Leading with Heart: Top REMAX Agent Makes Most of Life, Business by Serving Others

Mathew Morley was in the thick of building his real estate career when he received devastating health news, grinding his world to a halt. For the third time.

Morley, a real estate agent of 19 years with REMAX First in Calgary, Alberta, had previously undergone two heart procedures for an aortic aneurysm when he began experiencing valve failure symptoms again.

Slowed movements. Troubled breathing. Ongoing tiredness. As more concerns began to surface, it became clear his complicated medical journey wasn’t over quite yet.

In 2022, Morley underwent his third open heart surgery. His nerves were frayed even more with heightened stakes this time around – a wife, two children and deep roots in a community he cherishes. But it was those very motivators that gave him the strength to not only recover but rise up to be an even better version of himself.

“Experiencing agony every day was mentally and physically exhausting. But with my family’s support, I’ve been able to prove that when we put our mind to something, and we have the strength and the courage to face it head on, that we can achieve it,” Morley says. “If we can make even just 1% of progress on any goal every day, it can have an enormous ripple effect.”

He continues, “At a young age, I developed an understanding of how vulnerable we all are and how challenging life can be. Because of that, I have an elevated level of compassion for people and an elevated level of gratitude.”

This nuanced mindset has since reframed his role as an agent, seeing his job as a way to positively impact his community. Bouncing back from a successful surgery with more momentum that ever, Morley had a breakthrough, earning himself a spot in the REMAX Diamond Club of high-achieving affiliates. Today, he ranks in the top 100 of all REMAX agents worldwide.

“I’m a firm believer of manifesting life. When we put goodness out into the universe, we will be rewarded for it. And I think that outlook carried me through my surgeries and has allowed me to be back on my feet, healthy and helping other people every day.”

Real estate is where Morley thrives. But that wasn’t his initial plan.

“I’ve always been passionate about making a real difference, so I used to want to be a firefighter. But going that route was actually the reason they found my aortic aneurysm,” Morley shares. “I went to do a physical for the fire department, and they were like, ‘Are you aware that you have this serious health condition?’ I was completely blindsided.”

He continues, “I was also lost. I had been training hard, working at the hospital in Calgary and putting all my energy into becoming this pillar in the community through fighting fires. And then all of a sudden, this hidden aneurysm appears. Within days, everything I knew changed. Doctors told me I’d have to be monitored closely for years, and I would certainly never be a firefighter.”

Feeling directionless, he turned his professional ambition to real estate – and quickly found direction.

“I soon came to the realization that I can, in fact, support my community in a similar way through real estate that I thought I would as a firefighter,” Morley reflects. “I thought that by implementing all of my core values, I could refocus it in a way where I can support my clients with genuine compassion they may not experience elsewhere.”

“This has become my life’s work – and I don’t take any of these opportunities for granted.”

Running a business with heart quickly turned into a fulfilling career.

“I give the same energy to every client I work with. And I have the privilege of proving my value every day, which is incredibly satisfying. That’s what makes me feel like I’m connected to what I’m doing far beyond just earning a living. I want to see everyone win,” Morley says.

He’s seeing tangible wins himself, too. In 2024 Morley closed over 100 transactions, and closed over 100 the year before, too. Nurturing meaningful relationships, he believes, is the strong backbone of business.

“It all comes back to basics. Sending newsletters, delivering birthday cards and just checking in on a regular basis are important ways to stay in touch with my sphere. But I think being intentional with these touchpoints, and doing so in a way that shows appreciation, conveys a much better message than coming across like you’re only trying to sell someone their next house,” Morley shares.

The care and compassion he received during his own health journey has become a key source of inspiration in every avenue of life – career included.

“As cliché as it sounds, the best rule to live by is to treat others the way you want to be treated,” Morley says.

One way he lives up to that mantra: Giving back to the community through charitable initiatives. Morley is the founder of Coats for Calgary, an organization that collects jackets to help people stay warm during the harsh Canada winters. In 2024 alone, the initiative collected more than 8,000 coats. The mission helps Morley intersect his roles as a local business leader and a great neighbor.

“I’m here to serve people in as many ways as I can, and feel good about what I achieve every day,” he says. “I’m making the most out of life – in real estate and beyond.”

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