As a recipient of the 2025 CMP Rising Stars Award, Zev has quickly made a name for himself in Canada’s mortgage industry. Known for his sharp eye, calm demeanor, and thoughtful approach to underwriting, he has proven that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, relationships, and staying grounded through every twist and turn of a deal.
Breaking into the mortgage industry takes more than just a finance degree—it requires patience, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn from both success and failure. For Zev, what started as a detour into lending quickly turned into a passion-driven career, deeply rooted in purpose, mentorship, and the satisfaction of seeing deals close and borrowers succeed.
From Equity to Underwriting: A Professional Pivot
Fresh out of university, Zev began his career on the equity side of real estate, excited to build a well-rounded foundation in the field. However, it didn’t take long for him to realize how intricate and powerful the lending side truly was. To become a complete real estate professional, he knew he had to dive deep into debt and lending mechanics. His plan was to return to equity after gaining some experience—but once he stepped into the world of debt, he was hooked.
Underwriting wasn’t just about numbers; it was about solving puzzles, asking the right questions, and uncovering the best solutions for every unique scenario. It quickly became clear that this was where he belonged.
Defining Moments & Lessons Learned
Closing his first few files—on both the equity and debt sides—remains one of the most rewarding milestones of Zev’s career. But one of the most pivotal experiences came during a deal he worked on for over five months, only to have it fall apart at the last minute. It was a hard pill to swallow, but the experience reinforced something his mentors had always emphasized: no work is ever wasted.
Every deal, successful or not, adds to your skill set and resilience. He took the lessons, kept his head high, and kept going—knowing that bigger and better opportunities were just around the corner.
The Art of Underwriting: Deliberate, Thoughtful, and Thorough
Early in his career, Zev had the same ambition many young professionals have—to be great right out of the gate. He quickly realized that expertise doesn’t come from rushing, but from being deliberate. Underwriting isn’t about speed; it’s about depth. It’s about slowing down, asking questions, and understanding every nuance.
This mindset shift—combined with the knowledge he’s accumulated—has allowed him to catch the small details others might miss, leading to faster closings, fewer complications, and ultimately, happier clients.
Going Above and Beyond: Putting People First
Zev believes that what truly sets great underwriters apart is their willingness to care—even when the deal isn’t big. One of the most meaningful moments in his career came from helping a borrower with a very small loan. They didn’t fully understand the mortgage process, so he walked them through every step over several months. Their gratitude when the deal closed was overwhelming. That client’s reaction reminded him that impact isn’t measured in loan size—it’s measured in trust earned and lives changed.
Supporting Teams and Partners
At Hillmount Capital, the Origination and Underwriting team prides itself on collaboration and creativity. When complex scenarios arise, they’re readily available—whether it’s a quick call, a meeting, or a deep dive into the file. Their goal is to make brokers feel supported and empowered.
From junior mortgage professionals through to business partners, Zev keeps an open-door policy and regularly runs webinars and presentations. He was lucky to have great mentors, and he strives to pay that forward every day.
Milestones That Matter
When it comes to accomplishments, Zev is proud of the deals he’s closed and the relationships he’s built—but his greatest achievements lie in the trust and satisfaction of brokers and borrowers. Repeat business, steady deal flow, and positive feedback are the true indicators of success in his view.
Looking Ahead: Vision for the Future
Over the next 3–5 years, Zev hopes to continue growing within the mortgage industry, expanding his network of brokers and borrowers, and taking on greater leadership responsibilities at Hillmount Capital. He also aspires to contribute at a broader level—perhaps one day serving as a chairperson for an industry association.
Advice for New Underwriters: Embrace the Journey
To those just starting out in underwriting, Zev offers this advice:
- Just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—jump in.
- Work hard. There’s no shortcut to mastering this craft.
- Be patient. Expertise takes time.
- Learn from your mistakes. But never make the same one twice.
- Welcome feedback. It’s the fastest way to grow.
- Stay positive. Your mindset will always reflect in your work.
Underwriting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, persistence, and progress. With the right mindset and support, anyone can build a meaningful, successful career in this dynamic industry—and Zev is living proof of that.
Visit the CMP website to see all the 2025 Rising Stars winners.