Tough 2012? Not for this broker

MortgageBrokerNews is continuing its series of features on the finalists for Broker of the Year in both categories -- the under 25 employees and the 25 and over. This year’s group is the most diverse, spanning the country. Winners in both categories will be named at the upcoming Canadian Mortgage Awards on May 10 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.

 

MortgageBrokerNews is continuing its series of features on the finalists for Broker of the Year in both categories -- the under 25 employees and the 25 and over. This year’s group is the most diverse, spanning the country. Winners in both categories will be named at the upcoming Canadian Mortgage Awards on May 10 at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.
 
Finalist in the Mortgage Broker of the Year (25 Employees and Over) category
 
Nick L’Ecuyer, Verico The Mortgage Wellness Group, Barrie, Ont.
 
While last year was tough for those trying to make a buck in the channel, Nick L’Ecuyer basked in the glow of a 50 per cent increase in mortgage volumes over 2011.
 
“We saw the real benefits of our unique approach to a mortgage brokerage service model in more than the increase,” explains L’Ecuyer. “It’s doubly impressive how much of that increase found its way to our bottom line. I attribute that directly to the efficiencies we’ve created within our model. When you consider that our customers are experiencing a truly high level of service and we’re creating a quality product, improving your profitability through efficiencies is just icing on the cake.”
 
While this is consistent with his previous years in the business, last year’s increase was a milestone – an increase to over $60 million in annual mortgage volume, making him the highest volume broker in Barrie.
 
The Barrie office has a support staff of seven, each specializing in a specific area of mortgage lending, part of a larger network of The Mortgage Wellness Group that has grown to nine regional offices from Sarnia to Ottawa, with 42 mortgage agents.
 
“I believe that operating a ‘client-first’ service model is the key to success and repeat business,” he says.
 
Married for five years to his wife, Nancy, they live on the outskirts of Barrie with their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Chloe. The newest addition to the family is Caleb. 
 
An active member in the Downtown Barrie Business Association and the local BNI chapter, L’Ecuyer was named the top “giver” in his group for passed business in 2012.
 
“In the same way that I built a ‘customer-first’ philosophy and service model to improve repeat business, our satisfied customers regularly refer us to their neighbours, family and friends,” says L’Ecuyer. “On the close of every single transaction our clients receive flowers, a thank you letter and a satisfaction survey. This is followed up with a phone call 30 days later to ensure complete client contentment.”
 
For a full list of finalists and to reserve your place at the industry’s biggest night visit www.canadianmortgageawards.com - hope you don't miss out this year!
 
The awards sell out every year and with only a few chairs left, we hope it’s not you missing out this year!