About Us

A team of experienced professionals with over 50 years combined experience in the mortgage and real estate industries. Smart Group Consulting is focused on providing the highest possible service provided by the highest quality people.

Brett Toyne, Founder & CEO

Brett Toyne adds high-level sales skills and business acumen derived from extensive experience in the finance and banking industries. Since 1989, Brett has built a strong background with Fortune 500 Companies as a Regional EVP, Area Sales Manager, Branch Sales Manager & top producing mortgage loan originator. As well, Brett has extensive experience in Executive recruiting. As a corporate executive for two top national lending institutions and as well as co-owner of a local mortgage company & consulting firm Brett is familiar with the leadership, sales and operational needs of various sized organizations as well as the platforms necessary to lead them to profitability. As a corporate manager, Brett has a passion for perfection and results in the financial & sales arenas. Brett is also President and co-founder of SMART Group Consulting & Town Square Mortgage and has managed $350-500 million in annual mortgage production volume driving net revenues of $5.0 - 6.5 million.

Brett is originally from North Dakota. His free time is spent enjoying time with his wife and three sons at their lake cabin or kicking up a little dust on his 1962 Pan Head Harley

Philip Gower, Managing Partner

Philip Gower is an experienced business and strategic development professional and sales leader of multi-million dollar businesses with responsibility of over 2000 employees and 300 Million in revenue. Currently Mr. Gower is a large equity owner of Smart Group Consulting which focuses on capital placements, mortgage, financial services business strategy and real estate transactions Most recently Mr. Gower was the Executive Vice President at Workface Inc., where he was in charge of driving the strategic development and capital management of this technology company. He has held prior positions including Market Development leader for Caribou Coffee, Manager of Asset Protection for Target Corp. and COO of a national import company.

Mr. Gower currently sits on the board of directors for two local companies and is also very involved with local charity organizations; including the NFL Alumni. Philip still participates on a United States Men's Volleyball team at the 'AA' level, originally from Canada, Philip now lives in Minneapolis with his wife and new daughter Eva.

Marce Jost, Vice President of Operations

Marce brings over 30 years' mortgage and financial services industry experience to the Administration of Smart Transactional Management. Her history includes administration, origination, underwriting and management. Marce was instrumental in the production of several training courses offered through the Mortgage Association of Minnesota, is a training for the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, and holds a Minnesota Real Estate Broker's License.

Marce's goal is to handle each transaction in a manner that exceeds client expectations and creates the highest possible degree of satisfaction for all involved. Her ultimate goal is to increase sales productivity by performing transactional management duties on behalf of the client.

Joshua Solomon, Vice President of Sales

Joshua Solomon is and experience and highly decorated sales and marketing professional. He has his BA in Marketing and over 6 years in the Mortgage and Real Estate industries. Joshua has been responsible for managing sales, and profitability for Best Buy, as well a Senior Mortgage Consultant with Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase. Joshua is passionate about sales and marketing with exceptional leadership and operational skills to drive business to the next level.