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
Gordon Ross, Axiom Mortgage Solutions, Calgary, Alta.
It could have been Gordon Ross, MD – but the medical field’s loss is the broker channel’s gain.
“I attended Arizona State University and was once an aspiring MD,” says Ross, who instead decided to put down the scalpel and instead pick up the calculator, entering the mortgage industry in May of 1999.
“I started working with a company called New Concept Mortgage, then opened my own brokerage called Unisource Mortgage Corporation and grew the business to over 30 agents,” he says.
Merging the brokerage with Integrity First Mortgage Solutions in 2006, that amalgam became Axiom Mortgage Solutions (the brokerage), and Axiom Mortgage Partners (the national network). In 2009 Axiom Mortgage partners won the CMP award for Best Newcomer – Mortgage Brokerage Firm.
“I proudly wear two hats. I am the co-owner and managing partner of a brokerage called Axiom Mortgage Solutions and a national network called Axiom Mortgage Partners,” he says. “Our primary focus has been long-term sustainable business growth through the use of CRM software and unique marketing.”
Although Ross has found tremendous success in brokering, he does offer a word of caution to those entering the channel.
“Don’t. Next question please,” says Ross half-jokingly. “OK, OK maybe that was a little bit hasty. The advice I was given when I got into the business was that this industry is the greatest industry in the world and the best kept secret. Today I would agree with the first part of that statement; but a well-kept secret? Not so much anymore.”
For Ross, his vision of the future is a better working relationship between broker and banker, each complementing the other to offer the best product possible.
“I think there has clearly been a shift in the way that we do business and the idea of ‘bank vs. broker’ is no more,” he says.
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!
