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A fixture in the AFL for over two decades, ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain shares his thoughts on making the transition from umpiring to full-time mortgage broking.
After officiating just shy of 400 games for the AFL, ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain is hanging up his whistle to dedicate himself full-time to broking. The shift marks a new chapter in Chamberlain’s career and as he sharpens his focus on his business, Chamberlain is bringing with him valuable lessons from his time on the field.
Chamberlain’s journey into mortgage broking began 18 years ago when a conversation with a friend piqued his interest. Working as a high school teacher at the time, Chamberlain was looking for an opportunity that would better complement his AFL duties.
In starting his own broking business – Chamberlain & Co –alongside professional umpiring, Chamberlain found the flexibility he was seeking.
“Umpiring offered me a stable income that gave me the freedom to focus on providing quality service over closing deals,” he says.
“Customers can feel the difference when you use service as your lens. They recognise the difference between a hard sell and a genuine recommendation that is in their best interest.”
Chamberlain’s approach to broking is underpinned by an emphasis on service and relationships. His work as an umpire, dealing with many different personalities under high-stakes conditions, equipped him with the skills to connect with people navigating the challenging process of buying a home.
“No two players are the same, just like no two clients are the same. You have to treat them with respect, understand their needs, and give them the same attention regardless of their profile or situation,” he explains. “That’s something I learned from umpiring, and it translates directly into broking. Once you understand someone’s story and the person behind the numbers, you can align with your client better.”
Chamberlain says his relationship with NAB has played a critical role in his development as a mortgage broker.
“Anytime we’ve got a policy issue or a tough deal to workshop, we take it directly to our BDM at NAB and get it sorted. That kind of access is invaluable, especially for someone like me who is still building their business.”
Following his retirement from umpiring, and as he moves into mortgage broking full-time, Chamberlain’s focus is on growth, both for his volumes and his industry relationships.
Throughout both his umpiring and broking careers, building and maintaining relationships has been at the core of what Chamberlain does. He sees this as a key point of alignment for him with NAB. Chamberlain has experienced first-hand the quality partnerships and tailored support that NAB has long prided itself in providing.
“When you’re dealing with clients, having a trusted partner like NAB gives you confidence,” he says. “Clients come to us with complex situations, and knowing I’ve got direct access to someone who can help me structure the best possible solution makes all the difference.”
Through his AFL career, Chamberlain has also observed NAB’s long-standing commitment to the sport he loves. This year marks the bank’s 22nd year of partnership with the AFL. NAB has been the AFL Auskick naming rights partner since 2006, and naming rights partner of the AFLW since its inaugural season in 2017. From 2024, NAB is also the naming rights partner for AFL Superkick and AFL Goal of the Year for both men’s and women’s competitions.
It takes time to build solid relationships. As Chamberlain reflects on his journey so far, his advice to others considering a move into the broking industry—especially athletes or professionals looking to transition into a second career—is to start early in forming those connections before making a full switch.
“Dipping your toe in mortgage broking while still enjoying a full time income allows you to put in as much or as little time as you please, learn your craft and build it organically without the pressures of meeting budgetary constraints,” he says.
Chamberlain is also focused on the role he can play in giving back to the community. Through the Chamberlain Foundation, a charity he co-founded with his brothers, Chamberlain raises funds for organisations working in suicide prevention and grief support. Over the past 9 years, the Chamberlan Foundation has raised funds for organisations including Lifeline, R U OK?, the Danny Frawley Centre, and the Police Association of Victoria.
“Everyone has their story when it comes to mental health and loss, and for us, the foundation is a way to channel that pain into something positive for others,” he says.
As his chapter in the AFL draws to a close, Chamberlain is proving that the same qualities that made him a respected figure on the field – integrity, decisiveness and relationship building are driving his success in mortgage broking. With his business established, a trusted team on his side, and a growing client base, Chamberlain is poised to tackle any challenge that comes his way.
To find out more about the Chamberlain Foundation, visit www.chamberlainfoundation.com.au or contact
To learn more about NAB’s sponsorship of the AFL, visit nab.com.au/afl
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