SPEAKERS
Rene Quercia is SVP, Broker Channel at HomeEquity Bank, the provider of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage. He is on a mission to grow the Broker channel and unlock the potential of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage as an integral part of every Broker’s product lineup serving Canadians 55+.
Prior to this he spent over 35 years in various bank executive roles, 10 of them in the Mortgage division of TD bank, where he was responsible for leading national sales teams of over 1,000 Mortgage Specialists and the Mortgage Broker channel. Combined these teams accounted for over two-thirds of all new mortgage originations at TD. In that time, he transformed the distribution model through the broker channel, re-engineering processes, engaging a 3rd party operator and building out market share through key relationships.
An experienced financial services executive, Rene has a proven history of building successful businesses, developing people and delivering exceptional results across a national footprint. He is an authentic and inspirational leader who attracts diverse talent and nurtures an inclusive culture in creating engaged and highly effective teams.
Rene lives in Oakville with his wife and is passionate about giving back to the community.
Norman Holmes, Vice President/Managing Director, Drake Financial
As Vice President and Managing Director, Norm holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Leadership, an STI Designation and an Accredited Mortgage Professional designation and a diploma in Financial Planning.
Norm has over 20 years of supervisory and Senior Managerial experience with numerous financial institutions including Household Finance and Trust.
Dan MacDonald is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ownwell, a tech platform that helps mortgage brokers turn dormant client databases into a consistent source of repeat business and referrals. By delivering automated, personalized homeowner insights, Ownwell helps brokers stay top-of-mind, trigger timely mortgage conversations, and capture more lifetime value from every client.
Previously, Dan was Chief Product Officer at Lendesk, where he led the development of its Lender Network and the integration of Lender Spotlight and Finmo.
Ryan Spence leads the mortgage broker channel for Filogix and for many years has helped mortgage brokers across the country in their technology evolution. A past chair of the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association, Ryan has for many years sat at the intersection between technology and education, providing training and support for Filogix’s Expert software and advice to the many participants of the mortgage ecosystem as they look to achieve their greatest success.
Jared Stanley, Senior Director of Originations, Neighbourhood Holdings
Entering the mortgage industry in 2008, I’ve navigated a landscape of profound transformations. At Neighbourhood Holdings, I’ve constantly embraced changes, spearheading the creation of innovative processes and strategies that have driven us to $2 billion in volume by April 2025.
Embracing advanced technology has been pivotal in our approach. Leading a team of dedicated professionals, our mantra emerged: "What gets measured gets managed." This has driven our success in underwriting complex files, process automation, and product development. Committed to elevating the alternative lending industry, we are setting new standards by leveraging AI and advanced technology.
Imran is a national leader in the Canadian mortgage industry with two decades of experience working alongside brokers and industry partners currently, the Director of National Sales and Marketing at National Bank’s Optimum Mortgage. In his role, he is focused on developing and empowering high-performing teams, strengthening broker relationships, and consistently elevating the broker experience while supporting growth in the alternative lending space.
Previously, Imran held senior roles at Sagen, where he helped drive strong performance in Western Canada while contributing to industry initiatives focused on innovation and housing affordability. Outside of work, he has served on the National Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Canada and Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, supporting affordable housing and stronger communities.
Susan Thomas is the Vice President of Sales at Haventree Bank, leading a high-performing team of sales professionals dedicated to the mortgage broker channel. With over 35 years of extensive experience in the financial industry, Susan possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Starting her career in retail banking, Susan honed her skills in branch management, investments, and financial planning before moving to the broker side. As Executive Vice President, she pioneered groundbreaking segmentation strategies.
Throughout her career and beyond her professional accomplishments, Susan has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development, industry advocacy, and community engagement.
Ryan White, Regional Sales Director, MCAN Financial
With an extensive background spanning over 15 years in business development, Ryan has established himself as a highly experienced and knowledgeable leader in the Southwestern Ontario market. As the lead BDM for this growing region, he has built enduring partnerships and friendships through his unwavering dedication to relationship building and the continuous development of industry expertise.
Ryan's commitment to fostering collaboration and open communication allows him to assist brokers in securing the best possible deals for their clients. His exceptional work ethic and passion for going above and beyond have inspired the #Hometeam to follow in his footsteps.
Residing in London, ON, Ryan is also an outdoor enthusiast. When not immersed in resolving complex files or meeting with broker partners, he can be found enjoying his time snowmobiling, ATV riding, or fishing.

