EPISODE 58: A Year in Review - National Leadership Team A Better Way Mortgage Group By: Dean, Jason & Deryk A Different Energy Entering 2026 2025 was a milestone year for A Better Way Mortgage Group—and this “Year in Review” episode pulls back the curtain on what actually drove the momentum. Dean, Jason, and Deryk reflect on a year that felt noticeably different than the previous cycle: more optimism, stronger broker engagement, better energy at events, and a renewed sense that the industry has found its rhythm again. They’re candid that this episode includes some celebration of the team’s wins—but the real intent is to share lessons, strategy, and what’s coming next for brokers who want to keep building in a changing market. Where the Market Shifted — And Where Opportunity Showed Up A big theme throughout the conversation is how brokers adapted to the realities of today’s lending environment. The team highlights a major shift toward alternative lending, private solutions, reverse mortgages, and a more strategic focus on where opportunity exists—especially in segments where brokers aren’t constantly competing with non-channel banks. They also unpack the “renewal wave” with a realistic lens: you’re not going to win every renewal, but the sheer volume of maturities means even a modest capture rate can materially change a broker’s year. The takeaway is simple: deals are still there, but brokers who win are the ones who stay educated, broaden their skill set, and lean into new lanes of business. The Numbers Behind the Record Year The stats tell the story of a brokerage that scaled—without losing structure. A Better Way funded $4.1B in 2025, up $1.3B year-over-year, and served 1,900+ additional families compared to the year prior. They also celebrate a protection milestone that matters: 300 more families secured mortgage protection insurance (MPP), reinforcing the brokerage’s focus on not just closing mortgages, but protecting clients long term. Growth came from both directions—existing agents expanding their books through training and tools, and new high-performing talent joining from other brokerages and bank channels. Scaling Without Chaos: Compliance, Ops, and Support Roles To support that level of production, the episode dives into the infrastructure upgrades made behind the scenes—particularly in compliance, onboarding, operations, and AML/FINTRAC readiness. The team outlines key hires and internal role improvements that helped strengthen the brokerage’s ability to scale responsibly, protect agents, and reduce friction. They also emphasize that training remains the backbone of the culture: 95 lender presentations, 22 business sessions, weekly internal updates, and the continued distribution of the ABW Tuesday Mortgage Memo—a public-facing market recap many brokers now repurpose into their own content and referral-partner communication. Community, Events, and Why Culture Drives Performance To close, the team previews a bigger year ahead—more podcast expansion (including Justin Noda’s upcoming “Broker Armor” series), more content formats (studio and virtual), more training opened to the broader industry, and deeper system improvements through DLCG tools and dedicated support. It’s equal parts reflection and roadmap—an inside look at what worked in 2025, why it worked, and how brokers can carry that momentum into 2026. Looking Ahead: More Content, More Training, More Tools On the tactical side, Alfredo breaks down what he uses daily: Velocity, Gold Rush CRM, Lender Spotlight, DocuSign, and Penalty Mentor for quick penalty estimates and client visuals. He also stresses the value of lender relationships—BDMs, underwriters, and mortgage teams aren’t barriers; they’re partners. His learning stack includes Mortgage Logic News, regulatory updates (including FSRA/FISRA), and using AI to summarize industry updates into client- and referral-partner-friendly talking points. Why You Should Listen If you’re a broker looking for a real-world playbook on how top teams are growing in a “tough” market, this episode is packed with practical insight. It’s not just numbers—it’s the strategy behind alternative growth, renewal opportunity, training discipline, compliance readiness, and building a culture that keeps brokers engaged, learning, and winning year after year. For weekly market updates, sign up for the ABW Tuesday Mortgage Memo . If you’re a broker considering a network change or looking to grow, reach out to us to explore how we can support your success.

