Lending Thoughts

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is again joined by Chris Colasanti. Chris is a founding team member of Rocket Mortgage Canada and the VP of Strategy & Analytics and Rocket Pro at Rocket Mortgage Canada from Windsor, Ontario. A graduate of the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Chris has brought an innovative and energetic demeanor as well as a passion for technology and data driven decision making to Rocket Mortgage Canada since 2020.   Chris is here to discuss: → Why it's so hard to start a lender in Canada, including: Canada's oligopolistic banking structure, the "big six", creating barriers for new entrants, slow regulatory changes, and the difficulty of scaling with high capital requirements & tighter margins. → The differences between the Canada and US lending industries like technology and unit economics, and how Canada's risk-averse culture is becoming detrimental to innovation and economic growth. → The lessons learned from Rocket Mortgage Canada's journey, the enduing spirit of the team and building a strong culture, and the importance of innovators carrying the torch forward.   Chris's 1st Lending Thoughts Appearance: www.lendingthoughts.com/e/11-chris-colasanti   Chris Colasanti's LinkedIn: @ChrisColasanti ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Kyle Dionne. Kyle is the Senior Director of Brokerage & Lender Operations at Rocket Mortgage Canada. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, he also attended the University of Windsor, where he achieved an honours degree in Labour Studies & Sociology, and eventually got a Bachelor of Education. Kyle and his family then moved to England, where he spent a decade teaching, before returning home to Windsor in the summer of 2020. Kyle is a dynamic and results-driven senior leader, specializing in process optimization, strategic leadership, and talent development, with a history of success in developing teams and consistently achieving key business results.   Kyle is here to discuss: → The need for speed & certainty in the mortgage process, what "blackjack deals" are, and how they're the key to a higher completion rate & funding more files. → Building trust & accountability with a new team, creating a culture of continuous incremental improvements, and the lynchpin of communication in bringing teams together. → Improving the future of the lending industry, what motivates Kyle, and leaving a legacy & lasting impact.   Kyle Dionne's LinkedIn: @KyleDionne ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Shubha Dasgupta. Shubha is the Co-Founder, President, & CEO of Toronto-based Pineapple, a leading mortgage industry disruptor. Since joining the mortgage industry in 2008, Shubha has focused on leveraging technology while prioritizing customer experience to transform the sector. As an award-winning executive, his unique vision and expertise have been instrumental in building and growing Pineapple, which boasts over 700 brokers in its network today. Shubha is also a philanthropic leader who actively engages with various non-profit organizations in the Toronto community, and his reputation as a mortgage industry thought leader makes him a highly sought-after public speaker and media expert.   Shubha is here to discuss: → How his family values have shaped his business values, how there's more than one right way to get to a destination, and why they took Pineapple public. → If regulators or brokerages are responsible for a broker's mortgage education, why brokers should think like athletes, and his overall vision for elevating Canadian brokers. → The fundamental impact brokers have on the lives of Canadians, multiple ways brokers positively impact the Canadian economy, and how the broker community should be measuring success.   Pineapple Mortgage Website: www.gopineapple.com Pineapple Mortgage LinkedIn: @PineappleMortgage Pineapple Mortgage Instagram: @pineapplemortgage Pineapple Mortgage YouTube: @PineappleMortgage Shubha Dasgupta's LinkedIn: @ShubhaDasgupta Shubha Dasgupta's Instagram: @shubs88 ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Megan McDonald. An industry legend, Megan is the Sr. Vice-President of Single Family Sales at MCAP from Vancouver,  BC. MCAP is Canada’s largest independent mortgage financing company, with annual sales exceeding $20 billion and over $150 billion in Mortgages Under Administration (MUA). Since joining MCAP in 2006, Megan’s transformative leadership has led to innovations in coaching, culture, and customer experience.   