The philosophy of freedom-with-support has become central to Tango's DNA
This article was created in partnership with Tango Financial.
While so much of the industry grapples with changing client expectations and increasing complexity, this brokerage is proving that rapid growth and authentic community aren't mutually exclusive.
Tango Financial has expanded from approximately 450 to nearly 600 mortgage professionals across Canada in less than a year – and they're just getting started.
What makes this growth noteworthy isn't just the numbers, but how Tango has managed to preserve the collaborative culture that originally attracted brokers to their community as their reach extends further. As they prepare for further expansion into Alberta and the Prairies, following their explosive entry into Ontario, Tango is demonstrating that values-driven growth creates a different kind of success story.
"It sounds a bit counterintuitive," explains Dean Larson, President and Co-Founder, “but we’ve learned that when you give brokers complete freedom to build their business their way, but giving them all the tools they need to do so, they don't just stay – they thrive.”
Tango’s growth isn't happening despite their values; it's happening because of them.
The Ontario Proof Point
Tango's recent Ontario launch serves as compelling evidence for this open approach. Within months of launching, they welcomed 40+ new agents and that growth is showing no signs of slowing down.
"That wasn't because of aggressive recruitment or flashy promises," notes Lacey Morrison, Tango's brand strategist. "I think it’s just organic attraction to something different. People don’t want to be held by restrictive contracts – they want to stay because they are supported. People choose to build their careers at Tango because of what it represents, not because they're contractually bound."
This philosophy of freedom-with-support has become central to Tango's DNA. While competitors rely on lengthy agreements to retain talent, Tango has built its retention strategy around genuine value creation and community building – an approach that's proving magnetic to brokers who want to level up.
Technology That Serves, Not Controls
Part of Tango's appeal lies in its "plug-and-play" philosophy. Rather than mandating specific platforms, they provide access to a comprehensive suite of tools, allowing brokers to customize their operations based on their unique business models and preferences.
"We've developed these powerful partnerships that give our brokers free or deeply discounted access to cutting-edge technology," Jason Henneberry, COO and Co-Founder, explains. "But here's what sets us apart – they choose what works for them. We provide the infrastructure; they decide how to use it. It's about enabling their success, not dictating their methods."
This approach reflects a deeper understanding of what today's mortgage professionals actually want: robust support without operational micromanagement. Dean Larson sees this as fundamental to their success: "We're in the business of empowering our people to achieve their own definition of success. That means giving them what they need, then getting out of their way so they can do what they do best."
Expansion with Intention
As Tango eyes Alberta and the Prairies for their next expansion, they're approaching growth with the same values-first mindset that's driven their success. Every decision – from partnerships to technology adoption – is filtered through their commitment to thriving independence, active collaboration, and outstanding leadership.
"We're not just adding agents or entering new markets," Morrison explains. "We're building a national community where professionals can grow independently while being part of something meaningful. That distinction matters, and it's why our growth continues to accelerate."
This intentional approach has created what industry observers describe as a "magnetic effect" – attracting high-calibre professionals who are seeking more than competitive splits and basic support.
The results speak for themselves: over $4.2 billion in annual volume across more than 70 teams, with retention rates that industry competitors envy. But perhaps more importantly, Tango has cultivated a reputation for elevating not just their own brokers, but the entire profession.
"When you create an environment where collaboration trumps competition, where knowledge is shared freely, and where everyone's success contributes to collective growth,
you're not just building a brokerage," Henneberry reflects. "You're transforming what's possible in this industry."
As Tango continues its national expansion, they're proving that the future of mortgage brokering isn't about choosing between growth and values – it's about using values as the foundation for sustainable, meaningful growth.
Tango Financial is a national full-service mortgage brokerage in Canada.
