Why the Ontario brokerage chose IMN, and what it signals for the independent broker channel
Canadian mortgage brokerage Owl Mortgage has officially joined the Independent Mortgage Network (IMN), marking another strategic addition to the growing OIM Group ecosystem and reinforcing the industry shift toward collaboration, scale, and broker empowerment.
Founded by well-known mortgage industry veteran and media personality Vince Gaetano, Owl Mortgage has built a reputation for combining education-driven client service with a modern, independent approach to mortgage brokering. With deep roots in the Ontario market and a strong consumer-facing brand, the brokerage’s decision to join IMN reflects a shared vision for growth, innovation, and broker support.
For IMN President Gordon Ross, the partnership represents more than just expansion, it’s about aligning with brokerages that elevate the industry.
“Owl Mortgage is exactly the type of brokerage we want within IMN,” Ross said. “Vince and his team have built a highly respected brand centered around professionalism, education, and client care. They understand where this industry is going, and they recognize the importance of being connected to a larger platform that can help accelerate growth while still preserving independence and culture.”
As part of the broader OIM platform, IMN continues to attract forward-thinking brokerages seeking access to enhanced infrastructure, national-scale resources, strategic partnerships, underwriting support, and operational efficiencies, all while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that independent brokerages value.
According to Teddy Kyres, CEO, The OIM Group, Owl Mortgage is an exceptional addition to the platform because the team shares its entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to elevating the broker experience.
“IMN was created for broker owners who want more support, more opportunity, more infrastructure, and ultimately more growth,” said Kyres. “This partnership reflects exactly what we’re building across the OIM Group ecosystem: independent brokerages coming together to grow stronger while maintaining the identity and culture that made them successful in the first place.”
Equipping agents to win in a faster market
Cristina Minatel, partner at OwlMortgage.ca, emphasized the alignment between the two organizations and what ultimately made IMN the right fit, hailing Owl Mortgage’s innovative approach to mortgage brokering. It’s welcome in an industry “that’s followed the same script for decades,” she said.
“We found alignment with IMN and our own guiding principles at OwlMortgage.ca, which are rooted in education, innovation, service excellence, and compliance,” she added, noting that the focus at Owl Mortgage is now on long-term growth and advisor development.
These goals are achieved via mentorship and by providing agents with the tools and resources they need to maximize their business long term. Agents should be optimizing current platforms such as SEO, AI, and social media to grow and scale their book, and IMN aims to support them in tapping into those platforms with confidence.
“We know what agents need to win in today’s market and IMN delivers on every level,” Minatel said. “My greatest reward as an industry leader is inspiring my team to achieve excellence, and in turn, I too look to be inspired to achieve the same. We found that reciprocity with Teddy, Gord Ross and Gord Appel, and the entire leadership team at IMN.”
A fit built on shared values, built to last
For Owl Mortgage, the move was about finding the right long-term fit. The team spent a lot of time evaluating what the next chapter should look like and what stood out about IMN and the OIM platform was the alignment in values.
“They understand the importance of relationships, supporting brokers properly, and creating an environment where brokerages can grow without losing what makes them unique,” Gaetano said.
Gaetano also noted that the mortgage landscape is evolving rapidly, making collaboration and scale increasingly important for independent operators. The industry is becoming more sophisticated every year, he noted, and “brokers today need more than just lender access.”
“They need strong operational support, technology, compliance infrastructure, training, marketing resources, and strategic leadership. IMN brings all of that to the table while still allowing us to remain true to the Owl brand and the way we serve clients.”
The addition of Owl Mortgage further strengthens IMN’s growing national footprint and reinforces OIM’s commitment to building a community of high-performing independent brokerages across Canada.
Ross believes partnerships like this are a sign of where the broker channel is heading.
“There’s a growing recognition across the industry that independent brokerages are stronger together,” he said. “The brokerages joining our platform aren’t looking to give up their identity, they’re looking to enhance it. They want better support systems, stronger collaboration, and access to opportunities that are difficult to create alone. That’s exactly what we’re building.”
Culture as the clincher
Beyond operational advantages, both organizations see culture as a major component of the partnership’s success.
“One of the things we appreciated most was the people,” added Gaetano. “There’s an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the organization, but there’s also a genuine focus on helping brokers succeed. It feels collaborative, not corporate. That was important to us.”
As IMN and the broader OIM platform continue to expand, the addition of Owl Mortgage signals continued momentum for independent brokerages seeking scalable growth without sacrificing autonomy.
For Owl Mortgage, the partnership represents an opportunity to build on an already strong foundation while positioning the brokerage for its next phase of growth in an increasingly competitive market.
And for IMN, it’s another example of the platform attracting respected, growth-oriented brokerages that share a common vision for the future of the mortgage industry.
This article was provided by IMN
