Profile
“In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, I reinvented CMI as a lender to meet the needs of mortgage brokers and their clients who were unable to get financing from banks and other traditional mortgage providers”
Bryan Jaskolka,
Canadian Mortgages Inc.
Elena Robinson is vice president of residential sales at First National Financial LP and a recognized leader in Canada’s mortgage industry. With more than 30 years of experience, she has built a distinguished career rooted in service excellence and deep commitment to the broker community.
Robinson’s journey with First National began as the company’s first business development manager during its formative years. After pursuing other opportunities, she rejoined in 2018 with a mission to launch and expand Excalibur, the alternative-lending division. She now drives national sales performance while nurturing the strong broker relationships that define First National’s reputation.
Robinson’s impact has earned consistent industry recognition. She is a five-time CMP Women of Influence honoree (2021–2025) and recipient of the 2022 Elite Women in Global Best in Mortgage distinction – accolades reflecting her peers’ respect for her mentorship, industry expertise, and broker-first philosophy.
What truly sets her apart is her people-focused leadership style. She is dedicated to empowering brokers, building high-performing teams, and positioning First National as a trusted, service-driven lender. In an industry where relationships truly matter deeply, Robinson champions Canada’s broker community’s growth and success.
16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, ON M5J 056
416 320 3138
elena.robinson@firstnational.ca
linkedin.com/in/elenadesousarobinson
firstnational.ca
Elena Robinson
Vice President, Residential Sales
First National Financial LP
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
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Bio
Milestones
“My approach is transparent and collaborative, focused on building trust and delivering clarity at every stage”
Bryan Jaskolka,
Canadian Mortgages Inc.
1985
1989
2016
2018
Present
Launched her mortgage industry career with Victoria & Grey Trust
1985
Joined First National Financial
1989
Returned to the lending sector
2016
Rejoined First National Financial LP
2018
Formed Schaefer Enterprises, spearheading growth across diverse industries
Achieved 30 percent revenue growth in one year, named to the President’s and Chairman’s Club at Patriot Growth Insurance
Appointed to leadership committees within Patriot, including Women in Insurance and Saleswoman Impact, mentoring women in the insurance industry
Ranked and included in the President’s/Chairman’s Club of Patriot Growth Insurance, one of the top insurance producers across the country
2025
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Jaskolka says, “By reimagining how the private mortgage market operates, we’ve created a trusted, technology-driven platform that connects investors seeking compelling fixed income alternatives with borrowers in need of flexible financing.”
His approach centres on balancing growth with integrity, structuring each mortgage thoughtfully while safeguarding the interests of both borrowers and investors. This philosophy reflects mature business leadership, as he recognizes that sustainable success requires mutual trust.
Jaskolka believes communication starts with listening, employing a transparent and collaborative approach that builds trust and delivers clarity at every stage. This philosophy permeates CMI’s culture, creating an organization where open dialogue and genuine collaboration guide every client interaction.
CMI’s target market – borrowers underserved by traditional lenders who face credit setbacks, are self-employed, or have non-traditional income – demonstrates Jaskolka’s commitment to meaningful social impact alongside business success.
“My approach is transparent and collaborative, focused on building trust and delivering clarity at every stage,” he explains. “I make it a priority to communicate honestly, explain complex concepts in plain language, and ensure clients feel heard, informed, and supported throughout the process.”
As CMI explores international expansion, including recent entry into the US market, Jaskolka’s vision extends beyond national borders. He aspires to leave a legacy of a more modern, professional, and ethical private mortgage industry, built on standardized processes, transparency, and accessibility.
Bryan Jaskolka’s journey in the mortgage industry is a masterclass in seizing opportunity and transforming an entire market segment through vision and determination.
As the founder, CEO, and driving force behind CMI Financial Group, one of Canada’s fastest-growing non-bank financial services companies, Jaskolka has established himself as a standout performer who approaches lending not merely as a business, but as a responsibility to the people behind every mortgage.
His entrepreneurial path began after a boating accident at age 22 during his third year of university left him recovering from life-threatening injuries with unexpected time to think and innovate. Observing the mortgage industry’s technological lag – a brick-and-mortar sector dominated by cumbersome manual processes and paper-heavy transactions – he identified a clear opportunity to disrupt and modernize the space. With just $1,000, he launched CMI as a small, predominantly online, family-run mortgage brokerage from the basement of his childhood home.
“In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, I reinvented CMI as a lender to meet the needs of mortgage brokers and their clients who were unable to get financing from banks and other traditional mortgage providers,” he says.
This strategic modification demonstrated both his business acumen and his deep understanding of market gaps.
Today, CMI stands as a testament to Jaskolka’s capabilities and work ethic; it has grown from a two-person operation to:
multifaceted, award-winning organization with over 125 employees
more than $1 billion in assets under management