b"Pam Sosa continued from page 22How long have you been a member of the CMA?Why did you join the CMA? I began attending trade association (CIMBA & CTDBA) seminars as an employee some time in the 1980s. When I bought my company in 1996, I knew the importance of membership and joined immediately.Knowing that you have attended many CMA seminars, what is one thing you look forward to the most at each event? I miss seeing my friends!The Like any owner of a small business,support, counseling, knowledge I change hats throughout the day.IYoung Pam sharing, commiserating, and am the complaint department, firecelebrating with those who I consider department, HR department, accountant,and by the time I passed the salespersonsfriends is a big part of my seminar loan officer and investment counselor.Ifexam, I was 19.That was in 1972.I soldexperience.The virtual webinars are a great the kitchen needs to be cleaned . well, Ireal estate for a few years before switchingway to keep us informed and educated, but delegate that job!There is no typical day!to loan origination at Union Home Loansthere is nothing like seeing (and hugging) The best part of this job is that I never getin the late 70s.Can you imagine buyingan old friend!bored.There is something new every day.a house from a 19-year-old?Like a Challenges and celebrations! typical 19-year-old, what I didnt have in knowledge I made up for in confidence.How did you find yourself working in this industry?WasWho is your ideal/target it love at first sight or longercustomer?path?My mom was a real estate broker,My ideal borrower is the little guy and I was put to work in herwhose loan request is too small office at age 16 doing propertyto meet others minimum loan management, filing, errands and all-aroundamounts.I did a $15,000 loan a couple office work.At 18, my parents sent me toof years ago.Not typical, but if needed, ISince the COVID 19 stay at a real estate school for an 11-week coursewould do it again today.The smaller, morehome order implemented manageable loan is my preference. in March, how has the shutdown/economy impacted your work? What sets your company apart from others?Initially, we began working from home with one employee going I am one of the few equity lendersinto the office each day to pick up who offer and encourage long termmail, etc.It was only a temporary solution loans.We lend in rural areas.Ourbecause it was not as productive as all loans are for non-conforming borrowersbeing in one location.Once I made the or non-conforming properties.We lenddecision to bring all the employees back on land, mobile homes on land, and someinto the office, the request for payment really ugly properties! deferrals came flooding in.The lenders Pam's Mom continued on page 24Points of InterestWinter 2020/2021Page 23"