Kate Schilling is a high-impact revenue leader who combines deep mortgage industry experience with a consultative, relationship-driven approach to drive meaningful growth. Recently joining Friday Harbor, an AI underwriting startup, as Director of Sales, she is helping lay the foundation for the company’s sales function and go-to-market strategy. In an emerging category where trust and education are critical, Schilling is focused on guiding lenders through the adoption of AI to improve loan quality, efficiency, and long-term performance.
While new to Friday Harbor, Schilling has already begun shaping the company’s early sales infrastructure, bringing a disciplined approach to pipeline development, CRM optimization, and lead management. She is actively working to build a scalable framework for sourcing, nurturing, and converting opportunities, while partnering closely with leadership to refine messaging and positioning in a rapidly evolving market. Her early contributions are focused on turning initial traction into a repeatable growth engine.
Schilling’s impact is rooted in her ability to connect strategy with execution. She works cross-functionally with product and engineering teams to translate client feedback into actionable insights, ensuring the company’s solutions align with real-world lender needs. Her consultative approach helps demystify AI for clients, building confidence and accelerating adoption in a space where credibility is essential.
Known for her strong work ethic and client-first mindset, Schilling brings both immediate momentum and long-term vision to Friday Harbor. Her ability to establish structure, build trust, and drive early growth positions her as a rising leader helping shape the future of AI in mortgage underwriting.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
While I’ve had some very quotable people in my corner, a former boss once told me, “Your reputation runs faster than you ever will — it opens or closes doors before you even get a chance to knock,” and that has stayed with me ever since.
Name:
Kate Schilling
Age:
36
Title:
Director of Sales
Company Name:
Friday Harbor
