Cassie Schmalz

As a trained lawyer, Cassie Schmalz has used her legal knowledge and experience to help establish Strategic Compliance Partners as the go-to compliance support for mortgage brokers across the country. Over the course of her 10 years in the mortgage industry, Schmalz has made it her priority to ensure that Strategic Compliance Partners provides the most comprehensive approach to compliance for broker shops of all sizes.  
What’s a career highlight you’re most proud of? 
I’m proud to build relationships and help my clients achieve their goals compliantly. 
How has technology evolved and improved in the mortgage industry over the past decade? 
The fact that the mortgage industry has thrived during the pandemic is proof we’ve made dramatic improvements in technology over the past decade. The process is becoming much more streamlined, which benefits the industry, as well as the consumer. 
What is your process for developing new services that can be most useful to the mortgage industry? 
The new services we develop at SCP are based on the feedback provided by our broker clients. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for all things compliance by streamlining their compliance process and making regulatory information accessible and easy to understand.  
What do you think is the next big step in technology and services for mortgage professionals? 
I believe that the next big step in technology and services for mortgage professionals hinges on integration. There are so many service platforms available, the ability to integrate these platforms would significantly streamline the brokers’ process from beginning to end.  
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your career? 
Compliance is not always the most popular department in the mortgage industry, so I’ve faced a number of obstacles and challenges throughout my career. I overcame these obstacles by prioritizing growth, honesty, and integrity.  
Who (or what) has shaped your leadership style? 
My leadership style has evolved over time. I have learned something from every leader I’ve worked with in the past; either in the form of behavior I wish to emulate or behavior I strive to avoid. Ari Karen, CEO of SCP, provides a shining example of someone I strive to emulate. Ari’s trust in his employees yields a happy marriage between autonomy and support, allowing people to contribute in a less restricted, more organic way. 
What is your personal/business philosophy? 
My philosophy is “if you’re not growing, you’re dying.” I strive to improve personally and professionally each day.  
What are the biggest challenges facing mortgage brokers & what’s your advice for overcoming them? 
One of the biggest challenges facing mortgage brokers is that their license doesn’t come with an instruction manual. They are handed a license without sufficient tangible, tactical, compliance training. 
If you could go back to your first day in the industry, what advice would you give yourself? 
If I could go back to my first day in the mortgage industry, I would tell myself that the only constant in this industry, is change.