Karol Guerrero is Far West Capital’s awesome Vice President and Manager of Underwriting who is constantly exceeding expectations. As you will see from her answers below, she doesn’t let anyone or anything stop her from reaching her goals. She’s a real go-getter! During her workday she spends a lot of her time working hard for Far West Capital’s prospective clients, which she finds to be extremely rewarding. Karol is an amazing employee and we are super stoked to shine the spotlight on her this week!
What does your day typically look like?
We are normally working on multiple files at any given time. My job is to assess all risks associated with a prospective client and find solutions on how to mitigate the risks so we can provide funding to that client. I review information provided to us by our prospective clients and pull additional reports that give us a clear understanding of their situation. I spend a lot of time working with our prospects and PDO’s to make sure each file is moving forward as quickly as possible to meet the client’s needs. It is very rewarding to get each deal across the finish line and welcome them to the Far West Capital family.
How long have you worked at Far West Capital?
I started on September 9, 2011.
What was your first job?
I worked at Bonanza Steakhouse. I was 14 years old and in the 9th grade. I told my mother I wanted to get a job – she said I was too young and no one would hire me so I took the challenge and got the job (I might have added a year to my age on the application). I rode my bike to work after school and my mother picked me and my bike up after work. I worked there for two years until I found a job a little closer to home.
What do you like to do for fun?
My husband and I love to travel. We go camping when we can and take little road trips as much as possible. We love seeing different parts of the country that we have never seen before. I also enjoy making quilts when I can find time. It is fun seeing all the little pieces come together into your final creation.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Austin?
We enjoy such a variety it is hard to pick just one.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Our favorite type of vacation is probably a cruise. We find cruises so relaxing – you don’t have to do anything and you have no agenda to keep. So much time to just read, relax in the sun and enjoy the view.
What do you enjoy most about working at Far West Capital?
I love the people I get to work with. I also enjoy the opportunity to learn. Every deal is different and brings new challenges. There’s no way can you get bored!
How are you set up for success at Far West Capital?
I have so many people backing me. Don, Cole, Brian, Jason and the rest of the team are always teaching, supporting and cheering me on.
What is your favorite Far West Capital memory?
Brian Bingo was a good one! During our weekly portfolio meeting (unbeknownst to our president, Brian Center) we were all secretly marking off our special Brian phrases on our bingo cards as he used them. No one had a “bingo” yet until Lori got him to use one last key “Brianism” phrase and yelled “bingo!” He had no idea what had just happened.
What is your biggest accomplishment personally and/or professionally?
I went to college right after high school but did not finish right away. I got married and started my family. While working full-time and raising my three sons, I decided I wanted to go back to college to complete my degree. I was only able to take one class a semester but eventually completed all the credits and received my diploma – 30 years after I originally began. This gave me a great sense of accomplishment.
What does it mean to you to “unleash your potential?”
Learning to let go of fear and self-doubt and believe in myself so that I can be the best I can be.
Stay tuned for more Employee Spotlights to learn more about our awesome team.
