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2018
YOUNG
GUNS These 50 young professionals are leading
the industry toward a bright new future

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 SPECIAL REPORT
YOUNG GUNS 2018
YOUNG
GUNS
2018
Millennials are transforming the way
borrowers purchase homes. CMP
highlights 50 young mortgage pros
who are on their way to becoming
the new leaders of the industry
22 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca
22-39_Young Guns-SUBBED.indd 22
RECRUITING, ENGAGING, training and retaining young
talent in the mortgage industry has long been a concern, yet the
individuals on the following pages paint a bright picture of the
industry’s future. All 35 years of age or younger, these 50 go-getters
have already contributed leaps and bounds above what some
decades-long veterans have achieved. On the following pages,
you’ll be introduced to highly driven brokers who have dedicated
their spare time to charitable organizations or to passing on their
knowledge through training and education courses, as well as
ambitious entrepreneurs and CEOs who are already leading their
organizations. Despite their limited time in this industry, these
Young Guns have a lot to offer to the Canadian mortgage world.
12/07/2018 2:42:09 AM
 Brought to you by

YOUNG GUNS INDEX

COMPANY NAME PAGE
Bespoke Mortgage Group Ryan Dennahower 38
CanWise Financial Ryan Jejina 31
CanWise Financial James Laird 24
Centum Core Financial Mike Jones 39
Centum Financial Group Graeme Merrick 36
Centum Financial Group Joe Muir 30
Centum Home Lenders Clinton Wilkins 30
DLC The Mortgage Firm Mohammad Derakhshanfar 31
DLC YBM Group Ben Oakes 31
DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts Jeff Ingram 38
DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts Adam Hawryluk 31
DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts Jewels Ferris 33
DLC Easy Street Mortgages Kevin Liddiard 39
DLC Elite Lending Corp. James Li 25
DLC Home Capital Solutions Ravi Gosal 29
DLC Mortgage Evolution Cody Sjogren 26
DLC Mortgage Excellence Nathan Lawrence 24
DLC Mortgage Excellence Hillary Slusar 26
DLC Mortgage Force Sunny Vig 34
DLC Team RRP Damon Steele 28
DLC Team RRP Tyler Wilson 24
Dominion Lending Centres Lisa Amor 27
Dominion Lending Centres Kate Brady 33
East Coast Mortgage Brokers Leslie Penney 36
East Coast Mortgage Brokers Nikki Carew 28
East Coast Mortgage Brokers Robert Jennings 26
Invis McKague Mortgages Jason McKague 26
Invis Mortgage Intelligence/Connolly Capital Matthew O'Neil 28
Invis Mortgage Intelligence Jason Armstrong 31
Invis West Coast Mortgages Aaron Baxandall 35
Invis The Wilson Team Kevin Mayer 27
MCAP Nicole Cabral 34
Merix Financial Stephen Cheng 36
ABOUT THE SPONSOR
Merix Financial Nicole Thomson 30
Monarch Mortgage Group Mauro Poletti 30
MortgagePal D'Arcy Henneberry 36
Northwood Mortgage Scott Robson 30
Northwood Mortgage Grace Reynolds 38
Optimum Mortgage Martina East 24
HomeEquity Bank, a Schedule I Canadian bank, is the
Plan B Mortgage Services Cole Hennig 28
only bank solely dedicated to providing older Canadian
homeowners with smart, simple options for enjoying Rock Capital Investments/Mortgage Jump James Zantingh 39
the full value of their home in retirement. We know that The Financing Hub David McGill 39
for many of your clients over 55, retirement can be a TMG The Mortgage Group Scott Trainor 32
challenge when the unexpected happens: cash flow is TMG The Mortgage Group Candice Light 34
less than they’d planned, they don’t want to tap into Verico Advanced Mortgage & Lending Solutions Shane Mouwen 32
their savings, or major expenses pop up that they hadn’t Verico Best Mortgage Loans Scott Conte 38
foreseen. With a national network of BDMs, regional Verico Nova Financial Services Felicity Brempong 37
offices in Vancouver and Montreal, and a head office in Verico Xeva Mortgage James DeVuyst 34
Toronto, HomeEquity Bank works closely with brokers to Verico Xeva Mortgage Casey Archibald 39
help Canadian seniors live a fulfilling retirement.
VWR Capital Corp. Dimitri Kosturos 32

