Navigating Family, Mentorship, and Career Growth

Working with family can be tricky. Add in a boss–employee dynamic, and it can feel even more complicated. For Vice President Joe Poropat (NMLS #252932) and his daughter Maddie (NMLS #2732239), stepping into the mortgage business together came with a mix of excitement, nerves, and a lot of intentional boundary-setting. What they didn’t expect was how rewarding the experience would be for both.

When Maddie first joined the business, Joe admitted he was concerned about how working together might impact their relationship. Being her dad had always come first; becoming her boss was new territory. Early on, they decided to set clear rules to keep work and family life separate. Business talk stays at the office, not at family dinners or after hours. And while it might sound funny, they instituted a rule that Maddie isn’t allowed to call him “Dad” at work. Hearing her call him “Joe” still feels strange, but it helps create a professional boundary they both respect.

That separation has allowed them to show up fully in both roles, as family and as coworkers.

One of the most meaningful parts for Joe has been watching Maddie grow into the job, especially when it comes to the less glamorous side of the business. Mortgage lending isn’t built on quick wins. It’s the result of dozens of small, often tedious tasks done consistently over time. Seeing her stay committed to those daily responsibilities without immediate gratification has made him incredibly proud. To him, that kind of discipline signals long-term success.

While he always believed Maddie would do well in a sales role, he’s been pleasantly surprised by how quickly she pushed past her fear of calling new leads and agents. That confidence came faster than expected, and it reinforced his belief that she has unlimited potential in the industry. What stands out most is her genuine desire to learn the intricacies of the business. Joe believes that knowledge, combined with experience, will naturally position her as a trusted advisor in just a few years, and from there, the possibilities are wide open.

When it comes to lessons he hopes to pass down, Joe keeps it simple but firm – Work for your future, not just today’s paycheck. Always do what’s right for the client, no matter what the commission. And above all, do the right thing even when no one is watching. Integrity, in his eyes, is non-negotiable. Mentoring his daughter hasn’t been the same as mentoring other employees. In some ways, it’s easier; Maddie knows his communication style well. He’s direct, doesn’t sugarcoat much, and she understands that. At the same time, he’s had to be more mindful about offering positive feedback. As a dad, he sometimes assumes she already knows he’s proud, but as a manager, he’s learned that recognition still matters. Balancing those two roles takes intention, and it’s something he continues to navigate.

Interestingly, the mentorship hasn’t only gone one direction. Working with Maddie has been a reminder for Joe that even as a seasoned veteran, the basics still matter. She keeps him accountable and makes sure he’s practicing what he preaches. In many ways, that has strengthened his own business. And while he’ll always think his kid is great, one of his favorite parts of working with her has been hearing positive feedback from peers who’ve noticed her professionalism and performance. Seeing her show up and earn respect on her own means a lot.

For Maddie, stepping into mortgage lending felt natural. She grew up watching her dad help people buy homes and started learning how the business worked while she was still in high school. Over time, that exposure turned into a genuine desire to help people become homeowners herself.

Being early in her career, she’s heavily focused on building skills that go beyond the technical side of the job. Networking, collaborating, and learning how to work well with others have become priorities, especially since nothing in this industry happens alone. She picked up the basics quickly, but building her own client base has required more guidance. Sitting in on meetings and phone calls has helped her learn how to communicate professionally and connect with people in a meaningful way.

Being mentored by her dad was nerve-wracking at first. Growing up, she didn’t always love being told what to do, so blending that dynamic with a professional setting felt intimidating. But from the very beginning, the experience has been positive. They’re both intentional about keeping work and personal life separate, which has made working together easier, she says. And, as she puts it, it doesn’t hurt that she gets to joke around with the “big boss man” now and then.

The advice that’s stuck with her the most so far is simple but impactful: it’s not just what you say to people, it’s how you say it. That lesson has shaped how she approaches conversations with clients and partners. She’s also learned a lot about time management and work-life balance just by watching how her dad operates day by day.

When asked about her favorite part of working with her father, Maddie doesn’t hesitate. They laugh constantly. After spending so much time together, they’ve started catching each other saying the same things and even finishing each other’s thoughts. It’s a unique bond that blends professionalism with familiarity, and it’s made working together genuinely fun.

Their story is a reminder that when mentorship is built on respect, boundaries, and shared values, it can strengthen both careers and relationships. For Joe and Maddie, working together hasn’t just been about business; it’s been about growth, trust, and building something meaningful side by side.

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About Gershman Mortgage

At Gershman Mortgage, communities, families, and homes are at the heart of what we do. Built on the core values of honesty, integrity, entrepreneurial spirit, and customer-first service, we’re committed to providing an exceptional homebuying experience. Our goal is simple: to exceed expectations and build lifelong relationships.

Communities, families, and homes are at the heart of what we do at Gershman Mortgage. Our founding principles are based on the core values of honesty, integrity, the entrepreneurial spirit, and putting our customers first. We are passionate and committed to customer service and strive to ensure that we exceed the expectations of our customers. We are a customer-centric company devoted to creating and maintaining long-lasting relationships.