Hala Garmo
La Mesa,CA
Summary
Dynamic Leader with a proven track record in sales management, problem solving and business development. Successfully transformed underperforming teams into high-achieving units, enhancing customer satisfaction, deepening existing bank relationships, collaborating with bank leaders and community partners and exceeding organizational goals. Expert in performance management and conflict resolution, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes continuous improvement and operational efficiency. Known for reliability and adaptability in meeting changing needs.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Mortgage Area Manager
U.S. Bank
San Diego, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Led team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering positive work environment.
- Consistently top 3% for U.S. Bank
- Exceed all measured performance metrics
- Manage daily sales activities for optimal performance
- Conduct regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
- Conduct training sessions to educate employees on best practices and procedures to increase profitability.
- Assess reports to evaluate performance, develop targeted improvements, and implement changes
- All MLO's meet or exceed performance standards
- Facilitate conflict resolution among team members, promoting open communication and fostering positive workplace culture.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining detailed records and documentation as required.
- Develop strong relationships with partners in San Diego/Inland Empire Markets
- Resolve conflicts promptly to promote positive environment for customers.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve customer service and increase sales.
- Increased team productivity by streamlining processes and implementing more efficient systems.
- Achieve high employee retention rates by creating inclusive work environment where staff felt valued and supported.
- Effective succession planning including training and development of an existing team member
Mortgage Branch Manager
U.S. Bank
San Diego/Inland Empire, California
02.2016 - 12.2024
- Team is consistently top 3% for U.S. Bank
- Increased mortgage loan production by implementing effective sales strategies.
- Align with leaders for all U.S. Bank business lines to develop new business, expand products with existing clients and build relationships in market
- Optimized staff productivity levels through regular performance evaluations coupled with constructive feedback sessions for continuous improvement purposes.
- Led sales and marketing efforts in local communities for increased brand visibility and awareness among potential clients.
- Developed strong relationships with realtors, builders, and financial professionals to grow referral network for new business opportunities.
- Fostered positive work environment based on mutual respect, open communication channels, and shared pursuit of common goals amongst team members.
- Managed team of loan officers, ensuring high performance and achieving monthly sales goals.
- Successfully navigated challenging economic periods by adopting proactive measures aimed at mitigating potential negative impacts on branch performance levels.
- Participate actively in networking events to expand professional contacts, increase COI's for MLO's and increase sales target markets.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service throughout mortgage application process.
- Provide coaching to peer managers to help them increase sales and improve retention.
Builder Mortgage Branch Manager
U.S. Bank
08.2014 - 01.2016
- Helped launch U.S. Bank's Builder Division. Create business processes, meet with Builders to establish relationships, collaborate with Housing Capitol and assist with developing builder programs and P&P's.
- Improved Builder satisfaction with detailed backlog reports and proactive communication.
- Added over 25 protected tracts
- Promoted positive work environment by recognizing team achievements and addressing concerns promptly.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service throughout mortgage application process.
- Participated actively in networking and builder industry events to grow market share in various target markets.
- Managed team of Builder loan officers, ensuring high performance and achieving monthly sales goals and meeting builder expectations.
- Developed strong relationships with realtors, builders, and financial professionals to grow referral network for new business opportunities.
- Increased traffic to builder communities through home buyer education, bank partnerships and event planning.
Mortgage Branch Manager
U.S. Bank
08.2010 - 08.2014
V.P Retail Lending
Equity One Lenders Group
San Diego, California
08.1995 - 08.2010
- Led Retail Division. Managed 4-5 Sales Managers with 50-60 loan officers, Managed Admins, Telemarketing, Marketing and Training Departments.
- Focused on maximizing profitability per loan, increase Revenue and manage expenses.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful completion of major projects including establishing Equity One's Wholesale Division and robust training programs.
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Worked directly with CEO and CFO to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals including implementing strategies for Equity One to go public.
- Established culture of continuous improvement, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across organization.
- Leveraged technology to automate workflows and streamline processes, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings across organization.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Enhanced company profitability by implementing strategic business plans and optimizing origination processes.
- Built high-performance teams through effective recruitment and training practices focused on competency alignment coupled with ongoing performance management processes.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Oversaw marketing, advertising and new program implementation.
- Transformed customer experience by designing and executing comprehensive service improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing satisfaction levels.
- Delivered strong financial performance despite challenging economic conditions by executing prudent risk management strategies throughout all aspects of business operations.
- Established drive data-driven decision-making across all levels of organization, leading to better business outcomes including best in class conversion rates.
- Spearheaded organizational restructuring initiatives, streamlining originations and reducing overhead costs.
Skills
- Relationship building and management
- Team development and leadership
- Board leadership
- Performance management
- Business development and planning
- Sales expertise
- Recruitment and hiring
- Training and coaching
- Action plans
Accomplishments
- Extraordinary Performance - Performance reviews 2017-2024
- Legends of Possible recipient 2020, 2021 and 2022
- President's Circle recipient 2014, 2015 and 2018
Legends of Possible 2019,2020 and 2021
Achieved U.S. Bank's highest honor
U.S. Bank President's Club 2014, 2015 and 2018
Achieved U.S. Bank's highest honor
Timeline
Mortgage Area Manager
U.S. Bank
01.2025 - Current
Mortgage Branch Manager
U.S. Bank
02.2016 - 12.2024
Builder Mortgage Branch Manager
U.S. Bank
08.2014 - 01.2016
Mortgage Branch Manager
U.S. Bank
08.2010 - 08.2014
V.P Retail Lending
Equity One Lenders Group
08.1995 - 08.2010
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