Exploring Passion, Values, and Career in Mortgage Lending with Sara Fuller
In a recent episode of The Lofty Lender podcast, host Kyle Guldenpfennig, also known as #TallMoneyMan, sat down with mortgage expert Sara Fuller to discuss her career journey, her approach to building a successful team, and the family values that drive her. With over 20 years of experience, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for helping people navigate the often complicated world of mortgages. Whether you're in the real estate industry or simply interested in hearing stories of resilience, dedication, and hard work, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Find The Lofty Lender on your favorite podcast platform by searching for #TallMoneyMan.
How Sara Fuller’s Career in Mortgage Lending Began
Sara didn't plan to go into mortgage lending. After studying at the University of Northern Iowa, she worked for the American Heart Association but found herself needing a new path after an unexpected downsizing. Following the advice of her brother-in-law, she interviewed at Midwest Family Lending and discovered that, contrary to her initial hesitation about “not knowing numbers,” mortgage lending is as much about understanding people as it is about understanding finances. From that moment on, Sara’s career took off.
Building a Mortgage Team with a Focus on People
Over the years, Sara gained a wealth of experience in mortgages, from refinancing to purchase loans. Recently, she took a new leap by expanding her team to include her now-business partner, Taylor. Inspired by watching how well Kyle and his own colleague, Charlie, work together, Sara realized the value of teamwork in the mortgage industry. With a focus on growth and building relationships, she shared her excitement about teaching Taylor the ins and outs of the industry—especially refinancing, which is seeing a resurgence in today’s market. Sara’s approach to building her team? Find people who excel with clients; the technical side can always be taught.
Family Values: The Cornerstone of Sara’s Work Ethic
A significant part of Sara’s success can be traced back to the values instilled in her by her parents. Growing up, Sara’s father, a farmer, and agronomist, taught her and her siblings the importance of hard work, honesty, and always “giving more.” These early lessons shaped Sara’s approach to work, and she remains committed to them both in her professional life and personal relationships. For Sara, working hard is the path to success, but balancing that with outdoor adventures, time with loved ones, and giving back keeps her motivated and grounded.
Life Outside of Mortgages: A Love for the Outdoors
When Sara isn’t helping people achieve their homeownership dreams, you’ll find her out enjoying nature. She loves spending time with her significant other, Gordy, and their dogs, Gizmo and Gracie. Whether camping or trail-riding at Timber Ridge in Mapleton, Iowa, she finds joy in unplugging and taking in the great outdoors. For Sara, this balance between work and outdoor hobbies is essential to staying energized.
Trigger Leads and Protecting Buyers in the Mortgage Process
A hot topic in the episode was “trigger leads”—an industry practice where lenders buy consumer data immediately after a credit check, resulting in a barrage of sales calls to potential homebuyers. Sara expressed frustration on behalf of her clients, many of whom receive unwanted solicitations that can feel overwhelming. Kyle shared his hope for a proposed bill that would restrict this practice, offering more privacy and a smoother experience for clients. Both Kyle and Sara urged listeners to reach out to their representatives to show support for legislation that limits this invasive practice.
Listen to the Full Episode
Tune into The Lofty Lender for the full episode to hear Sara’s story and insights, from building a resilient career to advocating for buyers in today’s market. Search for The Lofty Lender with #TallMoneyMan wherever you download your favorite podcasts, and discover more stories of passion, hard work, and dedication in the mortgage industry.