www.mortgagebrokernews.ca 23

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 SPECIAL REPORT
YOUNG GUNS 2018
JAMES LAIRD
President
CanWise Financial
Age: 34
James Laird founded CanWise Financial less than four
year ago, and the brokerage is already a multi-award
winner firm. CanWise was named Best Newcomer,
Mortgage Broker Firm at the 2017 Canadian Mortgage
Awards and Mortgage Brokerage of the Year at the
2018 CMAs. Laird is also co-founder of rate comparison
platform Ratehub.ca and director of Zoocasa, which he and his group purchased from
Rogers Communications in 2015.
MARTINA EAST
Manager, business development
Optimum Mortgage
Age: 35
For the past three years, Martina East has been one of
Optimum Mortgage’s top BDMs, developing a reputation
among brokers for being reliable, knowledgeable and
compassionate toward her clients. In the industry since
2000, East has received multiple awards from different
employers. Her diversified experience in the industry
provides her brokers a unique perspective from both
sides of the desk. This expertise, combined with her friendly personality and empathetic
nature, are the key factors behind her continued success.
TYLER WILSON
Managing broker
DLC Team RRP
Age: 34
Currently a managing broker at DLC Team RRP, Tyler
Wilson has had the privilege of working alongside top
industry leaders during his 10 years as a broker. He’s taken
their processes and refined them over and over to ensure
his clients are provided with the best experience possible.
Despite handling a high number of transactions on an annual basis, Wilson has expanded
his knowledge to work with a wide range of clients, from first-time homebuyers and
seasoned real estate investors to salaried employees and the newly self-employed.
Known for his willingness to assist the clients banks and other brokers have turned
down, Wilson loves to help people realize their dreams by removing any fear of financing
or the unknown. For him, the initial meeting is only the first step in setting the foundation
for a long-term relationship. He provides his clients with a better understanding of the
wide array of mortgage options and lays out a long-term plan to ultimately help them
grow their wealth through real estate – an approach that has led to many of his clients
becoming his friends as well.
24 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca
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NATHAN LAWRENCE
Mortgage broker
DLC Mortgage Excellence
Age: 33
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Nathan
Lawrence understands the opportunities
and challenges of working in a small
market. He has built a strong reputation in
Northwestern Ontario by delivering options
and clear, independent advice. Lawrence is
also an active community member who has
been part of the Chamber of Commerce
network both locally in Thunder Bay and at
the provincial level for more than a decade.
“I have always believed in being active in
my community,” he says. “Being engaged
in different areas has allowed me the
opportunity to meet amazing people
and the chance to hear and learn from
their experiences. It also provides me
with amazing insight into my city, which
helps me grow my network and business.
The Chamber of Commerce network
specifically is a passion of mine. I believe
that a strong business community helps to
foster a strong community overall.”
Currently, Lawrence serves as the first
vice-chair for the Thunder Bay Chamber
of Commerce board of directors and as
a vice-chair for the Ontario Chamber
of Commerce board of directors, and
he previously served for two years as
president of the Northwestern Ontario
Associated Chambers of Commerce
network. In addition, he spent six years
serving on the board for SHIFT, Thunder
Bay’s young professionals network, and
was a founding co-chair of the Ontario
Young Professionals Network.
12/07/2018 2:42:16 AM
 Brought to you by

JAMES LI
Senior mortgage consultant

DLC Elite Lending Corp.

Age: 31

Prior to becoming a mortgage broker,

James Li served in the Canadian
Army, and he continues to use the
skills and discipline he acquired there
to demonstrate integrity, loyalty and
excellence to all of his clients and
colleagues. In 2016, Li joined Elite Lending
Corp. as a sub-mortgage broker with
the goal of becoming a top producer. In
his first year as a broker, Li was awarded
the Dominion Lending Centres Rookie
of the Year Award by outperforming all
new brokers in the DLC network across
Canada. In the same year, he also earned
the DLC Top 50 Monthly Revenue Award
and the DLC Executive Award.
Li continues to grow his business
through his strong work ethic, approach­
ability and focus on finding creative
solutions for clients in this ever-changing
market. As of June, he has already
surpassed $20 million in volume and is on
track to hit his goal of $35 million by the
end of the year.
Li believes in making a difference in his
community and donates a percentage of
each commission to Habitat for Humanity.
He also volunteers at the local soup kitchen,
The Living Room, several times a year.

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 SPECIAL REPORT
YOUNG GUNS 2018
CODY SJOGREN
Mortgage specialist
DLC Mortgage Evolution
Age: 32
Cody Sjogren has been helping
Vancouverites achieve their dreams of
homeownership for the past decade.
Growing up with Realtor parents and an
aunt who was a mortgage broker, “I was
pretty much born with enthusiasm for
the mortgage industry entrenched in
my mindset,” Sjogren says. In 2017, he
reached Gold Club status, putting him in
the top 15% of DLC brokers nationwide.
Sjogren is also the creator of NOA
Today, which helps brokers obtain CRA
documents within 24 hours to help them
fund mortgages in a timely manner. NOA
partnered with Dominion Lending Centres
to launch nationally, allowing hundreds of
brokers to use the service monthly to help
fund their deals. NOA also contributes to
DLC’s Bikes for Kids initiative by donating
money for every order placed on NOA
Today during the month of September.
“Donating to charity is a passion of mine,”
Sjogren says, “and I also contribute
personally to Bikes for Kids as one of my
yearly contribution focal points.”
FUN FACT
A die-hard soccer fan, Sjogren has been
to every Euro Cup and World Cup in the
past eight years. In June, he travelled to
Russia to cheer on his home country,
Australia, at the 2018 World Cup.
26 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca
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JASON MCKAGUE
Mortgage agent
Invis McKague Mortgages
Age: 32
As a student in the University of Waterloo’s co-op program,
Jason McKague was introduced to Manulife, where
he worked for eight years and eventually became the
number-one producing banking consultant in Canada for
mortgage volume and transactions in 2014 and 2015. In
2016, McKague decided to venture out on his own, starting
McKague Mortgages to address the financing needs of the Barrie community and to help
other people achieve financial freedom. Outside of his mortgage work, McKague supports
community organizations such as the Easter Seals and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
HILLARY SLUSAR
Operations manager/underwriter
DLC Mortgage Excellence
Age: 27
Hillary Slusar believes that the fundamentals of a good
business – having amazing people and exceptional
processes – are the same, regardless of industry. This
principle has held true as Slusar has transitioned from
managing a local restaurant to overseeing the operations
of a mortgage business. She and her team work hard
to ensure that no matter where their clients are based, the service they receive is
consistent and excellent. To achieve this, they’ve worked tirelessly to perfect their internal
underwriting system to efficiently move each mortgage from offer to closing. They’ve
also been able to build excellent relationships with clients, referral partners and lenders,
as well as their own agents, who are spared from excessive administrative work and thus
empowered to add more value to the business.
ROBERT JENNINGS
Broker/co-owner
East Coast Mortgage Brokers
Age: 35
With more than 12 years of experience in financial services,
Robert Jennings is the longest-tenured advisor at East
Coast Mortgage Brokers [ECMB], of which he is also part
owner. Jennings was the firm’s top producer from 2012
to 2017, and has been recognized by CMP as a Young
Gun, Top Alternative Broker and Top 20 Small Market Broker. He was also a finalist for
Alternative Mortgage Broker of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Mortgage Awards.
Aside from being highly regarded in the industry, Jennings is active in his community,
leading ECMB to receive the Community Impact Award from the St. John’s Board of Trade
in 2016. He also volunteers for and contributes to a number of charities and fundraisers,
including the Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
12/07/2018 2:42:20 AM
 Brought to you by

LISA AMOR
Creative director and brand manager

Dominion Lending Centres

Age: 28

As the creative director for

Dominion Lending Centres,
Lisa Amor is the creative
force behind one of the most
recognizable brands in the
industry. At age 17, Amor
moved to Vancouver to
pursue her design career. She
attended the Art Institute of Vancouver, graduating at the top of
her class, and worked at various creative agencies across the city,
specializing in branding real estate developments, before joining
DLC in 2015.
At DLC, Amor is responsible for designing all national marketing
campaigns, corporate marketing initiatives, conferences, events
and products. Her keen eye for design has been behind some
of DLC’s most successful marketing campaigns, which have
elevated the brand to new heights. Her notable successes include
the award-winning Our House campaign, the Change of Space
document that gained industry buzz following the new mortgage
rules, and the development of brands like Newton Connectivity
Systems. Her true passion project, however, is DLC’s Our House
magazine, the home and lifestyle publication distributed to
50,000 Canadians each quarter.
Outside of the office, Amor has lent her creativity to local
initiatives like Young Women in Business, A Little More Good, the
Passion Foundation, Project Change Film Festival and the Mission
Possible Gala.
KEVIN MAYER
Mortgage agent
Invis The Wilson Team
Age: 28
Kevin Mayer takes an educational approach to his role as a
mortgage agent, working closely with families and individuals
looking to make the biggest investment of their lives and
developing customized strategies to meet their unique goals.
Starting in the industry at the age of 23, Mayer has worked
tirelessly to grow his network and to put systems in place to make
his clients’ mortgage experience simple and stress-free.
In 2016, Mayer was named Rookie of the Year at his brokerage;
the following year, he was a finalist for Best Newcomer, Individual
Agent or Broker at the Canadian Mortgage Awards and was
named top associate within a team at his Ottawa brokerage.
“The sky is the limit, and 2018 is shaping out to be the best year
yet,” Mayer says.

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 SPECIAL REPORT

YOUNG GUNS 2018

MATTHEW O’NEIL
Mortgage agent/president

Invis Mortgage Intelligence/Connolly Capital

Age: 27

Matthew O’Neil has been a business owner since age

12, when he started a landscaping business in Port
Credit that grew into a saleable company that lasted for
more than 10 years. After graduating from university,
O’Neil joined RBC and spent the next four years as a
mortgage specialist, becoming one of the top five in
mortgage volume within his team. Earlier this year, O’Neil transitioned into the mortgage
broker community under Mortgage Intelligence, and he has his sights set on becoming
the network’s number-one agent in terms of mortgage volume. He also started his
own mortgage administration company, Connolly Capital, where he’s responsible for
overseeing all new mortgage originations, as well as day-to-day operations.

DAMON STEELE
Broker

DLC Team RRP

Age: 33

An experienced financial planner, lender and now

COLE HENNIG
President
mortgage broker, Damon Steele prides himself on
Plan B Mortgage Services
applying a holistic approach to financing, drawing on the Age: 27
insights he has gained about the industry and his clients’
needs. Whether for clients looking to purchase their first Not many people can add ‘president of
home, planning for a new family or eyeing a sabbatical years down the road, Steele has a successful company’ to their resume
repeatedly demonstrated a knack for understanding unique personal situations, seeing before the age of 30, but Cole Hennig can.
the big picture and engaging in careful problem-solving. His commitment to customer Under his guidance, Plan B has quickly
service is backed by his values of communication, transparency and education. Outside become one of the leading mortgage
of his mortgage work, Steele is a real estate investor and also serves as a board member originators in the alternative lending
for a Vancouver-based non-profit focused on music and the arts. space, funding more than 125 units per
year, and was named a Top Alternative
Broker by CMP.

NIKKI CAREW “If Cole believes in a file and in the

consumer’s situation, he will work it
Mortgage broker
through countless lender contacts, put
East Coast Mortgage Brokers
Age: 35 in his best efforts to fulfil the application
goal,” a peer says. “Files that have been
Nikki Carew has worked in financial services for more declined by other brokers and lenders
than a decade, but it wasn’t until she became a mortgage regularly land on Cole’s desk, where he
broker that she found the perfect fit. Since joining the industry, Carew has gone on and his team will find approvals.”
to receive multiple Veris awards from Verico and has been recognized on CMP’s Top While he has a knack for business,
20 Small Market Brokers and Women of Influence lists. Already in 2018, Carew has it’s giving back to the community that
managed to achieve an 80% increase in her business and is continuously looking for makes Hennig most proud. Born and
ways to grow her book while maintaining a strong level of commitment. Outside of her raised in the Tri-Cities, he has helped
daily responsibilities, Carew serves as the Newfoundland director for CMBA Atlantic and several local charities, including SHARE
also chairs Brokering Wishes NL, which has raised $38,000 so far this year for Make-A- Family & Community Services Society and
Wish Atlantic. Canadian Blood Services.

