Written by Megan Hafenstein, as originally published in The Reverse Review.

From her favorite TV shows and her first job to her thoughts about the reverse mortgage market, we get the facts from Megan Hafenstein, the vice president of business development at PRC.

Ten years from now… this is horrifying to think about, but in 10 years I’ll be an empty nester!

Something nobody knows about me is that I’m really good at walking on stilts.

My favorite vacation was in college, when I went to Thailand and Australia over spring break to visit friends who were staying abroad. In those two weeks, I learned more about myself and the world than ever before.

My first car was a 1986 Volvo stick shift—yellow!

My favorite movie is The Sound of Music.

My favorite website is Google. I love that you can find an answer to anything in a matter of seconds.

I never miss an episode of Scandal (new) and Friends (old)—I can’t pass up a rerun if I flip to one!

When I was younger, I wanted to swim in the Olympics… or be a veterinarian.

Every morning I read the newspaper with my coffee. The actual newspaper!

I can’t go without my family’s Google calendar. It’s practically a full-time job trying to keep tabs of where everyone needs to be each day.

I’ll never forget the morning of 9/11. My son was 1 week old and I was scared beyond belief at how the world would be different for him.

My first job was a cashier at a local Mexican taqueria.

My parents taught me how important it is to take your happiness and dreams into your own hands and not wait for others to create opportunities for you. 

My favorite time of the day is walking my daughter to school in the morning. I appreciate the one-on-one time, holding her hand and talking to her about anything. I love watching the neighborhood wake up and the hustle and bustle of everyone starting their day.

I’ve never been skydiving. I always wanted to, but didn’t and now I never will.

I always write things down. My lists keep me focused and on track.

The best lesson I’ve ever learned was to find a career that allows me to be fulfilled professionally and personally. There are a lot of great jobs, but a great job means nothing if it doesn’t allow you to live your life and enjoy the people in it.

The most memorable moment in my life was when I became a mom. My whole world changed in that moment, making everything before seem insignificant.

The best purchase I’ve ever made was college tuition.

For success I have sacrificed the ability to go on field trips and work in my kids’ classrooms.

People should seek a career in the reverse mortgage industry because it’s an unmatched feeling, changing the lives of seniors. They are so grateful and appreciative of this product!

The most fascinating thing about the reverse mortgage industry is its small, close-knit community that supports and encourages each other.

I entered this industry because I wanted a change and the industry was booming (in 2007). I immediately felt a connection to the people at PRC and made the jump. Even with the ups and downs over the past eight years, I’ve remained grateful for the opportunities this industry has given me.

Before I entered the reverse mortgage industry I was a legislative aide for the California State Assembly.

The greatest setback for our industry was household names leaving the industry.

The biggest thing reverse mortgages can offer to seniors is freedom.

The most important thing seniors should understand about reverse mortgages is that it’s like any other mortgage, just with a different structure.

I would encourage a family member to consider a reverse mortgage because it could allow them options that give them freedom. Many seniors would not be able to move cities, downsize or renovate in order to live out their lives in comfort.