I was born and raised in Council Bluffs. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, I pursued a double major in Marketing and Transportation and Logistics at Iowa State University. During my time at ISU, I recognized the significance of community involvement and actively participated in Greek Life as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta. Serving on various committees and volunteering, I had a blast during my 4 years-GO CYCLONES!
After ISU, I ventured to Kansas City…….let’s just say I took a scenic route to the mortgage world. I explored roles in copier sales, coordinated drivers nationwide as a dispatcher for a national trucking company, and even mastered the art of mixology as a bartender. In 2001, fate led me to the world of mortgages, and I began my journey with a Mortgage Broker in Kansas City. Returning to my roots in 2007, I brought my 8-month-old son, a love of BBQ, the Kansas City Chiefs, and a passion to assist others on their homeownership journey in my hometown. Joining Liberty Bank as a Mortgage Banker, I was warmly welcomed back into the Council Bluffs community, where the spirit of knowing our neighbors, supporting local businesses, and occasionally organizing a neighborhood block party or two prevails.
While helping hundreds of families in finding their first or forever home, it wasn’t until 2009, when I purchased my own home, that I fully grasped the essence of homeownership. As a single mother with less-than-perfect financial sense from college, I initially doubted the possibility. I did a number on my credit; what do you mean you have to pay back those credit cards? It has been through my own personal experience that yes life happens and sometimes you need someone in your corner to help in understanding credit, budgeting, what are the next steps to build wealth for your family, and that finding a home is more than just a place; it’s where family stories unfold, and you have a sense of belonging in the community.
Fast forward to today, I am a very proud mother of my incredible son, Bryson. Despite the challenges, including the inevitable teenage drama, he is the “Why” behind my passion for what I do every day. Our household also includes Artie, our ever-stubborn Chihuahua, who insists on daily snacks and attention. He is the real boss around our home. I navigate it all with a good dose of humor, numerous shots of caffeine, and the occasional emergency chocolate stash.
Most often I spend my time with my family and friends, actively supporting small businesses in the community. Come football season, you’ll find me cheering for my teams on Saturdays and Sundays – whether it’s the Cyclones or the KC Chiefs. I’m either celebrating touchdowns or consoling myself with a good book if the game doesn’t go as planned.
I have been a mortgage advisor for over 20 years and continue to learn and grow daily. Change is constant in this business, both professionally and personally. I was excited to join Benchmark in January of 2023. It’s wonderful to be a part of a team that genuinely cares about and supports each other, making the mortgage journey as enjoyable as possible for all our customers who become friends.
I don’t want to be just an expert in mortgages; it’s not only about transactions but also about building a community. I aim to be a partner in your unique homeownership story. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seeking a new chapter, or your forever home, I am happy to guide you in becoming a part of a neighborhood and community. We’ll be there with you every step of the way, educating and communicating. Looking forward to helping bring you HOME!
Best Piece of Advice:
“There is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs.”
― Zig Ziglar
Things you never knew about Meggan:
- Oldest of 6 kids and the shortest of them all
- I wanted to be a corporate lawyer when I was growing up
- Chips, salsa, and Guacamole are the only food groups! I could eat this for every meal.
- I met Tony Ganzalez at the Granfalloon in Kansas City and Carrot Top at a restaurant in Las Vegas
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My Team
Krystal Arneson
Loan Partner
Krystal is the primary architect behind Team Pierce’s smooth front end process as she is tasked with making sure all the right pieces are in place. Her expertise in all things mortgage has garnered her a surplus of five-star reviews from clients and partners. She thrives under pressure and excels at multi-tasking and is a huge asset to our team!
Krystal grew up in Billings, Montana where she attended college and met her husband. She has lived in Ohio, Iowa, North Dakota and finally landed in Nebraska due to her husband’s job. She currently lives in Omaha, NE with her son Owen, 15 and her husband Kyle.
While in Billings she worked in retail selling shoes and cosmetics and also managed an amusement park in the summer months. Krystal continued to work in retail as a manager until the family moved to Fargo where she worked as an escrow officer in the title industry for 7 years. She has now transitioned to the mortgage world which she loves. Krystal loves being able to work with clients to achieve their real estate dreams. Making sure to communicate the details and expectations to the clients is what she strives to make sure is done each day as buying a home is a big deal.
Best advice Krystal has received:
You cannot take your money to the grave so spend it on who you love and what you love doing now!
Things you never knew about Krystal:
- She was a regional ranked swimmer in the 100 yard and 200 yard butterfly in both high school and club swimming, and also played soccer.
- She is a huge fan of the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Indians.
- Her favorite food is candy. That is really all she eats other than cheese pizza. She is super picky.
- She DOES NOT EAT bacon, fish, or steak.
- If she could spend each day by the beach in the Caribbean she would.
- Her dream car to cruise in is a pearl tangerine Plymouth Prowler.
Sammie Pierce
Loan Partner
Sammie grew up in Glenwood, Iowa, where she attended school and crossed paths with her now-fiancé, Trent. Presently, they reside in Plattsmouth alongside their dog trifecta: Cleo, Athena, and Gypsy.
Before getting into the mortgage industry, Sammie’s work experiences included caregiving for individuals with disabilities, waiting tables, delivering pizzas, and working with kids at a local daycare.
She has loved the past 5 years to the mortgage world.
The most impactful advice Sammie received is a timeless one:
Always be kind.
Here are a couple of lesser-known facts about her:
- Sammie lived in over 15 different houses in the area during her upbringing.
- She has a deep appreciation for quality chicken strips.
- Fish is a BIG FAT NO for her
- Her preferred travel destination is Florida to visit family
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