28 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca

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RAVI GOSAL
Mortgage agent
DLC Home Capital Solutions
Age: 32
Wanting to pursue a career that would give him more control
over his future and allow him to fully use his skill set, Ravi Gosal
became a mortgage agent in 2010 after working with TD Canada
Trust for several years. From the start, Gosal decided that his
guiding principle would be to educate his clients by equipping
them with as much information as possible in order to make
informed decisions. Today, this principle remains his core focus
and has allowed him to build a successful and flourishing book
of business.
In 2014 and 2015, Gosal received Dominion Lending Centres’
22-39_Young Guns-SUBBED.indd 29
Brought to you by
Sales Achievement Award for reaching minimum gross revenue
of $50,000. He followed that up in 2016 and 2017 with the
Executive Award for minimum revenue of $100,000, and he’s on
pace to have an even more successful year in 2018 – and he has
achieved all of these goals while being a stay-at-home dad for the
past four years.
“My family and my work are my passion,” he says. “It has been
a challenge to juggle everything the past few years, to say the
least, but I figure once my child starts school this fall, I will get
a big part of my days back. This should allow me to be a more
productive agent.”
When he does have the opportunity for downtime, Gosal and
his family love to travel, usually opting for hikes on trails around
Ontario. Gosal also gives back to the broker community by
helping to recruit and mentor new agents.
www.mortgagebrokernews.ca 29
12/07/2018 2:42:30 AM
 SPECIAL REPORT
YOUNG GUNS 2018
SCOTT ROBSON
Mortgage broker
Northwood Mortgage
Age: 34
Scott Robson is perhaps best known for
his TV and print work – including Match
Game, Panic Button and, most recently,
Food Network Canada’s Chef in Your Ear,
but his time in the mortgage industry
has been equally successful. In 2011, he
obtained his broker licence after four
years as a mortgage agent. At Northwood
Mortgage, Robson has been named to the
Top Brokers Club in 2014, 2016 and 2017,
and he also earned Verico’s President’s
Club Award in 2016 and 2017.
FUN FACT
Robson has been featured in print
campaigns for Cadillac Fairview, the
Toronto Maple Leafs and GoodLife
Fitness.
MAURO POLETTI
Mortgage broker/partner
Monarch Mortgage Group
Age: 35
Moving from the restaurant industry to
the mortgage world has been an exciting
and fulfilling journey for Mauro Poletti. A
broker with Mortgage Intelligence since
2011, Poletti became a partner last year at
Monarch Mortgage Group, which operates
under the mission of “taking the butterflies
out of homeownership.”
30 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca
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JOE MUIR
Marketing manager
Centum Financial Group
Age: 26
Armed with a solid background in
entrepreneurship, finance and project
management, Joe Muir has transitioned
successfully into the mortgage industry by
keeping in mind what will benefit brokers and the
community. This has led Muir and his team to
develop various initiatives, ranging from an online
university to a scaling down of a 25-storey building
for charity. Muir believes any accomplishment
boils down to honesty and hard work, and this has
proven true for him as both a business owner and
a mortgage professional.
CLINTON WILKINS
Mortgage broker
Centum Home Lenders
Age: 35
A published author and a regular TV commentator
on mortgages, Clinton Wilkins has been helping
clients achieve their financial goals for more than 11
years. His diverse background includes everything
from managing small businesses to handling
human resources. Wilkins focuses on meeting the
financial needs of his clients by providing them with
strong options so they can leave his office with the
satisfaction of knowing they received great customer
service. His dedication to his clients led him to win the
2018 Canadian Mortgage Award for Mortgage Broker
of the Year (Fewer Than 25 Employees).
NICOLE THOMSON
Director of business development
Merix Financial
Age: 34
A dedicated business development manager, Nicole
Thomson helps brokers find solutions for their
clients. Her hard work landed her a spot as a finalist
for Lender BDM of the Year at the 2018 Canadian
Mortgage Awards. “Nicole is amazing, intelligent and
makes mortgages fun,” a peer says. “She is a true
partner and industry expert.”
12/07/2018 2:56:10 AM
 Brought to you by
RYAN JEJINA
Mortgage agent
CanWise Financial
Age: 28
After working at RBC for a number of years, Ryan
Jejina joined CanWise Financial in 2015 at the
firm’s newly opened Calgary office. Last year,
Jejina successfully closed 95 mortgages totalling
$30.5 million in volume; as of June, he has already
surpassed his 2017 targets, closing 125 mortgages
worth $38.4 million.
He attributes his success to his straightforward
delivery of mortgage information. “My focus each
day is finding the best mortgage options for my
clients and making sure my clients know what to
expect in the initial mortgage discussions so there
are no surprises later on,” he says. “A lot of my success has come from keeping my clients
up-to-date, whether it’s sending them emails throughout the process or giving them a call
when you hear back from a lender. If you’re accessible and you answer your phone, you
will find clients appreciate your service and will continue to use your services in the future.”
MOHAMMAD DERAKHSHANFAR
Mortgage associate
DLC The Mortgage Firm
Age: 32
In his three years as a mortgage associate, Mohammad Derakhshanfar has built his
business on his dedication and commitment to his clients and the marketplace. His
approach has resulted in incredible growth, including his being named to the top 20
brokers by individual volume within the national DLC community.
BEN OAKES
Mortgage agent
DLC YBM Group
Age: 33
Ben Oakes understands that the experience of
purchasing or refinancing a home can be one of the
most stressful situations clients will ever face, and he
prides himself on alleviating that stress with educated
insight and by helping clients through each transaction
in a professional and knowledgeable manner. This
approach has earned Oakes DLC’s Diamond Award,
which recognizes the top 5% of DLC agents nationwide,
every year since 2015. He was also named Rookie of
the Year in 2015 and has already been recognized in
2018 with the company’s Sales Achievement Award and
Executive Award for volume.
22-39_Young Guns-SUBBED.indd 31
ADAM HAWRYLUK
Mortgage expert
DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts
Age: 35
The leader of a growing team based
in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Adam
Hawryluk is the driving force behind
‘Flawless Financing,’ his team’s unique
process for increasing efficiencies to
enhance the client experience. The system
has been a major factor in the team’s
consistent annual volume growth of 40%
year-over-year since 2015.
Nominated to the Times Colonist
newspaper’s Top 20 Under 40 for the last
six years, Hawryluk is an active leader
in his community. He previously served
as president of the Young Professionals
of Nanaimo and is a long-time member
of the board of directors for Community
Futures Central Island, where he was
awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2017.
JASON ARMSTRONG
Mortgage broker
Invis Mortgage Intelligence
Age: 33
With 10 years of experience in the
mortgage industry under his belt, Jason
Armstrong currently leads a team of six
located in London, Ontario. Since joining
Invis Mortgage Intelligence a year ago,
Armstrong has successfully recruited new
agents to his team while also promoting
the benefits of using a broker.
www.mortgagebrokernews.ca 31
12/07/2018 2:42:37 AM
 SPECIAL REPORT

