How long have you been with Brace?
I’ve been with Brace full-time for a little over a year, but I was doing consulting work with them for around six months prior. So all-in-all, close to two years.
What does your position entail?
Our marketing team is small, so I’d say a little bit of everything. Primarily I create and manage Brace’s content and social media. I also assist with ad campaigns and help with brand messaging within the product and across other channels.
What did you do before joining Brace, and how did you end up here?
Before Brace, I was a freelance content marketing consultant. A mutual contact between Becky Hobbs (Marketing VP) and me connected us, and I started with Brace by helping manage their social media and write some marketing assets. The opportunity for a full-time role became available, and luckily they welcomed me aboard. I was happy to leave the freelance grind for more stable and meaningful work.
What are some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?
My favorite project I’ve worked on was writing the Proactive Mortage Servicing ebook. It was very challenging and required a ton of industry research. It turned out great and is a piece of work I’m very proud of. I also enjoyed working on the Flagstar case study and the Brace Mortage Servicing Surveys.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment at Brace?
I’d have to say the work I did on the Brace Mortage Servicing Surveys has been what I’ve been most proud of. In the mortgage servicing industry, there’s not a lot of consumer data out there. Servicers have said that our surveys provide great insight into what homeowners want/need. It’s nice to be able to provide meaningful data to industry leaders in hopes that things can change for the better.
What is your favorite part of working at Brace?
Aside from helping Brace achieve its mission, I really enjoy the progressive company culture and its transparency. I’m a fully remote employee and a new father. Brace trusts employees and gives us flexibility and autonomy to perform our duties asynchronously. At the same time, Brace makes a real effort to keep everyone connected through virtual events, meet-ups, games and more.
What is something you would want others to know about Brace?
It’s humbling and inspiring to be part of a team of people that are so genuinely committed to achieving a company’s mission and vision. Brace is a hard-to-come-by company where everyone, top to bottom, gives 100% every day and you can see the results daily.
Which Brace value means the most to you and why?
Unlock grit. As I mentioned, everyone at Brace is passionate about achieving its long-term vision. I’m a nose-to-the-grindstone type of person who will also go above and beyond, and it’s nice to see everyone else has the same attitude. With a start-up, grit is an essential trait to have. Not only for getting things done but to be able to be satisfied with the small wins, which will eventually lead to the big ones.
What’s been your favorite team activity?
Working remotely, I look forward to the virtual events we have once or twice a month. It can be anything from drag bingo to a virtual museum tour. Occasionally, Brace will fly in its remote workers to the NY office, which I always really enjoy. It’s great to work face-to-face and see more of the team all at once. And you can always count on a fun happy hour and, if you’re lucky, some karaoke.
Where are we most likely to find you outside of work?
When I’m not working, I’m usually trying to do something outdoors to enjoy the fleeting 180 days of sun Michigan has to offer, like hiking, biking, or lake activities. You can also find me at a local brewery sampling a new brew, at a new restaurant, or at a concert — as long as I’ve secured a babysitter.
Finally, what is something we’d never guess about you?
I was a chef in a past life. I’ve been non-practicing for a long time now, but in my younger days, I’ve worked on everything from food trucks to Michelin-star-rated restaurants. I’ve helped open several restaurants and once catered for the show Madmen. Oh, I also was on a dating game show, but I’ll never say which one.
