Cultivating Success Through Connection with Kendra Rommel

Kendra Rommel, co-founder of Futures Financial, joins Geraci Partner Jen and Geraci Attorney Nichole for a special "She-Shed" takeover episode of Lender Lounge. Kendra shares her unconventional path from retail to mortgage lending, her early operations experience, and the strategic decisions behind launching Futures with her partner David Rosenberg. The conversation explores balancing personal life and business, building a resilient team, lessons in partnership, and the importance of remaining adaptable in an ever-changing private lending market. Kendra's story reveals the grit, vulnerability, and mindset required to build a private lending business from the ground up.   Bullet Points: [00:00:00] Kendra introduces Futures Financial and its lending focus. [00:03:22] Her start in mortgage at 17 and transition from retail to lending. [00:07:21] The story of meeting and partnering with David Rosenberg. [00:12:37] Early challenges and scaling lessons from small shop lending. [00:15:26] What sets Futures apart and its unique infrastructure approach. [00:17:29] Hiring philosophy and how the team has grown intentionally. [00:20:03] Marketing missteps and learning from early mistakes. [00:22:02] How Futures adapts to market changes without losing identity. [00:25:01] Kendra opens up about the emotional toll of launching a business. [00:27:38] Building trust in a partnership and handling vulnerability. [00:30:09] Balancing parenting, entrepreneurship, and personal time. [00:33:25] Setting boundaries and time-blocking to stay present. [00:35:42] Advice for clients: always have more than one lending option. [00:39:43] How Futures remains transparent and client-focused. [00:42:52] The role of active asset management in borrower retention. [00:46:17] Moments of fulfillment and pride in Futures' progress. [00:50:55] How private lending reshaped her perspective on money. [00:52:29] Vision for Futures: slow growth, strong capital, and tech projects. [00:54:20] Where to find Kendra and connect with Futures Financial.   Links: Learn more about Futures Financial at https://futuresfinancial.com/ Learn more about Geraci Law Firm at https://www.geracilawfirm.com Subscribe to the Lender Lounge newsletter for episode notifications and exclusive content at https://www.geracilawfirm.com/lender-lounge-podcast Subscribe to the Geraci Law Firm newsletter at https://www.geracilawfirm.com/sign-up Follow Lender Lounge with Kevin Kim on LinkedIn and YouTube