Melbourne-based brokerage Entourage Finance has expanded its loan writing team from four to eight, bringing on a host of young gun brokers.
The brokerage nabbed two brokers from Stratton Finance, including Vincent Moore, a 25-year broker writing close to $40m a year, as well as Kristel Ongoco who was working alongside Moore.
Entourage also welcomed Mikaela Patterson from Choice Capital in Prahran who has ten years of broking experience as well as Gabriella Rivett, a new-to-industry broker who will be learning the ropes while there.
“We’ve got a good existing clientele who keep referring and giving us business and I can’t continue to do every single thing,” said Damien Roylance, director of Entourage Finance. “I’ve brought on experienced brokers who can help with the load of new business coming in the door.”
The new hires will also help as the business gets busier over the coming months and years, he told
Australian Broker.
To cope with future industry changes and the added workflow, Entourage is also set to revamp its branding and marketing – setting the bar even higher after the firm won the award for Most Effective Internet Presence at the Australian Mortgage Awards last year.
“We’re getting recognition for our marketing which is only being done in-house by Brett Gavaghan and myself,” he said. “We’re going to really ramp that up.”
Roylance noted that there was a “real gap” in the market with few brokerages effectively using social media and advertising to target those under 40-years-old. Entourage has expanded its strategy to include Facebook, a blog and an Instagram feed complete with photographs from clients.
“We’re trying to build the brand up now with all these brokers on board.”
As part of reaching out to clients and giving back to the community, Entourage is hosting a special ladies lunch at Rockpool at Crown Melbourne next Thursday (15 June). The event will be hosted by Emma Hawkins, wife of Geelong forward Tom Hawkins, with over 30 guests scheduled to attend.
“We’ve done a lot of things in the past like the AFL and President’s Lunches – quite nice events with the boys – and we probably haven’t done enough for the ladies over time. My wife had the idea to do a ladies lunch at Rockpool.”
Attendees will get goody bags with vouchers and jewellery as a thank you for bringing business into the brokerage.
“The reason behind this is that all our business comes from referrals. Instead of spending $5,000 on Google AdWords, I’d rather spend $5,000 on a lunch and give back to our clients as a way of thanks because I know it always comes back double or triple when they talk to their friends.”
Roylance has confirmed that Bec Daniher, daughter of former AFL player and campaigner for motor neuron disease Neale Daniher, will come along to the event.
“We’re not just having a lunch for the sake of getting the girls drinking champagne but hopefully to have a bit of meaning behind it,” he said.
Entourage will put money towards FightMND, a charity which strives to combat the disease, with attendees asked to donate as well.
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