We had the good fortune of connecting with Colleen Ximenes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Colleen, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
For me, risk taking is really about overcoming fear of the unknown. Fear is such a huge motivator for keeping people in the same place. I stayed in the same place for a very long time. And in that time I never felt fulfilled or purposeful. I was going through the motions. I was stuck and afraid of stepping out of my little bubble because I had been in it for so long and I didn’t know anything else. Circumstances gave me an opportunity to step out of that bubble and I decided it was time to bet on myself. I took a very big risk, mid-life, and changed my entire career trajectory. And with that change I have grown both personally and professionally. While it has been incredibly difficult, it has been worth every second!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Loan Officer for Caliber Home Loans. My greatest joy comes in seeing my clients in their new home! A house is so personal and people buy them for many reasons. Whether is it their first house, one for their growing family, a new start or just a change of scenery, I am so grateful that I get to be a part of that. I really enjoy getting to know my clients and making sure that they are set up for financial success at the end of the day. My clients are not just transactions or a number on a sales board, they are people buying the biggest asset of their life. I pride myself in making sure they understand the process and where their money is going.

My path to lending came about when I hit a cross-road in my life. I had been working for the same company for over 20 years with the bulk of that being a Financial Team Leader. I was craving something for myself, where my success and my income were dependent on the work I put in, not a labor budget on a company’s profit and loss statement. I wanted to be in control of my life. Lending was a natural fit with my love of finance and desire to create my own future.

Changing your life’s trajectory can be scary. But don’t let fear stop you from growing and finding your potential. Making mistakes or failing at something is where we learn and grow. And you will get to meet and work with some amazing people along the way!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dallas is such a fun and dynamic city. And I am a bit of a foodie so good eats plays a big part in where I take friends and family that visit. Some of my favorite restaurants are Paradiso, The Monarch, The Charles, Petra and the Beast, Ten Ramen and Tacos Y Vino. For drinks with friends I love a good patio and Dallas has so many to choose from like Catbird, Chelsea Corner, The Henry or The Wild Detectives. There is always something fun to do in Dallas and we love going to The Arboretum, The DMA, The Farmers Market and the Zoo. And if outdoor fun is your game, White Rock Lake and Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve are great for hiking and biking.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mortgage Team! I could not ask for a better group of people to work with. I am surrounded by a very successful, experienced group of individuals who are so generous with both their time and knowledge. I have the privilege of working with the best in the business- Caliber Home Loans and the Christian Johnson Group! My success comes from working with a team that is cohesive, experienced and all-in when it comes to helping people get into their home. Homeownership is such a personal experience and my team understands and respects that. We all care about our clients and it shows in the work we do.

My Family! My husband, Todd, has been the most incredible and valuable sounding board. As an entrepreneur himself, he can speak directly to the challenges of growing a business and growing a referral base. It is not easy and on days were I felt overwhelmed he has been there to encourage me and hold me up. And my sweet daughter, Madeline. She is one of the primary reasons I do what I do. I want her to know that she can set out to achieve whatever inspires her and that she does not have to limit herself to conventional career expectations.

Website: www.colleenxhomeloans.com

Instagram: ColleenXHomeLoans.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-ximenes-b67142143/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColleenXHomeLoans

Image Credits
Headshots by Jewell Allene

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.