Kimberly A. Kozelsky (formerly Kimberly Merendino) is a Home Mortgage Consultant for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Kimberly has been a member of the Association since 1999 and currently serves on the Association’s Board of Directors.

Please share with us your background and your career track.

I am fortunate enough to say that I grew up on a farm near Hershey, PA. I learned at a very young age what it meant to work and that background allows me to appreciate the life that I lead. My career track started after college when I moved to Washington, DC.

While awaiting government work I began working at Stewart Title in 1988 and hence the rest is history. When sitting through a settlement I would ask myself why the borrowers were not made aware of certain things that seemed so relevant that I decided to make a difference, at least to me, and get into originating. In 1996 I relocated back to PA and have been here ever since. I have been with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage since 2001 and look forward to continued growth changes both personally and professionally.

I have built a team of three who compliment and push me to grow more and for them I am thankful.

What advice relating to the mortgage process would you give to a new real estate agent entering the business?

The mortgage process is similar to a Real Estate transaction in that there are no two alike. If you get into this business thinking fast buck with no sweat then it is best to get out.

Think about it--we are digging into the depth and emotions of peoples lives and that can be a joyful or a dangerous place to be. A difficult transaction is an opportunity of growth and every agent, whether experienced or not, can choose to embrace each transaction as a notch in our learning belts. Overtime, you will begin to control your transaction and not let it control you but do not be afraid to scratch the surface!

How do you define excellence in customer service?