As of December 20, Cornerstone Home Lending, is again one of the Best Workplaces for Diversity in 2019. Earlier this year, Cornerstone also ranked among 2019 Best Workplaces in Texas. And, Cornerstone is the number one mortgage lender on Glassdoor, a nine-year Houston Chronicle Top Workplace, and a Best Workplace for Women.
The latest Best Workplace for Diversity ranking tallies from the testimonies of our team members: Great Place to Work® used confidential surveys from over 4.8 million workers in the U.S. to come up with the 2019 list.
Our Best Workplace for Diversity recognition is based on the trust of the women, LGBTQ people, people of color, people with disabilities, and older team members within our work-family. We’re grateful for this support, and we’re honored.
Inclusion versus diversity: Yes, there’s a difference
Cornerstone Home Lending started in Houston, Texas, in 1988. Today, the same co-CEOs, Marc Laird and Judy Belanger, retain ownership. Thirty-one years have given us enough time to understand the demands of an ever-changing mortgage industry. Now, our reputation for team member integrity, high-trust customer service, and on-time 10-day closings precede us.
When you know, you know. If you’re ready to work for the #1 mortgage lender on Glassdoor, get acquainted with our work-family.*
Three decades of mortgage experience has also given us a good idea of what it takes to cultivate a strong work environment where team members feel like family. Diversity is an important first step, allowing our company to better represent our world’s spectrum of distinct demographics.
Inclusion is the second step that complements — but is not the same as — diversity. Having a diverse staff won’t make a difference, Gallup researchers explained in 2018, if all groups don’t feel welcomed. Team members who work in inclusive offices know they’re appreciated. And, they’re the ones who are more comfortable expressing their ideas.
“People here care about me and my world. They do all they can to help and make my job and life more successful. I hope I retire here,” a Cornerstone Director from Dallas said.
Using a “top-down” leadership model, by leading with a servant’s heart, has helped us embrace both critical components. Cornerstone’s executives, made up of 15 percent minorities and 67 percent women, are all like-minded in our company’s vision to serve.
At the staff level, this looks like listening to team members’ concerns, requests, and contributions, no matter what position they hold, and promoting from within whenever possible. This servant’s heart attitude trickles down to the borrower level too, where our loan officers are known for connecting with clients to make their mortgage experience meaningful.
Inclusive work environments are also proven to be more innovative. This is a big benefit of our company’s diversity that grows every year.
“Keep innovating!” said a Cornerstone Branch Manager in Little Rock. “Lots of great things have been introduced in the almost two years I’ve been here. So, keep up the good work!”
Our in-house designed LoanFly app with its intuitive Borrower Portal feature is just one example of how we’re doing this. We have plans for even more major tech updates to roll out in the next few years – all to maintain our commitment of being a people-first lender that excels at meeting the diverse needs of our team members and our borrowers.
Say hello to the Best Workplace that’s changing how we mortgage
We’d like to get to know you better too. To preserve our five-star industry rep — and to protect the integrity of our work-family company culture that’s second-to-none — we’re always on the lookout for unique talent. If you’re passionate about what you do and care just as much about leading with a servant’s heart as you do growing your career, we could be a match made in heaven. Introduce yourself and get our latest job openings here.
*”Why Cornerstone is the #1 mortgage lender on Glassdoor.” HouseLoanBlog.net, Sept. 2018.
For educational purposes only. Please contact your qualified professional for specific guidance.
Sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed.