If you’re a member of the Canadian mortgage industry, odds are you’ve heard the name Dustan Woodhouse. For more than a decade, the Vancouver-based mortgage expert has been a leading voice in the profession, serving as a trusted advisor, public speaker, and thought leader.

Dustan’s journey to mortgage brokering is one familiar to many. The year 2004 marked the end of a 15 years operating his own business, and a few more years of working out ‘what to do next’ brought Dustan into the mortgage business in 2008.

“At the end of one high-pressure day in particular in 2007, I realized my life wasn’t going in the direction I wanted it to, so I tip-toed down the stairs at 2:30 a.m. and signed up for the mortgage broker course online,” he tells CMBA-BC. “Decision made!”

The moment lit a fire that continues to burn 18 years later. In 2014, Dustan published the first of four volumes of the Be the Better Broker book series. The brand has since expanded, now encompassing weekly blog posts and podcasts, as well as a training program, which includes workshops, one-on-one coaching, and the annual BTBB Summit in Vancouver.

The CMBA-BC recently had the pleasure of catching up with Dustan to learn more about his history with the association and get some recommendations for spots to visit in BC this summer.

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

I’ve been a member since Day 1 in the industry, so since April 2008. I joined to attend events, learn from others, share ideas, and be part of a community that’s all about helping people with one of life’s biggest decisions: buying a home.

Knowing that a dedicated group of professionals are lobbying government on our behalf — how can you be a broker and not support that group.

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

Something musical. Despite seven years of piano as a kid, I have no current musical ability. Singing would be a really cool skill to have. Maybe that’s something I’ll pursue at some point in time.

3. What’s  your favourite place in BC to enjoy the summer?

Vancouver at Jericho, Kits, English Bay, Second Beach, and Third Beach, or up in Squamish somewhere.

Anywhere near the ocean with a view of the mountains. Give me a quiet beach, a cool breeze, and a good book and/or good sushi, and I’m happy.

4. What was the first concert you ever attended?

I was never a concert guy. I’ve only been to a few.

I did, however, learn a hard lesson at Duran Duran about sneaking down onto the floor. Getting kicked out was memorable. Even more memorable, though, was the smooth confident style my wife (at the time) exhibited to get us right back into the building without missing a full song.

5. What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Do not stop. Always keep going. In business, in life, on a hike, on a bike, swimming, skiing… just keep going!

Thank you, Dustan, 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.