Embrace Employee Spotlight: Jeff Nelson and Sydni Reinhold

There’s a lot to love about Embrace Home Loans, but one of our strongest assets has always been our employees. We have teammates who have been with us for 10, 20, even 30+ years. And we’ve also been hiring new employees at a furious pace this year — new employees that many of us haven’t met yet as we continue to work remotely during the pandemic.

In this Employee Spotlight, we’ll be featuring two Embrace teammates — one new employee, and one employee who has already been with us for a while. Each will give different perspectives on the Embrace experience and a little more personal info so you’ll be able to get to know them better.

Want to nominate someone to feature in a future spotlight? Email Mary Mack at [email protected]

SYDNI REINHOLD, Underwriting Assistant

What is your official title and what do you do at Embrace?

I am an Underwriting Assistant for Boiana’s team of awesome underwriters! I intercept loans before the underwriters get them in order to take as much off their plates as I can and make their process as smooth as possible.

What made you want to work at Embrace?

My sister is Devin (Reinhold) Iannone, assistant to Tim Higgins. She has been telling me for years now how I should work for Embrace, but I never took the plunge until now. At the time, her love for Embrace seemed too good to be true (and a little crazy lol) — but now I totally get it.

How has it been starting a new job during COVID? And just working for Embrace in general?

It’s definitely … different … starting a new job during COVID, especially a remote one. But Embrace has made the transition really smooth and enjoyable. One of my biggest concerns was just getting to know people, but the technology of Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Teams video calls (as well as a very welcoming team) continues to help me tackle this obstacle. Embrace’s dedication to their work, sense of community, value of work-life balance, and employee appreciation has made the decision to join the team a very easy one.

What did you do for a living before you came to Embrace?

I worked at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD as an Animal Rescue Husbandry Aide. I helped rescue sick or injured sea turtles and seals, rehabilitate them, and release them back into the wild. Most days involved feeding, treating, and restraining seals and sea turtles, and of course, a LOT of cleaning was involved. This was truly a DREAM job, though not the most financially sustainable, so I also bartended on the side. If your party needs someone who can mix a drink, I’m your girl!

We’d love to get to know you better! Tell us about yourself.

If you know my sister, we are VERY different in all the best ways. I’m a closet nerd who loves the outdoors, reading, traveling, marine biology, adventure, animals, food, and am always down to try or learn something new. I was born in Damascus, MD, went to James Madison University in Virginia for college and lived in West Palm Beach, Florida for a while bartending before returning to Maryland.

JEFF NELSON, Loan Officer

What is your official job title and what do you do at Embrace?

I’m a Mortgage Loan Originator, so I specialize in originating refinance and purchase loans. For many people, homeownership is a dream come true — I’m here to make that an affordable and enjoyable reality for all my clients.

How long have you worked for Embrace?

I’ve been with Embrace since 2019.

What made you want to work at Embrace?

Embrace was a no-brainer for me. I had just begun my journey into the real estate industry and Embrace had established themselves as one of the best mortgage companies in the country for years now. I love the culture. There was a certain comfortability I felt from the beginning. I connected with my team immediately. It was the perfect storm.

What’s one of your favorite Embrace memories?

Favorite memory … LOL meatballs, insider amongst the Direct lenders — you had to be there. But in all honesty, my first closing. Always remember your first love.

How has it been working from home for most of this year? Has Embrace made it easier for you in any way?

I think we can all agree 2020 is the greatest Netflix series yet to be created. I didn’t know what to expect or how to feel. It was a major adjustment. So many uncertainties. Through the highs and lows, Embrace has done a phenomenal job operating without missing a beat. We’ve been able to help more families than ever before. That’s a blessing.

We’d love to get to know you a little better! Tell us about yourself.

I’m originally from Queens, New York but New England is really my home. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Management/Psychology from Bryant University. I just moved to the Providence, RI area.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball, yoga, photography, cooking, traveling, and attending sporting events. I can’t wait for those last two to be a reality again lol. One of my biggest goals in life is to start my own foundation for inner city youth.