If there is one thing Jen Bender knows, it is how to turn her many skills and talents into a successful business. Now a vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity in Chicago, she has a storied background in multiple fields, all of which paved the way for her current career in lending.
“I was a professional basketball player in Germany for three years,” Bender says. “I was at the top of my career, then I blew out my knee.” That led her to New York City, where she taught high school math for two years. After that, she entered real estate, hoping to become a Realtor, but she soon realized that “being a math-minded female,” her true calling was in lending.
“Creative lending has become my forte,” she remarks. “My clients tell me I’m able to give them options other lenders are not. And I can explain the financial figures in such a way that they are able to grasp and understand everything.” Having created a niche for herself as a creative lender and problem-solver has paid off for Bender and her clients. “Last year,” she says, “I closed multiple deals for clients who were initially denied loans by other lenders.”
Being a professional athlete and teacher has helped Bender hone one special skill that serves her well: perseverance. “I believe that if there’s a will, there’s a way to help every client and get every deal done, even in this market,” she insists. “Going from being a pro athlete to math teacher, I am able to communicate, find the winning path and work with a multitude of personalities in a team setting.” To ensure a smooth loan process, Bender manages a five-person team “that moves loans flawlessly and keeps the process smooth for all parties.”
You might guess that as a former athlete, Bender enjoys staying physically fit. But in her spare time she also tutors children in math. “It’s a way for me to stay connected with the younger generations,” she explains, “and be a motivation to them.”
Guaranteed Rate, Inc. is a private corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other government agency.
