Stephanie Machado-Barto Exceptional leaders don’t just build teams—they build cultures where excellence thrives. Stephanie Machado-Barto is
role, she embraces her most important one: Mom. Married for 22 years, Stephanie is the proud mother
that kind of leader, engaging her staff at GMFS Mortgage with
of three—William, 12, and 8-year-old twins, Lillian and
a clear and compelling purpose: to cultivate a cohesive team
Jack—so her mornings are purposeful and full. From curling
of knowledgeable and passionate mortgage professionals.
Lillian’s hair to checking homework and packing snacks, she
With more than two decades of experience in the
approaches home life with the same steady focus she brings
mortgage industry, Stephanie brings a deeply rooted
to the office. Once the children are off to school, she turns her
commitment to both her clients and her colleagues. Her
attention to her team.
leadership is grounded in the belief that success begins
“I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I love doing
behind the scenes—with a well-prepared, well-informed team
loans,” Stephanie says. Her enthusiasm is mirrored by her
that understands not just the numbers, but the people behind
staff. From loan officers to processors and administrative team
them. Through Stephanie’s mindful leadership, the values of
members, each is licensed and committed to guiding clients
education, collaboration, and accountability are part of the
through every step of the mortgage process. “We make sure
daily rhythm.
every customer is working with someone who can truly help
When Stephanie was young, her early love of crunching numbers and fitting pieces together sparked a desire to study
them,” she explains. Under Stephanie’s leadership, the office culture feels
business management and information technology. After
like a family united by shared goals and a deep commitment
earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of New
to customer care. That dedication is reflected in simple but
Orleans, she continued her education, completing a master’s
meaningful practices—like returning every client call the same
degree in Business with a minor in Human Resources.
day. “Even if it’s not the best news, we are solution-based and
With a comprehensive understanding of both business
strive to create a plan for each and every client,” she says.
operations and human capital, Stephanie found the perfect
Stephanie and her team are active affiliates of the Home
intersection of her skills and passions. She merged strategy
Builders Association (HBA) and the Northshore Area Board of
with service, carving out a niche in what she truly loves—
Realtors (NABOR), strengthening their professional ties within
guiding clients through the loan process and helping them
the community. Never one to stand still, she is also expanding
achieve homeownership. That passion and entrepreneurial
her expertise through online coursework in AI marketing—an
spirit soon led her to open her own firm, First Choice Funding,
emerging field she hopes to master and integrate into her
in Abita Springs.
evolving skill set.
Today, as Branch Manager at GMFS Mortgage,
More than a mortgage professional, Stephanie Machado-
Stephanie’s passion still burns bright—even when her alarm
Barto is a leader who has built a career and a culture defined
sounds at 5:30 a.m. But before she steps into her professional
by excellence.
114 Terra Bella Blvd., Unit A, Covington (985) 231-5332 gmfsmortgage.com
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