Where Credit's Due

Posted August 20, 2010

IT'S EASY TO IMAGINE a mortgage-loan officer’s dream client: someone with plenty of savings for a down payment, great credit history, high credit score.

But for Ruth Jones, while those kinds of loans are easier to process, they’re not challenging—or particularly satisfying. A Mortgage Associate in Memphis, Ruth long ago found her niche in helping applicants who might have a harder time qualifying due to credit challenges.

“I thought there was nothing better than to see someone come out of what was basically the bottom,” says Ruth, who has been in mortgage lending for 24 years.

She made a point of meeting face-to-face with applicants to discuss their credit problems and offer advice. Still, she felt she could do more. “I didn’t follow up with them,” she says. It tugged at her conscience.

A Bold Step

Early this year, Ruth decided to take her efforts to an entirely new level. She wanted to help see clients through the process of becoming qualified, from beginning to end, and get them help they needed along the way. She contacted Memphis Consumer Credit Education Association (MCCEA), a non-profit organization created in 2004 to provide credit guidance to consumers.

Ruth says, “I went to them and said, this is my vision—can you help me bring it to fruition?”

The MCCEA readily agreed to send counselors to host monthly credit-education classes at the branch where Jones works. Clients also follow up with a MCCEA representative for one-on-one meetings about their personal credit challenges.

As Jones explains the program, it’s nothing like the type of “debt relief” agencies that advertise on television, offering loan consolidation or debt reduction. Instead, Ruth and the MCCEA are helping people “return to good money management, with controlled, responsible spending,” she says. Ruth’s greatest satisfaction comes not from being the biggest volume producer in the company, but from creating a legacy of helping people over the long term.

No two clients are alike. Some may have good incomes but credit histories full of dings from things such as late bill payment. Some have suffered tragedies that triggered financial struggles—bankruptcy, divorce, a death in the family, etc. And some simply have errors on their credit reports they need to remedy.

Changing Lives

Ruth finds satisfaction in knowing that the program has done a lot more than help people qualify for what is often their first home.

“I think when people’s eyes are opened, and they become educated about their finances, then their whole lifestyle changes,” she says. “It even affects the next generation. They’ll raise their children to be more responsible.

“People learn that if they make positive moves, then positive things are going to happen.”

Ruth herself is a perfect example of that.

RUTH JONES is a Regions Mortgage Loan Officer in Memphis, Tennessee.

comments (26)

It's good to know that there is someone that does really care about the people and not just the numbers. Ruth keep up the great work that you do because being educated about our finances is a very important part of our lives, that some didn't get taught.

memphis

Great job Ruth!

Janey Newton

Ruth keep up the great work!!! you are doing a great job.You are truly a blessing in the sky for some of us. I thank you for the help and education you have giving me about my finances and my credit to buy a home. I really appreciate you and I know in my heart that this is something you love doing and you are about helping people. Thank you

Lisa Marble (Cummings)

Ruth, this is such a wonderful story, and such a much-needed service in our city! Also, your picture looks awesome!

Amy Moore

This is a perfect example of the old saying, People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Being real with people makes all the difference in the world we live in!

lisa

It's about time someone took the challenge to go beyond what is expected in their jobs and to help people who have fallen down on their luck financially. Ruth has gone far beyond the scope of what a lot of people would do by bringing in people with the expertise to counsel on finances. She has extended not only her services through the bank, but also has taken the time to follow up with the customer who has a financial need. She may have to give someone a turn down on a loan, but she helps equip them for a better financial future. She shows what banking can be about--the customer and his future financially.

Judy Bates

It is a blessing to see associates who genuinely care about their clients. And even more beautiful is that Ms Jones gains personal satisfaction from taking the time to educate her clients and better their lives. THAT'S THE ULTIMATE REWARD.

Jackie Rogers

Thank you Ruth for being willing to look beyond the problem and seeing the person!

Deborah

I need to call Ruth myself..... Hey Ruth look for me to call you!

Kim

It is refreshing to see a story about helping people instead of focusing solely on the numbers. Great job Ms. Ruth!

Mike Shouse

Congratulations Ruth on following up on the tugging in your heart. So many times so many of us miss out on things in life because we are afraid to take a step in the direction we are being lead. You will receive great satisfaction in life just for following tugging in your spirit. What's from the heart reaches the heart and that within itself brings peace within. Thank you for having a heart for what you do and who you can help than having a heart for making the numbers. Thanks for going the extra mile and remembering what you give out in life is what you get in return. Thanks for this generation, which will in return educate the next. Great start to a great legacy.

Lashanda

Ruth, thank you sincerely for making a difference in people lives. It is great to have a vision but it is much greater to make it into a reality. You have a wonderful smile and you made your vision into reality. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful story.

Bejal Doshi

Ruth, Thank you for taking the extra steps to show our customers that you truly care about them.

Colleen Dauterman

Congratulations for all you have done and to all those that you have helped. It really shows your passion for Business. And your files show that also. Keep up the good work.

Judy Hodges

Ruth's incredible efforts to make a difference is a great lesson for us all. Her efforts are like throwing a stone into a pond. The ripple effect of the financial literacy she is bringing to her customer's will change not only their life, but in many cases, the lives of future generations of that family. Thank you, Ruth, for being a shining example for us to follow!

Lacy Wallace

Ms Jones, I hope you continue to be blessed for being a blessing to others. Best wishes to you and your family.

Purvis Chaney

It's stories like this that are so important during this current economic environment. Many of our clients will need our guidance to help them get and stay on track for their financial future. Kudo's to Ruth for her time, passion and energy to make a difference.

Michael Jackson

Ruth, What an inspiring story! You have taken your job to the next level. You actually pour into the lives of your customers. No doubt you have customers for life.

gail collins

Ruth, Because of people like you I became a Regions associate. Thank you so much. Sometimes we ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. Core Value at it's BEST. Thanks.

Michael J Tousant

What a nice story! Ruth, you represent what really can be a very enjoyable part of our job. We are in the business of helping people. Thanks for all you do! Keep up the good work!

Johnson

Thank God for your heart Ruth!!!Truly a Blessing!!

ADRIENNE FLOWERS-UNDERWOOD

Mrs. Jones, You are TRULY a BLESSING and you story is so encouraging to some many people, who have different struggles in their every day lives, and sometimes give up on their dreams of becoming a homeowner. But your dedication and eagerness to help, will give someone the motivation to strive for their life long goal becoming a homeowner. Thanks for all your efforts !

A C Gamble

I have the pleasure of working out of the same branch with Ruth. I have witnessed the hard work that goes into planning and executing these classes that Ruth has held at the branch. It has been no small feat! Ruth has been, and continues to be a great example of what it means to care about the community she lives and works in. Ruth, I am so proud of you and happy to see that the company and so many others are taking the time to show how much they appreciate your efforts, I know I do!

Leslie Jerden

Ruth, You are an example of all of Regions Basic values. I believe you are one of those Angels sent from heaven to lend a helping hand to those that need it. You are truly a shining star, and I'm glad you work for Regions Bank. God be with you always.

Denise

New site looks good. Now gotta learn to navigate. Been a while since I've been in here. Here goesssssssssssssssssssssssss!

Leslie Simmons

You will be blessed.

Joyce Teague