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The LoanBrix broker reflects on the career guidance that inspired her to break into the industry, and the lessons she has since learned since
Q: Who inspired you to become a broker?
A: I was inspired to join the industry by broker Trevor Giacometti. I started working as Trevor’s personal assistant in 2011 and he encouraged me to enrol to complete the diploma and become a broker myself. In May 2014 I qualified and Trevor mentored me for two years, during which time I grew and learnt even more until I could stand on my own two feet. I have also met and been inspired by other men and women within Finsure, and hopefully I will continue to grow and learn in this amazing industry.
Q: What’s one of your recent career highlights?
A: This year, a large proportion of my clients have been first home buyers, and I’ve had a combination of customers buying homes and building their own. Buying your first home, or deciding to build it, can be quite a daunting experience. It forced me to take a step back as a broker and learn to explain different concepts in different ways depending on the knowledge of the younger generation and where they were coming from. Throughout the entire process I gave a lot more time and energy to the customer, as you become involved in each step of the way during construction, helping them to realise their dream home as it is being built. This did bring a special kind of reward, with genuine appreciation from customers who also consistently referred me to their friends.
Q: If you won $1m, what would you do with it?
A: I would take three months o‑ work and travel around various parts of the world. My first stop would be Guatemala, then Bulgaria and Africa, and I would finish off with Antarctica. Then I would come home and complete my private pilot’s licence, buy a small plane and continue to work happily as a broker.
Q: What do you wish you’d known when you started out as a broker?
A: Firstly, the power of making a connection when I first meet my customer, whatever form that may take. Then, the need to stay in touch and build on that connection to develop the relationship. Not all my customers convert into a loan immediately; some do, some take time, and some never work out at all – and that’s life! It’s not personal
