When it comes to achieving mortgage business growth, few stories are as inspiring as Paula Nirschl’s. A former Division 1 basketball coach turned mortgage leader, Paula embodies what it means to pivot, persevere, and succeed. After moving to a brand-new city with zero connections, Paula built a thriving, referral-based mortgage business from scratch. Today, as VP of the Elevate Coaching Program at Guild Mortgage, she’s helping loan officers across the country scale their impact and reach new heights.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, Paula’s journey offers powerful insights for anyone hungry for mortgage business growth. Let’s dive in.
Why is Mortgage Business Growth so Important in Today’s World?
In an ever-changing market, staying stagnant isn’t an option. Mortgage business growth is about more than just bigger numbers—it’s about sustainability, adaptability, and impact. With fluctuating rates, evolving client expectations, and tighter competition, loan officers must constantly innovate to thrive.
Paula Nirschl recognized early on that growth wasn’t just nice to have—it was essential for survival. She approached the challenge like an athlete: with discipline, resilience, and an unshakable belief that success was within reach. Her story is a reminder that in today’s world, growing your mortgage business isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable.
Beyond the Baseline: How a D1 Coaching Mindset Fuels Mortgage Business Growth
As a Division 1 coach, Paula mastered the art of building teams, developing talent, and creating winning systems. Those same skills became her secret weapon when she entered the mortgage industry.
She knew that relationships—not transactions—would drive her mortgage business growth. By treating every client and referral partner like a “teammate,” she built deep trust and long-term loyalty. Paula’s coaching mindset also fueled her leadership style, helping her mentor and empower others to perform at their best.
The takeaway? Think like a coach. Focus on fundamentals, nurture your people, and lead with vision. That’s how you win—in sports and in business.
Paula’s “Scalability Secret” for Mortgage Business Growth
One of Paula’s biggest lessons? Systems scale success.
She quickly realized that relying on memory and hustle wasn’t sustainable. To achieve true mortgage business growth, Paula invested in simple tech tools and created repeatable processes. From automated follow-ups to referral partner check-ins, every touchpoint was intentional.
Her “scalability secret” is simple but powerful: “Systems protect your energy and multiply your results.” If you’re serious about growth, you can’t wing it. You need workflows, automations, and a clear playbook that anyone on your team can follow.
When it Comes to Mortgage Business Growth, What Does Paula Mean by “Failure is Not an Option?”
“Failure is not an option” isn’t just a motivational poster for Paula—it’s a way of life.
In tough markets or slow seasons, Paula didn’t retreat—she recalibrated. She believed that challenges weren’t roadblocks; they were feedback. Every missed opportunity, every slow month, became a data point to learn from, not a reason to quit.
This mindset is crucial for mortgage business growth today. You will hit obstacles. You will face rejection. But if you treat every setback as a setup for your next breakthrough, you’ll stay in motion—and motion creates momentum.
How Paula Coaches Others at Guild Mortgage
Today, Paula is taking everything she learned and pouring it into the Elevate Coaching Program at Guild Mortgage. As VP of Elevate, she’s leading a talented team of loan officers, giving them the tools, resources, and mindset strategies they need to excel.
Elevate isn’t just about transactions; it’s about transformation. Under Paula’s leadership, Elevate helps LOs:
- Build sustainable, referral-driven businesses
- Master time management and goal setting
- Sharpen their leadership and coaching skills
- Stay resilient in any market condition
If you’re looking for a blueprint to mortgage business growth, following Paula’s example is a great place to start.
Make it Rain, Rainmakers
Mortgage business growth isn’t just for the select few—it’s available to anyone willing to commit, systemize, and lead with heart.
Paula Nirschl’s journey from Division 1 coach to mortgage industry leader proves that with the right mindset and habits, you can build a thriving business no matter where you start.
Ready to unlock your own mortgage business growth?
- Paula’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-nirschl-8721358/
- Paula on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulanirschl
- Paula’s Instagram: Instagram
- Website: https://branches.guildmortgage.com/wa/vancouver/paula-nirschl-558-ppan.html
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