Joey Colon-Gueits

Joey Colon-Gueits was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Virginia at age 10 with his mother and older brother. Growing up, Joey’s mother taught English, working at multiple schools throughout the day, including a weekly night class. Joey and his brother accompanied their mother to all these jobs, witnessing firsthand her dedication and work ethic. This early exposure to his mother's tireless commitment to education and service profoundly shaped his own career path.

Joey attended Radford University, where he majored in Criminal Justice with initial plans to attend law school. His first professional role was as a paralegal at a personal injury and civil law firm, where he worked until the COVID-19 pandemic. In this position, he leveraged his bilingual abilities to translate for Spanish-speaking clients while discovering a passion for helping people navigate difficult circumstances. He particularly enjoyed drafting demand letters and negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation for injured clients. When he departed the firm due to pandemic layoffs, what seemed like a setback became an opportunity for growth. Joey joined Loudoun County Government's Family Services Department, where he administered rental assistance through the CARES Act. This experience in public service led him to Mable Loans, a small mortgage broker with seven employees, where he worked as a loan processor. There, he specialized in Veterans Affairs loans and Federal Housing Administration first-time homebuyer programs for clients with low credit scores, educating them on pathways to homeownership despite financial challenges. After a year, he was promoted to loan officer.

Seeking to further his impact in the housing sector, in 2022 Joey joined Freddie Mac's Multifamily Audit team as an associate. Joey and his team are responsible for auditing Optigo® seller/servicers, examining individual loan servicing practices, general controls, accounting procedures and compliance with the Freddie Mac Multifamily Seller/Servicer Guide. He also helps establish each audit by creating sample selections for all the loans tested and verifies whether the audits his team will be working on are full or limited scope. Last June, Joey advanced to his current role as a professional.

Below, Joey shares what makes working at Freddie Mac meaningful and how his background influences his approach to the mission.

How do you see your job impacting Freddie Mac’s mission is to Make Home Possible?

A: As an auditor, I recognize that we serve as a crucial pillar in maintaining compliance across the organization. When we perform our job effectively, we help promote consistent and transparent application of Freddie Mac’s requirements, which ultimately supports making homeownership possible.  

What do you like most about working at Freddie Mac, and what excites you to come to work?

A: Without a doubt, my team. They are the best part about working here and since my first day, have been nothing but welcoming, helpful and supportive. We've formed such a strong relationship that we eat lunch together every day — it's become our tradition. I appreciate being surrounded by people who possess a wealth of knowledge and are always willing to share their expertise. Beyond my team, the mission itself is deeply meaningful. As a child, I grew up in affordable housing and have first-hand experience of being assisted by our mission. I believe that everybody needs a home, somewhere to go to at night. 

What trait makes a great teammate?

A: There are several but ones that I personally prioritize are kindness and patience. These traits can be shown when training new team members and being mindful that everyone learns at a different pace. My job has a steep learning curve and practicing patience helps create an environment where people can grow. I also value a willingness to learn and knowledge sharing, recognizing that this is a two-way street. It’s amazing to work with colleagues who can teach me, and I strive to pass along what I've learned to others. True collaboration means both giving and receiving support. 

Looking back, what's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self?

A: I’d tell myself several things. First, take risks and take the leap, even when things seem scary. This includes not being afraid to shift career paths. If an opportunity calls, you never know where it may lead. Second, read often; it's more helpful than you might think. Beyond expanding your knowledge base, reading strengthens your writing abilities and helps you formulate ideas more clearly. Also, speak up and let your ideas be heard — your perspective may make a bigger impact than you realize. Most importantly, embrace everything in life as a learning experience, whether the outcome is good or bad. Each challenge and triumph has shaped who I am today.

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

A: I love spending time outdoors and especially hiking. I'm also a dedicated foodie who enjoys discovering new restaurants and cuisines, some of my favorites include Thai and Italian food. I share this interest with my work team, and we bond over trying new lunch spots. Reading has always been a passion of mine, which has evolved into a new hobby of collecting rare and first edition books. My reading tastes lean toward fantasy, thriller and horror genres, and I'm currently making my way through Robert Jordan's 14-book series, Wheel of Time. I also love movies — The Lord of the Rings trilogy holds a special place in my heart, and I make it a tradition to watch the extended editions at least once a year. 

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