When Janice DeLorenzo first set foot in our office nearly six years ago, she braced herself for another fast-paced, sales-driven environment. Fast forward to today, and she describes her time at Homestead as nothing short of “a breath of fresh air.” From the leadership’s unwavering commitment to their team’s well-being, to an open-door culture that treats every idea—and every person—with respect. In this “Catching Up with Janice” feature, we’ll dive into the lessons she’s learned, the moments that have moved her to tears (thank you, glowing client reviews!), and exactly why, when the chance to join Homestead popped up, she seized it—and never looked back.
Q: How has your experience here at Homestead compared to your expectations upon hiring?
A: To be honest, when I first considered joining Homestead almost six years ago, I was a little hesitant, based on my past experiences in the financial industry. I was concerned it would be a “sales-driven” environment where numbers and quotas were the focus. But wow, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Homestead’s approach has been a breath of fresh air. Over time, I’ve learned that the leadership prioritizes their employees just as much, if not more, than the bottom line. The long tenure of our employees is a true testament to this.
Q: What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your time with us?
A: I’m not sure if this would be considered a lesson, but one of the most valuable things I’ve learned is that a cohesive team is a key part of a successful company. I love that there’s a mutual respect between the leadership and staff—something I’ve never experienced at any other company. The owners have an open-door policy that fosters communication and creates a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
Q: As Homestead’s Growth Director, you have the opportunity to engage our clients directly. What feedback do you receive the most regarding their customer experience with our team?
A: I love this question because it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I’m constantly amazed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive from our clients. The surveys and reviews often bring me to tears as I hear about the impact we’ve made in people’s lives. It’s incredibly humbling to hear how grateful clients are for our team’s support—whether it’s in purchasing a new home or guiding them through a beneficial home refinance.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Homestead, and what makes it different from other places you’ve worked?
A: Homestead’s culture is very unique. It’s a perfect balance of being welcoming and comfortable—almost like family, while still maintaining a professional environment. That’s what really sets Homestead apart from any other place I’ve worked.
Q: If you could give advice to someone considering joining Homestead, what would it be?
A: If you have an invitation to join Homestead—don’t miss the opportunity. Come see for yourself why so many of us call it “home”. You’ll be encouraged to bring your unique strengths and ideas to the table. It’s a place where people are truly valued, where success is a collective effort, and where your growth matters.
We believe the heartbeat of Homestead Financial Mortgage is our people, and when they flourish, our clients thrive. That’s why we’ve nurtured a culture where employees like Janice can grow and feel genuinely appreciated. In her nearly six years as Growth Director, Janice’s commitment to open communication and passion for guiding homeowners have built lasting trust and delivered outstanding results—living proof of the people-first values we champion every day.