The transition, by her account, has been seamless. “The onboard and everything… has been so great, and I appreciate all the love and support I’ve gotten since being there,” she said. “I love the culture and love their values and what they stand for.”

So, what does taking market share really look like for her? “Being educational. Setting yourself apart. Making yourself available. Having the communication and having the hard conversations,” she said. And, critically, “answering your phone.”

For Shields, it’s also about authenticity. “Don’t overpromise and underdeliver,” she said. “Just shoot people straight, because at the end of the day, that’s what they want—especially with the biggest purchase of their life.”

She’s not only leaned into her own growth but credits AIME—the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts—for laying the foundation. “Three years ago, I got licensed, and I had passed my test. The first event I went to was five days later—AIME Fuse,” she said. That single event expanded her network and shaped her trajectory. “I met so many great people. I met so many beautiful women in mortgage that I have now been very close friends with.”

It didn’t stop at friendship. The community aspect has turned into business. “I’ve had referrals sent to me as well as referred to me,” she said. “Just people I can lean on, and mentors. Everyone here is such a community.”