As we are in the middle of November, the season of gratitude offers us that perfect pause—not just to reflect on the hurdles we’ve jumped but also to give a nod to the successes we’ve achieved along the way. After 24 years in the mortgage industry, I can say that while it’s been a rollercoaster, it’s one I’m grateful to still be on. For those who don’t know me, I’m Alecia Shaw, Director of Compliance Operations. My work is all about ensuring trust and integrity, and it’s a role I’m passionate about.
Outside of work, I’m a wife and mom to two amazing kids and a bonus daughter, and I love spending time with my family, our two dogs, camping, and hanging out with friends. These are the things that keep me grounded and grateful, reminding me that the best rides in life are the ones that challenge and reward us.
Acknowledging the Hardships
Let's be honest: the mortgage industry is no walk in the park. Economic swings, changing regulations, and constant scrutiny can make it feel like you're always playing catch-up! As a compliance professional, I don’t “just” survive in this environment—I thrive! Navigating uncertainty is what I do best. It’s not glamorous, but if it were easy, would it even be worth it?
That said, these obstacles aren’t just there to trip me up; they’ve shaped me, and by extension; PRMI. Every compliance challenge, every new regulation, has been a chance to grow stronger, more efficient, and more prepared for whatever's next.
Grateful for My Team, PRMI Leadership, and our Clients!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to appreciate how PRMI continues to evolve and ultimately stabilize even in the face of complexity. I’m truly grateful for our entire company, whose unwavering dedication drives our success every day. I’m also thankful for our clients, who trust us with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives—no small responsibility!
This season reminds us that success is never a solo sport. It's a team effort, a collaboration of colleagues, partners, and customers working in harmony. And to top it off, I’m especially thankful for PRMI’s foundation in risk management—because without it, we’d just be skating on thin ice, hoping for the best. Spoiler alert: that’s not a winning strategy.
Enhancing Efficiency in Risk Management: Overcoming Challenges with Teamwork and Innovation
Over the past year, one of our biggest challenges in risk management was adapting to the rising rates, which led to more requests around bona fide discount points. With higher rates came a surge in branches needing help to verify these points, putting extra demand on our team. To manage this effectively, my team and I focused on a solution that would empower branches directly while freeing up our team for more urgent requests. Together, we designed a self-service tool that branches can now use 90% of the time, significantly reducing the need to request help, allowing them to solve the problems on their own. This shift has saved branches time, brought a better sense of autonomy, while enabling our team to focus on high-priority compliance issues. It was a challenge, but by working together and staying solution-oriented, we’ve created a system that improves efficiency and enhances risk management for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and a Compliance-First Approach
Gratitude is my favorite word because it’s the gift that keeps on giving—and unlike paperwork, it never has a deadline! This November, while I’m grateful for the vital role compliance plays, our true strength comes from the collective effort of every team and branch across our organization. Our compliance group helps PRMI navigate challenges and adapt to new regulations, but it’s the dedication of each department—from sales to operations to customer service—that ensures we keep delivering on our promises to clients. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about setting the stage for long-term success, made possible by everyone’s contributions.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a company that values doing things the right way. Together, through our shared commitment, we’ve built a business that’s not only prepared to weather challenges but to thrive in any market conditions. Looking ahead to the new year, I’m confident about what’s next for the mortgage industry. Sure, more challenges will come—this is the mortgage world, after all—but with a compliance-first mindset and the collective strength of our teams, we’re more than ready.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on the year, I’m grateful for the lessons learned, the victories achieved, and the incredible people we’ve encountered along the way. Being part of this journey alongside professionals who share a commitment to excellence and integrity fills me with gratitude. Together, we’ve created something truly worth celebrating: an industry that doesn’t just survive challenges but embraces them as opportunities for growth.
As we embrace this season of gratitude, I challenge each of you readers to find new ways to turn the challenges of our roles into opportunities for growth and excellence in the year ahead. Already have things that worked for you – I would love for you to share them!