Jaclyn Brazier: Our underwriter works hard for your clients
Name: Jaclyn Brazier
Role: Underwriter with Bridgewater Bank
Years worked in financial services: 12
Work location: Ontario
Superpower: Strong work ethic (with a smile)
Work hard but make sure to have fun as well. Jaclyn may have a strong work ethic, but she also finds time to get the most out of her free time. Jaclyn is an underwriter on Bridgewater Bank’s Ontario team, and she goes to work every day to help people fulfil their financial dreams.
The path to becoming an underwriter associate
Q: How did you come to work at Bridgewater Bank?
Jaclyn: My Bridgewater Bank career started in May 2021 after ten years of working for one of the traditional banks. My experience touched on many aspects of banking—investing, credit, and daily banking helped lead me to a career in the mortgage industry.
I’ve always had an interest in lending. That and my experience meant I was a great fit for Bridgewater Bank. Someone reached out to me about an underwriter associate position. It really was an ideal role for me and gave me the valuable experiences I needed to move into an underwriter position.
Q: You’ve recently changed roles from underwriter associate to underwriter. What is your favourite part of being an underwriter?
Jaclyn: The move from associate to underwriter was a natural progression; my experience prepared me for my new role. As an associate, my focus was on the documents. My job was to put together all the pieces that tell a client’s story. As an underwriter, I’m in on the story from the very beginning, which helps me put together a deal and make decisions that work for that client’s unique situation.
Q: What is your best advice for someone looking to start as an underwriter associate?
Jaclyn: Remember who you are doing this for—as I said, the documents tell a client’s story, and the person at the other end of these documents needs your help to reach their financial goals. Learn what you can from your colleagues. You will support an entire team of mortgage underwriters, and your expertise can touch many lives for the better.
Exploring alternative lending as a career
Q: Why alternative lending?
Jaclyn: Bridgewater Bank introduced me to the alternative lending landscape, and I love it. In my previous banking roles, I found myself leaning toward lending. I find it exciting to focus on that aspect and feel more like an expert on what I do daily.
While working in the mortgage industry, it’s been great to focus my energy on one thing—lending. It’s incredibly rewarding to help someone get their first home or help them meet their other financial goals. And in alternative lending, we have more options to help people.
Connections are key
Q: How do you stay informed about what’s happening in the market, especially in your region?
Jaclyn: For me, it is all about the connections I can make. My relationships with other mortgage professionals in Canada brought the associate job to my attention. I spend part of each day reaching out to colleagues, real estate agents and other industry resources to stay on top of market trends locally and nationally.
Once a deal comes in, I use all my resources to find a solution. One of the best parts of my job is building relationships with our BWB team and getting to know the Bridgewater mortgage brokers.
On a personal note
Q: If I had the opportunity to pass through your region, what would be your top recommendation for things to do?
Jaclyn: First, I’d take you on a hike. I especially love the Trent Wildlife Sanctuary and the beautiful trails there. It’s great being outside; I enjoyed spending time outdoors on my grandparents’ farm property growing up. After the hike and because we deserve a bit of indulgence, I recommend stopping to eat at The Night Kitchen, which has some of the best pizzas in Peterborough.
Q: How much of an adventurer are you?
Jaclyn: In addition to spending time outdoors, my husband and I love to travel. I’d be hard-pressed to pick a favourite destination, but Madagascar and Iceland top the list. I’d love to learn to speak another language—maybe Spanish because my husband speaks it, and I can use it in many countries when we travel.
Q: What’s your most treasured item?
Jaclyn: I actually have three things. I treasure my family, husband, and cat—don’t make me pick just one.
Final thoughts
Q: Do you want to share some final thoughts about underwriting?
Jaclyn: I love seeing people doing things to achieve their dreams, whether it’s a colleague opening a small business or a friend returning to school. I feel fortunate that I get to do that in underwriting.