“Happiness is not about the trophy, or the finish line. It’s the journey. If you enjoy your journey, you can enjoy your life.”
— Pharrell Williams
For Julie Baker, this quote is more than just an inspirational message—it’s a philosophy that fuels her approach to life and work. Since joining Homeowners Financial Group in April 2021, Julie has embodied the essence of enjoying the process, leading with service, and uplifting those around her. As a Licensing Compliance Specialist based in our Scottsdale corporate office, she brings expertise, dedication, and a uniquely positive outlook to a role that requires precision and adaptability. For Julie, the journey itself is the ultimate reward.
The Pillar of Licensing Compliance
Julie’s role as a Licensing Compliance Specialist is integral to the success of Homeowners Financial Group. Behind every loan officer’s seamless operation lies Julie’s meticulous work, ensuring licensed activity at every level. From preparing NMLS reports to analyzing state-specific regulatory requirements, she navigates the complexities of licensing with confidence and care. A major aspect of Julie’s responsibilities includes facilitating the onboarding process for licensed mortgage professionals (LMPs). This involves setting up NMLS accounts, managing sponsorships, processing credit and background checks, and ensuring all licensing details align with regulatory standards. It’s a process that requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of each professional’s unique needs. Julie approaches this responsibility with enthusiasm, understanding that her work directly contributes to the success of her colleagues. National Recruiting Director, Erik Philipp celebrates the diligence in which Julie supports our hiring process, “Julie is an incredible resource when it comes to licensing, always happy to assist and exceptionally knowledgeable about the process. One of the challenges we often face when speaking with recruits is navigating the transition of their licenses, and Julie consistently goes above and beyond to make the steps clear and manageable. Her responsiveness is unmatched—she even made herself available just before midnight to ensure a new recruit successfully transitioned their license on their final day of eligibility for temporary authority. We are truly fortunate and grateful to have Julie on our team!”
Her specialized knowledge of the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act) and her expertise in NMLS registration are vital assets. She tracks individual licenses, ensures education requirements are met, and manages license and bond renewals. Up to and including our CEO Bill Rogers! Whether it’s responding to regulatory inquiries or proactively communicating with internal and external stakeholders, Julie ensures that Homeowners Financial Group remains compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve. Danielle Swiatek, Director of Sales Experience, shouts, “Julie is incredibly supportive! She manages the licensing renewal process for our Sales Homies with such ease and grace. We all appreciate her positivity and encouragement, especially when it comes to completing those required CE hours. She does so much behind the scenes, also supporting the licensing and compliance requirements for new Sales Homies when they join the company. She’s an asset beyond measure and I’m grateful to have her direction and support!”
Multiple Race Runner
Felecia Bowers, EVP, Chief Compliance Officer, CRCM, CMCP speaks to the many events her employee excels in explaining, “Chances are that as a licensed Homie, you received a friendly poke to get your annually required continuing education completed, starting in May, and at a continual consistent pace. Being proactive is key to Julie Baker’s role as Homeowners’ Licensing Specialist. In addition to her integral responsibilities in licensing, Julie also plays a key role in reviewing and approving marketing assets, monitoring the compliance email account activities and sifting through those dreaded exclusionary lists with urgency.” Julie also contributes to the team in managing companywide compliance initiatives. She oversees periodic pipeline sweeps, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and handles over 351 periodic reports and renewals across the organization—on time, every time. Her ability to stay ahead of deadlines, anticipate challenges, and provide solutions is what sets her apart as a trusted leader in her field.
Her commitment to excellence doesn’t just impact her immediate team—it resonates across the entire organization. By facilitating compliance processes, Julie empowers loan officers and branches to focus on their primary goals, knowing that the critical foundations of licensing and regulatory adherence are in capable hands. This ripple effect is a testament to the major impact Julie has on Homeowners Financial Group’s success.
Life Outside the Office: A Journey in Motion
When she’s not managing the intricacies of licensing compliance, Julie’s life is a whirlwind of activity that inspires everyone around her. A dedicated mom to her two daughters, Teagan and Aubrey, Julie is always on the go—whether she’s cheering them on at their activities, being a Swifty and attending concerts, or creating magical birthday memories with her baking skills.
Julie’s personal journey is equally remarkable. In the spring, she shines on the softball field, playing for her championship-winning team, the Cereal Killers. In the summer, she finds her peace paddleboarding on the water. But year-round, Julie channels her energy into running, hiking, and preparing for endurance challenges. This year alone, she completed the Antelope Canyon Half Marathon, tackled grueling mud runs, and conquered the Flat Iron hike—a grueling 5.5-mile trek with a 2,600-foot elevation gain. Along the way, she met the legendary “Flat Iron Jim,” a 92-year-old hiker who epitomizes the joy of the journey—a sentiment Julie deeply resonates with.
Julie’s crowning achievement this year was earning a spot in the 2024 Canyon de Chelly 55k Ultra-Marathon—her first ultra-marathon. Not only did she finish with an impressive time of 8 hours and 32 minutes, but she also placed third in her age group, proving that her determination and spirit know no bounds. As she trains for the 2025 Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon, Julie continues to inspire others to embrace challenges and savor every step along the way.
Coaches and Inspires Through Example
Julie’s journey at Homeowners Financial Group and in life reflects her belief in the power of persistence, positivity, and purpose. Whether she’s navigating the complexities of licensing, mentoring colleagues, or scaling literal and figurative mountains, Julie reminds us that success isn’t just about reaching the finish line—it’s about finding joy in the process. Her work may be behind the scenes, but the impact Julie has on our organization is front and a winning center. From keeping us compliant to supporting our team members, she is an indispensable part of the Homeowners Financial Group family. Here’s to Julie Baker—a dedicated professional, an adventurer, and a Homie who shows us that happiness truly is in the journey.
3 words that best describe Julie: Positive. Proactive. Passionate.
We are always looking for experienced professionals who are committed to serving the needs of borrowers while maintaining our corporate culture focused on family. If this is you, please contact us at homeownersfg.com/careers for more information on becoming a Homie.