Currently, Megan is charged with driving the growth of the flagship brands through regional and new market penetration, and is also responsible for the national sales mandate for both MCAP and Eclipse brands, as well as the Broker Intelligent and Engagement (BEI) for product and channel development. Megan is also an acclaimed professional development speaker and is often called to speak at conferences nationwide.   Megan is here to discuss: → Her journey at MCAP and building a culture of growth and ambition, helping others achieve success, and evolving from being the biggest to becoming the best. → Rethinking sales & sales culture, how people work with people, not companies, the value of the broker/lender partnership, and what brokers should be paying attention to right now. → Entrepreneurial thinking & freedom of choice, living life by design, not default, structuring a purposeful life through systems, and owning your day.   MCAP Website: www.mcap.com MCAP LinkedIn: @MCAP Megan McDonald's LinkedIn: @MeganMcDonald ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Christine Buemann. Christine is a Mortgage Broker and also a Co-Founder & Co-Owner of The Collective Mortgage Group from Prince George, BC. Christine started her mortgage journey in 2010 at 24-years-old, priding herself on making her clients' well-being her utmost priority. Since 2022, Christine has also been a "cancer thriver", and candidly shares her courageous journey with the world. The Collective Mortgage Group is a boutique brokerage designed for experienced Brokers to maintain their autonomy.    Christine is here to discuss: → Becoming a broker and her current role in her business, how to run a boutique brokerage, and cultivating the correct company culture. → Process and design mapping to build the business you want, creating structure with action-based goals, and why you must have an avatar client. → Compassion over self-criticism, contentment over happiness, and fulfillment in the everyday. → Redefining what it means to be successful, embracing community, and the gift of perspective.   Collective Mortgage Group Website: www.thecollectivemortgage.ca Collective Mortgage Group LinkedIn: @CollectiveMortgageGroup Christine Buemann Mortgage Team Website: www.christinebuemann.ca Christine Buemann Mortgage Team Instagram: @christinebuemannmortgage Christine Buemann's LinkedIn: @ChristineBuemann Christine Buemann's Instagram: @christinebuemann ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Benjy Katchen. Benjy is the Co-Founder & CEO of Wahi Real Estate from Toronto, Ontario. Previously revolutionizing the banking sector at President's Choice Financial and Founding Oaken Financial at HomeTrust, Benjy brings 20 years of experience in creating customer-centric digital solutions to Wahi, a digital real estate platform & brokerage that helps consumers have a better experience when searching and buying a property. Wahi is the winner of multiple awards including Canadian Business Innovator in 2023 and 2024 and Inman Top AI Real Estate Startups in 2024.   Benjy is here to discuss: → His history of innovation for consumers, what surprised him about the real estate industry, and building a talented team. → What Wahi means, what you need to think about when building tech, and what consumers want. → Market predictions, the market's driving factors, and advice for consumers in this market.   Wahi Real Estate Website: www.wahi.com Wahi Real Estate Instagram: @wahi.realestate Wahi Real Estate LinkedIn: @WahiRealEstate Benjy Katchan's LinkedIn: @BenjyKatchen ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Ivy Budisavljevic. Ivy is the Vice-President of Business Development at Sagen, Canada’s largest private mortgage insurance provider. Over the past 15 years, Ivy has worked her way up from summer intern to Sagen’s Sales Leadership Team, and is now responsible for developing strategies that will drive prudent market share growth and develop a sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, Ivy is also the Secretary on the Executive Board of Directors at Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC), a non-profit association representing mortgage brokers and agents, as well as banks, lenders, insurers, and service providers. MPC makes up the largest mortgage network across the country, and serves as the industry voice with government, media and regulators.   