YOUNG GUNS 2018

SCOTT TRAINOR
Mortgage associate

TMG The Mortgage Group

Age: 29

Since his start in the mortgage industry at age 21, Scott Trainor has evolved into an integral
force in helping to grow the TMG brand in Saskatoon. Two years ago, Trainor and two other
young brokers opened their office in Saskatoon, re-establishing TMG’s foothold in the area
and bringing the location into the 21st century with their use of technology.
“I pride myself on my use of a CRM that allows me to become my clients’ friend and
mortgage broker for life rather than just doing one transaction and constantly searching
for new business,” Trainor says. “By implementing technology into everyday life, it has
taken away hectic work and created a predictable business.”
In addition to his technology initiatives, Trainor has been in the top 20% of TMG
brokers nationwide since 2012. He is also a strong supporter of his local children’s
hospital, inspired by his oldest son, who was born with a complex heart condition.

DIMITRI KOSTUROS SHANE MOUWEN

Chief operating officer Mortgage associate

VWR Capital Corp. Verico Advanced Mortgage & Lending Solutions

Age: 34 Age: 32

As VWR Capital Corp.’s COO, Dimitri Kosturos is
responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations
within business development, marketing, IT and
underwriting. He also works closely with other senior
managers to set VWR’s strategic direction. Since
Kosturos joined VWR, its mortgage portfolio has grown from $95 million to more than
$320 million, and the company has expanded from British Columbia and Alberta to
Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Active within the industry, Kosturos is a past
director/president of the BC MIC Managers Association and currently sits on the
association’s regulatory committee. In 2017, he joined the Merchant Advance Capital
board of directors, and he also sits on the boards for the Shewan Foundation and the
Langley Community Services Society.
JEWELS FERRIS
Mortgage expert
DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts
Age: 28
In just four years as a full-time mortgage broker, Jewels Ferris
has parlayed her people skills and attention to detail into some
pretty impressive numbers. A top-producing broker at DLC
Canadian Mortgage Experts, Ferris received the DLC Diamond
Award in 2017 for being among the top 5% of DLC agents in the
country, and she also received Canadian Mortgage Experts’ Titan Award in 2017 for being
a top 10 broker for number of units funded. Ferris is currently filming a video series, The
100 Million Dollar Journey, in which she applies the most useful tips and tricks shared by
the industry’s best on the “I Love Mortgage Brokering” podcast.
Prior to joining the mortgage industry,
Shane Mouwen was involved in the
construction of new homes. He eventually
completed his construction management
course at SAIT and began doing site
supervision with a custom home builder,
but Mouwen quickly realized that he was
more passionate about working directly
with customers. He transitioned into new
home sales, where he spent about seven
years before ultimately deciding the
mortgage industry was a better fit for his
personal life.
“I really feel like I’ve found my calling
as a mortgage professional,” Mouwen
says. “I love the idea that everyone
around me is, could be or eventually will
be a potential customer. I love helping
people, so I try to help as many people as
I can. I’m never too busy or too good for
anyone’s business.”
In his first year as a mortgage
associate, Mouwen funded $9 million;
now in his third year, he’s on pace to close
about $30 million by the end of 2018. A
strong believer in giving back, Mouwen
is also actively involved with the Ronald
McDonald House.

