The Mortgage Broker Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

WATCH

▶️ ⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Dean, Deryk, & Jason recap a record-breaking 2025 for A Better Way Mortgage Group with $4B+ in mortgages funded, an over $1.3B increase year-over-year, which helped 1900 more families, including a 300% increase in MPP sales. They also look forward to 2026, and how they plan to continue scaling "without the chaos".

Dean, Deryk, & Jason discuss:

→ The industry's mindset shifts from 2024 to 2025, highlighting the increase in positivity, particularly among their Agents & Brokers.

→ The biggest factors in the 2025 market including interest rates, mortgage renewals, & the rise in alternative lending.

→ How ABW was able to achieve a record year, highlighted by strategic hiring of staff, the growth of internal Agents & Brokers, and also recruiting external top-producing Agents, Brokers, & Bankers.

→ The consistent investment in training & education, including creating a compliance department, lender presentations & speed dating, and newsletters like their Tuesday Mortgage Memo.

→ Investing millions in continued systems & infrastructure improvements, including AI & the ABW internet, to ensure a stable environment for scaling & continued growth.

→ Building networking opportunities for their team by hosting business & flagship events, and connecting deeper with lenders by creating the preferred lender program.

→ The impact of the podcast and becoming a leading voice in Canada's mortgage industry, the value of deeps dives with industry pros for the audience, and where they want to take it in 2026.

→ The community events & charity initiatives they support, and why it's important to them to give back.

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro

0:31 A Different Type of Episode

1:57 2025 Mindset Shift - Increasing Industry Positivity

6:05 Biggest Impacts in the 2025 Market

11:36 ABWs Record Year - Internal & External Growth

17:16 Investing in Training & Education

23:21 The Impact of the Podcast & It's Continued Growth

30:37 Charity Initiatives & Community Events

34:00 Flagship Events & the Preferred Lender Program

41:11 Systems & Infrastructure Improvements

43:52 Wrap-Up

45:52 Outro

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: ⁠@abetterwaymortgage⁠

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: ⁠@MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork⁠

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: ⁠@ABWMedia⁠

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DeanLawton⁠⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: ⁠@JasonMarshall⁠

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: ⁠www.joinabw.ca⁠

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: ⁠@abetterwaymortgages⁠

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: ⁠@ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo

WATCH

▶️ ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Dean and Jason are joined by Alfredo Torres. Alfredo is a Mortgage Broker with Mortgage Architects from the Greater Barrie Metropolitan Area in Ontario, who joined A Better Way Group in 2024.

Alfredo began his career by working at a McDonald's when he was just 14 years old, creating invaluable customer service skills. Once he turned 18, he was offered a Financial Service Representative position at TD, where he stayed for 9 years until becoming a Mortgage Broker in 2013. Always looking for ways to help others, Alfredo also mentors and onboards new Mortgage Agents through personalized coaching and training.

Alfredo is here to discuss:

→ How he transitioned from McDonald's to Mortgage Broker, and the push & pull of work vs. personal life.

→ The ABW Top 50, the importance of mentorship, and why we should share industry knowledge with peers.

→ Where he finds the motivation to keep growing as a professional, essential tech & tools he uses in his business, and how he stays up to date on industry trends.

→ Building & maintaining strong relationships with clients & lender partners, and multiple client success stories.

→ Advice for new Brokers, Book recommendations for personal development, how coaching has been a game-changer for him.

→ His goals for 2026, and how he thinks the industry will keep evolving.

Alfredo Torres' Instagram: @alfredohelps

Alfredo Torres' LinkedIn: @AlfredoTorres

Alfredo Torres' Email: alfredo@alfredohelps.ca

Alfredo Torres' Phone Number: 705-727-2794

***

CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro

1:20 Today's Guest: Alfredo Torres

6:48 What Motivates Alfredo to Be a Broker

10:15 The ABW Top 50 & Sharing Knowledge

14:07 Building & Maintaining Strong Client Relationships

18:37 Client Success Stories

21:22 Balancing Work & Personal Life

24:47 Motivation to Keep Growing as a Professional

27:07 Recommended Books for Brokers

30:32 Key Business Impacts - Relationships with BDMs & Lenders

34:18 Alfredo's Essential Tech & Tools

37:31 Game Changing Tip - Coaching

38:50 Staying Updated on Industry Trends - AI, MLN, Tuesday Memo

42:31 2026 Goals

43:45 How the Industry Will Evolve

44:57 Advice for New Brokers

50:50 Wrap-Up

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠@DeanLawton⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo

WATCH

▶️ ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Dean and Jason are joined by Danny Duong. Danny is a Mortgage Broker with Mortgage Architects from Vancouver, BC, who's been in the mortgage industry for 19 years.

