Together in Business as a Married Couple, with Brenda and Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial (Family Business Radio, Episode 62)
In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen interviews Geoff and Brenda Smith from Assurance Financial. The couple shares their journey of building and managing their family business while navigating personal and professional challenges. They discuss their beginnings in construction, the transition to the mortgage industry, and the importance of setting boundaries, clear communication, and defined roles to maintain a successful business and healthy marriage. Highlighting notable milestones, empowering stories, and practical advice for other family businesses, this episode sheds light on the dynamics of working together as spouses and balancing family life.
Anthony concludes the show with thoughts on finding harmony as a couple, in and out of the family business.
Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.
Geoff and Brenda Smith
Geoff and Brenda Smith are the husband-and-wife team behind the Assurance Financial branch in downtown Roswell, where they help individuals and families navigate the mortgage process with clarity and care.
Geoff began his career in business journalism before moving into construction and later mortgages, becoming a full-time loan officer in 2011 and opening his own branch in 2021. Brenda, with a background in advertising and education, ensures every loan runs smoothly behind the scenes, making their client experience seamless.
Committed to their community, Geoff serves on the boards of STAR House, the Alpharetta Business Association, and Wellstar North Fulton Regional Hospital while also coaching youth football. Brenda brings creativity and organization to both their business and home life.
Married since their college days at the University of Georgia, they’ve raised two sons: Samuel, a freshman at Auburn, and Charlie, a sophomore at Blessed Trinity. When they’re not helping clients secure their dream homes, you’ll find them enjoying an espresso at the office or unwinding at North End Tavern.
Assurance Financial
Assurance Financial is a mortgage lender and refinance company that has been serving homeowners since 2001. The company is known for its customer-centric approach, offering a wide range of loan options tailored to meet the individual needs of homebuyers. They provide various loan types, including VA, FHA, construction, non-qualified, modular home, jumbo, first-time home buyer, conventional, and USDA RD loans.
Assurance Financial emphasizes a seamless and efficient loan application process, utilizing the latest technology to simplify steps such as prequalification, full application, processing, and funding. They pride themselves on outstanding customer satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.98 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews.
The company is recognized as a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac seller/servicer-approved and Ginnie Mae issuer-approved lender. Assurance Financial operates across 28 states in the U.S., providing personalized support through their team of experienced loan officers. Their services are designed to assist clients at various stages of life, whether buying a first home, a vacation property, or an investment property.
Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio
00:51 Meet Geoff and Brenda Smith
01:21 Geoff’s Journey from Journalism to Construction
02:51 The Early Days of Construction
03:52 Building Their First Home Together
05:42 The Taco Stand Connection
09:31 Transitioning to the Mortgage Business
09:51 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis
11:32 Starting a Mortgage Branch
16:27 The Mortgage Process Demystified
23:29 Balancing Work and Family Life
27:18 Navigating Communication in Family Business
28:37 Top Tips for Couples Starting a Family Business
31:30 Balancing Family Life and Business
35:17 Memorable Projects and Milestones
41:38 Future Goals and Hiring Plans
46:56 Final Thoughts and Advice
Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio
Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.
Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.
The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.
