Lending Thoughts

21: Lessons Learned From Rocket Mortgage Canada’s Journey with Rocket Mortgage Canada's Chris Colasanti

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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
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CONNECT WITH BEKIM
📸 Bekim Merdita's Instagram: @bekim_merdita
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***
 
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
***

20: Building a Culture of Continuous Improvements with Rocket Mortgage Canada's Kyle Dionne

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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
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⏰ 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
***

19: Turning Family Values Into Business Success with Pineapple's Shubha Dasgupta

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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
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⏰ 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
***

18: Living Life By Design, Not Default with MCAP's Megan McDonald

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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
***

17: The Gift of Perspective from a “Cancer Thriver” with Collective Mortgage Group's Christine Buemann

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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
***

16: Innovating in Canada’s Real Estate Industry with Wahi's Benjy Katchen

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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
***

15: Mortgage Insurance Isn’t a Fee, It’s the Pathway to Homeownership with Sagen's Ivy Budisavljevic

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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
***

14: How to Gain a Massive Competitive Advantage with Tango Financial's Dean Larson

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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
***

13: How to Build a Mortgage Company With $50 at a Coffee Shop with Indi Mortgage's Gord Appel

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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
***

12: The Movement from Banker to Broker with Super Mortgage Man Joe Bondy

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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
***