In 2016, 22 of our firms will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary as members of the VERICO Network.
The journey of each one of these brokerages in the last decade has influenced the industry and the lives of hundreds of thousand of Canadians along with it.
Though much has changed in the past 10 years, one thing has remained the same: the standards of excellence and professionalism by which every member of the VERICO Network operates. Below, we get their take on what the last decade has brought, and what the next ten years will bring.
It is a true testament to the quality of broker that Leann Scarlett is by the loyalty with which clients follow her.
In a career that spans 30 years in financial services, Leann has earned the trust of every client and every colleague she has worked with. We take a look back in celebration of Leann’s 10th anniversary with the VERICO Network.
- How has your customer changed in the past 10 years?
10 years has passed so quickly, it seems like it was only a couple years ago when I contacted Colin and John about their newly formed venture. I am so glad I chose to join VERICO and can’t imagine myself with another mortgage group. In the past 10 years, I have met many people from all walks of life. I am very fortunate as I have a strong customer following. So, when asked how my customers have changed over the past 10 years, I can honestly say that they may have a few more wrinkles but the dream of homeownership is the same across generations.
- What are the most memorable moments in your professional career in the last decade? What was a proud moment?
Watching my customers mature personally and financially is probably the most rewarding feeling. In my market, it is not uncommon to have customers as young as 21 purchasing their first homes. It is pretty cool to see them 5/10 years later with spouses, children and, of course, into bigger homes.
I believe I have helped many of them by giving them tips and tricks on how to build themselves a strong financial future. I wish I could come up with the best memorable moment of my career, but I struggle to find just one.
It could be the family that I helped save their home from foreclosure, or it could be getting the single dad into a new place so he could have a place for his children, and the list goes on…
I have many special moments, memories, and friends that have made this career a rewarding one.
- What professional advice would you give to your younger self?
To the younger Leann that started this journey called “Mortgage Brokering” in 2000, I would say “You did ok, kid”.
I did what I had to do to raise two children, keep a home, and build a business while building strong relationships with my customer base and keeping a strong reputation in a small city.
I would like to thank all VERICO Licensees that added a helping hand in my career, whether it be by sharing your experiences while attending conferences, having that telephone conversation with me as I was weeding through the weeds of business building, or just by being there and being a friend.
Thanks VERICO, it’s been GREAT!