Ivy is here to discuss: → Ivy's journey in the mortgage industry and climbing the corporate ladder, becoming an advocate at MPC, and how you can make your voice heard with MPC to push the industry forward. → The role of Sagen in mortgage insurance and what insurers do, the impact of mortgage insurance on home affordability, and how the recent regulatory changes will help consumers. → Why you should be bridging the knowledge gap with consumers, and how to create opportunities with strong relationship building.   Sagen Website: www.sagen.ca Sagen Instagram: @sagencanada Sagen LinkedIn: @Sagen Mortgage Professionals Canada Website: www.mortgageproscan.ca Mortgage Professionals Canada Instagram: @mortgageproscan Mortgage Professionals Canada LinkedIn: @MortgageProfessionalsCanada Ivy Budisavljevic's Instagram: @ivyfromsagen Ivy Budisavljevic's LinkedIn: @IvyBudisavljevic ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Dean Larson. Dean is the President & CEO at Tango Financial, a progressive, technology focused, coast-to-coast mortgage brokerage group. In addition, Dean is also in the private mortgage space as a Founder and Director of Northern Alliance Trust, a residential mortgage income fund, and Shelter Lending, an alternative mortgage lender. With over 25 years of experience in the finance and technology sectors, Dean has a proven track record of leading innovative teams and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance corporate culture and drive growth. Dean's vision emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and agent-centricity, ensuring Tango is strategically positioned and with the infrastructure in place to foster growth for mortgage brokers.   Dean is here to discuss: → How he got into brokering and the journey to becoming the CEO of Tango, how he stays motivated today, and the importance of kindness. → The massive competitive advantage you have when you don't screw people over, how to be a great partner and build strong partnerships, and how to foster a positive company culture. → How Tango keeps growing amid a shrinking industry, how Tango infrastructure keeps things simple for agents, and the benefits agents have when they're a part of a large brokerage.   Tango Financial Website: www.tangofinancial.ca Tango Financial LinkedIn: @TangoFinancial Tango Financial Instagram: @tango.financial Shelter Lending Website: www.shelterlending.ca Shelter Lending LinkedIn: @ShelterLending Northern Alliance Trust Website: www.natrust.ca Dean Larson's LinkedIn: @DeanLarson ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Gord Appel. Gord is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Indi Mortgage, formerly Axiom Mortgage Solutions, from Calgary, Alberta. Being in sales his whole life, everything from door-to-door vacuum sales to retail electronics, Gord was able to develop the soft skills that have become a major key to his success. Gord has been in mortgages for 20 years now, and running Indi Mortgage for the last five and a half with his business partner, Gord Ross, and their silent partner, Tanya Appel, and has become a respected leader in the mortgage industry.    Gord is here to discuss: → How you can start your mortgage business with $50, advice to new agents, and why you should never say, "I'm a mortgage broker". → How to market to your sphere of influence, why friends and family won't work with you, and the importance of patience in long sales cycles. → Being present as a leader, the power of listening, and Indi's broker-centric approach to business.   Indi Mortgage Website: www.indimortgage.ca Indi Mortgage LinkedIn: @IndiMortgage Gord Appel's Email: gord.appel@indimortgage.ca Gord Appel's LinkedIn: @GordAppel ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Joe Bondy. Joe is an award-winning Mortgage Broker and the Co-Founder of Super Mortgage Team from Windsor, Ontario. Joe has been in the mortgage industry for 22 years. Growing up on a farm, he learned invaluable lessons about sales, entrepreneurship, and hard work that would later become the foundation of his success. After spending 18 years at banks as a Mortgage Specialist with BMO & RBC, Joe decided he wanted more freedom for himself and his clients, and decided to take the plunge, become a broker, and form the Super Mortgage Team.   Joe is here to discuss: → His journey going from farmer to banker to broker, what keeps him motivated, and the goal of the Super Mortgage Team. → The ways brokering beats banking, the truth about bank "exceptions", and Joe's mortgage process with his team. → Building a relationship-based mortgage business, maintaining valuable realtor relationships, and how he's gained the trust of his clients and team members.   