Today we’d like to introduce you to Patti Contrasto.
Hi Patti , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been anything but a straight line, and I think that’s probably true for most entrepreneurs.
I started my career in the mortgage industry about 20 years ago, and over time, I discovered that I really loved helping people navigate some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. But I also had a growing interest in real estate, investing, and eventually construction.
In 2007, I purchased my first investment property. I certainly didn’t have some grand plan to build multiple businesses. I was simply trying to create a little more financial stability for my future. I learned as I went, made mistakes, figured things out, and slowly started building from there.
Eventually, I took the leap and opened my own mortgage brokerage, Boxwood Mortgage, in 2019. Later, I expanded into residential construction with Boxwood Homes & Design, while continuing to grow my real estate investments and rental properties.
Today, I manage several businesses that are all connected in one way or another. Some days I’m working on mortgage loans, other days I’m coordinating construction projects, managing rental properties, or working with my team. There’s definitely never a dull moment!
I’ve also been fortunate to give back through a nonprofit I founded, Divas & Gents International Cooking Club, which brings people together while supporting charitable causes.
But I think the most important part of my story isn’t how many businesses I’ve started or what I’ve accomplished. It’s that none of this happened overnight.
I didn’t start with all the answers, unlimited resources, or a perfect roadmap. I just kept learning, working hard, surrounding myself with good people, and being willing to try something new, even when it felt intimidating.
If there’s one thing I’d love younger entrepreneurs to take away from my journey, it’s that **you don’t have to know exactly where you’re going to get started. Sometimes you just have to take that first step, stay curious, and be willing to put in the work. The opportunities often reveal themselves along the way.**
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! And I don’t think I’ve ever met an entrepreneur who would say otherwise.
There have been plenty of challenges, setbacks, long days, and moments when I’ve questioned my decisions. When you’re building a business, especially from the ground up, you’re constantly learning things you didn’t even realize you needed to know.
One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to wear so many different hats. When you start a business, you’re not just the owner. You’re the salesperson, the accountant, the problem solver, the customer service department, and sometimes even the cleaning crew!
And as your businesses grow, the challenges don’t necessarily disappear. They just change. You have to learn how to delegate, trust other people, manage your time, and accept that you can’t control everything.
Working in real estate and mortgage lending has also taught me a lot about adapting. Markets change, interest rates fluctuate, regulations evolve, and sometimes things simply don’t go according to plan. You have to be willing to adjust rather than give up.
I’ve certainly made mistakes, and some lessons have been more expensive than others! But I genuinely believe those experiences have taught me more than the times when everything went smoothly.
I also think it’s important for younger entrepreneurs to understand that building something meaningful takes time. We live in a world where we often see everyone’s success stories, but rarely the years of hard work, uncertainty, and sacrifices behind them.
**My advice is not to be afraid of making mistakes. Be afraid of not learning from them.** Ask questions, surround yourself with people who know more than you, and don’t let one bad experience convince you that you’re not capable of succeeding.
I’m still learning every single day, and I hope I never stop.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Boxwood Mortgage, Boxwood Homes and Design Builder, Satori Haus Furnished Living.?
I currently operate three businesses: **Boxwood Mortgage, Boxwood Homes & Design Builders, and Satori Haus Furnished Living.** Each represents a different part of my passion for real estate, creating opportunities, and helping people find a place to call home.
**Boxwood Mortgage** is an independent mortgage brokerage I founded in 2019. We help individuals and families navigate the home financing process, whether they’re purchasing their first home, refinancing, investing in real estate, or exploring alternative lending options.
One thing I’m particularly proud of is our ability to help people who may not fit the traditional lending mold. We work with self-employed borrowers, investors, foreign nationals, and clients with unique financial circumstances. I believe everyone deserves someone willing to take the time to understand their situation and explore their options rather than simply telling them no.
**Boxwood Homes & Design Builders** grew naturally from my years of investing in and renovating real estate. We specialize in building thoughtfully designed residential homes, with an emphasis on quality, functionality, and details that make a house feel like a home.
Construction has been an entirely different learning experience for me, and one I’ve really enjoyed. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching an empty piece of land become a home where someone will eventually build their own memories.
**Satori Haus Furnished Living** represents another side of my love for real estate: creating beautiful, comfortable, fully furnished living spaces where people can feel at home, even when their stay is temporary.
Our goal is to offer more than just a furnished rental. We want to create welcoming, thoughtfully designed spaces that combine the comforts of home with the convenience and flexibility people need, whether they’re relocating, traveling for work, or simply spending time in a new city.
Although these businesses are different, they’re connected by a common philosophy: treat people well, take pride in your work, and build relationships that last.
I think what sets us apart is our personal approach. We’re not large corporations, and I never want our clients or residents to feel like they’re just another transaction or number. Whether someone is applying for a mortgage, purchasing one of our homes, or staying in one of our furnished properties, I want them to feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for.
What I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily the brands themselves, but the trust we’ve built with the people we serve. Some of my mortgage clients have become lifelong friends, and many continue to refer their family and friends to us. That means more to me than any marketing campaign ever could.
I’m also proud that these businesses have created opportunities for other people, from our employees and contractors to the families and individuals we work with.
And perhaps most importantly, I’m proud that we’re still growing, evolving, and learning. I don’t believe a business is ever truly finished. There’s always something we can improve, someone we can learn from, or a better way to serve our customers.
At the end of the day, I want our brands to represent something simple: **good people doing good work, with honesty, care, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference.**
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a huge fan of podcasts! I love listening to conversations about psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, entrepreneurship, and personal development. I’m fascinated by how our minds work, what drives human behavior, and how our thoughts and perspectives influence the lives we create.
Some of my favorites include Lewis Howes, Andrew Huberman’s Huberman Lab, David Bayer, and Dr. Joe Dispenza. I’m also very interested in the teachings of Carl Jung and other philosophers who encourage us to question our beliefs, understand ourselves better, and see the world from different perspectives.
I’m equally passionate about technology, particularly artificial intelligence. I regularly use ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for everything from research and brainstorming to problem-solving, business planning, and finding creative solutions to everyday challenges.
I love experimenting with different AI platforms because each offers something a little different. They’ve become incredibly valuable tools for managing multiple businesses, learning new skills, and exploring ideas that I might not have considered otherwise.
What excites me most is how accessible knowledge has become. Today, you can learn almost anything if you’re curious enough to ask questions and willing to put in the effort.
I also believe personal growth and professional success go hand in hand. The more we understand ourselves, our emotions, and the people around us, the better equipped we become to navigate challenges, build relationships, and make thoughtful decisions.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the more you learn, the more you realize how much there is still to discover. And I love that!
**My advice to younger entrepreneurs is to stay curious, embrace technology, listen to different perspectives, and never stop investing in your own personal growth. You are ultimately your most important investment.**
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boxwoodmortgage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattimuscles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patti1982/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/patti82/
