Ricki Taylor has decades of experience as a mortgage banker and recently joined Renasant Bank after retiring from the industry in December. One of the things she loves most about the industry is the relationships she is able to develop with her clients over the years, which is also why she treasures working for regional banks.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
My name is Ricki Taylor and I am a senior mortgage banker at Renasant Bank. I was born in Fort Walton Beach and was a military brat so we moved around a lot.
I spent my high school years in Miami and then went to the University of Georgia and have been in the mortgage business since 1985 and have been lending ever sense.
For the last 20-plus years I’ve been working with banks as a broker. I was with Synovus for 26 years in three markets, La Grange, Tifton (both in Georgia) and moved to the area in 2008.
I retired in December from Synovus and in February started at Renasant.
I fell into the industry because I was going to go to law school but got married and got a job as a broker.
In the ‘80s there was no real degree that focused on mortgage lending, so you learned on the job.
Once I realized I was good with people, I realized it was my niche. I quickly learned that you can’t be afraid to get out there and sell yourself.
What does your customer approach look like?
I like to be up front with them from the beginning and throughout the process, because no one likes surprises right before they go and buy a house.
I was an underwriter when I first started, so I kind of understand what underwriters want and are looking for.
When I retired, I knew I wanted to go with a bank who was willing and wanted to invest in the community and sees that potential in the area, as I do. That starts with the people you are serving.
What are the most rewarding parts about your job?
I like that Synovus was a regional bank and so is Renasant. I like the individual relationships that you develop as part of a regional bank compared to the larger ones, where people can feel like they’re in an assembly line.
I like boutique banks where you have someone who gives you a hands-on approach and personalized service.
Here at Renasant, it’s a team that cares about people, and you’re not just a number, which is exactly how I like to treat people as well.
The building of relationships is what I like, and it’s nice when the people you’re working with share in that.
I'm ready for a new beginning here at Renasant.
What are some of the challenges faced?
When I first got into the business the rates were dropping, so we were pretty much baptized by fire.
The people you’re working with are going through one of the most stressful times in their life to buy a house or make a big purchase like that.
You want to make sure they feel confident and trust in the person they’re working with to help them get through those times.
They want to know that you will do the best for them, because they have other aspects of their businesses to focus on.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love working out and anybody can find me at some gym somewhere. I was once a member of four gyms at the same time.
My main gym right now is Training for Warriors in Ponte Vedra Beach.
It’s not just good for you from a fitness standpoint but it’s also a great social atmosphere and can be a fabulous stress relief.
I’ve also gotten involved with promoting the importance of being an organ donor. You don’t realize it, but it can help you heal, knowing that your loved one helped someone to live.
What do you enjoy most about living in the North Florida area?
The area has such a great beach life, and the weather is so great all year round.
There’s always some reason to get outdoors and do something to take advantage of that weather.