01/13/2026 Tuesday Mortgage Memo: Your Weekly Market Highlights

EPISODE 57: Behind the Broker with Alfredo Torres Guest: Alfredo Torres Hosts: Dean Lawton & Jason Marshall From Service-First Roots to Mortgage Brokering Alfredo’s story starts long before mortgages—rooted in acts of service and a natural desire to help. From sweeping hair as a kid, to years at McDonald’s (including “McDonald’s University”), Alfredo learned early how systems, consistency, and customer experience shape success. That same mindset carried into a nine-year career at TD, where he built a strong foundation across lending, investments, and client communication. The Pivot: Leaving the Bank and Finding the Broker Path When bank “optimization” created uncertainty, Alfredo made a proactive decision: get ahead of the change and take ownership of his next chapter. What followed was an unexpected—and very organic—transition into brokering. A few mortgage brokers began reaching out, lunches turned into real conversations, and soon Alfredo was mapping out his exit strategy into a brokerage environment where he could keep growing while serving clients in a bigger way.. Why Alfredo Thrives at A Better Way A major theme in the episode is culture. Alfredo shares how refreshing it’s been to step into an environment built on support, trust, and growth without judgment. He highlights the advantage ABW brokers have with training and structure—especially the Perfect Loan Process—and points out a truth many overlook: the tools and resources are already available; the difference is the discipline to use them. The Top 50 leaderboard comes up as a powerful motivator too—not as pressure, but as a catalyst for accountability, community, and shared momentum. Communication as the Real Competitive Advantage One of the strongest segments dives into Alfredo’s approach to client relationships. His focus is on building rapport not just consciously, but unconsciously—by speaking in the “model of the world” clients naturally communicate in. He shares how understanding communication styles can instantly lower stress, build trust, and create a smoother experience—especially in chaotic or high-pressure files. With AI becoming more present in the industry, Alfredo believes emotional intelligence and human connection will be even more valuable going forward. Wins That Create Clients for Life Alfredo shares memorable success stories that underline the power of brokering. From helping clients buy homes back in the day with 100% financing options, to guiding people through credit rebuild journeys and returning them to A-lending, he emphasizes that a broker’s role isn’t just closing a deal—it’s building a plan. When clients feel supported through a multi-year path, loyalty becomes automatic, and referrals follow naturally. Tools, Tips, and Staying Sharp On the tactical side, Alfredo breaks down what he uses daily: Velocity, Gold Rush CRM, Lender Spotlight, DocuSign, and Penalty Mentor for quick penalty estimates and client visuals. He also stresses the value of lender relationships—BDMs, underwriters, and mortgage teams aren’t barriers; they’re partners. His learning stack includes Mortgage Logic News, regulatory updates (including FSRA/FISRA), and using AI to summarize industry updates into client- and referral-partner-friendly talking points. Why You Should Listen This episode is a reminder that brokering is still a relationship business—and the brokers who win long-term are the ones who combine structure, communication, and service. If you want practical insight on how to build client trust faster, create raving fans, use systems like a pro, and stay motivated through the grind while keeping your life in balance, Alfredo’s playbook is worth hearing. For weekly market updates, sign up for the ABW Tuesday Mortgage Memo . If you’re a broker considering a network change or looking to grow, reach out to us to explore how we can support your success.

