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Former Socceroo Joel Griffiths has turned his focus to the third-party channel, becoming a qualified mortgage broker and principal of an Aussie Home Loans franchise.
Having opened an Aussie store at The Junction in Newcastle with his wife Bianca back in October last year, Mr Griffiths recently completed his training and accreditation in Sydney, which he described as “eye-opening”.
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“To learn all of the information in three weeks was quite intense and a little bit overwhelming, but I had good people teaching me, which made it really enjoyable,” he told The Adviser.
“I’m also fortunate enough to work with two brokers in Bianca and Jeff Sawtell who have already been through it, and to see how they handle day-to-day business is astonishing.
“They give me a lot of confidence and mentoring, and the support from head office has been great – they look after you, and that’s one of the great traits of Aussie.”
Mr Griffiths said a career after football was in his mind for some years, and was attracted to Aussie because of its business model and products.
“The most rewarding thing I’m getting out of it is the people I’m meeting along the way, and if I can help them achieve their dreams, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something. It’s a role that provides real self-satisfaction,” he said.
Mr Griffiths said the Aussie brand is an automatic attraction for his customers, and is noticing an increasing number of new customers coming from existing referrals.
“We have a great mix of customers at The Junction, from first-time buyers to investors, and many refinancers looking to take advantage of these current record-low interest rates, and this is providing us with great impetus to our business,” he said.
Aussie executive chairman John Symond said he is delighted with Mr Griffiths' decision to join the group as it continues to expand its operations.
“I have followed his stellar career for many years and believe he will bring his commitment, passion and dedication to the Aussie team and his customers,” he said.
“We are always looking for motivated, dynamic individuals like Joel to join Aussie, and we are keen to expand our network of mobile brokers and franchise stores nationally.”
Apart from representing Australia in soccer, Mr Griffiths has played for the Newcastle Jets, Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League competition, as well as a number of overseas clubs including Leeds United.
Mr Griffiths said his determination and will to win are two of his key strengths that he will use to his advantage as a broker.
“I’m very competitive, and I don’t take no for an answer,” he said.
[Related: AFL star marks with broking career]
