I would like to introduce our readers to Leonore Brum of Dominion Lending Centres.

Leonore has been a Thinkreferrals Member since October of 2006. Leonore is the Vice President of the Port Kells Chapter of Thinkreferrals.

Our electronic interview is merely a starting point, we encourage you to ask questions of your own in the comments of this Interview. Click on the (read more) link just below for the entire interview.

Q: Where were you born?
A: Burnaby General Hospital

Q: What are some of the odd jobs you have done in your life?
A: I haven’t done anything odd unless mixing paint is considered odd. As a teen I worked for Mills Paint in Richmond and Tsawwassen. I also worked in wallpaper sales. I guess that is odd for a 16 year old!

Q: What level of education did you attain? Was this all planned?
A: I have a B.A in Psychology, an A.D. in Education and I am a Certified Mortgage Broker (UBC & Real Estate Council of BC).

Q: What was your first part time job?
A: It was selling paint and wallpaper as I explained but more unusual for me was working as a cocktail waitress at a night club in Waterloo while attending university. It was very brief though because once my parents found out they flew in from Vancouver and made me quit. Fun while it lasted and at least my parents increased my monthly allowance. I think they thought it would keep me out of the nightclub so I could focus on school.

Q: What was your first full time job?
A: Office Administration for a railway construction company in Edmonton. Girl Friday really as the office was small but with a construction crew of about 100. I learned a lot and enjoyed the people I worked with. Those were great times! It gave me the basics for all the other work I have done.

Q: How did you get involved in your current Business?
A: My family has been in commercial real estate since the 70’s. When my father passed away in 1998 my brother and I had to get involved. It was part-time as I was still teaching. One summer I started working on a commercial mortgage and I enjoyed it. It wasn’t until I remarried and had to quit working as a Catholic teacher that I decided to become a full time mortgage broker. So I went back to university and here I am. I still miss the kids especially in September but this career is much better for my family as I have flexibility in my work schedule now. My youngest is 11 so this is important to me.

Q: Introduce us to your family.
A: My son is now 22 and works in railway construction. Brilliant in math and would have loved to see him go to university but he enjoys working the railway following his grandfather and uncle’s footsteps. My oldest daughter is 19 and is at Emily Carr on a full scholarship. She is a creative and very independent. My youngest is 11 and her and I share a passion for horses. She has just started 3-Day Eventing on my 20 year old Appaloosa Thoroughbred gelding. She loves going to horse shows. I have three step children who are 23, 21 and 19. The oldest just joined the military and is stationed in Quebec, the middle son works in local housing construction and the youngest is at UFVC to become a teacher. She is an amazing young woman – independently putting herself through school by working full time as a waitress. Then there is my husband who taught me how to pull a horse trailer and brings me coffee every morning in bed! We still consider ourselves newlyweds even though we are now in our 5th year together. Life is grand. I can’t complain.

Q: What does your Significant Other do?
A: He is an incredible Salesman and I think Brandt Tractor is very lucky to have him. He sells John Deere commercial worksite products. Recently moved from a Bobcat company, he will tell you his success is because this line really “runs like a Deere”. He has significantly increased their market share and has hopefully earned the “John Deere Ring” for sales achievement in 2006. Shannon also volunteers as a Director for Cloverdale Rodeo. This is a year round commitment – not just when rodeo is on. He comes from a family with old rodeo roots so it is easy to understand why this is passion.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I am an equestrian and was 3-Day Eventing until I recently bought a young Irish Sport Horse – so we are in training. 3-Day eventing is Show jumping, Dressage and Cross Country jumping. It is the most exciting equine sport because it is multi-disciplined. We also love trail riding and our horses enjoy getting out of the arena. Because my husband grew up with horses this is a family activity. We are at shows almost every weekend from spring to fall. Of course every May long weekend we are at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Fair. Because it is a Pro Rodeo you see the best cowboys and stock at each performance. It is quite exciting. The fair always brings in great exhibits as well and my 11 year old still enjoys walking through the buildings. In the evenings you can find us in the Longhorn Saloon kicking up our heels!

Q: What are your favorite holiday getaways?
A: Truth be told, every time I ride outdoors it is a holiday for me. I also enjoy our few days away at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival. Shannon was the former President for the BC Country Music Assn so country music is a big part of our life too. This is a “child-less” week and lots of fun. I have visited campground “C” ONCE and that was enough! We also enjoy spending Christmas skiing at Sun Peaks. It is the only time we get together with my brother and his family as they live in Alberta. My very favorite place to feel the warm sunshine on white sandy beaches is Kaui. I may just retire there.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?
A: First impression – I am a mortgage shopper. But it is so much more than that. As a former teacher it was my goal to meet the individual needs of every student. Well that is what I do as a Mortgage Expert. Any licensed mortgage broker or bank representative can simply arrange a mortgage. But do they look at you as an individual with personal short and long term financial needs and goals? A home is a long term investment that is important to you and your family. I take all of that into consideration and build a mortgage that works for my client – not the bank.

Q: How can people get to know more about your business?
A: Just give me a call on my direct line (604) 513-0295. I can also be reached by email and please check out my website at www.leonorebrum.ca. You will find information about me and Dominion and page of testimonials too. I have information here on the trbn.com website too.

Q: What was the deciding factor to help you decide to join Thinkreferrals?
A: I believe in professional networking and heard so many great things from my co-worker about TRBN who is a member of the Langley chapter. Once I met Bob Fletcher our chapter President I knew this was someone I would enjoy working with. He is professional and personal at the same time. Qualities I appreciate and value.

Q: What are some of the Positive Business Results you have experienced in this Business Network?
A: The energy in our group is extremely motivating. Variety of business experience offers great professional support. We are a fairly new chapter but already there is a sense of family here. Right now my group is helping me to “brand” my business. I can’t think of a better way to get professional opinions and advice. I am thrilled.

Q: What are your pet peeves?
A: The one that comes to mind first is the act of taking advantage of others because they are trusting and maybe even vulnerable. Children and the elderly are prime targets but it happens to all of us at one point in our lives. It really upsets me that someone would knowingly use another human being to better themselves at the expense of others. How trusting we are just because someone is in a position of authority.

I would like to Thank Leonore for her time and I know she will be more than happy to answer any questions you have for her in the comments below.

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