Audrey Gessow has been the vice president of Principal Mortgage for 14 months.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I originate loans and train, motivate and hire employees. I do everything that a manager would do.”
HOW DID YOU GET INTO LENDING?
“I started about 22 years ago. I was approached by a gentleman who asked me to be his administrative assistant. Two weeks later, I was promoted to processor and about a month later I became the assistant operations manager. And I’ve been in it ever since.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LENDING?
“Being able to help people with their financial needs. I like the referral business that I get back. I’m able to give the regular customers individual attention and then they refer me to others.”
BEFORE CURRENT COMPANY?
“I was the manager of Washington Mutual Bank.”
WHERE IS YOUR COMPANY LOCATED?
San Jose Boulevard and Baymeadows Road.
WHERE IS YOUR PARENT COMPANY LOCATED?
Brunswick.
HOW MANY ARE ON YOUR STAFF?
Eleven, including eight loan associates, two processors and an administrative assistant.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE LENDING OF PRINCIPAL MORTGAGE?
“We do all types of lending from conventional all the way down to non-forming loans. We also specialize in the interest — only loans.”
HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY?
“We promote it through our loan associates because they are very well known in the real estate and builder community. We also own a telemarketing company, so we offer free financial analysis to determine which program would best suit customer’s needs.”
BIRTHPLACE
Long Island, N.Y.
MOVED TO JACKSONVILLE
Ten years ago to be closer to family and for the lifestyle.
FAMILY
She is a single and has one son, Joseph, 11.
HOBBIES
Refinishing antique furniture, decorating and physical fitness.
RESIDES
Ponte Vedra Beach.
FAVORITES
Her favorite book would be any of the “Left Behind” series. “I just saw ‘Signs;’ it was an excellent movie, but one of my favorites was ‘Sweet November.’ ” When relaxing at home, she enjoys “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” for fun television and “Dateline” for more serious viewing. When dining out, she prefers Mediterrania Restaurant on Baymeadows Road. Her favorite place to visit is New York, “because it’s my hometown.”
— by Michele Newbern Gillis