Joe Bondy's Email: joebondy@supermortgageteam.ca Joe Bondy's LinkTree: @supermortgageman Joe Bondy's Instagram: @supermortgageman Joe Bondy's LinkedIn: @JoeBondy ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Chris Colasanti. Chris is a founding team member of Rocket Mortgage Canada and the VP of Strategy & Analytics and Rocket Pro at Rocket Mortgage Canada from Windsor, Ontario. Rocket Pro is a lending team dedicated to helping broker grow. A graduate of the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Chris has brought an innovative and energetic demeanor as well as a passion for technology and data driven decision making to Rocket Mortgage Canada since 2020.   Chris is here to discuss: → Building your team and making sure you have the right "A" players, hiring slow and firing fast, and aligning the values of team members. → Building a values-driven organization, common values needed for business growth, the power of concise communication, and refining company culture. → Having the mindset of a Roman Emperor, applying stoic principles to life and business, and how leadership is something you do with your team, not to them.   Chris Colasanti's LinkedIn: @ChrisColasanti ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Tom Hall. Tom is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of BluMortgage from Toronto, Ontario, one of the top independent CRMs for mortgage brokers in Canada. Used by 3 of the top 5 brokers in the country and over $11.5B in mortgage volume managed annually, BluMortgage is leading the transition from a historically manual-process to a digital-first experience for agents and their customers, and was named one of the Globe & Mail's Top Growing Companies in 2024. Tom is also the host of the Mortgage Tech Talks podcast, which covers the latest in mortgage technology, and was named one of the CMPs Rising Stars of 2024.   Tom is here to discuss: → What led him to BluMortgage, what BluMortgage is and who's their avatar client, and how BluMortgage has evolved from a diagnostic to a prescriptive business. → How to implement good CRM habits, separating your customer journey process from a system, and building a good business foundation with data & open source frameworks. → Where AI fits in the mortgage industry, predictions on the future of mortgage tech, and what's coming from BluMortgage in 2025.   BluMortgage Website: www.blumortgage.ca BluMortgage Instagram: @blumortgage BluMortgage LinkedIn: @BluMortgage Tom Hall's Instagram: @mortgage_tech_tom Tom Hall's LinkedIn: @TomHall Tom Hall's YouTube: @mortgagetechtom Mortgage Tech Talks Podcast: @mortgagetechtalks ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Scott Larter. Scott is the VP of Business Development at OPTA Information Intelligence, and is also the VP of Data Solution Sales at FCT (First Canadian Title). OPTA and FCT entered a partnership in 2020 to focus on building data products for the mortgage industry, amassing a database of 18 million residential and 7 million commercial properties across Canada. In 2024, Scott became the Co-Founder and CEO of BrokerBot, a lead conversion and customer engagement solution with monthly real estate market values sent directly to a customer's email, putting a spotlight on the Broker.   Scott is here to discuss: → The path he took to get to where he is today, the lessons he learned from bartending and cold-calling, and what keeps him motivated in his career. → The importance of property data in the mortgage and insurance industries, why individual brokers should be investing in data, and how you can leverage it for a better client experience. → What automated valuation models (AVMs) are, the difference between an AVM and an appraisal, and how hybrid appraisal solutions can lead to faster approvals.   OPTA Information Intelligence Website: www.optaintel.ca FCT Website: www.fct.ca BrokerBot Website: www.thebrokerbot.ca BrokerBot LinkedIn: @BrokerBot BrokerBot Instagram: @brokerbot_canada Scott Larter's Email: scott@thebrokerbot.ca Scott Larter's LinkedIn: @ScottLarter ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Brendan Woodfull. Brendan is the Divisional VP of Sales for Rocket Pro, a Division of Rocket Mortgage Canada. Rocket Pro is a team dedicated to helping broker partners submit deals to the Rocket Mortgage Canada lending channel. A former NCAA athlete who has worked for Rocket Mortgage in both Canada and the US, Brendan uses his experiences to partner with mortgage agents and brokers from across the country.   