Unveiling the Marketing Minds: Insights from HousingWire’s Marketing Leaders Honorees
In an industry as dynamic and impactful as the housing market, the role of marketing leaders is not only pivotal but transformative. HousingWire’s Marketing Leaders award celebrates those exceptional executives who are driving innovation, strategy, and brand growth within the housing sector. This prestigious recognition sheds light on the invaluable contributions these marketing experts make, not just to their organizations but to the entire economy. As part of this celebration, we reached out to some of the past honorees to glean insight into what distinguishes marketing in the mortgage and real estate industries—and to gather essential advice for the next generation of marketing professionals.
Honoring Authenovative Marketing: Insights from Sara Holtz
One of the standout voices in this year’s awards is Sara Holtz, Chief Marketing Officer at Optimal Blue. Her perspective on marketing resonates deeply with the essence of the current industry climate. Holtz states, “In an industry as close-knit as ours, it’s critical for brands to be both authentic and innovative. I call this Authenovative Marketing. Authenticity should drive everything, from a client-focused mission and customer-centric examples that convey actual value and ROI, to proven and modern technology that forms the backbone of a lender’s business.”
This emphasis on authenticity drives home a fundamental truth: Marketing isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about building trust. You can explore more about Sara Holtz and her groundbreaking methods here.
Making a Meaningful Impact: Bridget McKinley’s Vision
Another inspirational leader is Bridget McKinley, VP of Digital Marketing at United Wholesale Mortgage. She reflects on the profound impact marketing professionals can have. “I would encourage future marketing professionals to keep in mind the significant impact we get to make on people every day. Our role at the end of the day is helping others turn dreams into opened doors, futures secured and legacies built,” McKinley asserts.
The marketing journey she describes is more than transactional; it’s transformational. The ability to connect dreams with practical solutions is what truly fuels effective marketing in the housing industry. Dive deeper into Bridget’s approach and her insights here.
Community and Purpose: Lessons from Courtney Dodd
Next, we hear from Courtney Dodd, Head of Marketing at Floify, who emphasizes the importance of community. “Marketing here isn’t just marketing. While the core tactics may look similar across industries, what truly sets housing and mortgage apart is the deep sense of community and purpose behind the work,” Dodd explains.
Her perspective reminds us that amidst the data and analytics, human connection remains at the heart of successful marketing. For more insights on how community shapes marketing strategies, check out Courtney’s profile here.
Empowering Brands to Live Their Story: Kristie Stegen’s Approach
Finally, we cannot overlook the wisdom of Kristie Vainikos Stegen, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Cotality. She shares a powerful message for marketers: “For all marketers, brand strategists, and communicators, don’t just tell a great story—empower the business to live up to it. Align closely across the various departments in your organization—sales, product, operations and more—to truly understand what moves the needle for the people you are serving.”
Stegen advocates for an integrated approach, where collaboration across departments helps solidify the brand’s promise. By ensuring clear communication and alignment, brands can build trustworthiness and longevity in an often turbulent industry. Explore more of Kristie’s insights here.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Marketing in Housing
As we reflect on the collective wisdom shared by these marketing leaders, it becomes clear that today’s market movers are not only marketers; they are storytellers, innovators, and community builders. Their insights underscore the importance of authenticity, the impact of purpose-driven marketing, and the necessity of cross-departmental collaboration in crafting a robust marketing strategy.
As nominations for HousingWire’s 2025 Marketing Leaders award remain open until April 30, 2025, this recognition continues to inspire a new generation of marketing professionals to step into the spotlight. Nominate a Marketing Leader today and become part of a legacy that shapes the future of housing marketing!
By nurturing an environment where authenticity and community are prioritized, the future of marketing in the housing industry looks promising. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and take your marketing journey to new heights!
