Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy McRae
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was in banking for over 14 years in many roles such as personal banking, business banking, mortgage, business lending and branch management. In banking, usually one has to leave to another bank to get promotions. In April of 2020, I left a bank I had spent only 8 months at and was immediately sued for a non-compete agreement that prohibited me from working at another bank or in finance for 12 months in my surrounding area. After I started the process to fight back with an attorney, I was approached by a group that needed a mortgage lender. Due to litigation and the non-compete, I could not work at any bank in Gillespie or Kerr county, but the mortgage brokerage company was out of Dallas and having been in finance for over 14 years, I had plenty of resources to do mortgages all over Texas and not violate the non-compete. So I took a chance and I had my mortgage license by September 2020 and had input my first mortgage loan in November. I officially opened my office in Fredericksburg in spring of 2021 after the non-compete ended and it has been thriving! I have brought on 2 other lenders and a processor/loan assistant to complete my 4-person team of amazing, hard-working women.
Although real estate was slower across the board for many, we ended 2024 as our best year to date and have started 2025 at full blast.
I have always been a very independent and success-driven individual and failure has never been an option. Obvious drivers for me are my family and my Type-A personality, but I use the challenges, and experiences, such as stressful situations like a “noncompete lawsuit” to fuel my fire and determination.
I strive to provide excellent customer service and an experience for mortgage clients that will have them come back to me in the future.
I tell my clients that I want to be the last mortgage lender that they use and that I am here for the whole relationship. I also work to do what is best for the client, even if it means sending them elsewhere, like some of our other local banks. I work closely with several other bankers and banks who think the same as I do, we want what is best for the client, and in the big picture the client will appreciate that and remember that.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth is an illusion, and of course life has it’s ups and downs— but I have found all things can be achieved with the support of my family, community, team, and my faith in God. Getting sued by my former employer was hard. Initially, things seemed bleak, as my career seemed to be put on hold by someone else. I have worked for the biggest banks to small local/hometown banks— I had never experienced something like the non-compete hostility. It made me physically ill and I went through a severe depressive state.
At first, I was scared and the thought of starting all over was intimidating. After years of a career, I was pushed into a new space that required me to uphold my own worth— it taught me to ask for what I deserve or for respect when I wasn’t being treated fairly.
When I was starting my mortgage business, I was managing my husband’s hunting business and our property investment business which was building 2 custom homes at the time while we were also in the process of building our home. The level of stress and chaos was immeasurable. But again, my faith, family, and friends got me through. I have since learned to better manage juggling multiple businesses, coinciding with surrounding myself with a trusted team to help me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
HC Footprint Lending is a mortgage brokerage company. We are based in Fredericksburg, Texas but do mortgage lending all over Texas and other states such as Florida, Georgia, and Oklahoma. We specialize in Residential Mortgage Lending for purchase, refinancing, home equity, construction, and permanent financing. We also have a few commercial loan options available for commercial properties and businesses.
We are known for our low rates, transparency, efficiency, and customer service. We are competitive because we are wholesale and have access to every mortgage company so we can shop for the best rates.
I tell every client upfront, that my goal is to earn their trust to make a lasting business relationship. I want to set them up for success and watch their lives flourish, resulting in repeat business and referrals. I think it’s refreshing to be honest and direct but also let them know that they are in good hands and that we will go above and beyond to help.
Most of my business is referral-based. We have little foot traffic around our office, as it is a block and a half from the bustling Main Street in downtown Fredericksburg. We are very proud to say that realtors, insurance agents, banks, and many others refer business to us. They all know that we will go above and beyond to help our clients and that we treat them like family, not a number.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success looks different for everyone. People have unique priorities and fulfilling their priorities amounts to success for them. To me, becoming my own boss was a huge success. My priorities were control over my life, my schedule, and my time— becoming a business owner has granted me this and much more. Because I am a family person, the new freedom to do my job from anywhere has provided ample opportunity for me to be a more well-rounded person. Whether it’s working from home with sick kids or on vacation, I can do both.
Another way I define success is when “competitors” respect you enough to send you business, and for me to do the same for them.
Overall, knowing that I created a brand and business through hard work and sacrifice that has become well known for having great products, excellent rates, and stellar customer service is a huge success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hcfootprint.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/footprintlending
