Sometimes, the most intimidating obstacle can turn into a blessing in disguise. What appears to be a setback at first glance can become another stepping stone on the path to success.

Such was the case for Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe early in her professional life. After graduating college, she worked as a branch manager for a local bank. By all accounts, her career was on a smooth upward trajectory. Then, the bank was robbed at gunpoint twice within her first two weeks in the role, leaving Ashley questioning her career choice.  

“The event was very scary. I was so young and I was not equipped for what transpired,” she reflects.” We had tellers that needed to go to the emergency room, talk to cops, and deal with security personnel. I knew in my heart this was not my forever career.”

Ashley decided to pivot but wanted to remain in the financial world. So she turned to mortgage lending, where she’s remained since. Over the past two decades, Ashley has solidified her standing as one of the Triad’s most well-respected loan officers.

Fast forward nearly twenty years, and Ashley is still thriving in mortgage lending. She’s now the Branch Manager/Sr. Loan Officer of the Sharpe Mortgage Team with Highlands Residential Mortgage.

Ashley prides herself on taking a consultative approach to mortgage lending. She focuses on helping clients reach their dream of homeownership by focusing on their whole financial picture.

“I’m very honest. I don’t take a salesy approach. It’s all about what's best for the client. What are their dreams, goals, and aspirations? What is their budget? What is their ideal payment? Then we figure out how a house fits into their world,” Ashley explains.

Ashley and her team have been successful because their heart is in the right place. They care about people and are willing to go the extra mile to come through for their clients and agent partners. When working with partner agents, Ashley is especially respectful of their time and energy.

“I care about agents. I don’t want them driving a client around who ultimately isn’t going to be a successful homebuyer. I don’t take their time for granted and really respect what they do at a high level. It takes a lot of grit to get up every day and show up for their clients. They have a big job, and we work as a team. That’s always been my approach,” she explains.

Ashley’s team is now a family business. Her two sisters, Jennifer and Cara, have been with her for more than ten years, and they’ve adopted the other teammates as family members. The compassionate atmosphere the Sharpe Mortgage Team brings is a testament to the care they take in their work.

“If people remembered that we really cared about them at a deep level, and not just about the transaction, that would be the ultimate goal. We want to leave a legacy of helping people achieve the American dream in a way that is thoughtful and considerate.”

As she reflects on her career in lending, Ashley taps into a sense of pride in her work and how many families she’s helped.

“I’m so grateful I was able to find a career that was such a good match for me when I was so young, that I’ve been able to find work that I really enjoy. It’s definitely become a business I love. I love helping people come up with solutions in their lives. We do more than help get them into homes; we help secure their financial futures.”

Ashley is a very proud dog mama and has three bulldogs–Finn, Hutch, and Birkin. When she’s not working, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, Zach, gardening, hiking, and working out.