April Blackwell is a multifaceted individual, excelling as an entrepreneur, blogger, coach, speaker, and philanthropist. Alongside her impressive accomplishments, April is known for her avid reading habits and her commitment to lifelong learning.
As the owner of Blackwell Mortgage of NC, LLC and Blackwell Commercial Loans, April has transitioned from her previous role as a business banker to become a trusted mortgage broker. She has established a purpose-driven mortgage company that actively contributes to community non-profits, focusing on supporting children and families in need.
April’s extensive background in commercial banking uniquely positions her to serve self-employed individuals, offering a profound understanding of their financial situations that surpasses that of her peers in the industry. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a VIP business executive seeking a luxury vacation home, April treats every client with the utmost professionalism, providing a 5-star experience and fostering a friendship along the way.
Additionally, April co-hosts the podcast “We Read Business Books,” where she engages in insightful discussions about various business-related topics. Furthermore, she is the founder of 1C1313.org, a notable organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
April Blackwell is a true inspiration, combining her expertise in finance with her passion for helping others. Her unwavering commitment to her clients and community sets her apart in the mortgage industry and beyond.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and April Blackwell:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
I care deeply about all that I do. I want others at home, at work, and in the community to feel that I care. I want to leave people better than how I found them. I want to encourage, inspire, and lift up others.
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company.
I spent the majority of my professional life in Banking. I was a financial analyst for commercial banking, a Business Banker, and A Mortgage Loan Officer.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
In 2018, I hit a low point in my life. Business frustration coupled with postpartum depression wasn’t a great mix. I surrendered all my worry and fear to God and asked him to give me the tools and resources I needed to be successful. That began a journey that would inspire my blogs (themortgagepoints.com and thecoachingpoints.com) and the creation of Blackwell Mortgage in 2021.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
Resilience, love, faith. I don’t give up. I trust myself; I trust in God. I believe I will always find a way to do better for the betterment of my family, business, employees, and community. Love inspires me. Love propels me. Love sustains me. I have a beautiful family, children, husband, team, and coaches throughout the last 4 years that have been my rock and support.
Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
We are a mortgage brokerage. I don’t believe in competition. I believe in peers. It takes a village. Not any one Mortgage Brokerage, company, or bank, can be all things to all people. We take a consultative and educational approach with our clients and infuse love pops into their journey. These are surprises throughout their journey with us that show us we appreciate them.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
We help each other. We cheer for each other. We encourage each other. We are transparent with our weaknesses and inspiring with our strengths. My team is small and each person loves the other like family. It’s really sweet. I hired kind, good, caring, and loyal people. They made the culture.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
There is only so much we can innovate in the mortgage business. How we package our process, and how we treat our clients throughout their journey is where we focus on innovation.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes.
You need both. Processes are not-negotiable. Any organization that plans to scale or grow needs fundamental processes. It’s fun having heroes. Heroes inspire others. It shows other teammates what is possible. I fully support individual heroes, especially when they credit their team for their success.
What are your responsibilities as the Owner of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
I am the owner, operator, producer, trainer, benefits, payroll, compliance, and admin. I wear all the hats. Where I feel most effective is running our monthly team meetings. I love seeing the team together, talking about the state of business as well as working on personal development topics. That is my favorite. Daily, it is the production work. I love advising clients.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Get a journal. Prioritize quiet time. Never stop your self-care. Nurture your energy and protect your peace.
