Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Means.
Cynthia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved from downstate Alton, IL to Chicago in the fall 1990, my first position was with the American Bar Association. In 1992, I began working for AON Insurance company as an analyst and thereafter, I began working for Banc One Mortgage in the summer of 1993 in their loan originating department as a Credit Analyst, unfortunately, I was laid off in December of 1994.
As I began preparing for the next opportunity, I made a conscious decision that my next opportunity would not be in a support role but rather in a sales position so, that I might increase my earning potential while decreasing the chances of being laid off again. I was fortunate to secure an opportunity with Guaranteed Financial, better known as Guaranteed Rate as a part time loan processor and full time loan officer. From that point, I knew that I had found my “niche” or “purpose in life.” I loved helping people, loved finances and loved helping consumers in underserved markets understand the benefits of homeownership.
I spent 17 years in the mortgage industry rising through the ranks as a loan officer, sales manager, branch manager and ultimately Regional Vice President at JP Morgan Chase where I recruited and hired loan originators that targeted first time homeowners in the African-American, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific and LGBTQ segment. Working with first time homebuyers in these segments, was very rewarding to me. I recall a time, I went into my manager’s office upset that a loan hadn’t closed and he told me that’s what happens when you work with the kind of customers that I worked with. I looked at him and stated, “If I won’t, who will?” We never had that conversation again!
In 2009, when the banking industry crashed I found myself working as a Claims Authorizer for the Social Security Administration and although, it was a great stable position, there was still something missing. As a former colleague shared with me, “the reason that you are so unhappy there is that you miss the kill!” She was right. Therefore, in 2012 I decided to re-enter the mortgage industry but only part-time. And, I was in love again!
However, as much as I enjoyed working as a part-time loan officer, I felt that I wanted to do more and I could do more to educate the African-American and Hispanic community on finances, budgeting, credit, home ownership and banking. As I began to research and look at who was making a difference in our community and market I stumbled across the State Farm agent opportunity. I talked to other State Farm agents, to gain insight on what to expect, how they enjoyed being a State Farm agent and the qualifications, so in July 2013, I applied. I received a phone call the same day, interviewed several months later and submitted, I had by business plan approved January 2014. I was selected for the State Farm agent opportunity in September 2014 and my office opened July 2015 and the rest is history!
To have a job is great, no it’s really awesome! But, to love what you do and get up every morning with a purpose is a blessing. I am blessed each and everyday, I walk through those doors at 11628 S Western Avenue, in the beautiful Chicago Beverly neighborhood. I am fortunate to have the best staff, clients, family and friend support system, they make it all worth while. Because of them, I am able to help people and be the best State Farm agent God will have me to be. I know and recognize that I am here today because of God, it’s because of His grace and mercy. The only thing in my life that saddens me, is unfortunately my mom is not here to see how far I’ve come. But, I know she sees me from the heavens above, and that I find comfort with.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When the mortgage industry crashed in 2008, it was a financial struggle because it not only affected my income but my husband’s income as well. We both had to regroup and reinvent ourselves, I went to work for the Social Security Administration and began teaching high school students.
But we managed, to find our way and hold it together through a lot of prayer and sacrifice.
Means Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Means Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. State Farm is a financial services company. We offer auto, home, life and health insurance. State Farm also has a bank and many people don’t know about it.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define success based on the amount of people I am able to help, encourage, and assist. My success is knowing that, what I do helps others lead a better, happier, healthier and financial life. In my business, I desire to empower customers, employees and the community that I serve.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11628 S Western Avenue
Chicago IL 60643 - Website: www.cynthiameans.com
- Phone: 773-840-4702
- Email: cynthia@cynthiameans.com
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