Embrace Employee Spotlight: Tom Trott and Julia McGonagle

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 recently.
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]

JULIA MCGONAGLE, Process Improvement Consultant
What is your official title and what do you do at Embrace?
Process Improvement Consultant. I study how we do things and find ways to do them faster, better, and/or cheaper — but with the same or better quality than today’s processes.
What made you want to work at Embrace?
I was looking for a challenge and a change and Embrace offered me both.
How has it been starting a new job at Embrace?
It was difficult at first working from my home office and not knowing anyone in the company. But many employees were very helpful and generous with their time and made me feel at home very quickly. Every so often I still find there is something I haven’t learned yet, but people are always patient and kind. I like working at Embrace. I like the family atmosphere and attitude and I find the work interesting and fun.
What did you do for a living before you came to Embrace?
I have done Process Improvement for 25 years at various financial institutions and manufacturing facilities. I also taught Process Improvement at the University of Buffalo. Yes Harry Potter fans, I am Professor McGonagle!
We’d love to get to know you a little better! Tell us about yourself.
I live alone in my 100-year-old house in my hometown of Buffalo NY, where someday, maybe in 2022, the Bills will win a Super Bowl. My two boys, David and Will, are both attending The Ohio State University. Go, Bucks!
I lived part of my childhood in England, where I still have family. I went to the University of Buffalo way too many years ago ;-). Sundays are for football and family dinner at my Dad’s.
I spend my free time looking after our husky beagle mix, Shea, and our two cats, Maxwell and Minerva — all of whom are trouble makers but extremely loveable.
When I can I love to travel with my fangirl friends, seeking out adventures as we follow our favourite bands such as NKOTB and attend conventions for our favourite shows like Lucifer. Some day I will spend my days sitting on the beach sipping pina coladas or driving hairpin curves in fast convertibles.
TOM TROTT, JR., Branch Manager (Frederick, MD)
What is your official title and what do you do at Embrace?
I’m the Branch Manager of the Frederick, Maryland office (Retail Division).
How long have you worked for Embrace?
I’ve been with Embrace for 10.5 years.
What made you want to work at Embrace?
A friend of mine who had joined Embrace told me I needed to come talk to the local Branch Manager. I was onboard within 30 days. It took about two years for my blood to turn orange 🙂
What’s one of your favorite Embrace memories?
Most recently, our Branch Manager meeting was truly a highlight. After not seeing most of our teammates for over 18 months, we were all anxious to get together. It was just a wonderful homecoming.
How was it working from home for most of this year?
When our offices were closed, Embrace allowed one employee to staff the Branch offices. I was that employee in the Frederick branch. So it was a little lonely but my routine stayed the same. I am happy to be seeing my teammates on a daily basis now!
We’d love to get to know you a little better! Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Baltimore and moved to Frederick during my high school years. I have two sons, Thomas and William. They have provided me with two lovely daughters-in-law, Rebekah and Allison. I love getting together with them as well as traveling with my girlfriend, Jeannie. Studying US History and family genealogy are two of my favorite hobbies. I currently serve on the Board of the Frederick County YMCA and Heritage Frederick.