SUCCESS STORY Education As The Key To Her Success

Berenice Gomez recognizes the value of education.
As president and CEO of Harvest Home Mortgage — a company dedicated to catering to the Latino population and educating all clients — Gomez’s personal motto is “There’s always something new to learn.”
Having graduated from UNPHU University in the Dominican Republic with a degree in business administration and come to the United States in 1988 at the age of 18, Gomez knew right away that she wanted to make a difference.
“I came here and I had a goal,” she said. “I wanted to break from the traditional Latina role.”
She soon started in the mortgage industry and quickly climbed the corporate ladder.
Gomez began as a loan processor and moved up to underwriter.
Next she did closings and then moved on to sales.
But after more than a decade — and more than $200 million in loan sales — she noticed a void.
“I saw the need a few years ago for a company headed by a Latina to understand our culture,” she said. “So I decided to open my own business.
“One of the reasons I created Harvest [four years ago] was to make sure the Latino community is served with a cultural, family feeling.”
She combined this with an emphasis on education, and achieved not only professional success but also a sense of personal accomplishment.
“When I get a thank you note from a client, it keeps me going and gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Gomez.
This attention to service coupled with her commitment to the in-depth education of her clients — including monthly seminars held in New York and Florida — is what distinguishes Harvest Home Mortgage.
With their knowledge and expertise, Harvest Home Mortgage has already positioned itself as one of the dominant players in the Hispanic and mortgage financing market.
Aside from serving as president of her company, Gomez also serves as wife (her husband, Jose Martinez, is Harvest’s COO) and mother of four.
Additionally, she has a branch office in Florida, a management company, Mago Properties, Inc., and a French restaurant in the Sunshine State.
She explains her go-getter attitude simply: “I tell my team, ‘You have to think big.’ If you do, you’ll always be above average.”
“Bernice Gomez is a dynamic, young professional woman who will bring much enthusiasm to our agency as well as insights into the growing Hispanic community throughout Long Island,” said Dr. Richard P. Dina, president and CEO, Family and Children’s Association, of which Gomez is on the board. “Berenice will enable us to serve more effectively, and with greater sensitivity, the human service needs of our Latino clients.”
About Harvest Home Mortgage
Harvest Home Mortgage is committed to helping thousands of residents secure the most competitive mortgage financing for their house, condominium, or cooperative. Their mission is to provide superior service in Spanish and English to their clients.They find the right financing program to help families get into their dream home and thrive on educating our clients by taking them through the financing process step by step and keeping them informed. Building long-term relationships with our clients is their main focus.
Harvest Home Mortgage is located at 555 Broadhollow Road, Suite 300, in Melville, Long Island. To learn more, call (516) 249-5530 or visit www.harvesthm.com.