12/16/2025 Tuesday Mortgage Memo: Your Weekly Market Highlights

EPISODE 56: Behind the Lender with Alex Dey, ScotiabanK Guest: Alex Dey, VP Portfolio Optimization, Scotiabank Hosts: Dean Lawton & Jason Marshall In this Behind the Lender episode, Alex Dey pulls back the curtain on how Scotiabank thinks about mortgages, capital, and the broker channel. With 22 years at the bank and more than a decade focused on mortgages, Alex oversees portfolio optimization, which means keeping the mortgage book growing, profitable, within risk appetite, and capital efficient. He explains why mortgages are considered an “anchor product” for the bank and why brokers are so central to that strategy. With roughly half of Canadians now choosing brokers, Scotiabank is committed to being present in every channel clients want to use, including branch, mobile specialists, digital, and the broker channel through the SMA model. Pricing, Liquidity Premiums, and a Wild Year for Rates One of the most educational parts of the episode is Alex’s breakdown of how a big bank actually prices mortgages. He explains that Scotiabank’s cost of funds has two main components: A base rate that tracks the bond market and can be hedged. A liquidity premium that reflects the extra risk the market assigns to bank funding and cannot be hedged. In the past year, total cost of funds moved roughly ten times more than the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate changes, with sharp spikes driven by politics, trade headlines, and market sentiment. Sometimes the bond component moved while liquidity premiums stayed flat, and sometimes it was the opposite. For brokers who only watch the bond yield and expect rates to react one to one, this is a powerful reminder that pricing is built on more than a single line on a chart, and that non hedgeable liquidity premiums can squeeze margins even when bonds look friendly. Renewal, Retention, and the Broker Concierge With a massive maturity wave in motion, Scotia has doubled down on renewal and retention. Alex outlines three key pillars: A dedicated team of mortgage renewal specialists focused solely on upcoming maturities. A digital renewal path for clients who are comfortable self serving. A dedicated broker concierge process for Scotiabank renewals where staying put is the right move. Through the concierge, brokers can refer clients directly into Scotia’s renewal team, get updates on progress, and know their clients are being looked after without needing to re underwrite an entire deal. It protects the client experience, preserves the relationship, and respects the broker’s reputation at the same time. Alex also touches on blend and extend strategies and how they are increasingly attractive for clients who locked in at peak rates and now want payment relief without a full refinance. Deepening Relationships Through Mortgage Plus One theme that runs through the conversation is just how intentional Scotia has been about using Mortgage Plus to deepen relationships—not just with clients, but with brokers as well. By tying the mortgage to day to day banking and an additional product, Scotia isn’t just protecting capital efficiency; they’re building a stickier, more holistic relationship that’s better for long term advice. For brokers, that means the clients they place with Scotia are more likely to truly “bank” there, not just park a mortgage for five years. Alex and the hosts talk about how that shows up in real life: better service, more tailored solutions over time, and a tighter alignment between broker recommendations and bank execution Broker–Bank Alignment and the SMA Model Alex also highlights how the SMA model creates alignment that’s hard to replicate. Because the structure is relationship based rather than purely transactional, Scotia can openly share challenges (like capital constraints) and co design solutions with its top broker partners—as they did with Mortgage Plus. That level of transparency created genuine buy in on the broker side. Brokers felt like they were part of the solution, not just being handed a new requirement. Over time, that’s led to stronger loyalty, higher quality submissions, and a shared focus on doing what’s best for the client while still respecting the bank’s economic realities. What Brokers Can Take Back to Their Business There are a few clear takeaways brokers can apply immediately in their own practice. First, understand your lender’s world: pricing isn’t just “bonds up, rates up.” Liquidity premiums, hedging costs, and capital rules all matter—and clients appreciate when you can explain that clearly. Second, live the products you recommend. Dean shares that moving his own mortgage and banking to Scotia changed the way he talks about the client experience, because he’s actually lived it. Finally, don’t sleep on renewals and retention. With waves of maturities coming, brokers who understand lender programs like Scotia’s concierge and renewal specialist model will be far better positioned to guide clients through the next few years. Outlook for Rates and the Mortgage Market Looking ahead, Alex leans on Scotiabank Economics: The overnight rate is expected to sit at the bottom end of the “neutral” range, with no further cuts anticipated. Modest hikes are expected later in 2026 as inflation, growth, and unemployment rebalance. He highlights that ultra low rates are usually a sign of economic stress, not something to root for, and encourages brokers to think beyond only purchase business. With huge renewal cohorts, refinance opportunities, switches, and blend and extend options, the mortgage market itself remains very active even if resale volumes soften in some regions. For brokers, the message is clear: understand how pricing really works, lean into education, and leverage strong bank partnerships like Scotia’s SMA model to deliver better advice and smoother client experiences through the next phase of the cycle. Why You Should Listen This episode is a masterclass in understanding how big-bank pricing, capital strategy, and broker partnerships actually work behind the scenes. If you’re a broker who wants to give more sophisticated advice, look beyond headline bond yields, and truly understand the forces shaping rate sheets, this conversation is essential. For weekly market updates, sign up for the ABW Tuesday Mortgage Memo . If you’re a broker considering a network change or looking to grow, reach out to us to explore how we can support your success.

12/10/2025: BoC Holds at 2.25%: Stability Takes Centre Stage as Canada Enters 2026

