Len Lane sits down with Dr. Wanda Holman, CEO of Little Warriors, a nationally recognized charity dedicated to preventing and treating child sexual abuse. Dr. Holman shares the inspiring story behind the organization’s founding by Glory Meldrum, herself a survivor, and how it has grown into a beacon of hope through its programs and services.

Dr. Holman talks about their Prevent It! program, which educates adults on recognizing and preventing abuse, and the Be Brave Ranch, Canada’s only intensive, trauma-informed treatment center designed specifically for children and adolescents who have experienced sexual abuse. Dr. Holman also highlights their Wrap Them in Love initiative, where quilts handmade across Canada are gifted to each child as a symbol of comfort and support during therapy.

The conversation dives into the real challenges facing families, including the alarming rise in online sexual exploitation, and explores how Little Warriors continues to evolve with new programs for adults and families dealing with intergenerational trauma. From community resource committees to volunteer opportunities and annual fundraisers like the Little Warriors Luncheon and Golf Tournament, Dr. Holman emphasizes how every contribution of every size helps protect and heal children across Canada.

About Dr. Wanda Holman

Dr. Wanda Holman is the Chief Executive Officer of Little Warriors, a national charitable organization focused on the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. With extensive experience in trauma-informed care and child psychology, Dr. Holman leads a multidisciplinary team at the Be Brave Ranch, an Alberta-based facility that provides evidence-based therapy and holistic healing to children, teens, and families.

Her commitment to community-based healing, education, and research partnerships with institutions like the University of Alberta continues to advance the field of trauma recovery and prevention for survivors across Canada.

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Dr. Wanda Holman | Little Warriors: 

• Website: LittleWarriors.ca
• Facebook: Little Warriors Canada
• Instagram: @littlewarriorsca
• LinkedIn: Little Warriors
• X: Little Warriors
• YouTube: Little Warriors
  
  

Today on Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane welcomes back lawyer and entrepreneur Cyndy Morin alongside Lori Robertson to talk about Ask JAQQ, an innovative new app designed to make legal guidance more accessible.

Cyndy shares the story behind Ask JAQQ, a $5.99 app that allows users to ask quick legal questions and connect with three vetted lawyers, all while 100% of proceeds go to Sagesse, an organization supporting families affected by domestic violence. Drawing from her own experiences, Cyndy explains how Ask JAQQ fills the gap left by the closure of the Law Society’s Lawyer Referral Program, creating a safe, affordable, and community-minded platform for everyday legal inquiries.

Lori, who brings her background in IT and her personal passion for community outreach, discusses how the app empowers users by removing the intimidation often associated with legal services. Together, they highlight how Ask JAQQ benefits both lawyers and the public, ensuring access, integrity, and compassion are at the core of modern legal help. For anyone curious about how technology and empathy can work together for social good, this episode is a must-listen.

About Cyndy Morin

Cyndy Morin is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and founder of Resolve Law, with a deep passion for improving access to justice in Canada. A survivor of domestic violence herself, Cyndy was inspired to create Ask JAQQ as a safe, affordable, and community-driven way for people to access legal information. Her work bridges the gap between legal professionals and the public while giving back to the causes that supported her own journey to safety and empowerment.

About Lori Robertson

Lori Robertson is a board member of Ask JAQQ and an advocate for domestic violence prevention and community empowerment. With a background in technology and a personal connection to the cause, Lori focuses on using digital tools to make legal support more approachable and inclusive for everyone.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention
  
  

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Cyndy Morin & Lori Robertson | Askjaqq: 

• Website/App: https://askjaqq.ca/
• LinkedIn: Cyndy
  

In this episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane welcomes Brian Menges, a long-time leader in private mortgage lending and the founder of Caplink Financial and SoBankable. Brian shares his journey from building one of Western Canada’s well-known MICs to expanding lending operations into the United States and Mexico.

They unpack how SoBankable is filling a unique gap for Canadians and Americans purchasing second homes in Mexico, where traditional banks often can’t lend. Brian explains the differences between lending in Canada and Mexico, including how the fideicomiso (bank trust) works in restricted zones, how loans are secured, and how his team ensures compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Len and Brian also discuss trends in cross-border retirement living, Mexico’s evolving real estate market, and why many North Americans are finding better value, healthcare, and lifestyle there. Brian outlines his goal of reaching $1 billion USD in mortgage production within five years, and how Canadian brokers can partner with SoBankable to serve clients buying abroad.

About Brian Menges

Brian Menges is the founder and president of Caplink Financial and SoBankable, companies specializing in private and cross-border mortgage lending. With over two decades of experience in the Canadian mortgage and investment space, Brian has been instrumental in growing Caplink from a syndicated lender to a full-service Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) and securities-licensed investment fund manager.

Through SoBankable, Brian has expanded lending operations internationally, helping Canadians and Americans purchase property in Mexico. He continues to lead innovation in private lending, capital management, and global mortgage solutions.

Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Brian Menges:

• Website: SoBankable 
• Website: Caplink Financial
• LinkedIn: Brian Menges
• LinkedIn: SoBankable
• LinkedIn: Caplink Financial
  
  

Len chats with Corey Cardelinni, BRM for Alberta at CMI, about how a seasoned private lender approaches real-world files. They cover CMI’s flexible solutions including, first and second mortgages, bridge and equity loans, and purchase-plus improvements, and why clear, detailed commitments plus quick, organized documentation can accelerate approvals and closings.

Corey explains what makes a file work: overall strength, a believable exit plan, and payments that make sense. They touch on common scenarios like cleaning up arrears or proposals and completing builds or renovations, along with a few categories that typically don’t fit. Corey also notes that staying realistic on valuations, and packaging a complete deal up front keeps things moving smoothly.

They wrap with market and appraisal realities, reminding brokers to do early diligence and set expectations with clients in shifting conditions. 

About Corey Cardellini

Corey Cardellini has 20 years of experience in Canada’s mortgage industry spanning underwriting, brokering, and lending. After starting as an underwriter with a B-lender and spending eight years as a mortgage agent, Corey moved to CMI and now serves as Business Relationship Manager (BRM) for Albertapairing relationship support with hands-on file expertise (often underwriting their own deals).

At CMI, Corey focuses on practical, fast private-lending solutions and clear, detailed commitments that make broker/client expectations straightforward. Typical work includes first- and second-position mortgages, bridge/equity financing, and purchase-plus-improvements, with quick turnarounds when documentation is complete.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Website: Canadian Mortgages Inc.

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Corey Cardellini: 

• Linkedin: Corey Cardellini
  
  

In this episode, host Len Lane, founder of Brokers for Life, welcomes Kevin Kennedy, owner of KDK Financial, to discuss how car payments affect Total Debt Servicing (TDS) and Gross Debt Servicing (GDS) ratios in the mortgage process. With many Canadians carrying large vehicle loans, this often becomes a barrier to mortgage approval.

Kevin shares how KDK Financial helps mortgage brokers restructure auto loans by reducing payments, removing co-signers, and even accessing equity from vehicles. He explains why traditional banks don’t offer refinancing, how competitor lenders step in, and why this solution can save deals that otherwise wouldn’t close.

The conversation highlights success stories—from reducing a family’s $1,800 monthly car obligations to $650, allowing them to keep their home, to moving loans under corporate names for business owners. Kevin also sheds light on current auto lending rates, pitfalls in dealership financing, and the benefits of KDK’s streamlined, broker-friendly process.

If you’re a mortgage broker or a homeowner with high auto debt, this episode offers practical strategies to unlock financing flexibility and keep homeownership within reach.

About Kevin Kennedy

Kevin Kennedy is the owner and founder of KDK Financial Corporation, a company dedicated to helping mortgage brokers manage auto financing solutions for their clients. With lifelong roots in the auto industry, starting at his father’s used car dealership and advancing to lead one of Canada’s largest auto finance departments, Kevin saw the need for a streamlined, broker-controlled approach to auto refinancing.

KDK Financial empowers brokers across Canada to restructure loans, remove co-signers, and reduce payments without the sales pressure of dealerships. Kevin’s mission is to make auto finance simple, transparent, and a powerful tool to support mortgage approvals and financial stability.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• KDK Financial

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Kevin Kennedy: 

• Website: KDK Financial
• Instagram: KDK Financial
• Facebook: KDK Financial page
  
  

In this episode, Len Lane, Founder and President of Brokers for Life and part of Dominion Lending Centres, reflects on his 20+ year journey in the mortgage industry. He explains how his transition from selling new homes to becoming a mortgage broker gave him the freedom and fulfillment he was looking for. Len shares the key differences between working in real estate, working at a bank, and running your own brokerage—and why mortgages offered him the best long-term opportunities.

Len also dives into the different models of mortgage brokerages, from storefront-style offices to “courier” models and the frontline underwriter approach he developed at Brokers for Life. He emphasizes the importance of building genuine client and lender relationships, constant learning, and creating a business that truly belongs to you.

Whether you’re considering becoming a mortgage broker or already in the business, Len’s story highlights the power of knowing your “why,” the income potential of the industry, and the freedom that comes with building your own business.

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

In this episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, Len Lane is joined by Chris Woodhouse of Highclere Lending to talk about innovation, integrity, and strategy in the Canadian mortgage space. With a career that began in brokering and evolved through leadership roles at major lenders like Street Capital and RFA, Chris now brings his expertise to the forefront of a new venture focused on tech-enabled underwriting and relationship-driven service.

Len and Chris dive into how Highclere is using AI to support (not replace) underwriters, and how the company’s phased rollout strategy prioritizes trust, fraud prevention, and sustainable growth. They discuss licensing challenges across provinces, the evolving Alt and soft-B lending markets, and what brokers can expect from Highclere’s upcoming product launches, including (potentially) a game-changing 30-year fully open term.

For brokers navigating today’s market, this conversation is packed with insight on mortgage evolution, retention strategies, and the power of leveraging CRM and AI tools to stay connected with clients for life.

About Chris Woodhouse

Chris Woodhouse is a seasoned mortgage professional whose career spans brokering, business development, and executive leadership within Canada’s lending industry. Formerly with Street Capital and RFA, Chris recently joined Highclere Lending to help shape its vision of smart, scalable, and transparent lending practices. Known for his practical approach and relationship-first style, Chris is passionate about empowering brokers and borrowers alike with better tools and more flexible financing options.

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Chris Woodhouse: 

• Website: Highclere 
• LinkedIn: Highclere
• LinkedIn: Chris Woodhouse

In this episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane sits down with industry veteran Gary Siegel to explore his five-decade-long journey through Canada’s evolving mortgage landscape. Gary reflects on his early years with CMHC, where he managed social housing programs, direct lending, and insured mortgages—laying the foundation for a career defined by public service, innovation, and a deep understanding of housing finance.

The conversation tracks his transitions through major organizations like MICC, GE Capital, and Invis, highlighting pivotal changes in the mortgage industry—from the emergence of private mortgage insurance and the rise (and fall) of high-risk lending, to the creation of “super brokers” and new commission models. Gary also shares how regulatory shifts following the 2008 financial crisis reshaped lending practices and led him to a final chapter as Compliance Advisor with RECA, where he worked to harmonize broker regulation and improve industry education.

Now newly retired, Gary reflects on a career marked by resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to elevating mortgage professionalism across Canada. His insights provide a historical lens on how policy, market forces, and people shape the business of mortgages—and how staying curious and adaptable keeps a career vibrant even after 50+ years.

About Gary Siegel

Gary Siegel is a highly respected figure in Canada’s mortgage industry, with a career spanning over five decades. He began with CMHC in the 1970s, managing social housing and insured lending programs, before taking on senior roles at MICC, GE Capital, and Genworth. Gary later joined Invis, where he helped lead operations across Western Canada during a time of major industry transformation, including the rise of super brokers and evolving commission structures.

Gary served as a compliance advisor at the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), where he brought his deep industry knowledge to regulatory policy, education, and broker oversight. Known for his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to raising professional standards, Gary has made a lasting impact on housing finance and mortgage brokering in Canada. Now retired, he continues to be recognized as a thoughtful leader and advocate for responsible industry growth.

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Gary Siegle: 

• Linkedin: Gary Siegle
  
  

In this insightful episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, Len Lane is joined again by Sandra Landry of MNP to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of consumer debt and insolvency in Canada. They explore how economic pressures have led to a noticeable uptick in larger and more complex consumer proposals, often involving higher incomes and assets (such as home equity or investment accounts).

Sandra breaks down the differences between bankruptcies and proposals, highlighting how proposals are often the more secure and predictable option for debt resolution—particularly for those with real estate holdings or rising incomes. The conversation also touches on rental market trends, vehicle financing issues, and the growing number of young Canadians struggling to enter the housing market due to inflated costs and increased credit dependency.

From mortgage portability to third-time bankruptcies and the rise of leasing in the auto industry, this conversation is packed with real-world insight and practical takeaways for anyone navigating debt in today’s high-cost environment.

About Sandra Landry

Sandra Landry is a Senior Vice President at MNP Ltd., one of Canada’s leading firms for consumer insolvency services. With over a decade of experience in the insolvency field, Sandra brings a deep understanding of how proposals and bankruptcies affect Canadians on both personal and financial levels. A strong advocate for financial literacy, she works closely with individuals and families to help them find sustainable solutions to complex debt challenges.

MNP is a member of Praxity, a global alliance of independent accounting and consulting firms, which allows Sandra and her team to access a wide breadth of resources while offering localized, client-focused service.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• MNP Consumer Insolvency Services
• Praxity 
• Equifax Market Pulse Reports
  
  

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life
  
  

Contact Sandra Landry: 

• Website: MNP.ca
• Phone: 780-969-1488
• Email: [email protected]
• Linkedin: SandraLandry

In this episode, Len welcomes Chris O’Sullivan from Alta West Capital to break down the ins and outs of private lending and how it fits into a broker’s toolkit. Chris shares his unique background—from private brokering to auto finance and now to advocating for brokers at Alta West—and outlines the flexible mortgage solutions that Alta West offers.

The conversation touches on key areas such as the difference between the Express and Flex mortgage products, how Alta West evaluates files based on exit strategies rather than just TDS, and why private lending isn’t just for bruised credit. Chris also clarifies appraisal designation requirements, discusses their broker loyalty program, and provides insight into how Alta West partners with brokers to offer speed, transparency, and flexibility.

Brokers will also hear about tools like the draw-style HELOC, bundling first and second mortgages in-house, mixed-use financing, and opportunities to support charitable causes through mortgage referrals. Whether you’re new to private deals or looking for smoother underwriting, this episode is packed with practical tips and valuable context.

About Chris O’Sullivan

Chris O’Sullivan is the Business Development Manager (BDM) for Alberta at Alta West Capital. With a background in private brokering and a stint in auto finance at KDK Financial, Chris brings a well-rounded understanding of alternative lending solutions. At Alta West, he’s known for championing broker success, as well as advocating for strong deals, supporting education around private lending, and offering white-glove service to help brokers close more files efficiently.

Chris is also passionate about partnerships that make an impact. He regularly works with brokers to support charitable initiatives and strives to create financing solutions that prioritize both broker and client outcomes.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Alta West Capital Program
• Alta West Broker Portal for pricing update (register through the Alta West website)
• Alta West mortgage program PDFs (available upon request or through internal broker library)

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Contact Len Lane | Brokers for Life: 

• BrokersForLife.ca
• Linkedin: Len Lane
• LinkedIn: Brokers for Life
• Facebook: Brokers for Life
• X: @Brokers4Life

Contact Chris O’Sullivan | Alta West Capital: 

• Website
• LinkedIn: Chris O’Sullivan
• LinkedIn: Alta West Capital