How did a full-time mom of 2 toddlers crack the code on breaking into the mortgage industry? Kendra Bartels is proof that consistency and authenticity will always drive success, no matter your experience.
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Shortly after becoming an agent in February of 2025, Kendra sent me an unpolished cold video open via Instagram asking for advice, and it's authenticity was something I could not ignore. I set her up with a mentor connection and which eventually led to a spot on Team Wiley once she was ready, proving that genuine, unfiltered approaches open doors that polished presentations simply cannot.
Kendra's success has come from keeping her business basic and realizing she doesn't have to chase shiny objects, boring is what works. With most of her files coming from social media and referral partners, she uses the simple fundamentals like email reach-outs and personalized video DMs to build authentic connections.
A firm believer in work-life integration over work-life balance, Kendra strategically uses daycare two days a week to carve out dedicated work time, while also hiring fulfillment very early to give her more time with her kids. She blissfully leans into life's chaos, knowing that nothing is perfect, but you show up for yourself every day.
While the business can be challenging, especially in the first year, Kendra credits her faith as her foundation for resilience, influencing everything from being able to quiet her self-doubts to her mindset on growing her business to pay success forward to others.
Inside this video, you’ll learn:
✅ The importance of mentorship and building industry connections early.
✅ How authenticity and vulnerability beat polished marketing by creating genuine connection and opportunities through building trust.
✅ Her prospecting strategy, including personalized video messages and cold emails, and how she's cultivated genuine partnerships.
✅ How boring fundamentals create sustainable success over shiny new tools and trendy tactics.
✅ Why she prioritizes work-life integration over work-life balance and why parents should "lean into life's chaos".
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🌎 Kendra Bartels' Website: https://www.kendrabartels.ca
📧 Kendra Bartels' Email: kendra@kendrabartels.ca
📸 Kendra Bartels' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortgagewithkendra/
🎵 Kendra Bartels' TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kendrayourmortgagegal
📺 Kendra Bartels' YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MortgagewithKendra
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CHAPTERS
00:00 On This Episode
00:12 Today's Guest: Kendra Bartels
01:33 Why Kendra Reached Out to Ryan
03:39 The Emotional Rollercoaster of the First Year
04:53 Kendra's Turning Point
07:02 Integrating Mom with Mortgages
10:10 Where Kendra's Files Are Coming From
12:03 Where Kendra's Key Referral Partners Came From
13:27 The Power of Video Opens
15:21 What Things Have Been a Waste of Time?
17:18 Mortgages Aren't Glamorous, Boring Is What Works
20:32 If You Don't Just Do It, When Are You Gonna Do It?
21:38 Kendra's Mindset on Hiring & Having Fulfillment Very Early in Her Career
25:48 How Kendra's Faith Drives Her Business & Life Goals
29:19 Kendra's Current Business Focus & Future Plans
32:39 Advice for New Agents - Get a Mentor & Lean In to Life's Chaos
34:55 Wrap-Up
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