After working at TD for 8 years as a Mobile Mortgage Specialist, Danny decided to become a mortgage broker in 2014 and joined A Better Way Mortgage Group. His success stems from his commitment to providing an exceptional client experience, along with integrity, professionalism, and knowledge of what constitutes the best mortgage for each individual.

Danny is here to discuss:

→ How he navigated the transition from banker to broker, and why he chose Mortgage Architects.

→ Embracing entrepreneurship in mortgage brokering, and how he keeps growing as a professional.

→ His key business impact, how he keeps structure in his days, and essential tools for broker success.

→ His approach to client relationships & ensuring a smooth client experience.

→ The constant struggle of finding work-life harmony, and the best career advice he's ever received.

→ How the mortgage industry is evolving, and his new BRM role with A Better Way.

Danny Duong's Website: www.dannyduongmortgage.ca

Danny Duong's Instagram: @dannyduong_mortgagebroker

Danny Duong's LinkedIn: @DannyDuong

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CHAPTERS0:00 Intro0:31 Today's Guest: Danny Duong4:08 Navigating the Banker to Broker Transition5:17 Embracing Entrepreneurship in Mortgage Brokering6:42 How Danny Keeps Structure in His Day8:12 Danny's Approach to Client Relationships10:33 Ensuring a Smooth Client Experience12:32 Client Success Story14:02 Finding Work-Life Harmony16:25 How to Keep Growing as a Professional17:44 Motivation from Danny's New BRM Role19:05 Danny's Key Business Impact20:47 Essential Tools for Broker Success22:32 Danny's Goals for Next Year23:41 How the Mortgage Industry is Evolving26:36 Best Career Advice Danny Has Ever Received28:14 Why Danny Chose Mortgage Architects30:19 Outro***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠@DeanLawton⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo

WATCH

▶️ ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Dean and Jason are joined by Chris Pughe. Chris is a Mortgage Broker with Mortgage Architects from the Greater Vancouver Area in BC, who's been in the mortgage industry for over 35 years.

After working at Vancity, a credit union, for 24 years and holding virtually every lending job you can imagine, Chris decided to become an independent mortgage broker in 2010, and joined A Better Way Mortgage Group in 2021. With no plans of slowing down anytime soon, Chris continues to find success with business basics - human connection, communication, and "out-caring the competition".

Chris is here to discuss:

→ Her career in mortgages, and the mindset needed to survive in a sometimes chaotic industry.

→ How she made a successful transition from banker to broker.

→ The power of building human connection in business and prioritizing client care as a business strategy.

→ The importance of communication and actually picking up the phone, and why your clients should never have to follow up with you.

→ How embracing new mortgage strategies has improved her business, and the tools making the biggest difference in her day to day.

→ Where the mortgage industry is heading and adapting to those changes, and advice for new brokers starting out.

Chris Pughe's Website: www.thatmortgagebrokerchris.com

Chris Pughe's Instagram: @thatmortgagebrokerchris

Chris Pughe's LinkedIn: @ChrisPughe

Chris Pughe's Facebook: @ChrisPughe

***

CHAPTERS0:00 Intro0:31 Today's Guest: Chris Pughe3:59 How Chris Progressed So Quickly at the Bank5:07 Making the Banker to Broker Transition Successfully9:12 The Power of Building Meaningful Realtionships12:04 The Mindset Needed in a Hectic Industry14:40 The Power of Communication, Phone Calls, & Updating Clients20:01 Embracing New Mortgage Strategies is Improving Business23:33 Recent Client Success Story25:47 The biggest Difference Maker in Chris's Business Today28:15 2025 Goals28:47 How the Mortgage Industry is Evolving31:36 Advice for New Mortgage Brokers33:19 Outro***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠@DeanLawton⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo

WATCH

▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, we're joined by Vy Tri Truong. Vy Tri is the Senior Vice President and a Mortgage & Wealth Management Specialist at Everything Financial Group from Surrey, BC, who's also a Mortgage Planner with Mortgage Architects.

Starting in mortgages shortly after the 2008 crash, Vy Tri eventually left the broker space to work at Scotiabank, and then became a BDM at Manulife. In 2020, Vy Tri became a broker once again, accepting an opportunity to join Everything Financial's new mortgage division. This has allowed him to create a unique business model based on holistic financial planning, where he collaborates with Financial Advisors to develop solutions that helps clients achieve both short and long-term goals in a full financial picture, and gaining clients for life.

Vy Tri is here to discuss:

→ His journey in the mortgage industry, and why he chose to join A Better Way Mortgage when he came back to brokering.

