruise also supports causes including St. Jude, Children's Shriners, and her Catholic Church.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lori
01What do you attribute your success to?
Just being present. You have to be accessible, committed and organized. It's not a 9-to-5 job. If your customers are working, then you have to be accessible.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't ever be afraid to ask a question. No question is stupid. If you don't get the right answer, you can get yourself in trouble. People hold you to it, especially when it's the biggest purchase that they're ever gonna make.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
You have to have a work-life balance. You can't multitask and not have some downtime. You really have to have family time, or you'd lose your mind.
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