Growth without complexity
Dodson, who entered the mortgage industry shortly after the 2008 crash, doesn’t rely on heavy tech infrastructure to manage volume. “We don’t use a lot of tech,” she said. “Everything is personalized.”
Instead, she focuses on process. With the help of a small team, Dodson has structured her workflow to scale responsibly, ensuring every borrower gets face-to-face time, follow-ups, and hands-on support.
“I did hire an assistant,” she said. “They help gather documentation, which can be the most burdensome part. That lets me stay focused on advising.”
For borrowers in her region, that advice often involves layering multiple programs – NeighborWorks, HUD 184, South Dakota Housing, and others – to secure better terms or access hard-to-reach options. “In a small market, we know all the programs,” Dodson said. “It’s not just about qualifying someone, it’s about making sure they get the best terms.”
New people, old priorities
Dodson is also seeing construction lending take off. A nearby Air Force base expansion is bringing in new residents, creating a shortage of affordable housing and spiking demand for new builds.