Say yes, get uncomfortable, and build your network

When Annie Adams graduated from Central Michigan University in 2016 with a double major in international business and finance, she didn’t have a five-year plan – or even a clear vision of what came next.

"I had no idea what I wanted to do. I just knew I needed to get a career,” she said. 

Like many others, she found that the first few years after college are a form of continuing education – an ongoing process of applying what you’ve learned and figuring things out as you go.

This journey led Adams from car sales to co-owning her own mortgage company. Today, she’s the chief lending officer and co-owner of Success Group Mortgage and Servicing, where she helps clients build their futures through homeownership – and shares what she’s learned with others just starting out.

Say yes to unexpected opportunities

“Just do it,” she said. “You never know what saying yes is going to do for your future self. Something that might not sound super fun might be the best decision you make.”

Her first job after college – working in a dealership call center – wasn’t glamorous, but it was pivotal.

“I was making 100 calls a day. No one likes that,” she laughed. “But it taught me how to talk on the phone, how to sell. It was probably the most crucial job I had.”

Eventually, she was offered an opportunity that changed everything. “During COVID, my now-business partner asked how car sales were going. I told him I wanted to get into real estate, but not as a realtor. He said, ‘Do you want to write mortgages with me?’ I said, ‘Yeah, that sounds perfect.’”

Discomfort = growth

Adams realizes that much of her progress came from doing things that made her nervous or unsure.

“I had this big internal battle when I started selling cars,” she said. “I was like, ‘I’m a college graduate. I shouldn’t be a used car salesman.’ But I got that voice out of my head. I stopped caring what people think and just did it. No regrets.”

She credits The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter – a book that inspired her to hike Machu Picchu – with helping her put words to that philosophy.

“It’s crucial to do uncomfortable things. You never know what doors it will open, or what experiences you might fall in love with.”

Relationships open doors

As a student, Adams co-founded Epsilon Nu Tau, the entrepreneurship fraternity, and later joined the Finance Management Association. She also worked in the Isabella Banking Institute for Entrepreneurship office, gaining mentors and connections that would shape her future.

“I learned how important it is to get outside your comfort zone and be a yes person,” she said. “Having a good network really can open doors for you.”

That mindset didn’t stop after graduation. “When I moved back to my hometown, I went to every networking event I could. Nonprofits, business mixers – anything. That’s how I met my business partner. We kept running into each other. Eventually, he asked if I’d be interested in partnering up. That never would have happened if I hadn’t shown up.”

Empowering others through homeownership

Today, Adams channels her passion into helping others build financial freedom through property ownership.

“I bought my first house – a triplex – because I grew up around real estate. My parents had rentals and were always fixing them up. Now I own six units total, and I love helping others do the same.”

She’s especially passionate about helping first-time buyers realize what’s possible.

“I get people asking all the time, ‘Do I need 20% down? What if my credit’s not perfect?’ And the truth is, homeownership is really attainable. There are programs, grants, and down payment assistance options. That initial conversation can totally shift someone’s perspective.”

Final thoughts

If she could go back and give her college self one piece of advice?

“Don’t be scared to do things. Say yes. Meet all the people. Connect with everyone. That’s where everything starts.”