How a culture of care makes Fairway Home Mortgage a top workplace

Julie Fry is often asked why she works at Fairway Home Mortgage. After all, the mortgage industry isn't known for glitz, glamour and fun. But as the organization's Chief People and Engagement Officer, Fry explains that Fairway's almost indescribable company culture is one of the best.

"Within the walls of Fairway you have to feel the culture of Fairway," she says. And that culture is one of care, empathy and enjoyment.

Founded in 1996 in Madison, Wisconsin, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is a national mortgage lender specializing in conventional and FHA mortgage loans. The company additionally offers refinancing loans, USDA loans, VA loans and much more at over 500 branches spread across all 50 states.

Though mortgage loans may be their primary offering, Fairway leaders say the work they do is actually about people, not just loans. And that focus on people is what makes Fairway a top place to work.

"[You have to] throw away the policies and procedures, and treat your employees as human beings," Fry says. "There is no script for how you're going to respond to somebody coming to you with a problem or a challenge. Just being empathetic and compassionate to employees is the difference-maker…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/