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Promoted by Aussie
For Perth-based Aussie broker– Tama Wharepouri, the decision to invest in an Aussie store has delivered significant rewards.
Since 2005, Tama had built a thriving business as an Aussie Broker supported by the Aussie brand, with access to mentors within the Aussie network, and clever customer service initiatives.
A few years ago, Tama began investing in movie nights, hiring out cinemas for exclusive movie nights with customers and their families. These popular functions involved a small cost, but Tama says, “I got a lot more back through significant repeat business and referrals.” As a guide to his success, Tama was awarded Aussie’s 2019 WA Mobile Broker of the Year”.
Opening an Aussie store
Tama continued to learn from the best, taking part in Aussie’s Voice of the Broker forums. These events bring Aussie brokers together from around the country to share ideas and provide theHead Office team with broker feedback on various Aussie initiatives. For Tama, the Voice of the Broker forums meant more than sharing best practice: they proved life-changing. “The franchisees I met were passionate, realistic and achieving. They were also inspiring, and helped me realise ‘I could do that’,” recalls Tama. “I knew I was ready to invest in my own Aussie store.”
In June 2020, the franchisee for Aussie Kalamunda in Perth’s east became available. As chance would have it, Tama had a customer appointment in the neighbourhood, and he took the opportunity to take a look around the store. He liked what he saw, and the response was instant as Tama puts it, “I was sold”.
Unwaivering support
Making the move from Mobile Broker to Franchisee was a big step for Tama and his family. But Aussie was there to smooth the transition at every stage. “When I first joined Aussie, the support and training I received was brilliant – absolutely second to none”, says Tama. “And I received the same unwaivering support when I invested in my own Aussie store. I have the benefit of a dedicated Retail Business Consultant who really helped me settle into Aussie Kalamunda.”
From a business perspective, an Aussie Franchise offers valuable advantages –enhanced brand awareness, and the option for customers to walk in to speak with a broker. It also gave Tama the backing of an enlarged headcount.
“We have a 5-strong team at Aussie Kalamunda, so where I used to do everything myself as a Mobile Broker, I now have the support of my team. This gives me the chance to focus on customer relationships and growing the business while also mentoring my staff in their own journey to become brokers.”
The results of Tama’s investment speak for themselves. Aussie Kalamunda grew revenue by 400% in November 2020 compared to October 2020, and Tama says he is on track to see similar growth again in the months to come.
Australians gravitate to strong, reliable brands.
In a challenging year when many businesses have made people redundant, Tama has demonstrated that a passion for helping people, backed by the strength of the Aussie brand is a winning combination regardless of the economic climate.
Aussie CEO James Symond explains this, saying, “We know that in challenging times, people gravitate towards strong and reliable brands, and coupled with Aussie’s $16 million marketing spend in 2020, this has driven outstanding growth.
“Despite lockdowns and all the uncertainties of COVID-19, October 2020 was Aussie’s best month on record for settlements and lodgements. Enquiries were up nearly 10% year-on-year in September. It’s a fantastic result that speaks volumes about Aussie’s ability to meet challenges head on – and beat them.”
Opportunities to grow a sustainable business
Aussie currently has 975 brokers and 210 stores across Australia, with plans to expand their retail footprint further.
“We’re on a major push for growth,” says James. “Our goal is for 1,200 brokers and 300 stores nationally by 2022. It’s an outstanding opportunity for talented, motivated people to start put their own goals in motion to build a successful, sustainable business backed by all the training, IT support and marketing investment that Aussie delivers.”
Even better, Aussie has made it even easier –and affordable, to start your own Aussie Franchise with a significantly reduced franchise fee, a special commission rate for the first 12 months, and a substantial contribution to the fit out of your new store*. Or you could invest in an existing store with a customer database already in place.
To take the first steps to growing your mortgage broking business by calling Aussie on 1300 361 397 or visit aussie.com.au/business-opportunities
*Terms and conditions apply. Offer is available until 30th June 2021.
Aussie is a trade mark of AHL Investments Pty Ltd. Aussie is a subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. © 2020 AHL Investments Pty Ltd ABN 27 105 265 861 Australian Credit License 246786
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