James Grantis co-founded Hosper Mortgage in his twenties alongside experienced partners, and the company quickly made its mark as a top non-bank lender in Canada. Over the years, Hosper Mortgage earned the prestigious title of #1 non-bank lender in Canada four times. Initially focusing on the investment side of the business, James recently took on the role of CEO for Hosper’s group of companies. In this capacity, he oversees both the origination of new mortgages and the investment operations. Despite not initially planning to enter the mortgage industry, James has found great passion and success in this field.
James Grantis | Co-Founded | Hosper Mortgage
He enjoys the daily interactions with clients and the dynamic nature of the business. James thrives on the complexities of managing various personalities, tight timelines, and broker, borrower, and investor relationships. At EliteX, we are proud to have James Grantis as part of Prominent Leaders in Mortgage Industry, 2024.
“Transparency, communication, and honesty are crucial principles—and they are even more critical when there is bad news to share.”
Hosper Mortgage’s mission is: “To be the best alternative to traditional banks”. The company operates with a vision that emphasizes incremental improvements, believing that small innovations can collectively lead to significant progress over time. Core values like fairness, compassion, and consistency are fundamental to their approach. The mortgage industry faces several challenges, especially with the skyrocketing real estate prices in Canada. Many Canadians find home ownership increasingly unattainable. Hosper Mortgage steps in to help borrowers who are often overlooked by traditional banks, offering temporary relief and a path towards qualifying for traditional loans.
When it comes to identifying new opportunities, James relies on his intuition and the principle that decisions are not always permanent. He believes in trying new approaches and being willing to change course if needed. Making a decision and iterating is often more productive than over-analyzing. Ensuring customer satisfaction and building trust with clients are top priorities for James. Transparency, communication, and honesty are crucial principles at Hosper Mortgage. The company is committed to openly sharing information with shareholders and maintaining strong, face-to-face partnerships to build mutual trust and set the foundation for long-term success.
At Hosper Mortgage, James Grantis has championed several initiatives to elevate the customer experience. The company hosts monthly events for its investor network to express appreciation, foster social connections, and invite investors to introduce their friends and family to the Hosper community. These events include a variety of activities that cater to investor interests, such as educational seminars, card nights, and golf tournaments.
“Meet as many people as you can and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.”
Technology has significantly transformed the mortgage industry, and Hosper Mortgage has embraced this change. Automation and digitization have streamlined operations, eliminating the need for physical file storage. With over 20,000 loan files now stored digitally on encrypted servers, the process is more secure and accessible. The company utilizes Mortgage Automator to enhance workflow efficiency and integrates cutting-edge AI tools to boost productivity and client resources. James anticipates that recent regulatory changes will impact the industry, particularly with mortgage investments currently regulated by FSRA possibly being reclassified as securities under the Ontario Securities Commission.
Hosper Mortgage also takes pride in its community and social responsibility efforts. In 2022, the company formalized a partnership with JA Central Ontario, a financial literacy charity. Hosper has committed to an annual giving goal and volunteers to teach in over 15 classrooms each year. James, a long-time supporter of JA, recently joined the Board of Governors to further contribute to the charity’s mission. Daily habits play a crucial role in James success. He follows a productivity technique known as “eat the frog,” where he tackles the hardest or least pleasant tasks first thing in the morning. Completing these challenging tasks early helps him maintain momentum and focus for the rest of the day.
James career has been deeply influenced by Emmanuel Ronchin, his first manager at TD Bank. Emmanuel hired James as a co-op student and later offered him a full-time position, setting him on a path in finance and wealth management. Today, James is grateful for the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of successful clients, including entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and parents, who provide valuable insights and advice.
For those starting out in the mortgage industry, James offers this advice: network extensively and seek help or advice when needed. The industry is filled with individuals willing to assist, and having both a mentor and a mentee can be a great way to build a rewarding career.
“Success will manifest when incremental improvements compound over time.”