Homegrown: Room for Growth

So many professionals set career goals for themselves – and then are required to chase those dreams down on their own. That’s not how it works at Atlantic Bay.

Growth is one of our three core values, so it’s important to us that our team members feel like they are given anything and everything they need in order to reach their goals. We want them to be happy – and to genuinely love their jobs. That’s why homegrown opportunities are something we focus on, and growth plans are something we do to ensure we are meeting our team members’ needs.

These individuals have grown with Atlantic Bay over the years – from junior level roles all the way to upper management. And they owe it all to the Culture of Support they’ve experienced since joining the team. From their stories it’s clear to see that a growth mindset and hard work can get you to your dream job here!

David West, Director of Information Technology

Tell us a little about yourself and your work history before joining Atlantic Bay?

Right out of high school I worked for a local school system's internship department, which became full-time work after three years. Upon graduation from grad school in 2015, I honestly stumbled across Atlantic Bay because I was refinancing my house. It was like the stars aligned. I pulled up the job site that evening and there was a position that just called my name. I went in for the interview and was hired as the Senior Server Administrator the same day.

I just knew after that interview that this was it – there's something about this place.

How did you grow within your initial role here and what did upward movement look like for you?

Growth is an ever-evolving thing here. . I have been given the autonomy to direct my growth in the areas of IT that I am most passionate about. It keeps my job exciting! Since joining Atlantic Bay as a Senior Server Administrator, I’ve been promoted to Platform Services Team Lead, Platform Services Supervisor, Platform Services Manager, Application Platform Director, and Director of IT in six years!

What tools does Atlantic Bay give you in order to fulfill your career cup?

My goal in life has always been to be an IT director, and the support I received allowed me to hit that goal so fast. I’ve felt supported and been extended the tools and resources needed to reach each new level since joining the Atlantic Bay team in 2015.

A great thing about Atlantic Bay is that we try to promote within first to make sure we’re getting that right combination of skill, capability, capacity, and drive. We offer various positions starting from a junior level, so folks can grow in the areas of IT that they’re most interested in. We have trainings initiatives and programs in place to ensure our team members can continue their IT education. There is no end point to growth – and that nation is embraced fully here.

Upward mobility is possible. If you want to grow, are a diligent worker, and have a great attitude, you can accomplish anything at Atlantic Bay!

What kind of support would you say the company gives you to enable you to stay progressive and forward-thinking for your team and the company as a whole?

We are always proactively thinking about how we can create a better experience for both our borrowers and our teams behind the scenes, while also working diligently to expedite the effectiveness of our available technology. All ideas are embraced here, and it’s been so empowering to have a leadership team that trusts me and our team of IT professionals to best lead Atlantic Bay’s technological interface into the future as an industry leader.

What would you tell someone who knows nothing about Atlantic Bay?

They say you spend half your life at work, I couldn’t ask for a better place to spend 50%+ of my time. There is no division and that’s very unique. We all live and breathe the same core values – and I think that creates an understanding between us. We’re all good people, just trying to do a great job and make a difference in the lives of others. It’s as simple as that!

If you’re thinking of making a change, and worried about growth opportunities, we’ve got what you’re looking for. We’ve got a team of 900+ mortgage professionals who are rooted in a growth mindset and ready to go to the next level in their careers – and you can be a part of that growth, too!

Jessica Swink, Vice President of Digital and Brand Experience

How did you grow within your initial role here and what did upward movement look like for you?

I joined Atlantic Bay in 2017 as a product owner to help the company build a new online application and borrower portal experience. Very quickly, my passions were put to use beyond just that project and into other digital touchpoints we have with our borrowers. I was promoted to Digital Presence Manager, then Marketing Director. Being entrusted to the Marketing Department at Atlantic Bay has been the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had. Every day, the team amazes and inspires me with their creativity and passion to help our mortgage bankers grow their business.

Now, my scope has broadened even further to continue making the homebuying experience the best it can be for all audiences. Every time I turn around, there’s a new challenge to solve and I absolutely love it.

What tools does Atlantic Bay give you in order to fulfill your career cup?

Having a good relationship with my manager has allowed me to be open, honest, and set clear expectations on where I am today and where I want to be tomorrow.

For me, it’s never been about me or titles or accolades. It has always been about how I can continue to give back to this company and help others, which has given me so much fulfillment in return.

As a leader, I look for those opportunities for others. Atlantic Bay has given me the ability to grow, to take chances, dip my toes in a lot of different things and continue to take advantage of opportunities that arise. It’s been a wonderful career so far. If you work hard, there’s no limit to what you do within this company. You can chart your own course here, and upper management and leadership members are ready to plug in the right tools to make it happen.

What does leadership look like here at Atlantic Bay?

Atlantic Bay dedicates so much time to cultivating and growing people within their role, for management, or leadership – whatever is most important to that specific team member. There’s a clear level of understanding when it comes to accountability, expectations, and what lies ahead today or tomorrow. You can choose where you want to focus or grow and work with your manager to get there.

Servant leadership runs deep here. Our leaders care so deeply about the people they lead so they are always looking for more ways to serve. They continue to cultivate our core values and keep them at the forefront of everything we do, which is always such a nice reminder and encourager.

What would you tell someone who knows nothing about Atlantic Bay?

I have the best job in the world. Not only do I get to work with some of the most talented people I’ve ever worked with, but we also care so deeply for each other. We whole-heartedly want to see each other succeed. I’ve worked at places before where everyone is chasing after a medal that nobody will win. Here, we work together until the job is done right, and then we work on the next thing together, but we celebrate each other - together.

There’s room for growth here.

When you decide to change jobs, or even roles within a company there’s a level of nervousness that comes along with it. But here at Atlantic Bay, if you voice where you want to go with your career we listen. We give you the tools and support you need to be successful, however you define success.

Making a career or role change can be nerve- racking – and full of unknowns. But at Atlantic Bay, team members can play an active role in the trajectory of their careers. Our Culture of Support is committed to supplying the resources necessary to get each of our employees to a place where they are happy and excited with their professional life – and able to also prioritize their personal lives, too.