Meet Laura Uribe of Security Bancorp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Uribe.

Hi laura, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
**Who joins their sister to open a mortgage business in the middle of a market crash? Apparently, I did!** Looking back, I sometimes laugh at how determined I was. I was young, ambitious, and probably didn’t fully understand what failure could cost me. But I think that attitude was something I inherited from my father.

My father was an immigrant with big dreams and the courage to chase them. When I was a little girl, he opened what became the largest furniture store in East Los Angeles. I grew up watching him build a business, take risks, and create opportunities for himself and our family. Without realizing it, I was getting my first lessons in entrepreneurship just by watching him.

By the time I was a teenager, my father had expanded into financing, and I spent my summers working at the business. I eventually began my career in banking as an assistant to the Vice President of the construction department. By age 23, I was a Regional Manager overseeing my own territory in the San Fernando Valley—the youngest and only woman in that position. I earned multiple top producer awards and was probably a little overly confident! But at that age, I didn’t see limitations. **I saw opportunities.**

Then the market crashed, and I faced a major turning point. Instead of walking away, I decided to take a chance and join my sister in building our own mortgage business. It certainly wasn’t the safest time to become an entrepreneur, but sometimes the biggest opportunities come when you’re willing to take a risk.

**One of the best decisions of my career has been building this business with my sister.** People often wonder how two sisters can work together every day, but for us, it’s what makes our business special. We trust each other, share the same values, and have been there for each other through every success and challenge. We’re family, and that is exactly how we treat our clients.

At Security Bancorp, our clients are never just another loan number. We get to know their families, their struggles, and their dreams. We’ve helped parents purchase their first homes and later had the privilege of helping their children become homeowners. Those relationships mean everything to us.

Today, more than 34 years later, I’m still doing what I love as a Mortgage Broker and Co-Owner of Security Bancorp. We’ve survived market crashes, changing industries, and the challenges of running a small business, but our commitment to our clients has never changed.

Looking back, I realize how much my father’s entrepreneurial spirit shaped my own. He taught me that opportunities are created through hard work, determination, and believing in yourself. **When we started our business, the thought of not succeeding simply wasn’t an option.** We didn’t spend time worrying about what could go wrong. We focused on what we wanted to build and kept moving forward.

**If there’s one thing I hope readers take away from my story, it’s that you don’t have to have all the answers before taking that first step. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who share your values, and don’t let the possibility of failure stop you from pursuing something meaningful. My father came to this country with a dream, and today my sister and I are living proof of what determination, family, and opportunity can create. Success isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s about the people you bring along, the lives you touch, and the opportunities you create for the next generation.**

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced throughout my career has been navigating an industry that is constantly changing. The mortgage business has its highs and lows, and when you’re a small business owner, you feel every one of them. I’ve experienced market crashes, economic downturns, changing regulations, and times when you have to completely rethink how you do business.

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry also came with challenges, especially early in my career. But I never really looked at being a woman as a disadvantage. I was young, confident, and focused on doing my job well. I believed that if I worked hard, knew my business, and delivered results, I could earn my place at the table.

**Being a first-generation Hispanic woman has actually become one of my greatest strengths.** Rather than viewing my background or the fact that English wasn’t my first language as obstacles, I learned to embrace them and use them to my advantage. I understand the cultural values, family dynamics, and sometimes the hesitation within the Hispanic community when it comes to discussing finances or asking for help. Being bilingual has allowed me to connect with families on a personal level, build trust, and help them navigate a financial system that can often feel intimidating.

I take special pride in helping Hispanic families achieve homeownership, particularly first-generation buyers who may be the first in their families to purchase a home. For me, it’s about more than a mortgage. It’s about education, building confidence, and creating opportunities for generational wealth. **What some might have considered a disadvantage growing up became one of the most valuable things I bring to my business today.**

Owning a business with my sister has also taught me the importance of communication, trust, and supporting each other through difficult times. When you own a small business, there isn’t always someone else to turn to when things get tough. You have to figure things out, make difficult decisions, and keep moving forward.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn’t mean avoiding challenges. It means learning how to work through them. There have been times when we’ve had to adjust our business, learn new technology, and find different ways to serve our clients. But giving up was never something I seriously considered.

I also believe that challenges have made me more compassionate toward the people I work with. Many of my clients come to me facing financial obstacles of their own. I understand that sometimes all someone needs is a person willing to listen, look beyond the immediate problem, and help them find another path.

**Looking back, I’ve learned that the things that make us different can also be the things that make us successful. I can’t control the market or the economy, but I can control how I respond, how I treat people, and the opportunities I create for others. My background didn’t limit my journey—it helped give my journey purpose.**

As you know, we’re big fans of Security Bancorp. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

I’m a Mortgage Broker and Co-Owner of Security Bancorp, a mortgage brokerage with more than 34 years of experience helping individuals and families achieve homeownership. I like to think that what we really do is help people create financial opportunities through real estate.

We offer a wide range of mortgage solutions, including first-time homebuyer programs, conventional, FHA and VA loans, refinancing, home equity loans, and financing options for self-employed borrowers. One area I’m especially passionate about is reverse mortgages, helping seniors understand how the equity they’ve spent a lifetime building can provide greater financial flexibility during retirement. Whether it’s eliminating a required monthly mortgage payment, purchasing a new home, or accessing equity for everyday needs, I believe seniors deserve to understand all their options. Of course, homeowners remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintaining their homes.

