Meet Anna Gomes

You could say that Anna Gomes knows MCAP underwriting inside and out. Having begun her journey here over 20 years ago as a closing coordinator, she steadily worked her way up over the next decade. Then she stepped into a Solutions Training and Development role, where she worked behind the scenes, training staff, and supporting the back end of the business. “My time in the background taught me a different side of the business and the impact of what we do on the front end has on the back end, similarly how the impact of systems and processes impact the front end and the customer experience.” she says.

“My time in the background taught me a different side of the business and the impact of what we do on the front end has on the back end...”

But Anna’s real passion for the business lies in creating, building, and nurturing relationships with brokers, so she moved back to the front line in 2016 and today is the Senior Director of Underwriting, overseeing underwriting nationally for both the MCAP and RMG brands. She points out, in fact, that strong relationships form the foundation of long-term success, particularly as her team is responsible for making deal decisions that will benefit both MCAP and the broker.

“If you have a strong relationship, you can sit down with the broker and have a very open and honest conversation that can help close the deal.”

“We both want the deal done, but at MCAP we have to make sure we’re meeting the requirements of our investors and are compliant with the regulators. That’s where relationships really play a huge part because if you have a strong relationship, you can sit down with the broker and have a very open and honest conversation that can help close the deal. Even in situations where we can’t approve the file, if we’re offering insight and helping them grow their business, we’re still providing a long-term benefit.”

“Underwriting is something you can teach. What’s harder to teach is the behaviour, the communication skills, the relationship-building skills.”

What Anna enjoys most about being a leader at MCAP, however, is developing her team. “What motivates me is seeing my team be successful. I love being able to coach and mentor people and see them develop and grow,” she says. Given how quickly her team has grown over the last two years, this is a good thing. To meet the demand of an increasingly busy mortgage industry, Anna has had to bring people into her team, quickly and thoughtfully. In a job that is highly numbers driven, but also requires those valuable people skills, Anna explains her hiring strategy. “Underwriting is something you can teach. What’s harder to teach is the behaviour, the communication skills, the relationship-building skills. So often, when we do a lot of hiring, obviously we want to bring in people that have experience in the industry, but just as important – if not more important – is the fit. Is the person the right fit for us, and are we the right fit for that person?”

“One of the main reasons that made me decide to come to MCAP all those years ago was the family atmosphere – everybody was working together; everybody had each other’s back, and everybody was supportive.”

Anna’s road to MCAP wasn’t direct or expected. Originally from Portugal, Anna moved to Canada at age 15 – and didn’t speak any English at the time. But she learned fast. And after pursuing studies in political science and law, she took a break before law school to work. That’s when she fell in love with MCAP and the mortgage industry – and hasn’t looked back. While the company has grown considerably over the 20 years of Anna’s tenure, the collaborative spirit she felt from Day One hasn’t changed and keeps her inspired every day. “One of the main reasons that made me decide to come to MCAP all those years ago was the family atmosphere – everybody was working together; everybody had each other’s back, and everybody was supportive. Although we were much smaller back then and have grown tremendously over the years, we never lost that essence. There’s still that feeling that we care about our people – it goes beyond a sale or a slogan – MCAP demonstrates every day that people are valued individuals.”

“I have always appreciated the opportunity to learn – I want to learn something every day and I’m always looking for that next opportunity to enhance my knowledge.”

When asked about the lessons she has learned over the past 20 years at MCAP, she explains that the key to success is not being afraid to work hard, not being afraid to take risks, and staying focused. “When I was asked to take on my role in Solutions Training and Development, it took me well outside my comfort zone. But the company believed in me – I did it, and I loved it,” she says, explaining that she’s taken on many lateral moves within the organization, which she feels has helped her become a better leader. “I have always appreciated the opportunity to learn – I want to learn something every day and I’m always looking for that next opportunity to enhance my knowledge.”

It’s a lesson she aims to share with the people on her team, keen to pass on her knowledge to others and give them the same opportunities she’s had. Anna’s passion for lifting up team members, colleagues and brokers shows that living Blue Culture comes naturally to her.