Gary Siegle, one of three recipients of the 2010 CAAMP Mortgage Hall of Fame award, says he attributes three things to his accomplished career: a strong work ethic instilled by his family, a passion for learning and a continuing enjoyment of the mortgage industry. “If things aren’t fun and interesting, it’s difficult to stay motivated and then it’s time to move on,” he says. “I’ve had to good fortune to enjoy every minute of my career!”
Currently the Regional Manager for Invis and Mortgage Intelligence in Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, Siegle started in the industry 38 years ago.
“I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in early 1972 with a Bachelor of Commerce with Honors and Distinction. That got me an interview with a number of organizations in the financial services field. The one that interested me most was a “Management Trainee” program that was offered by CMHC. So I accepted their offer. It turned out to be a good choice because I have been in the mortgage business ever since,” recounts Siegle.
Siegle would spent the first 14 years of his career in Regina with CMHC in various roles in the mortgage business.
“In the years after my first job at CMHC, my career has spanned a good segment of the mortgage business, including commercial mortgage and private mortgage insurance business.
With some of these jobs, I’ve relocated to Regina, Calgary and Winnipeg. Aside from fulfilling work, my career choices have given me and my family the opportunity to experience life in all of the Prairie Provinces.”
Siegle has also been active as an educator throughout his career, having held faculty positions for several industry associations including the Real Estate Institute of Canada, the Manitoba Real Estate Association and Mount Royal College. He is currently an advisor to the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association education department.
Having been at the beginning of many mortgage broker careers, Siegle says the key to success in this industry is to stay motivated.
“Many people don’t do enough homework before entering the business and haven’t got a clear idea of the emotional roller coaster ride that it takes to get a business started. There is a lot to learn and that in itself is stressful. Add to that the challenge of building new relationships with lenders and referral sources coupled with limited financial rewards until a regular deal flow is developed and it is easy to lose your motivation,” says Siegle. “Someone considering a career in our business should talk to as many people as they can so they can be prepared both financially and emotionally for the challenge.”
“This business can be very rewarding if one stays motivated and possess the tenacity to keep looking for that next lead or referral,” he adds.
As for the rest of the 2010 and 2011 market, Siegle expects slow growth. “I am seeing a slower than normal 2010 with slow growth in 2011. In Alberta and Saskatchewan, the oil industry is a big economic driver and there are positive signs of growth, which we are hoping, will materialize and transform into more business for us in 2011.”
Bio
Gary Siegle is a 38-year veteran of the financial services industry. His career began with positions in the public and private sector mortgage default insurance business. Gary has also been involved with commercial mortgage lending and brokering, and since 2002 he has been regional manager with Invis for Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Over the years, Gary has been the recipient of several awards such as the Maple Leaf Award from the Regina Home Builders Association, Presidents Award and Sales Achievement Awards within Invis, AMBA President’s Award, AMBA/CAAMP Award, and Genworth Partnership Awards.
In the area of community involvement, Gary is an ardent supporter of the Invis Angels in the Night homeless shelter project. He has also coached softball and has been proud to support his local Kiwanis club
Gary resides in Calgary with his wife Terry; together they have two children.