I am the Founder, Owner, and CEO of A and N Mortgage, which I am happy to say is a 100% Woman-Owned mortgage company based in Chicago. Choosing mortgage as a career path was an early decision for me as I knew I wanted to be in business for myself and pass on positive traits to develop other leaders and teach borrowers about building wealth. A and N celebrated 20 years last year and is licensed in 17 states and counting. We are built on a foundation of security, trust, and relationship building which has helped us rank as both a Top 100 Mortgage Company and a Best Mortgage Company to work for several times. I have been ranked in the Top 200 in Scotsman Guide and have won the Five Star Award for the last thirteen consecutive years. I believe a smile is the most important gift anyone can give, and I love guiding my clients, partners, and team throughout the mortgage journey.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Growing up, my mother worked in the mortgage industry and my father, an immigrant from India, owned properties. I helped my father manage rental properties on the weekends throughout junior high which showed me the value of hard work and building wealth. I saw my father’s passion and caught that fever. I remember it like it was yesterday, I was hooked! My husband, Dean, also works in the mortgage industry and just joined A and N this year! We are teaching our three kids about smart financial decisions to give them a strong foundation for their future. Outside of the office, we spend time with our extended family and enjoy doing things with our kids and our two dogs.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My parents taught me about sales and being in business for myself although I originally wanted to be an English professor and only had 12 hrs left to get my masters. With over two decades in the industry now, I couldn’t ask for anything better than being in business for myself with A and N. Our team has grown and expanded into new markets and I can’t wait to see where we go next.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Greek and Indian food so those are usually my favorite.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been in the area my entire life! I grew up in Chicagoland and attended UIC.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
We were able to go on a family trip to Greece this summer and I would love to go back again to make even more memories with my kids because time flies by so fast.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I don’t always have a lot of time to watch TV or movies. If I am not working, my husband and I spend time with our kids, family and our two dogs.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I always teach my team to look at challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles. And to ask questions and learn because we always have room to grow.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Expanding A and N into new markets to help more families.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I absolutely love Spotify and can’t function without music. I always have music playing. It even comes out of my fridge!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Too hard to narrow down! I’d have to host a party at my house so I could have everyone come over.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The people! I enjoy meeting new people and talking to them. Connecting with someone is something special and can have a lasting impact.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to grow A and N in more markets so we can give back and support our community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am half New Delhi Indian, and part Irish and Swedish.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Greece is beautiful, the people are warm and welcoming. It is one of my favorite places to travel with my family.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love the smell of cinnamon, so the holiday season is one of my favorite times.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Everyone at A and N gives 110%. I couldn’t be prouder of our team.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My employees! In the pursuit of success, I look to each and every one of my employees. They each have an invaluable role in shaping my character and drive me towards personal development.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The aroma of cardamom, my absolute favorite scent, never fails to uplift my mood and transport me to a world of pure bliss. Whether it’s in a cup of steaming chai or a delicious dessert, cardamom is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. My second favorite is cinnamon! Reminds me of the holidays and gives me a comforting, cozy winter wonderland feeling. Whether it’s freshly baked cinnamon rolls or a fragrant spiced candle, this heavenly scent is simply captivating.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peaceful, Love, Welcoming, and of course, A and N!