→ How he stays up to date on industry trends, why simple is the best strategy for tools and tech, and why he runs his business through his inbox.

→ The key impact that has made his business successful and made him clients for life.

→ How banks are in it for themselves and how you can minimize the rate conversation to keep more clients.

→ The fastest way to pay down a mortgage and how he's saved his clients hundreds of thousands in capital gains taxes.

→ The best career advice he's ever received and advice for new agents starting out to be successful.

→ What keeps him motivated and how he maintains balance in his life.

Everything Financial Website: www.everythingfinancial.com

Vy Tri Truong's Website: www.trustedmortgages.ca

Vy Tri Tuong's Email: vytri@trustedmortgages.ca

Vy Tri Truong's LinkedIn: @VyTriTruong

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠@DeanLawton⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WATCH

▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

At the recent Ascend Mortgage Conference, a panel of industry experts revealed essential insights for realtors and mortgage brokers. Spearheaded by Jason Marshall, the discussion highlighted current market trends and the importance of communication in client relationships.

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: @abetterwaymortgage

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: @MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: @ABWMedia

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠@DeanLawton⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: @JasonMarshall

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: www.joinabw.ca

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: @abetterwaymortgages

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: @ABetterWayMortgages

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: @ABetterWayMortgages

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: @ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo

WATCH

▶️ ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In a captivating Fireside Chat, Jeff Adamson shared his entrepreneurial wisdom rooted in a rich athletic background. As co-founder of Neo Financial and SkipTheDishes, Jeff’s experiences provide profound insights into building a successful business amidst competition and personal growth.

Neo Financial Website: www.neofinancial.com

Jeff Adamson's LinkedIn: @JeffAdamson

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: ⁠@abetterwaymortgage⁠

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: ⁠@MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork⁠

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: ⁠@ABWMedia⁠

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DeanLawton⁠⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: ⁠@JasonMarshall⁠

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: ⁠www.joinabw.ca⁠

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: ⁠@abetterwaymortgages⁠

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: ⁠@ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WATCH

▶️ ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Dive into the compelling world of mortgage brokering with Mike Forshee. Learn about his unique journey, the inner workings of Glasslake Funding, and the future of the mortgage industry in Canada.

Glasslake Funding Website: www.glasslake.ca

Mike Forshee's LinkedIn: @MikeForshee

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: ⁠@abetterwaymortgage⁠

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: ⁠@MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork⁠

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: ⁠@ABWMedia⁠

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DeanLawton⁠⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: ⁠@JasonMarshall⁠

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: ⁠www.joinabw.ca⁠

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: ⁠@abetterwaymortgages⁠

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: ⁠@ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

WATCH

▶️ ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Join us as we dive into the key insights shared by Damon Knights. Discover how EQ Bank is shaping the future of mortgage solutions and supporting brokers in Canada!

EQ Bank Website: www.eqbank.ca

Damon Knights' LinkedIn: @DamonKnights

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: ⁠@abetterwaymortgage⁠

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: ⁠@MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork⁠

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: ⁠@ABWMedia⁠

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DeanLawton⁠⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: ⁠@JasonMarshall⁠

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: ⁠www.joinabw.ca⁠

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: ⁠@abetterwaymortgages⁠

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: ⁠@ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WATCH

▶️ ⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠

***

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Mario Cloutier joins us as we explore effective leadership strategies, the importance of team dynamics, and integrating financial planning into mortgage brokering.

Manulife Website: www.manulife.ca

Mario Cloutier's LinkedIn: @MarioCloutier

Learn more about MPP here.

***

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

🎙️ The Mortgage Broker Podcast Podcast: ⁠@abetterwaymortgage⁠

📺 The Mortgage Broker Podcast YouTube: ⁠@MortgageBrokerPodcastNetwork⁠

📝 The Mortgage Broker Podcast Blog: ⁠@ABWMedia⁠

***

CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

📋 Dean Lawton's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DeanLawton⁠⁠

📋 Deryk Williamson's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@DerykWilliamson⁠⁠

📋 Jason Marshall's LinkedIn: ⁠@JasonMarshall⁠

***

CONNECT WITH A BETTER WAY MORTGAGES

🔗 A Better Way Mortgages Website: ⁠www.joinabw.ca⁠

📸 A Better Way Mortgages Instagram: ⁠@abetterwaymortgages⁠

📋 A Better Way Mortgages LinkedIn: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

👥 A Better Way Mortgages Facebook: ⁠@ABetterWayMortgages⁠

📬 A Better Way Mortgages Tuesday Mortgage Memo: ⁠@ABWTuesdayMortgageMemo⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