April 2007 - Interest Notes

Board Spotlight: Mary Fryer, CML

Southern Chapter First Officer
Owner, Colorado Springs Investment Mortgage Company

This month we’d like to introduce Southern Chapter First Officer Mary Fryer. Mary was the Southern Chapter’s Second Officer last year and has been active with the CMLA for three years.

Mary got involved with the CMLA because she felt it was important to be engaged with the association that represented the interests of mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers, and a variety of service providers. She has worked in the industry for nine years; until July 2006 when she opened CSI Mortgage Company, she worked for a bank, credit union and a large mortgage company. Mary has definitely felt the difference between working in a large structured environment and running her own company.

Mary feels indebted to the CMLA and considers her relationship with CLMA staff and other board members a very important ingredient in her success in business. “I rely on the CMLA as my first resource. Without the quality interactions with the staff and Board, I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today, and I know that I would not have the understanding of some of the complex issues that I deal with in this business. I know I can always turn to someone at the CMLA and find the answers and help I need.”

When it comes to considering the legislative and regulatory issues that face our industry, Mary notes that it can be easy to focus on our industry and think that the worst is happening. “It’s reassuring to know that CMLA is there to sort through all the information, analyze it, and provide a balance perspective on issues of importance to our industry. Our lobbying trip to Washington D.C. last year was a real eye-opener to me. I so appreciate the time Chris Holbert, President of the association, has taken to help me understand how our system of government works and how important it is that we participate in that system.”

Mary has also learned a lot about leadership and how important it is to have a solid staff support. “It may appear on the surface that things just get done, but I know from experience that a lot of time and effort go into planning and execution of CMLA events, and staff and other Board members deserve credit for that. I’ve seen the torch pass from leader to leader at the CMLA - from Wil Armstrong to Debi Taylor and now to Jim Lewis. It is amazing how much time and effort the CMLA Board gives outside of full-time jobs and running companies. I am honored to be a part of something as great as CMLA.”

The most impactful thing to Mary while serving as an officer on the Southern Chapter Board has been the direct support the Southern Chapter receives from CMLA. “I don’t feel like the southern chapter is just an isolated little part of CMLA, but a very vital part of it. And when we need support, we get it.”

Mary’s hobbies, art and golfing, are currently on hold as most of her time is invested in her new company – and trying to keep up with the day-to-day operations. “I don’t mind, though, because I’m doing something that stimulates my mind, something that is interesting and is engaging to me. I view my work – at least on the level of enjoyment – like I would a hobby. It is my passion. I’m having the time of my life and loving it.”

Mary has held CMLA’s Certified Mortgage Lender designation since 2004. She is active with the local HBA in Colorado Springs as well as with Pikes Peak WCR. Mary has been married to husband Ken, who works in real estate. They have two children, Aaron, 23 and Anna, 22. Aaron works with mom and dad and is learning the mortgage business from the ground up. Last July, Anna gave them their first grandchild, Stephan. Mary looks forward to being active with CMLA and working through the challenges of our current business environment.