When they passed out the Laurel Award for Lender of the Year, there wasn’t much doubt: Laura Smith had led the monthly category in loans and volume eight times in 2002.
The Countrywide Mortgage ace took home the Laurel after a tremendous year that may never have been matched in this area: she originated 254 new construction loans for a total of $39,825,653.
“I feel very fortunate to wake up each morning and go to work,” said Laura. “From helping a person realize their dream to assisting a builder or Realtor in achieving their best year ever, my career provides me with a great amount of satisfaction.”
Smith worked for a nationwide condominium marketing company for three years, getting on-site sales and project management experience. She’s also had 11 years experience in all types of residential lending including government lending, conventional lending and “B/C” lending.
In the Sales and Marketing Council, she swept sales and volume awards eight of the 12 months. In the other four, she was no lower than second place, and often would win one category and place in the other.
She was among the best in her company, too. She finished in the top one percent nationally and won the company’s “President’s Council Circle of Excellence” recognition for the second straight year.
She’s active with SMC, serving on numerous committees including the Parade of Homes and the Christmas Angels. She’s also active in the Womanade charity that benefits the daniel home.