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46 >> OUR HOUSE Spring 2017 Dominion LenDing CentreS PROFILE M ichael Hallett has been plying his trade as a licensed mortgage broker since 2009 after taking a turn running a successful business in the tourism sector in Whistler, B.C. our House magazine caught up with the busy father and DLC broker, who now calls Coquitlam, B.C., home, to find out a little bit more of what makes him tick and his thoughts on the industry. OUR HOUSE How did you get started in the mortgage industry? MICHAEL HALLETT i had some friends who are current mortgage brokers. i was up in Whistler living with my wife and we just had a young son and we were both looking to make some changes. i had a tourism-based business in the mountain bike sector guiding "biking bums," as i like to call them, around B.C. it was fun, but i needed to grow up a little and make adult money. i looked around for some options and this kind of fit. i wanted to stay self-employed, [but] didn't want to adhere to somebody's schedule and i wanted the ability to make a healthy living. OH What's your favourite part of being a mortgage broker? MH not knowing when the next phone call is going to happen; it kind of keeps me on my toes. i never know when the next email is going to come in from a referral source or past client. the other side is helping out people in situations to get the financing required—helping people, getting options, working through problems and not stopping until they tell me to stop or until they shut the door in my face. OH What are some of your hobbies or passions outside of work? MH outdoors is a definite passion: skiing and mountain biking. i play on a hockey team. i took on a head coaching role for my son's hockey team this CoUrteSY oF miCHAeL HALLett Get to know your bROkER year, so it's another thing that keeps me busy. Family trips in the summertime, camping and hiking—really outdoorsy. i like to stay active and get exercise. OH What's the one piece of advice you would offer to someone looking to use the service of a mortgage broker? MH trusting the mortgage broker. We, as mortgage brokers, have done this hundreds of times. trusting us, because i've seen so many different scenarios. i've likely come across your mortgage scenario already and will know where to place this immediately to be most efficient with my time and their time. trusting the process and trusting the broker: i think it's a big thing. A lot of people, they trust the banks and ultimately, they don't have their back. A mortgage broker, i think, has their back more than the bank does. Licensed mortgage broker Michael Hallett shares his views on the industry and more By Jeremy Deutsch