Brendan is here to discuss: → His journey to and within the NCAA playing soccer, the impacts a team's culture has on success, and the skills he's been able to transfer from high-performance sport to a high-performance career. → How much every day tasks are actually worth, building error-free and efficient processes, and streamlining tasks for productivity. → What Agents actually need from lenders, communication as a necessity for client care, and the generational wealth he wants to leave his future kids.   Brendan Woodfull's LinkedIn: @BrendanWoodfull ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Chris Grimes. Chris is the Co-Founder & CEO of FundMore.ai, and has worked in the financial industry for 20 years. Gaining experience in wealth management, credit lending, and mortgage origination, he is passionate about advancing the mortgage industry through technology and forward-thinking initiatives. FundMore.ai is an automated underwriting system that uses machine learning to streamline the pre-funding process for loans. The mission? To make home-ownership more accessible.   Chris is here to discuss: → What Fundmore.ai is and the problem it's trying to solve, how Chris got to where he is today, and the legacy he wants to leave. → The industry working together for more accessible home ownership, what's frustrating about the current home-buying experience, and the dream of funding a mortgage in less than 24 hours and the challenges in executing that vision. → How AI will improve the future of mortgages, consumers' growing comfort with AI, and what's exciting about the industry's future.   Fundmore.ai Website: www.fundmore.ai Fundmore.ai Instagram: @fundmore.ai Fundmore.ai LinkedIn: @Fundmore.ai Chris Grimes' LinkedIn: @ChrisGrimes ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Reuven Gorsht. Reuven is the Founder & CEO of Deeded from Toronto, Ontario, who's an entrepreneur with a passion for solving big, challenging problems. Reuven has helped transform and evolve multi-billion dollar corporations into new business models, products, and paradigms, and also built a very successful startup from the ground up. Deeded is a technology platform that provides a virtual real estate and mortgage closing experience, whose mission it is to make real estate transactions frictionless, affordable, and transparent.   Reuven is here to discuss: → His journey from corporate to entrepreneurship, building and exiting his first company, MoveSnap, and what inspired the founding of Deeded and how it took off during the pandemic. → AI reducing friction in the mortgage process and what the future holds, modernizing the outdated home closing process, and why the government has backtracked on digital regulations post-pandemic. → Streamlining the real estate journey, improving the client experience, and eliminating the emotional rollercoaster of home buying.    Deeded Website: www.deeded.ca Deeded LinkedIn: @Deeded Deeded Instagram: @deeded.ca Reuven Gorsht's LinkedIn: @ReuvenGorsht Reuven Gorsht's TikTok: @reuvengorsht Reuven Gorsht's Instagram: @rgorsht ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Alex Meloche. Alex is the Divisional VP of Sales at Rocket Mortgage Canada. He has been with the company since May of 2020. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario and coming from a big family, Alex picked up strong communication and story-telling skills from a young age, and has parlayed that into a very successful career in sales. With a professional life spanning the past 2 decades in industries such as debt and legal collections, dental, office & furniture, and now mortgages, Alex has continued to build his sales and leadership skills from amazing mentors, and hopes he can open the doors for the next generation.   Alex is here to discuss: → His professional career and why he wanted to join Rocket Mortgage Canada, the legacy he wishes to leave, and staying motivated with 1, 100, and 1000 day goals. → What makes a great salesperson, transferable sales skills across all industries, and the building blocks of sales and leadership, effective communication and confidence. → The importance of running a professional process/system, using conversion metrics through your process to level up your skills, and why professionalism over politeness is the way to win clients and be a great friend.   Alex Meloche's LinkedIn: @AlexMeloche ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Gary Fooks. Gary is the Co-Founder & CEO of both 8Twelve Mortgage & 8Twelve Financial Technologies from Toronto, Ontario, who stumbled across the mortgage industry at the end of 2014. From working on Wall Street to scaling sales organizations with technology, it only took Gary 3 years to hit $100M in yearly mortgage volume, with 99% of it coming from referrals. Gary parlayed that success into Co-Founding 8Twelve Mortgage in 2018, leveraging technology and automation to implement his proven, proprietary 8-step process, and usher along a new era of mortgage professionals.   