**What sets us apart is that we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all mortgage.** Every client has a different story, and sometimes the traditional lending approach doesn’t work for their situation. That’s where my experience as a mortgage broker becomes valuable. I work with different lenders and loan programs to find solutions that fit my clients’ financial circumstances and long-term goals. I enjoy the challenging files, the ones where someone has been told no or believes homeownership is out of reach. Sometimes all it takes is someone willing to look a little deeper and create a plan.

As a first-generation Hispanic woman, I’m especially proud of the relationships we’ve built within the Hispanic community. Being bilingual allows me to educate clients in the language they’re most comfortable speaking. I understand how intimidating the mortgage process can feel, particularly for families who have never owned a home. I want them to feel comfortable asking questions, understanding their choices, and making informed financial decisions. Homeownership isn’t just about buying a house; it’s often the beginning of building generational wealth.

**What I’m most proud of is our reputation, our consistency, and the relationships we’ve built over the years.** We are a small business, and I consider that one of our greatest strengths. I’ve had the same cell phone number since the beginning of my business, and my senior loan processor has been with us for **32 years**. That says a lot about who we are. Our clients know how to reach us, and many have been calling that same number for decades. In a world where businesses and contacts are constantly changing, I take pride in being someone my clients can always come back to.

When clients work with us, they’re not passed from department to department or treated like another loan number. They work directly with people who know their story and genuinely care about the outcome. That kind of personal service and continuity is something I believe sets us apart.

Some of our greatest accomplishments are the families we’ve helped over multiple generations. We’ve had the privilege of helping parents purchase their first homes and, years later, helping their children do the same. To me, there’s no greater compliment than having a client return or trust us enough to refer someone they love.

I’m also passionate about financial education, especially for young adults and first-time buyers. I believe understanding credit, budgeting, and how financing works can change the direction of someone’s life. That’s why I enjoy getting involved in community programs, mentoring, and sharing what I’ve learned throughout my career.

**If there’s one thing I want readers to know about Security Bancorp, it’s that we’re not simply in the business of closing loans. We’re in the business of building relationships, educating families, and helping people create a stronger financial future.**

After more than three decades, I still get excited when I can tell someone they’re approved to purchase their first home or when I help a senior discover an option they didn’t know existed. That feeling never gets old.

**For me, success isn’t about how many loans we close. It’s about how many lives we’ve had the opportunity to positively impact along the way.**

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
After more than 34 years in the mortgage industry, I’ve learned that success isn’t always about making the right decisions. Sometimes it’s about making a decision, learning from it, and having the determination to keep moving forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that **relationships will always be more valuable than transactions.** Markets change, interest rates go up and down, and businesses come and go, but the way you treat people stays with them. I’ve built my career on trust, honesty, and doing what’s right for my clients, even when that means telling them something they may not want to hear.

I’ve also learned the importance of adapting. I’ve been through several market downturns, and each one has taught me something different. You can’t run a business expecting everything to stay the same. You have to be willing to learn, change your approach, and sometimes reinvent yourself. What worked ten years ago may not work today, and that’s okay. I believe staying curious and being open to new ideas is what keeps a business moving forward.

Another important lesson is **never underestimate the value of your own experiences.** Being a first-generation Hispanic woman, growing up without speaking English, and building a career in a male-dominated industry have all shaped the way I approach my business. I’ve learned that the things that make you different can become your greatest strengths. My background has allowed me to connect with people, understand their challenges, and help families who might otherwise feel intimidated by the financial process.

Over the years, I’ve also learned that you don’t have to know everything, but you do need to surround yourself with good people. Loyalty, trust, and having a team that shares your values are incredibly important. I’m fortunate to have people beside me who have been part of this journey for decades. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect and genuinely caring about one another.

Something I wish more young people understood is that **financial success doesn’t happen overnight.** It comes from the small decisions you make every day. Learning how to manage your credit, living within your means, saving consistently, and asking questions before making major financial decisions can make an enormous difference in your future. That’s one of the reasons I’ve become so passionate about financial education and mentoring young adults. I want them to have knowledge and confidence that many of us had to learn through experience.

I’ve also learned that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. When I was younger, I wanted to take on everything. With experience comes the understanding that sometimes saying no is just as important as saying yes. Protecting your reputation, staying true to your values, and knowing when something isn’t the right fit are all part of building a business that lasts.

**If I could share one piece of advice with someone starting their career or thinking about opening a business, it would be this: Don’t wait until everything is perfect.** Have a plan, work hard, be willing to learn, and surround yourself with people who believe in what you’re building. There will always be challenges, but don’t allow the possibility of not succeeding to make your decisions for you.

And perhaps the most important lesson of all is that **success means very little if you don’t use what you’ve learned to help someone else.** Whether it’s helping a family purchase their first home, guiding a senior toward financial flexibility, or encouraging a young person to believe in their future, those are the moments that give my career meaning.

I started this journey focused on building a successful business. More than three decades later, I’ve realized that the greatest reward has been the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. **That’s the kind of success I’m most proud of, and it’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.**

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laurauribeatsecuritybancorp.com
• Instagram: laura.uribe.homeloans
• Facebook: laurauribeatsecuritybancorp
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraburibe