Corinne Schindler’s journey from humble beginnings to founder and CEO of Powerhaus Mortgage Experts is a testament to perseverance, empowerment, and the belief that anything is possible. Her story, spanning four decades, showcases not only her professional achievements, but also a relentless determination to overcome personal adversity while maintaining a clear focus on her core values.Schindler began her work in fi nance in 1985, at the very bottom rung of the corporate ladder at Canada’s largest fi nancial institution, remaining loyal there for the entirety of her career. As a young aspiring banker, she encountered enormous challenges, both in her personal life and as a woman advancing through a male dominated, fi nancial industry. Believing all were equal, she saw beyond the gender challenge and fought to earn her way to the top
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Her story… showcases not only her professional achievements but also a relentless determination to overcome personal adversity….
Facing the realities of mental health and addiction problems in her first marriage, Schindler navigated the challenges and opportunities of raising two children as a sole parent in every aspect all while advancing her career.“ I was working full time, parenting, and studying in the evening,” she says, noting the corporate culture of the time was not conducive to her responsibilities as a mother.
“In those days, remote work didn’t exist and being a parent was often viewed as a distraction from professional commitment.” Back in the early 90’s work/life balance wasn’t at the heart of the corporate vision as it is today. She recalls juggling two different daycare pickups, while serving as a Girl Guide leader and Little League coach, all while balancing a hectic work schedule and continuing her education.
Despite the hurdles, Schindler’s work ethic never wavered and through the years of hard work and dedication, she carved through the glass ceiling after securing a series of prominent roles within the bank. She rose through the ranks to head office, where she led South Asian and Jewish Strategies, managed Human
Resources, and directed Strategic Planning for BC. As a Certified Financial Planner, she thrived as an Investment Advisor and successfully managed multiple branch locations. Her dedication earned her the prestigious Fellowship from the Institute of Canadian Bankers at Dalhousie University.The crowning achievement came when she became the number one Mortgage Specialist out of more than 50,000 professionals in Canada.As the fi rst woman to ever achieve this distinction, she consistently ranked in the top one per cent nationwide spanning two decades, proving her mettle in an industry that was not always welcoming to women.
“My work has never been about maximizing commissions, but about providing genuine value to my clients.”
Schindler’s success is fuelled by resilience and her unwavering focus on client relationships. “My work has never been about maximizing commissions, but about providing genuine value to my clients. If it’s in the client’s best interest to go with a competitor, I will advise them to do so, even if it means I don’t close the deal.” This level of integrity has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor who always puts her clients’ needs fi rst, building trust one mortgage at a time. Her approach was, and remains, about more than just numbers and rather about building lasting relationships based on mutual respect and transparency.
In 2024, following a distinguished and decorated career, she launched Powerhaus Mortgage Experts, a Mortgage Brokerage that reflects her enduring commitment to a client first philosophy. As the largest brokerage in Canada, she chose to be backed by Dominion Lending Centres and has never looked back. Seeing gaps in the mortgage industry, Schindler built Powerhaus to provide more autonomy, flexibility, and a return to the trusted broker-client relationship.
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“ I want them to know that success is possible even when the odds seem insurmountable.”
Unlike many models, Powerhaus allows advisors to manage mortgage renewals, preserving the relationships they have built. Her mission is to offer seamless, end-to-end guidance on clients’ largest purchases. This is the Powerhaus Difference. Schindler saw an opportunity to create a brokerage where clients were empowered to
drive their financial journeys and where home buying became a more meaningful, informed process. “I listen, I empathize, and it is their goals and plans that start the entire process,” she says adding, “without this continuity of care, the client’s visions get lost in the
renewal process.” To that end, she approaches all her client interactions with the same guiding principle, “I strive to create an experience for my clients that mirrors the care and attention I would expect for my loved ones.”Beyond her professional endeavors,
Schindler is deeply committed to inspiring others, especially single parents as she’s experienced fi rsthand the beauty and growth in walking alongside those facing personal challenges.“I want them to know that success is possible even when the odds seem insurmountable.” Her own story is a beacon of hope — a living
example of how perseverance and values can drive success, with the right mindset and support. Through Powerhaus, Corinne Schindler continues to impact the lives of her clients, many of whom she has built lasting relationships with over the years. Despite her success she remains deeply connected to her roots and describes her work as “incredibly meaningful.” She lives many full circle moments — the culmination of a trifecta of family, an amazing Powerhaus community and her personal vision all in balance.“Building relationships with my clients is truly a privilege,” she adds. “It is in my DNA.” P
