Meet Jeannette McGlaun – Loan Officer at HALL Structured Finance

HALL Structured Finance recently announced the promotion of Jeannette McGlaun to the position of loan officer. In her new role, McGlaun, who joined the company in 2022 as an underwriter, will focus on originating new loan opportunities across the U.S., primarily in the multifamily and hospitality sectors.

Learn more about McGlaun’s professional journey to becoming loan officer, advice she has for women in the industry, and more below.

Can you share some insight into your background and professional journey? What initially drew you to a career in finance?

I have always had a passion and intrigue towards real estate. This translated to pursuing an undergraduate degree in economics focused on finance and real estate and a master’s in real estate. Being able to work on a project and see a finalized tangible product excites me, which is why I went into brokerage for the first five years of my career. I enjoyed the relationship aspect while having the opportunity to sell office space, raw land for development and even multifamily! My career then pivoted to learn the debt side of our business and I have immensely enjoyed it.

During your transition from underwriter to financial analyst, what projects or tasks stood out as enjoyable or rewarding?

Underwriting provided me with a unique environment to learn from the ground up how HALL Structured Finance analyzes each opportunity. I worked closely with each of our originators, our senior credit officer, and our compliance and closing teams to learn the deal process from origination to closing.

Could you provide a brief overview of your responsibilities as a finance officer? How did this position equip you for your new role as a loan officer?

As finance officer my primary focus was on capital market activities for HALL Structured Finance as well as HALL Group’s real estate holdings. I was involved in restructuring existing debt as well as placing new loans with existing lender relationships and cultivating new ones. This provided me with a viewpoint from the “borrower’s” seat, from providing due diligence and checklist items to loan document negotiations.

Reflecting on your experience, how has being a woman influenced your time in the finance industry? Are there any specific lessons or insights you’ve gained?

I have always looked at being one of the few women in the room as an opportunity, not a challenge. I have never thought twice about voicing my thoughts, providing feedback or insight, or asking questions. I have also been fortunate work in healthy environments that have fostered confidence and growth, regardless of outer appearance.

What strengths or qualities do you bring to your role as a loan officer?

I thrive in environments where I can build rapport and relationships with others, while working towards a visible goal. As a loan officer, I look forward to growing relationships with both sponsors and mortgage brokers to meet their financing needs and complete the deal process from A to Z together.

Outside of work, what are your interests and hobbies that help balance your professional life?

First and foremost, I love spending time with my husband and five-month-old baby girl. I strive to live a healthy lifestyle so staying active is a part of my routine. We also joined the trend and have an ice bath at home which is a new challenge I am exploring!

Do you have a go-to spot for date nights or dinner with friends? What makes it special?

I love Hudson House in Dallas. They make an excellent martini and have delicious oysters, apps and their signature cheeseburger!

Among the HALL Wine varietals, do you have a favorite? What draws you to that particular one?

I really enjoy the 2019 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon. It is intense and aromatic – the best kind of red!

What advice would you offer to other women or individuals entering the commercial real estate finance industry?

Broaden your network and have a mentor! Relationships are the key to success and have opened doors that I would not have known were even there. Invest time in others and it will be profitable in the end.

Prior to joining HALL Structured Finance, McGlaun held advisory services positions at Colliers International and Avison Young, specializing in landlord representation and capital markets.

McGlaun earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics with an emphasis in Finance and Real Estate and a Master of Real Estate from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. An active member of the Dallas commercial real estate community, she has served on the Young Guns board for The Real Estate Council (TREC), North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors (NTCAR) and as a member of Ladies in CRE and Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA).

Contact Jeannette McGlaun

Email: jmcglaun@hallstructured.com

Phone: 214-269-9481