32 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca

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 Brought to you by

KATE BRADY
Director of marketing, events and sponsorship

Dominion Lending Centres

Age: 32

With a degree in hospitality and tourism business

management, Kate Brady set her sights on a
marketing career. Her first role was as an account
coordinator with Maritz Canada, where she assisted
in the planning of national sales conferences for
large pharmaceutical companies. She then moved
to Endo Network, a small technology marketing
company, where she climbed the ranks to become
project manager for the Scotiabank account. She
made the jump into mortgages as a marketing
specialist for the residential lending solutions
division at FCT. Now with Dominion Lending
Centres, Brady has successfully led major company
and industry events, including DLC University
conferences in Toronto and Vancouver, and IGNITE
conferences for Mortgage Architects and Mortgage
Centre Canada.
Brady also steers DLC’s successful marketing
team and initiatives, including DLC’s Our House
marketing campaign, as well as Our House
magazine and a set of soon-to-air TV ads.

FUN FACT

Brady has recorded a rap beat under her rap

handle, L’il Braidz.

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 SPECIAL REPORT

YOUNG GUNS 2018

CANDICE LIGHT
Broker
TMG The Mortgage Group
Age: 32
Candice Light began her career in the
mortgage industry almost 12 years ago. Over
the years, her hard work and focus on the
client experience have earned her various
accolades, including being named TMG’s
Rising Star in 2014 and being among TMG’s
top performers for the last four years.
Light’s passion for the industry is evident
in the way she puts clients first. She also
enjoys building relationships, whether it’s
with clients, lenders or referral partners. “I
like connecting with past clients to see how
they’ve been doing and how their situations
have changed,” she says. “I like that each day
is different and each deal unique.”
Outside of the mortgage industry, Light is
an avid hockey player who played at a high
level as a forward – she even played with
several of the women from the Vancouver 2010
Olympic gold-medal-winning hockey team.

SUNNY VIG
Principal mortgage broker/owner

DLC Mortgage Force

Age: 28

Both of his parents were in the mortgage industry, so

JAMES DEVUYST
Mortgage professional
Verico Xeva Mortgage
Age: 33
In 2015, James DeVuyst made the
decision to step into the broker world
and joined Xeva Mortgage, and he hasn’t
looked back since. In just over three
years, he has grown his business from
$13 million to more than $51 million.
“My focus for 2018 is a new client care
system, which I will be rolling out in the
coming months, and I’m excited for the
milestones ahead,” he says.
“James’ expertise in private lending
and having the contacts to close complex
applications, paired with his drive and
determination, lands him amongst the top
Young Guns in the country,” a peer says.
Outside of Xeva, DeVuyst is involved
with 100 Men That Give a Damn, which
puts on events for three selected charities
in Vancouver.
Sunny Vig always knew that mortgage brokering was in
his future. Licensed at 19 years old, Vig went to work at
one of the Big Five banks as a mortgage specialist after
completing his business degree. He now leads a growing
team of 15 mortgage associates at DLC Mortgage Force
in Edmonton and has won Executive and Gold awards
from DLC for being within the top 15% of all DLC agents in Canada. Devoted to educating
his clients and establishing a genuine rapport, Vig is committed to honesty, integrity and
providing a great mortgage experience for his clients and top-notch support for his team.
Vig attributes his success to the support and influence he receives from his parents, who
are currently part of his team.
NICOLE CABRAL
Broker relationship manager
MCAP
Age: 31
Having been in the mortgage industry for more than
a decade, Nicole Cabral has proven herself to be a top
performer, consistently surpassing previous years’ results.
In her 11 years at MCAP, Cabral has taken on various roles,
each challenging her to develop new skills. As a broker
relationship manager, Cabral fulfils three important
services for brokers: underwriter, fulfilment specialist
and sales. She was the first BRM to pilot the role at MCAP; due to her exceptional service
and knowledge, and based on positive feedback from brokers, her success provided the
benchmark for the position to be expanded nationally.
Cabral was a finalist for Best Newcomer, Lender Underwriter at the Canadian Mortgage
Awards in 2014 and 2015, and was named to CMP’s Women of Influence list in 2017.

34 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca

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 Brought to you by
AARON BAXANDALL
Mortgage broker
Invis West Coast Mortgages
Age: 34
After graduating from university, Aaron
Baxandall started in the banking industry
and soon became a business owner,
juggling multiple roles, from purchasing to
accounting to general management. Five
years into the business, Baxandall was
able to grow sales to close to $2.5 million a
year and eventually transitioned ownership
to a UK multinational company. Shortly
thereafter, he decided to take a mortgage
broker course and passed his exam in early
2017, at which point he joined Invis West
Coast Mortgages.
Earlier this year, Baxandall was named
D IMITRI K OSTUROS
Chief Operating Officer
dimitri@vwrcapital.com
22-39_Young Guns-SUBBED.indd 35
Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Comox
Valley Chamber of Commerce. In June, he
became part of the ownership of West Coast
Mortgages, which has allowed him to witness
and contribute to one of the best years in the
history of the West Coast team. Following a
solid first half of 2018, Baxandall is hopeful
that his team can consistently grow as
they work together to strengthen internal
relationships and customer service.
FUN FACT
In 2005, Baxandall’s boat sunk during a
squall, forcing him to swim for three hours
to reach the shore. “Although this may
not seem ‘fun,’ it certainly puts things in
perspective,” he says.
Email lender
notes, application,
and credit bureaus to:
deals@vwrcapital.com
P AULA H UTTON
BDM - Prairies
paula@vwrcapital.com
www.mortgagebrokernews.ca 35
12/07/2018 2:42:48 AM
 SPECIAL REPORT

