Women Leading the Way in Real Estate Services
Perspectives from Radian’s Female Leaders
by Radian Real Estate Management
As Radian celebrates Women’s History Month, we are excited to highlight five amazing women with Radian Real Estate Management LLC (RREM) who recently sat down with Rebecca Smith, SVP of Business Development, to share their stories.
Aimee’s Story
Aimee Lindsay has over 15 years of experience in REO asset management. During her tenure at RREM, she has hired, trained, and managed teams that have sold and closed up to 500 assets monthly. As the Director of REO Operations, she focuses on driving positive results while effectively meeting client expectations.
How did you get into this space, and what continues to excite you about it?
I didn’t know all the details around REO when I applied for my first role, but knew I was excited about the industry. So, prior to getting the job, I researched REO extensively. I instantly fell in love with not only REO but with all the people. Fast forward 15 years, and REO still excites me. I love that it is ever-changing.
What advice would you give other women in this industry?
Stand tall, be confident, take risks and be proud of your accomplishments.
Ella’s Story
As the AVP of Valuations Operations and Vendor Management, Ella Barlow has held a variety of senior management roles across fulfillment, valuations and REO vendor management during her 10-year tenure at RREM. Six-Sigma Green Belt certified, her 23-year industry career has helped her develop invaluable relationships with clients and vendors.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I have the pleasure of working with phenomenal individuals every day. In an ever-evolving industry, I look forward to understanding the challenges our clients and vendors are facing and helping to work towards solutions. I enjoy having the opportunity to encourage, educate, and show gratitude to our teams who are committed to delivering quality products.
How do you mentor other women to help them advance their careers?
Actively listening and understanding the goals of those you are mentoring is key to helping them create a path for what’s next in their journey. Providing an approachable space for feedback and knowledge transfer is also vital to empowering them to utilize new skills and put themselves in front of others where they may not have done so before. I encourage other women to be authentic to the core qualities that define who they are. I believe that doing so allows women to foster trust, respect, a positive and supportive environment as well as a strong sense of community within a team.
Brooke’s Story
Brooke Backus has been in the asset management space for 15 years and is currently the Manager of Support for Radian’s real estate tech services. As a manager, she provides hands-on training and support to help users navigate Pyramid Platform, valuations operations and automated valuations more effectively and efficiently. With a diverse range of clients and investors, Brooke helps them leverage these systems to more easily manage their portfolios and other services.
Who was a mentor to you in your career, and how did they help?
My former manager was instrumental in recognizing my potential and mentoring me from an entry-level role to becoming a manager. His leadership allowed for personal and professional growth in an industry I didn’t have prior experience with while also helping build my confidence to excel in my career.
How did you get into this space, and what continues to excite you about it?
I wanted to be in real estate, but I am not a natural salesperson. Being able to provide services and tech that help make transactions easier and more transparent is always exciting and makes each day new and different. I love helping clients find solutions and seeing them drive their own success through our technology.
Elizabeth’s Story
Elizabeth Taylor has worked in the mortgage industry for more than 20 years and is currently the Director of REO Operations. Managing critical REO processes including eviction and closing, she also develops strategic partnerships to ensure assets are available for marketing by helping expedite the process for obtaining possession and reselling the REO property.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a woman in this industry, and what helped you overcome them?
The biggest challenges include simply not being heard and being overlooked when I offer ideas and suggestions. I always spend additional time doing research to present accurate and relevant information that support my suggestions. I also work to identify whether any responses are just simply feedback or requested changes I should make.
How did you get into this space and what continues to excite you about it?
I started working for my local water department collecting payments for bills when I was just 12 years old. Growing up in a small, rural town, the idea of not only owning a home, but having the ability to maintain that home was extremely important to me and so many others in my community. I knew I wanted to work in the housing industry and am excited to know my role today is helping others experience those same feelings.
Kristen’s Story
Kristen Bauer serves as the Senior Client Service Manager where she acts as the liaison among lenders, sponsors, legal counsel, and operations. With over 20 years of industry experience, she has established herself as a subject matter expert in diligence processes and valuations products for the last 12 years at RREM.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a woman in this industry, and what helped you overcome them?
It can be difficult for a woman to establish credibility. Early on, I found that my ideas were sometimes questioned more than those of my male peers. I focused on building deep industry knowledge, consistently delivering exceptional results, and being my authentic self. I found that surrounding myself with supportive colleagues, mentors, and seeking out environments where my contributions were valued was a key to success.
How did you get into this space, and what continues to excite you about it?
I found my way into this industry after leaving a role in construction management. At the time, the SFR asset class was in its infancy, and we were figuring things out using skills from other aspects of residential real estate finance. What continues to excite me is the ever-evolving nature in this area. My spirit thrives in an environment where new tech, services, and client needs are constantly emerging. I love the challenge of staying nimble and finding innovative solutions to meet the demands of a dynamic market.
