It’s been a while since my last blog post. Vacations, work, and general stuff have proven to be a bit of a distraction. I’ve also come to learn that writing a blog is like going to the gym. If you stop doing it on a consistent basis it’s difficult to get back into the swing of it; and just like going to the gym, you know when it’s time to go back. So here goes, not much happening on my end.

Until next time…

Of course I’m kidding. There’s plenty going on, be it the housing and mortgage market, the overall economy, or political campaigns. Plenty to opine about, but since this is my first blog post in a while I thought I would touch on something personal. Last week Dan Putnam, CAAMP Chairman (Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals), notified me that I was going to be inducted this year into the CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame. My first reaction when hearing the news was, “I don’t know what to say”. Rarely am I at a loss for words, but in my defense it’s not something you ever plan on hearing. No one can map this out and say, “one day I’m going into the Hall of Fame”. It happened because a number people got together, built a case on my behalf, and worked to make it
happen. You can’t lead an initiative like this yourself. I mean, you could, but it would be really bad form. The fact that my industry colleagues would take the time do this, for me, is beyond flattering.

Over the next month or so I will have to work on my induction speech. How does one properly acknowledge, in three to five minutes, all those who gave me a hand up over the last 28 years? All those who took a risk on someone with the hope that the finished product would far surpass what stood in front them. Those who invested, not only in the entity I was working for at that time, but in me? How do I thank family and friends who put up with my absence over the years, and at times, mood swings?  How do I thank all those employees who made me look good? Especially those who said, “lead the way, and I will follow”. The truth of the matter is it is impossible for me to adequately thank all those who deserve it. I could produce a long list of names, but it would not do them justice. For each name has a wonderful story. For all those who helped, guided, or simply provided emotional support for me throughout my career, my mission is now to thank you all personally.

I am truly humbled by this acknowledgment, and will be forever grateful to those who worked to make this happen.

Until next time,

Cheers.