YOUNG GUNS 2018

GRAEME MERRICK
Franchise services advisor
Centum Financial Group
Age: 29
“Graeme Merrick has only one setting: above and
beyond,” a colleague says. As a franchise services
advisor for Centum, Merrick coaches and trains
mortgage agents and assists owners with
day-to-day business operations. Merrick joined
the mortgage industry at age 20, following in the
footsteps of multiple family members. Finding
it hard to break into the industry at such a young
age, he spent some time as a restaurant manager
before deciding to return to mortgages as an
underwriter on a high-level broker team, where he
assisted in the funding of $100 million annually.
At Centum, Merrick created an in-depth, deal-
specific Filogix training for Centum University, a
key access point for all agents’ initial training. He
hasn’t neglected his own development, either – he
is licensed in BC and Alberta, and is in the process
of obtaining his Ontario licence.

LESLIE PENNEY
Owner/broker

East Coast Mortgage Brokers

Age: 33

Energetic, hard-working and dedicated, Leslie

Penney always seeks to connect with people and his
community. Having spent a decade in the industry,
Penney is now an accomplished career mortgage
broker and part owner of Newfoundland-based East
Coast Mortgage Brokers, which was named a CMP
Top Brokerage in 2017 and won the Community Impact
Award from the St. John’s Board of Trade in 2016.
A top-producing broker, Penney has received the
Consumer Protection Award from Manulife, and he was previously recognized as one of
CMP’s Top 20 Small Market Brokers. He is also an active member of the board for Habitat
for Humanity NL and a member of the local Brokering Wishes committee in support of the
Make-A-Wish Foundation.
STEPHEN CHENG
Personal account manager
Merix Financial
Age: 32
After working for a bank and then a B
lender, Stephen Cheng joined Merix
Financial in 2009 as a senior underwriter
and has spent the past five years working as
a personal account manager. Cheng’s role
was developed to bridge the gap between

D’ARCY HENNEBERRY the director of business development,

underwriter and credit administrator.
President
Cheng prides himself on working efficiently
MortgagePal
Age: 33 with mortgage brokers to grow their
business and foster existing relationships
Since starting out as an administrative assistant six years ago, D’Arcy Henneberry has with clients, Realtors, referral sources,
risen to become the president of MortgagePal, an online brokerage with more than 20 lawyers and other business partners.
agents nationwide. Playing a vital role in the growth of the organization, Henneberry Cheng’s dedication, attention, knowledge
oversees lead management and sales processes that have resulted in more than and dependability have not gone unnoticed
$1 billion in online mortgage sales. Under Henneberry’s leadership, MortgagePal has by his broker clients and colleagues. “Every
been nominated twice for Best Customer Service at the Canadian Mortgage Awards. day Stephen Cheng shapes the mortgage
More recently, Henneberry has taken to mentoring the newer mortgage agents industry by providing top-notch service to
who are looking to learn how to attract and convert online mortgage clients. He has his broker partners,” a peer says. “Not only is
developed a unique mentorship model that supports new agents with lead generation he an underwriter, but he is also the BDM for
and coaching on live files over a period of 12 months with the goal of helping the agent his accounts [and] offers support, sales and
process more than $10 million in sales within their first year. underwriting for his brokers.”

36 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca

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 Brought to you by

FELICITY BREMPONG As a broker with Verico Nova Financial Services, Brempong

Sub-mortgage broker
Verico Nova Financial Services
Age: 34
At 34, Felicity Brempong has already been in the industry for
12 years, after following in the footsteps of her parents. “I am
thankful my parents, who are in the industry, suggested I try it out
after I graduated from university,” she says. “Maybe my kids will
join me in the business one day!”
enjoys working with young people to help them achieve the goal
of homeownership. “When you get the phone call after from your
happy clients, it’s pretty awesome,” she says. In 2016 and 2017,
Brempong was a member of Verico’s President’s Club, honouring
brokers with an annual volume of $25 million or more.
“Felicity has been an integral part of our company for over
10 years,” a colleague says. “She provides her clients with the
absolute best service possible with the utmost compassion
and integrity.”

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 SPECIAL REPORT

YOUNG GUNS 2018

RYAN DENNAHOWER
Vice-president and mortgage broker
Bespoke Mortgage Group
Age: 28
Ryan Dennahower has more than 140 five-
star reviews across Google and Facebook
– a testament to his dedication to exceed
his clients’ expectations throughout the
mortgage process. Dennahower has
established a large social media presence,
which enables him to engage with his
audience by delivering exceptional content,
advice and updates regarding the mortgage
and real estate market. Though he’s been in
the industry for just three and a half years,
Dennahower has accomplished much in
that short time, including being named
a finalist for Best Newcomer, Individual
Agent/Broker at the 2015 Canadian
Mortgage Awards and co-founding Bespoke
Mortgage Group in 2017.
FUN FACT
Dennahower grew up racing dirt bikes
and go-karts for more than a decade.

