September 11, 2003

"My son was born, and I realized school alone wasn't going to offer the opportunities I was looking for. I made the difficult choice to drop out and start over."

I took a telemarketing job at a mortgage company, earning $10 an hour and a $300 bonus for every closed lead. After four months of dialing, I saw that mortgage agents were making $5,000 to $25,000 per month—many without a college degree—thanks to the refinance boom of the 2000s.

I decided to get my mortgage license. When I did, my manager dropped a thick stack of leads on my desk and told me to start dialing. Talking to homeowners was easy. What I didn't know was how to broker loans, navigate the loan process, or understand all the programs.

For the first three months, I worked 12 to 14 hours a day and earned nothing. But I refused to quit.

Once I caught up to the learning curve, everything shifted. I made $103,000 in my first six months. That year—I learned lessons that still guide me today:

• ✓ Show up early and stay late
• ✓ Work harder than everyone else
• ✓ Be persistent
• ✓ Set clear goals and take action

My goal now is to hand you the keys to the same vehicle that changed my life. Today, with technology and countless ways to reach clients, you don't need decades of experience or a fancy degree. You need commitment, a phone, a laptop, and the willingness to learn. With the right training, you can build a high six-figure income—and create a business that transforms your life and the lives of the people you serve.