12/09/2025 Tuesday Mortgage Memo: Your Weekly Market Highlights

12/02/2025 Tuesday Mortgage Memo: Your Weekly Market Highlights

BEHIND THE NETWORK – Ep. 55 with Chad Gregory, Dominion Lending Centres Hosts: Dean Lawton & Jason Marshall Behind the Network returns with an inside look at Dominion Lending Centres, one of Canada’s most influential mortgage brands. Chad Gregory, Vice President of National Sales, joins Dean and Jason to trace DLC’s journey from its Ontario startup roots to an industry-defining network built on brand, belief, and relentless innovation. Chad shares stories from the early days — long drives, cold calls, and the hustle that helped turn a new logo into a national force — and explains how consistency, client care, and technology continue to shape success for brokers across the country. From Door Knocks to National Impact When Chad joined DLC, the company had a small Western presence and a big vision. Tasked with launching Ontario operations, he and a small team hit the ground running — calling, driving, and visiting every brokerage that would listen. “It was a grind,” Chad says. “But we believed in what we were building.” That belief started with a simple conviction: the industry needed a brand. At a time when brokerages operated as small, disconnected shops, DLC invested in national marketing, consistency, and recognizable credibility. “It was about building trust,” Chad explains. “The same way Canadians trust their banks, we wanted them to trust mortgage brokers — and a strong brand makes that possible.” Within a few years, DLC’s footprint had exploded. The combination of professional branding, smart recruiting, and community-building created a ripple effect that would reshape the broker channel entirely. The Power of Process Before joining DLC, Chad learned sales the hard way — knocking on doors. “The first door I ever knocked on, I froze,” he laughs. “But every one after that got easier.” That experience became the foundation of his leadership style. Today, he teaches brokers the same principles that helped him build the network: use proven scripts, role-play daily, and follow a rhythm. “It’s not about reading from a script,” he says. “It’s about understanding what works, internalizing it, and making it sound like you.” Chad also emphasizes what happens after the deal closes. A small gesture or follow-up can create lifelong clients. “The bar for post-funding care is low,” he says. “When you show up after closing, you stand out — and that’s where loyalty starts.” Tools That Redefine Efficiency DLC’s growth hasn’t just been about people — it’s been about technology. Chad points to My Mortgage Toolbox, Velocity, and Gold Rush as key innovations driving broker success today. My Mortgage Toolbox, DLC’s mobile app, has become a staple for brokers and clients alike. “The most Googled term in our space isn’t ‘mortgage rates,’ it’s ‘mortgage calculator,’” Chad notes. “If your clients don’t have your calculator, they’re using someone else’s — and that means they’re in a competitor’s funnel.” The app’s refinance analyzer tool has helped brokers close millions in additional business, giving clients personalized savings reports within minutes. Then there’s Velocity — DLC’s all-in-one broker platform. Developed as a secure, efficient alternative to legacy systems, Velocity integrates applications, documentation, compliance, and lender submissions in one place. “We built our own highway,” Chad says. “When the rest of the industry was stuck in traffic, we kept moving.” And with Gold Rush, brokers can finally automate what they used to neglect: consistent, meaningful communication. The built-in CRM drives renewals, birthdays, and milestone campaigns that keep brokers in front of their clients — all refreshed annually to stay relevant. “You just have to turn it on,” Chad says. “It does the heavy lifting.” AI and the Future of Brokering Chad believes the next competitive edge lies in AI adoption — and DLC is already ahead. Velocity now integrates GPT and Gemini to improve lender notes, polish client emails, and assist with document verification. “AI isn’t replacing brokers,” Chad says. “But brokers who use AI will replace those who don’t.” Through its AI Essentials training, DLC is helping brokers adopt technology responsibly — blending automation with human expertise to save time, reduce errors, and elevate client service. Broker Development & Culture At the heart of DLC’s success is a commitment to its people. Chad attributes much of the company’s staying power to culture — the way it celebrates broker achievements, invests in training, and cultivates a shared purpose. “It’s always been about partnership,” he explains. “Gary and the leadership team have built a culture that puts brokers first. When people feel supported, they stay, they grow, and they build something bigger than themselves.” For ABW, that philosophy mirrors its own approach — bringing brokers together under a collaborative, education-first environment. “It’s not just about recruiting,” Dean adds. “It’s about helping every agent become the best version of themselves within the network.” Training That Drives Growth One of the most compelling takeaways from the conversation is DLC’s approach to training and continuous improvement. From foundational sales scripts to advanced AI modules, the company provides an infrastructure designed to help brokers grow by design, not by chance. “Our training library is deep,” Chad says. “From mindset and marketing to lender relations and client conversion — we’ve built a curriculum that supports a 15–20% year-over-year business increase when followed consistently.” Dean and Jason plan to bring that framework directly to the ABW network through new DLC-led training sessions in 2025, ensuring ABW brokers get hands-on exposure to the same proven systems that drive national growth. A Network That Listens In a fast-changing market, innovation only matters if it’s shaped by the people using it. That’s why DLC’s leadership has made listening part of its operating model. “Our agents tell us what’s working and what’s not,” Chad says. “Velocity updates, CRM tweaks, new features — they all start with broker feedback.” Through advisory groups and one-on-one collaboration, brokers’ ideas directly influence platform updates, campaign design, and training initiatives. “It’s not top-down leadership,” Chad emphasizes. “It’s partnership — and that’s why we keep getting better.” For ABW, that principle resonates deeply. “Being heard matters,” Dean says. “We’re building a community that doesn’t just use the tools — we help shape them.” Culture, Leadership, and What’s Next At its core, DLC’s growth has always been driven by people. “Our job is to make brokers’ jobs easier,” Chad says. “That’s been Gary’s message since day one — deliver value, innovate, and never stop improving.” Dean and Jason echo that mindset within the A Better Way network. “It’s the same culture we’ve built,” Dean says. “Show up, invest in your people, and always think about how to make their work better.” Looking ahead, both DLC and ABW are setting ambitious goals. With DLC targeting $100 billion in funded volume, ABW’s aim is to represent 10% of that. Chad calls it realistic — and motivating. “The best is yet to come,” he says. “2026 will be our biggest year yet.” Why You Should Listen This episode is a masterclass in growth — how belief becomes momentum, how systems drive performance, and how technology amplifies human relationships. Chad’s story is proof that even in a digital age, the fundamentals still matter: connect, communicate, and care.. For weekly market updates, sign up for the ABW Tuesday Mortgage Memo . If you’re a broker considering a network change or looking to grow, reach out to us to explore how we can support your success.