GRACE REYNOLDS
Mortgage agent

Northwood Mortgage
Age: 35

Grace Reynolds had a whirlwind year in 2017 as she faced

the challenges of adjusting to a new career in a new city
while also being a new mom. Determined to succeed, she
dedicated herself to cultivating relationships. Within her
first 15 months as a broker, she was up for Best Newcomer
awards at the Canadian Mortgage Awards and the Mortgage
Awards of Excellence, where she took home the trophy for Best Newcomer Agent.
Reynolds is a member of two networking groups, Business Network International and
SCOTT CONTE Women’s Business Network, serving as vice-president of BNI and secretary of the board
Mortgage broker for WBN. She also volunteers her time with the Mombassadors, which supports the labour
Verico Best Mortgage Loans
and delivery unit at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation.
Age: 29

Scott Conte was introduced to the JEFF INGRAM

mortgage industry by his father, a long-
time banker and mortgage agent. Conte
and his father opened a brokerage in 2015,
and he hasn’t looked back since. Armed
with a wealth of mortgage knowledge
and attention to customer service, Conte
has grown the brokerage by recruiting a
mix of new and experienced agents, all
while nearly doubling his own book of
business year-over-year. Conte remains
focused on expanding the business to
help more clients achieve their mortgage
goals and on giving back to his hometown
of Hamilton by donating a portion of his
commission from each mortgage to two
local non-profit organizations.
Mortgage expert
DLC Canadian Mortgage Experts
Age: 32
With many years of mortgage experience under his belt,
Jeff Ingram is already an industry veteran at age 32. As
part of the Ingram Mortgage Team, he has the benefit
of working under a very experienced partner and mentor in the business: his father.
Ingram also belongs to a mastermind group that shares best practices, which has led
to a steady increase in his annual volume year-over-year. “I’m passionate about helping
people achieve their dreams and meeting new people,” he says, “and making many lifelong
friends along the way is extremely rewarding – it makes it all worth it.”
Ingram recently received DLC’s Diamond Award for being among the top 5% of DLC
agents across Canada. Outside of the office, he organizes an annual charity hockey
tournament with one of his Realtor partners that has raised more than $30,000 for the
Langley Food Bank and has donated hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food items.

38 www.mortgagebrokernews.ca

22-39_Young Guns-SUBBED.indd 38 12/07/2018 2:42:58 AM

 Brought to you by

JAMES ZANTINGH DAVID MCGILL

Mortgage broker Vice-president

Northwood Mortgage The Financing Hub

Age: 34 Age: 34

James Zantingh began his mortgage career in 2014, closing 28
deals and more than $4.7 million in volume in his first year, which
earned him the Rookie of the Year Award from Rock Capital
Investments. He followed up that incredible start by almost
tripling his business the following year, which led him to receive
another award as the Most Improved Agent.
In 2016, Zantingh started building his own team and brand,
Mortgage Jump. His upward trajectory has continued ever since;
in 2018, he added three new agents to his team and is on track
to become the top broker/broker of record in the company. “It’s
important to note that James has never had an assistant or help
with any of his deals,” a colleague says. “He is the application
taker, appraisal orderer, compliance officer and go-to for many
other agents within our brokerage.”
At age 34, David McGill is already a
veteran within the Canadian financial
technologies sector. He began his
career in the mortgage industry in 2004
as an account manager but quickly
transitioned into tech-focused roles. Over the course of his
career, McGill has completed system designs for a number of
innovative loan origination portals and risk grading tools, and
has led The Financing Hub’s participation in fintech projects
alongside top industry players, including D+H/Finastra, Home
Capital Group and Paradigm Quest. Recognized as an effective
translator between technology and banking professionals, McGill
is now responsible for all design and system architecture for The
Financing Hub’s commercial real estate finance portal.

CASEY ARCHIBALD MIKE

Partner
JONES
Verico Xeva Mortgage Owner and broker
Age: 34
Centum Core
Financial
As a partner at Verico Xeva Mortgage, Casey Archibald is dedicated Age: 35
to co-leading one of the top 10 mortgage firms in the country and
the winner of CMBA-BC’s Individual Partnership Award in 2017. A dedicated
Archibald has a reputation for giving back to the industry – he is a founding member of entrepreneur,
K.A.R.E.S, an industry organization that helps fund scholarships for at-risk youth. He has Mike Jones has
also served in a number of roles for Mortgage Professionals Canada, including as a member moved up the
of the National Conference committee and as a champion of the BC chapter. ranks at Centum
Core Financial,
from agent to

KEVIN LIDDIARD manager to

partial owner and ultimately sole owner
Mortgage agent
of the office. Backed by a dedicated team,
DLC Easy Street Mortgages
Age: 34 Jones continues to increase his volume
year-over-year, and is currently fourth in
Before entering the mortgage industry, Kevin Liddiard worked at units funded and fifth in mortgage volume
a law office for five years, where he gained valuable experience for the entire Centum network.
in real estate law and customer service, which proved to be an “Mike is driven and ensures he is
ideal foundation for his mortgage career. Last year alone, Liddiard staying on top of all the industry changes,
funded an impressive $52.5 million across 187 deals. His hard work has landed him social media and anything else that can
among DLC’s top producers nationally, and he has already been inducted into DLC’s Elite make him and his team more successful,”
Hall of Fame. “Kevin genuinely cares for his clients and always does his best to find just a peer says. “He is a great franchisee in
the right mortgage and lender for them,” a colleague says. “He is very good at what he the sense that he always gives feedback
does, which shows with all of his achievements.” and makes suggestions if he thinks
Outside of mortgages, Liddiard is an active lacrosse player and sponsor of the local something could be tweaked. It is a
Junior B Spartan lacrosse team and Falcons AAA hockey team. pleasure having him in our network.”

www.mortgagebrokernews.ca 39

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