Salmon Bay Community Lending was born out of the desire to create a different kind of mortgage company, one with rockin’ rates, honest customer service, and colorful walls. Because when I started out in the mortgage business, I struggled to find a company that allowed me to give my clients both flexibility and security. And no matter where I went, the walls were always beige!

So in 2005, I took out a business license, bought an enormous printer, and started my own shop.

At first it was just me, but that didn’t last long. Within months I welcomed another loan officer, and soon after a loan processor, and we have been growing one incredible person after another ever since.

Two years in, our team started really growing.

Tandem pregnancies within a team of three inspired us to think about how we wanted to balance work and life once the babies arrived. We dreamed about an office culture and space that would allow us to work and be moms. Our desire for this balance was so strong and the idea was, frankly, so good that we had to go for it.

In April 2007, we bought our current space, hired an on-site babysitter, painted the walls orange, and opened our doors to clients old and new. Within a year, we were the only 100% independent, woman-owned mortgage brokerage in Seattle.

While many brokerages rely on massive call centers and internet leads, we have grown solely through referrals, working with and for our community. This means a lot of things, but in 2009 it meant that as the mortgage industry was collapsing, we were having our best year ever—and hiring!

I know that our commitment to our vision helped us get where we are, and it will help us enjoy future success. But I also know that we wouldn’t be here if not for our wonderful clients and colleagues. We love working with and for you, and we thank you. If we are meeting you for the first time, welcome to the Salmon Bay family!

Wishing you health, happiness, and the home of your dreams,

Ruby Grynberg, President and Founder