Mandy Carstensen: From Farmer’s Daughter to Mortgage Maven
The Inspiration Behind My Mortgage Mandy
Amanda Carstensen, also known as Mandy, is the entrepreneurial force behind My Mortgage Mandy. Her journey began in a small farming town as the daughter of dryland wheat farmers, instilling in her the values of hard work and community spirit. “It’s important to me to be an active member of my community. It’s important to me to prioritize the people that I love. It’s important to me to have high standards for how I serve those that trust me with their business. Finding a way to incorporate all those things without having a lot of control in your business is very difficult. So, I decided to jump and take a risk on myself and my ability to be not only a go-getter, but more importantly a go-giver,” was her response when asked what motivated her to transition from a stable corporate job and start My Mortgage Mandy.
Carstensen’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. As a child, she dreamt of starting a coffee stand in her hometown of 300 people. Although this dream didn’t materialize, her determination never wavered. Together with her husband, they explored various business ventures, from meal delivery kits to animal supply services, long before these ideas became mainstream.
Overcoming Challenges on the Path to Success
Every entrepreneurial journey has its hurdles, and Mandy Carstensen faced her fair share while building My Mortgage Mandy. There were a series of other business attempts. One of the early setbacks involved a yachting and wine tour business that failed to launch due to mechanical issues. The coffee business never panned out due to financing and timing. The business that did make it off the ground, their boat rental company, Go And Play Rentals, faced unexpected wildfire seasons that cut earnings. These experiences were tough, but they taught resilience and the importance of self-belief. After nearly 10 years in the corporate world as a finance manager she transitioned to the mortgage industry, right as rates shifted and started to dramatically rise. However, she remained steadfast, driven by her passion for helping people achieve their dream of homeownership. Despite the challenges, Mandy and her husband persisted, driven by their desire to shape their destinies and live free from corporate constraints. Mandy recalls. “I kept pushing, knowing how right this felt.”
Key Milestones and Future Goals
A significant turning point for Mandy was realizing the amazing integration of her personal and professional lives. Attending a baby shower led to her first deal, highlighting the importance of community connections. This experience underscored how personal and professional goals can align, providing a fulfilling entrepreneurial path. Looking ahead, the goals for My Mortgage Mandy include expanding her reach and providing exceptional service to a broader audience. She aims to grow not just for herself and the buyers she helps, but also to create opportunities for others. Mandy aspires to be an employer who respects and builds with her team, reflecting her core values of community and high service standards.
Amanda Carstensen’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards of following one’s passion. Through My Mortgage Mandy, she continues to make a meaningful impact in her community, one mortgage at a time.
For more information, visit My Mortgage Mandy and follow her journey on Instagram.