Kim Krick | Regional Vice President | Freedom Mortgage
Kim Krick is the Regional Vice President of Wholesale Lending at Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation’s largest non-bank mortgage lenders and servicers. With over 38 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she has built a successful career in wholesale lending, working closely with brokers to provide home loan options to buyers. Her journey in the mortgage industry began in the 1980s when she joined Irwin Mortgage Corporation as the first wholesale division account executive in Florida. Over the years, she consistently exceeded targets and advanced through various leadership roles, eventually becoming the East Coast Regional Manager at Freedom Mortgage. Today, she oversees a team of 17 account executives from Miami to Maine, focusing on building relationships and helping mortgage brokers expand their businesses while promoting homeownership for thousands of borrowers. At EliteX, we are proud to have Kim Krick as part of the edition: 10 Extraordinary Women in Business, 2025.
Kim’s passion for helping people led her to this field. She initially worked as a phlebotomist at a hospital before transitioning to banking, where she processed loans at a mortgage company in Fort Myers at just 21 years old. Since then, she has remained enthusiastic about the industry, finding excitement in every loan that reaches the closing stage and in forming connections with new mortgage brokers and clients. As a woman in the mortgage industry, Kim has faced challenges, particularly in balancing work and personal life. Women often juggle multiple responsibilities, and leadership roles in the industry have historically been male-dominated. However, she is committed to changing that narrative by supporting the growth and success of women in mortgage lending. She believes that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges, especially in an industry where market conditions can shift rapidly. By embracing change and staying flexible, she has continued to succeed and help others do the same.
“Embrace continuous learning and adaptability to stay ahead.”
One of her greatest achievements is developing her team. She takes pride in mentoring and guiding her team members to improve their skills and reach their full potential. For her, leadership is not just about overseeing a team but about investing in people’s growth and ensuring their success contributes to the company’s overall achievements. For women looking to enter the mortgage industry, Kim advises taking advantage of training programs, such as those offered by Freedom Mortgage, to build a strong foundation. She emphasizes the importance of growing relationships, staying knowledgeable about products, managing time efficiently, and maintaining a positive attitude. Respecting the business and finding enjoyment in the work are also essential components of success.
Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial, and Kim has learned to set clear priorities and boundaries to manage her time effectively. Identifying what matters most allows her to allocate her energy wisely and maintain harmony between her professional and personal responsibilities. Throughout her career, she has been fortunate to have a mentor, Les Acree, who played a significant role in her growth. She acknowledges the value of having a mentor who provides guidance, support, and encouragement. She believes in the power of mentorship and encourages others to seek and become mentors to foster professional growth.
Kim advocates for greater diversity in the mortgage industry and supports the inclusion of more women in leadership positions. She believes companies should commit to diversity at all levels to ensure equal opportunities for women to rise in their careers.
To succeed in the mortgage industry, she highlights the importance of understanding various mortgage products, interest rates, and financing options. Building strong client relationships and evaluating borrowers’ financial situations effectively are also crucial skills. She has stayed motivated throughout her career by embracing change and innovation. Moving from regional sales and operations teams to working on a national level has been one of the most rewarding changes, allowing her to contribute to closing loans more efficiently and strengthening client relationships.
“Building relationships is essential for success in the mortgage industry.”
Looking ahead, Kim sees technology shaping the mortgage industry. Digital mortgage solutions, artificial intelligence, and enhanced customer engagement will drive the future of lending. Companies that integrate these technologies will remain competitive by offering personalized services and seamless communication. Handling difficult clients and tough situations is part of the job, and Kim approaches these challenges with patience and professionalism. She listens attentively, lets clients express their concerns, and then works on finding the best solutions. Her focus remains on helping clients and resolving issues rather than taking things personally. If there were one piece of advice she wishes she had received earlier in her career, it would be to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Staying curious, open to new knowledge, and adaptable to changes leads to greater success and fulfillment in any career.
Kim hopes to inspire the next generation of women in mortgages by encouraging them to seek mentors and, when the time comes, become mentors themselves. She believes in the power of networking and fostering relationships, which have been instrumental in her success. She is committed to supporting women in the industry, creating opportunities for them to share experiences, seek advice, and uplift one another. By working together, she aims to build a stronger, more inclusive future for women in mortgage lending.
“Perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges.”