The face of Calgary, southern Alberta and Manitoba

Some things are just so good, we have to talk about them! Like our BDMs for example. They may be the faces of Bridgewater Bank, but we want them to be more than that. We asked our BDM responsible for Calgary, southern Alberta and Manitoba a few candid questions to help you get to know him a little better.

He’s a good old fashion Alberta boy with a hefty swing and smile to boot. We’d like to introduce you to the one and only, Steve Leishman.

Q: Why did you decide to work in the mortgage industry? 

A: I’ve always been interested in the financial market, and the idea of trading and portfolio management. Unfortunately, I completed my post-secondary education in 2008, the same year as the market collapsed, so it was very difficult to find a job. To get my feet wet and some experience under my belt, I started working for a major bank. The longer I was there, the more my interest in the lending side of the business grew. Helping people craft their financing solutions, specifically in real estate, was very rewarding. I quickly shifted my focus exclusively to residential mortgage financing and spent 8+ years as a mortgage sales professional.

Q: What’s your favourite aspect of your job as a BDM?

A: I enjoy building relationships with all our broker partners. It is very interesting to get to know the people we deal with and to really grasp the different approaches people take with their individual businesses.

Q: How do you stay informed about what’s happening in the market? 

A: I read through industry publications a lot, but I really rely on our industry partners to provide insights regarding trends, market influences and how our space is evolving.

Q: What’s a skill you’d like to learn and why? 

A: I would love to learn how to play the guitar. I have always had an appreciation for music. Being able to play music versus just listen would be fun.

Q: In the span of your career, what are you the proudest of?

A: I would say I am proudest of the relationships I’ve built with both the people from my previous organization and my current colleagues. Without a doubt, I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built with external partners and clients. I have made some life-long friends throughout my career – colleagues and clients alike.

Q: What’s your best childhood memory?

A: The majority of my childhood summers were spent travelling around playing baseball. I spent a lot of time on the bus with my teammates travelling around the Prairies and Pacific Northwest. When I wasn’t travelling for baseball, I spent a lot of time on my aunt and uncle’s farm in southern Alberta doing chores and just being a kid!

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

A: I’m a sucker for Maui. I know it’s a boring answer, but it has everything you need.

Q: What’s your most treasured item? 

A: Tough one – I’m not really much for sentimental possessions.  If I had to answer, I would likely say the Smithbilt hat my wife gave me.

Q: If we asked your best friend to describe you, what would they say? 

A: They probably would say I’m sarcastic, often opinionated, always happy to lend a hand, and not afraid of a good time.

Q: If I had the opportunity to pass through your region, what would be your top recommendations for things to do? 

A: We have some awesome restaurants in Calgary. The Calgary Stampede is a given if you are in town at the right time, specifically the rodeo and Rangeland Derby. We have some cool hiking trails, some of the best fly fishing, hunting and great places to camp. I’d recommend heading to the mountains – they’re fun in winter and we’ve got some great places to ski. Make sure to hit up a restaurant in Canmore and Banff on your way back to Calgary – there are tons of unique places.