We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Gemmell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Born and raised in Johannesburg, I was fortunate enough to grow up immersed in the diverse South African culture. South Africa is a magical blend of many languages, religions, cultures, and beliefs. I believe that the combination of this upbringing and the education gained through international travel has led me to where I am today.

I completed my degree in 2004 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and started my first company the following year. I was able to grow my marketing business to include many international clients and enhance the company’s offerings along the way.

In 2010, I incorporated the management of professional mixed martial arts athletes into my company’s portfolio. This began with South African athletes and later expanded to include athletes from the entire African continent and beyond.

In 2015, I took a massive leap and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I purchased a Pilates and Fitness studio to add to the mix. This was possibly one of my greatest challenges. Whilst adapting to my new surroundings and learning the intricacies of being a small business owner in the US, I was able to master the art of Pilates instruction while juggling what had now become an international marketing company.

In 2020, knowing no limits and Inspired by my brother, Tony’s success in the mortgage industry, I jumped at the opportunity to join his team and build our business together. As an AVP of mortgage lending with Guaranteed Rate Affinity, our team has achieved President’s Club status for the past three years and received multiple accolades as we continue to grow. The prospect of growing our brand within such an exceptional company is a massive opportunity and one which I embrace wholeheartedly. I didn’t choose this business, it chose me.
We pride ourselves on the ability to stay ahead of the market with continuous education and enhanced knowledge of the ever-changing loan programs and products which are available to our clients. I’ll never forget the process of buying my first home in this county, it was simply quite terrifying. I remind myself of this feeling at the start of each new client relationship.

With professionalism and personal client relationships as the foundation of our team’s success, we work hard to build relationships with clients and referral partners, treating each scenario as a priority. Our goal is to ensure that our borrowers know we care about them, rather than just the transaction. We care about the process, the experience and most importantly, getting our clients closed on their new property purchases in the most direct and stress-free way possible.

What should our readers know about your business?
Being a mortgage loan originator in such a fast-paced, diverse environment keeps me on my toes. I love the challenges, the continuous learning and the ever-changing product offerings which are available.

I love being able to help home buyers through the process from pre-approval to funding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Fort Lauderdale offers the beauty of palm trees and the view of super yachts in all directions. Cocktails at sunrise are not frowned upon. The beach and sunshine is the only requirement to keep a smile on my face!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d definitely like to dedicate this Shoutout to my brother, Tony. We are building our brand and our business together and I couldn’t possibly be more grateful. To have the support, guidance and encouragement of someone who I have always looked up to is priceless. Add a little healthy competition to the mix and we have the perfect formula for success!

Website: www.grarate.com/MichelleGemmell

Instagram: MortgageFlorida

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-gemmell-81535023b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGemmellGRA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.