Gary is here to discuss: → What brought him to mortgages and the founding of 8Twelve, opening their network to and supporting independent Agents, and how he finds the right fits for the brokerage. → How to build a referral based business with lifelong relationships, the biggest mistake people make when pitching potential referral partners, and building mutually beneficial Broker and lender partnerships. → Tech's purpose in your business, what AI is going to transform in the mortgage industry, and how AI can be used to find holes in your client journey process and lead to improvement.   8Twelve Mortgage Website: www.8twelve.mortgage 8Twelve Mortgage Instagram: @8twelvemortgage 8Twelve Mortgage LinkedIn: @8TwelveMortgage 8Twelve Mortgage YouTube: @8twelvemortgage 8Twelve Financial Technology Website: www.8twelve.tech Gary Fooks' Instagram: @gfooksy Gary Fooks' LinkedIn: @GaryFooks ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Frances Hinojosa. Frances is the Co-Founder, Principal Broker, and CEO of Tribe Financial Group from Oakville, Ontario, who's won numerous accolades over her 30 years in the mortgage industry. A seasoned leader whose career spans from starting in the bank to running a firm and her own practice, Frances has always been a trusted resource for mortgage advice, sitting on many advisory boards, including MPC, and been featured across all forms of media, including the Globe and Mail and CP24. Possessing integrity, transparency, & heart, her passion for her craft can be seen not only in her excellent client care and impressive business numbers, but also in her efforts to mentor those across the mortgage industry.   Frances is here to discuss: → Her journey into the mortgage industry, banking vs brokering, and her time on the board of MPC. → The mission she has with her team/brokerage, how she's created company culture and applied core values, and the legacy she wants to leave behind. → How we can bring change to the industry with tech & innovation and new business cycles, the difference in the next generation of consumers, and what new Agents should be looking for when they pick a brokerage.   Tribe Financial Website: www.tribefinancial.com Tribe Financial LinkedIn: @TribeFinancial Tribe Financial Instagram: @tribe_financial Frances Hinojosa's Website: www.franceshinojosa.ca Frances Hinojosa's LinkedIn: @FrancesHinojosa Frances Hinojosa's Instagram: @frannahinojosa ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***

WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube ***   EPISODE DESCRIPTION In this episode, Bekim is joined by Scott Peckford. Scott is the Founder and CEO of BRX Mortgage and both the I Love Mortgage Brokering Podcast and Facebook Group from Kelowna, BC. Being in the mortgage industry since 2006, Scott has never been scared to take risks and try new things. He's also built multiple successful businesses including the VIP Club and the 10 Loans a Month Training Academy, and is one of the most influential people in the Canadian mortgage industry.   Scott is here to discuss: → Scott's journey in the mortgage industry, how copying businesses is actually a positive thing, and his inspirations for founding the I Love Mortgage Brokering community. → The power of building a community and sharing knowledge, optimism as a weapon for overcoming failures, and the importance of rapid execution of ideas.  → Improving the future of lending, and the impact he wishes to leave on the mortgage industry.   BRX Mortgage Website: www.brxmortgage.com BRX Mortgage Instagram: @brxmortgage Scott Peckford's LinkedIn: @ScottPeckford Scott Peckford's Instagram: @scottpeckford ILMB Podcast: www.ilovemortgagebrokering.com ***   CONNECT WITH THE SHOW 🎙️ Lending Thoughts Podcast: @lendingthoughts 📺 Lending Thoughts Podcast YouTube: @LendingThoughtsPod 📸 Lending Thoughts Podcast Instagram: @lendingthoughtspod ⏰ Lending Thoughts Podcast TikTok: @lendingthoughtspod 👥 Lending Thoughts Podcast Facebook: @LendingThoughtsPodcast ***   CONNECT WITH BEKIM 📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita 📋 Bekim Merdita's LinkedIn: @BekimMerdita ***   CONNECT WITH ROCKET PRO CANADA 🔗 Rocket Pro Canada Website: www.rocketpro.ca 📸 Rocket Pro Canada Instagram: @rocketprocanada 📋 Rocket Pro Canada LinkedIn: @RocketProCanada 👥 Rocket Pro Canada Facebook: @RocketProCanada ***