We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maryella Porras a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maryella, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My journey into the world of mortgage lending began with a whisper of possibility and a seed of ambition. After years of cultivating relationships and expertise in the agricultural recruiting, I found myself drawn to a different kind of cultivation—one where I could plant seeds of financial stability and growth for families seeking their dream homes.

Six months ago, I made the daring decision to uproot from the familiar soil of my previous career and embark on a new adventure with CrossCountry Mortgage. It was a risk, to be sure. Stepping into a different industry, learning the intricacies of mortgage lending, and building a client base from scratch—all while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood—was no small feat.

But from the moment I walked through the doors of CrossCountry Mortgage, I knew I had found my fertile ground. The culture of support, innovation, and unwavering dedication to client success resonated deeply with me. Every day presented a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those I served.

The transition was not without its challenges. There were moments of doubt, hesitation, and even fear. Yet, with each hurdle I faced, I drew upon the resilience and determination that had been instilled in me from years of overcoming obstacles in the fields of my previous career. Failure was not an option—not when the well-being of my family and the trust of my clients were at stake.

And so, armed with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, I dove headfirst into my new role. I immersed myself in the intricacies of mortgage lending, honed my bilingual skills to better serve a diverse clientele, and forged strong partnerships with referral sources who shared my vision of putting clients first.

The results speak for themselves. In just six months, I have successfully closed deals, earning the trust and gratitude of countless families along the way. The positive feedback from referral partners and clients alike has been humbling, affirming that the risk I took was not only justified but essential for my personal and professional growth.

Looking back on this whirlwind journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way and the unwavering support of my loved ones. Switching careers, starting anew in a competitive industry—it was a leap of faith that has paid off in ways I never could have imagined.

Do I think it was the right decision? Without a doubt. Because sometimes, the greatest rewards come from daring to step outside of our comfort zones, embracing change, and seizing the opportunities that await on the other side. And as I continue to chart my course in the world of mortgage lending, I do so with a heart full of hope, a mind open to possibility, and a spirit unafraid to take risks in pursuit of a brighter future—for myself, my family, and all those I have the privilege to serve.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Maryella Porras, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. I’m a proud mother of two wonderful boys and a devoted wife. Currently, I work as a bilingual mortgage lender at CrossCountry Mortgage here in Green Bay, Wisconsin. My journey into the mortgage industry was somewhat serendipitous. It all began when my real estate agent, Heather Gossen, recognized qualities in me that she believed would be a perfect fit for the lending business—qualities like a keen attention to detail, effective communication skills, and fluency in both English and Spanish. My journey into the world of mortgage lending began with a whisper of possibility and a seed of ambition. After years of cultivating relationships and expertise in the agricultural recruiting, I found myself drawn to a different kind of cultivation—one where I could plant seeds of financial stability and growth for families seeking their dream homes.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many of them have become like family to me, and there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing them achieve their dream of homeownership. Whether it’s helping a first-time homebuyer navigate the complexities of the mortgage process or assisting a family in refinancing to better their financial situation, each success story reaffirms why I chose this profession.
What sets me apart is my genuine passion for helping people achieve their homeownership goals. I approach each client’s situation with empathy, understanding, and a personalized touch. Being bilingual allows me to connect with a broader range of clients and serve them in a way that feels comfortable and inclusive. Potential clients can trust that I will always prioritize their best interests, working tirelessly to find the right mortgage solution for their unique needs. At the end of the day, it’s not just about closing deals—it’s about building lasting relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

If I had to pick one strategy that’s been the most effective, it’s definitely been building strong relationships with key players in the real estate industry.

I make it a point to meet regularly with real estate agents, tax consultants, and insurance agents. These folks are at the front lines of the home buying process, and by partnering with them, I can provide a seamless experience for our mutual clients. We share insights, collaborate on solutions, and refer clients to each other when the need arises. It’s all about teamwork!

But it doesn’t stop there. I’m a firm believer in the power of face-to-face connections, so I make sure to attend events and network whenever possible. Whether it’s a local community gathering or a professional conference, I’m there, striking up conversations and building relationships with potential clients and referral partners alike.

At the end of the day, it’s all about making genuine connections and providing value every step of the way. By fostering strong relationships with real estate agents, tax consultants, insurance agents, and others in the industry, I’ve been able to grow my clientele and help even more families achieve their homeownership dreams. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Let me take you back to the beginning of my journey, where resilience became my constant companion. Leaving behind the comfort of my home in Guanajuato, Mexico, I embarked on a solitary journey to a new country, far from the familiar embrace of family and friends. Armed with determination and dreams, I set foot on American soil, ready to carve out a new path for myself.

My transition from Mexico to United States was far from smooth. I encountered language barriers, cultural differences, and the daunting task of navigating unfamiliar systems and processes. But through it all, I refused to let adversity define me. Instead, I saw every challenge as an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to adapt.

My past education in Mexico certainly laid a foundation for my journey, but it was my resilience and tenacity that propelled me forward. Despite knowing little of the culture and how things worked in this new country, I refused to be deterred. I sought out opportunities to expand my knowledge, to immerse myself in the intricacies of American life, and to bridge the gap between my past and my present.

But perhaps the greatest source of resilience came from my deep understanding of the struggles faced by others in my community. Like many immigrants, I knew what it was like to start from scratch, to build a life in a foreign land with nothing but determination and grit. This shared experience fueled my empathy, my compassion, and my drive to make a difference not just for myself, but for those who walked a similar path.

And so, with each hurdle I faced, I drew upon the strength of my past, the resilience of my spirit, and the unwavering support of my community. Today, as I stand tall in the world of mortgage lending, I carry with me the lessons of resilience learned along the way. For it is not the challenges we encounter that define us, but how we rise above them, stronger and more determined than ever before.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/Green-Bay-WI-5713/Maryella-Porras/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryellaporrasccm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryellaPorrasCCM/