In 2003, Chad Oyhenart returned from a year-long adventure Down Under and found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what path to take next.

That moment of uncertainty turned into a defining pivot when his father, a former banker turned successful mortgage broker, offered him some sage advice.

“When I got back from Australia, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do,” Chad tells CMBA-BC. “My dad told me he thought I’d be good at brokering and encouraged me to pursue it.”

This guidance, Chad says, was exactly what he needed.

“My dad asked me to join his brokerage,” he says. “I did, and I never looked back.”

In 2007, Chad and his father opened a DLC franchise, which he took over in 2010. Today, more than 20 years after first joining the industry, Chad is a partner and broker at The Collective Mortgage Group, where he educates clients on home buying, refinancing, and more.

The CMBA-BC recently had the pleasure of catching up with Chad to discuss his history with the association, get a restaurant recommendation, and find out what advice he would give his younger self.

1. How long have you been a member of CMBA-BC?

I’ve been a member of the association since it was MBABC, so probably about 20 years. I joined for the advocacy, but also just to be part of an association within the profession — to support the greater good of the industry and help drive change forward

2. What’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn?

Totally not industry-related, playing the guitar. Aside from playing the alto saxophone in middle school, I would say I’m not very musically inclined.

3. What’s your favourite local restaurant?

Seahorse Grill in Crescent Beach.

4. What was the first concert you ever attended?

Either Green Day or Aerosmith — that was my era!

5. If you could go back in time and give yourself a piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t stress the small stuff — things are never as bad as they seem. Whether it’s a bad test result, a bad call with a client, or a rough sports game, give it a couple days and it won’t feel so bad. Once some time passes, even bad things don’t seem too severe.

Thank you, Chad, for taking the time to chat with us! If you know a CMBA-BC member who you think should be spotlighted in this column, please contact Samantha at samantha.ashenhurst@cmbabc.ca.