Canadian Mortgage Award winners reflect on accolades

The mortgage industry's best and brightest were recognized and celebrated at the 12th annual Canadian Mortgage Awards at Toronto’s Liberty Grand—and what a Friday night bash it was

Canadian Mortgage Award winners reflect on accolades

The mortgage industry’s best and brightest were recognized and celebrated at the 12th annual Canadian Mortgage Awards at Toronto’s Liberty Grand—and what a Friday night bash it was.

Dominion Lending Centres emerged as Canada’s top network, winning the National Broker Network of the Year Award.

“It’s awesome, we had a great night,” said DLC’s President and CEO Gary Mauris. “Great awards, always put on exceptionally well, it’s nice to see everybody, and nice to take home the hardware too. There’s a big room here tonight and it’s always fun.”

CanWise Financial was up for four awards and took home the Award for the Mortgage Brokerage of the Year (25 Employees or More), and according to the company’s president and broker of record, it was a night to remember.

“This is our second [award win] in two years, so we’re super pumped to get this. We’re nominated in four categories, and we’re glad to get at least one,” said James Laird. “The whole industry comes together—brokers, lenders, service providers—and we all get to celebrate the year that was, and it’s a fun night.”

Anne Brill of Centum Metrocapp Wealth Solutions won the Award for Mortgage Broker of the Year (25 Employees or More), and says she couldn’t have done it without the support of her outstanding team.

“I’m in shock,” Brill told Mortgagebrokernews.ca upon winning. “I’m very proud. Love the night, lots of great people and I’m so honoured to be among these people. It’s nice to be able to recognize the broker world and the mortgage industry, and I’m so proud of everyone I work beside.”

Festivities got off to start with attendees from coast-to-coast catching up with each over cocktails before they made their way to the reception room where Collin Bruce accepted the first award of the night for Best Use of Mobile Technology.

“I’m surprised but humbled, it’s pretty exciting,” he said. “The CMAs are the biggest awards in this industry—this is huge. I’ve been fortunate to win before, and it’s the biggest thing that could happen in this industry.”

In his very first year as a mortgage broker, Akash Sharma of Able & Remarkable Mortgages won the award for Alternative Broker Specialist of the Year (Business for Self), and it can only signify things to come.

“My first year at a brokerage as a broker and after leaving a major bank, TD, it feels awesome,” he said. “Coming down from B.C. to Toronto to get the award is really awesome. The reason I came here is to network and I’m really thankful to Community Trust to give me the award, and hopefully this is an inspiration to all young people.”

 

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