Award winner Joanna Zhou shares her journey and tips for commercial mortgage success
When Joanna Zhou moved to Canada in 2016, she had no clients, no local network, and no prior experience in the Canadian mortgage system. Fast-forward to 2025, and she’s just been crowned Commercial Broker of the Year at the Canadian Mortgage Awards — a standout moment in what’s already been a year full of accolades.
Zhou, a broker with TMG The Mortgage Group, was also recognized in CMP’s Top 75 Brokers list and was previously named an excellence awardee in the Young Achiever category. In her recent interview with CMP TV, she shared the mindset and career moves that helped her rise through the ranks — including her bold transition from residential to commercial lending.
“The switch was a natural progression,” Zhou explained. “I wanted to grow with my clients and noticed many newer commercial borrowers weren’t getting the right support. That’s where I knew I could add value.”
Her award-winning approach wasn’t built on volume alone. Instead, she focused her CMA submission on her journey of growth, the role models she studied, and the clients she championed along the way.
“Some of the nominees have been my role models for years. I studied their stories, attended their seminars, and learned how they operated at such a high level,” she said. “Winning this award is both a recognition and a reminder of how far I’ve come — and how far I still want to go.”
For brokers considering the jump into commercial, Zhou’s advice is clear: stay curious, find mentors, and commit to learning.
“You have to be okay with feeling like a beginner again,” she said. “Pick a niche, go deep, and treat every deal — even the ones that don’t fund — as a learning opportunity.”
Watch the full interview to hear more from Joanna Zhou about her inspiring journey and award-winning strategy.
