Embrace Employee Spotlight: Karla Melgar and Tyler Martinez

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 each week — 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]

TYLER MARTINEZ, Business Development Associate

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

At Embrace, my official title is Business Development Associate (BDA). As a BDA, I currently assist a Sr. Loan Officer, Karla Melgar, with collecting information from current and future homeowners. I also help with promoting the products and services while building a strong client referral base. When I am not assisting with that, I am learning as much as possible about the products and services for when I soon become a loan officer.

What made you want to work at Embrace?

Well, I would have to say Embrace is “in my blood.” My father was a senior loan officer and branch manager under Karla, and my mother was a processor for Karla as well. Karla is my grandmother so throughout the years of listening to all her conversations about mortgage banking, I felt now is the time to get into the business.

The biggest factor was that I knew Embrace would be a career for me and not a job; Karla always preaches, “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” She constantly tells everyone how much she loves what she does. I was not loving what I was doing before, so I knew it was time for a change.

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

I love Embrace so far! It has been quite a change starting a new job during COVID. When I was with Enterprise, I was working at Richmond International Airport, so I was working at the airport 6-7 days a week and face-to-face with all customers. It has definitely been a change for me not talking to 200 people a day, but there is nothing I would change about that. I love working for Karla as she knows so much about the industry and is very successful; she has been a great leader thus far.

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

Before Embrace, I worked as an assistant manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.  Enterprise helped me develop excellent customer service skills, management skills, and also great sales experience. Enterprise gave me the experience and skills I needed to get me where I am today. I soon realized that Enterprise seemed more of a job rather than a career, as I did not see it being something I would want to do for the rest of my life.

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

I grew up right outside of Annapolis, Maryland but I now live in Richmond, Virginia. I attended Roanoke College where I graduated with a degree in Sport Management. While at Roanoke, I had the opportunity to play college baseball as well.

In my free time, I love to play golf wherever and whenever I can. If I am not playing golf, I am probably playing poker or watching sports. I love to watch baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer — almost any sport.

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KARLA MELGAR, Senior Loan Officer

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

I am a Senior Loan Officer, and I originate loans.

How long have you worked for Embrace?

10 years at Embrace, and 50 years total in mortgage banking!

What made you want to work at Embrace?

I joined Embrace through their purchase of Mason Dixon. I am still here 10 years later because I love the culture, the family environment, and how approachable everyone is.

What’s one of your favorite Embrace memories?

My first President’s Club trip. Initially, I didn’t want to go. By the end of the trip, I knew how much I wanted to make the trip next year. Meeting other President’s Club members and their spouses/significant others was an awesome experience.

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

I don’t necessarily like working from home. I’m a people person and would much rather be in the office interacting with others and out visiting my builders. Branch meetings through Microsoft Teams and virtual town hall meetings have helped me stay engaged, though.

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

I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, after relocating from Annapolis, Maryland eight years ago. I grew up in the Kensington, Maryland area and went to school there. I have two grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and my son-in-law. My daughter, Linda Kay, passed away in August of this year.

I enjoy visiting wineries in Virginia and gardening during the summer. I also enjoy spending time in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I look forward to traveling to see more of the US once COVID subsides.