MBN Hot list 2014: Gordon McCallum

​Gordon McCallum's profile for Mortgage Broker News Hot list 2014

Who: Gord McCallum
What: President
Where: First Foundation Residential Mortgages

A commerce graduate with distinction from the University of Alberta’s School of Business, Gord has worked hard building First Foundation into a group of companies offering mortgage brokerage services as well as general insurance, life insurance and other financial services.

Gord is a former director with the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association and a consecutive four-time member of CMP’s “Top 50 Brokers” list. He was also named the Accredited Mortgage Professional of the Year in 2011 by CAAMP.

Milestones achieved in 2013
  • Expansion into Saskatchewan with the acquisition of Highland Mortgage Partners in Regina
  • Completed our rebranding and the redevelopment of www.firstfoundation.ca
  • Relaunched the #owngrowprotect blog at www.firstfoundation.ca/blog
  • Hosted a number of excellent mortgage industry leaders on Canadian Mortgage Hangout TV #cmhTV
  • Secured a lease on a prime high-traffic location in Edmonton that gives us room to grow and more visibility
Goals for 2014
  • Help more people to own a home, grow their wealth, and protect themselves and their loved ones
  • Increase mortgage client to insurance client conversion rates
  • 92 per cent funding ratio across all of our lender partners
  • Grow organically throughout Western Canada
  • Partner with other like-minded brokerage owners across Canada to increase the asset value of mortgage brokerages; create saleable value in mortgage brokerages where none existed, and give owners a potential exit strategy
  • Continue to develop leaders within our organization
Forecast for the industry in 2014
  • ​Minor regulatory changes
  • More competition online
  • Some consolidation between firms
  • New business models emerging
  • Increasing rate uncertainty
  • Stronger real estate markets in local areas with job growth - and underwriting that reflects this
 
Current: 
  • President/Founder, First Foundation Insurance Inc. (2012)
  • President/Founder, First Foundation Residential Mortgages (2002)
    		•
    Previous:
    • Strategic Mortgage Partner, RE/MAX River City (2009-2010)
    • Founder/Owner, StudyBucks, Inc. (1999-2002)
    • Cable Auditor, Shaw Communications (1993-1999)
    Years of Experience:
    ACHIEVEMENTS/RECOGNITIONS:
    • Finalist - Top Customer Service from an Individual Office (First Foundation) at 2013 Canadian Mortgage Awards
    • Winner - Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) of the Year – 2011
    • Winner - Best Internet Presence – 2011
    • Finalists - Canadian Mortgage Awards: Best Internet Presence, Mortgage Brokerage of the Year – 2010
    • Finalist for Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine's 'Best Customer Service' for 2008 - April 3, 2009.
    • CMP Magazine - Top 50 Brokers in Canada - 2007 - Present
    AFFILIATIONS:
    • Director for Ethics for Alberta North for the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association (AMBA)
    • Axiom Mortgage Network
    • Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals
    EDUCATION:
    • Bachelor of Commerce, Economics, MIS, Entrepreneurship, University of Alberta (1996-1999)
    • Economics, Augustana University College (1994-1996)
    Current Town

    Edmonton, Alberta
    Hometown  
    Family Married, 4 Children
    Interests  
    Other Information  


    To read the full feature, click on the following link CMP Hot List 2014 to download the PDF.

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