Sue Meitner is a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated mortgage lending industry, but she always knew that one day she would start her own mortgage company. The path was uphill and bumpy at times, but by surrounding herself with smart, supportive people, her goal was realized in 2010 as she opened the doors of Centennial Lending Group, the company said.
Shortly after, she wrote about the experience in her book, “Crazy, Lucky Girl: Do You Have the Keys to Success?”, followed a few years later by an update to her story in “Women Who Dream.” Through her books and speaking engagements, Meitner shares some pieces of wisdom she learned along her entrepreneurial journey to inspire others who dream of starting a business.
Under Meitner’s leadership, Centennial Lending Group has achieved significant recognition, including being named as one of the fastest- growing companies by Inc. 5000 in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
Meitner participates in professional organizations, including the Mortgage Women Speakers Bureau and other women’s groups, where she advocates for women in business and encourages others to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.
Meitner’s achievements have been recognized through numerous awards, including Five Star Mortgage Professional in Philadelphia Magazine, Mortgage Star in National Mortgage Professional, and Woman of Influence from HousingWire, among others. She is also the local correspondent for the show “Financing the American Dream,” showcasing homes in the Philadelphia suburbs.
Meitner said that outside the workplace, she is proud to set an example for her children as a single working mother. She instills in them the values of confidence, determination, passion, grit, hard work, honesty and trust.
“Believing in myself and learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations has allowed me to take risks and embrace new opportunities,” Meitner said. “Taking risks can be intimidating, but it’s often through these experiences that we learn and develop the most. Each time you walk through a new door, you expose yourself to different circumstances, people and challenges. This exposure can lead to valuable insights, skills and connections that can propel you forward in your personal and professional life. Even if a particular risk doesn’t work out as you hoped, there is always something to learn from the experience. It’s important to embrace failure as a part of the journey and use it as a steppingstone toward your next goal. You never know what doors might lead you to incredible achievements and fulfilling experiences.”
