Careers at Ross Mortgage: Ericka Staton’s Journey from Administrative Assistant to Vice President of Marketing
Professional development and employee growth matter at Ross Mortgage. Since 1949, we’ve been committed to providing support growth opportunities, which is why Michigan’s top loan officers choose to work with us and stay with us for decades. We’re a company people retire from, not a stepping stone like so many other mortgage companies.
At Ross Mortgage, we make it a priority to retain our top talent and provide our employees with an excellent work environment. The average Ross Mortgage employee stays with the company for a decade, but Ericka Staton, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications at our corporate headquarters in Troy, MI, has been on our company for 13 years.
Ericka began her journey at Ross Mortgage as an administrative assistant, and worked her way up to Marketing Director four years ago. Recently, Ericka was promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications, and will be working closely with Ross Mortgage’s executive committee to strategically support our company’s annual planning. Learn more about Ericka’s experience and what she has done to propel her success over the years.
Q: How many years of experience do you have in the mortgage industry?
I joined the Ross Mortgage team 13 years ago and didn’t have any prior mortgage experience. Before my years at Ross, I worked in the floral industry for a decade at Florists’ Transworld Delivery. Going from flowers to mortgages was certainly a big switch!
Q: How did you advance your career? What motivational factors, goals and/or opportunities helped you get where you are today?
There is one thing that has been a constant focus for me during my three positions and 13 years with Ross Mortgage: hard work. I show up to work every day knowing that I will work hard to get the job done. It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding. Persistence has also helped me get to where I am today. For example, I knew I wanted to grow in my position at Ross Mortgage, so I recently took it upon myself to compile a list of my successes and achievements. I looked at the list and tied everything to how my role at the company has positively impacted Ross Mortgage. I believe my promotion to Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications was the result of working hard and taking on new projects and tasks, while creating positive results for the company.
(Note from Tim Ross, President of Ross Mortgage: “Ericka has been a champion for the growth and development of Ross Mortgage throughout her career. She exemplifies our core values of professionalism, integrity and quality service. Her willingness to raise her hand and accept increased responsibility makes her a true asset for our company.”)
Q: What are some of your most notable career accomplishments?
When looking at the trajectory of my career, I’d say going from an administrative assistant with no prior mortgage experience to vice president of marketing and corporate communications is quite a notable accomplishment! I also tirelessly worked to launch Ross Mortgage’s Facebook and LinkedIn programs, and am always coming up with new ways to take it to the next level. I also took on the role of launching the My Mortgage by Ross Mortgage mobile app, which was a huge area of focus for the company this year.
Q: Why did you choose to join the Ross Mortgage team? Why have you decided to stay?
Quite honestly, my previous company downsized. I interviewed at two different companies, one of which was Ross Mortgage. There was no turning back after that interview! I felt welcome from the moment I walked through the doors. I have stayed a loyal member of the Ross Mortgage team for 13 years because of the strong relationships I have developed with many members on our incredible team. Ross Mortgage truly makes you feel like you’re family.
Q: In terms of career opportunities, what sets Ross apart from other employers?
The camaraderie between team members is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced at previous jobs. Everyone is friendly at Ross Mortgage, and everyone makes you feel welcome. Ross Mortgage also has an incredibly strong leadership team, and they are dedicated to helping each team member grow in their respective roles. Ross Mortgage also has an outstanding reputation in the industry mortgage industry, especially the Michigan mortgage industry.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
Project management is my favorite aspect of my job. I have a knack for keeping projects organized, and working closely with project leaders to see each task is finished to completion. In my new role, I am overseeing all corporate communications, which has been a very bold, exciting transition.
Q: What can other professionals do to be more successful in their careers at Ross Mortgage and take their career to the next level?
Anyone who takes charge will be extremely successful at Ross Mortgage! Raise your hand to be heard and seen. Team players also excel at Ross Mortgage. We love people who contribute to the greater good of the company, and will come to the table with fresh ideas and perspectives. We also have a variety of committees at the company, like Ross Mortgage H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere), and love to see employees getting involved when they can.
If you’re interested in learning more about the career opportunities we offer, please visit our website or send us a message with your interest.
