Aussie team members become newest franchises
A number of Aussie’s newest franchisees are former employees, who are embracing opportunities to build a business of their own.
Making the move from PAYG employee to self-employed business owner is a big step. But that’s exactly what is happening at Aussie Home Loans. We catch up with two Aussie Sales Leaders, who have recently taken advantage of Aussie’s franchise opportunities to grow sustainable businesses of their own.
It comes at a time when Aussie achieved record lending volumes, notching up $2 billion in settlements and about $3 billion in lodgements of loan applications in March 2021.
Aussie set to enjoy an even bigger and brighter future
An Aussie Sales Leader for close to three years, Chris Lamb has just become one of Aussie’s newest franchisees. But he’s not going it alone. Chris has teamed up with a Senior Aussie mobile broker to open a new store – Aussie Baulkham Hills, in Sydney’s thriving Hills District.
Rupam Banerji (left) and Chris Lamb (right), Franchisees – Aussie Baulkham Hills, NSW
Chris describes the decision to move from PAYG Aussie employee to self-employed Aussie broker as a “no brainer” under the Aussie franchise system.
“I’ve seen how Aussie has stood up in times of crisis like COVID and the Banking Royal Commission,” says Chris.
“I know how much is being invested in the business to strengthen it for the future.
“The support and investment in brokers that Aussie provides is second to none. There is no doubt in my mind that Aussie is set to enjoy an even bigger and brighter future in years to come.”
Diverse opportunities
As Chris sees it, investing in an Aussie franchise offers business opportunities that extend beyond writing home loans.
“It doesn’t really matter what’s happening in the property market,” he says. “There are always opportunities to develop and grow the business through refinancing, commercial lending and asset finance.”
By partnering with an established mobile broker, Chris is building on his own skillset in sales. And he and his new business partner have big plans for the future: “We have similar interests, and share goals to build a strong team and achieve growth as multi-site operators further down the track.”
Building a business for the future
Chris is following in the footsteps of Abbie Ffrost, who made the switch from her role as an Aussie Sales Leader in 2020, joining forces with existing Aussie Broker Andrew Harvey to become an Aussie franchisee.
Formerly based on the Queensland Gold Coast, Abbie had been exploring ways to, “make the most of the rest of my life.” As she explains, “I wanted to build a business for the future.”
For Abbie, the idea of relocating to regional Queensland held plenty of appeal. “Regional areas have lower business overheads and a big potential referral area,” she says. “There is also a real sense of community, and I wanted a regional lifestyle for my family.”
Abbie Ffrost, Franchisee – Aussie Newtown, QLD.
Entering into a business partnership with Andrew Harvey made a lot of sense. Andrew hails from Toowoomba as a previous Aussie Franchisee, and as Abbie was Andrew’s former Sales Leader, she recognised their complimentary skills.
The two settled on Newtown, a suburb of fast-growing Toowoomba, as the location for their new Aussie store, and in early 2020, Aussie Newtown QLD opened its doors.
Fast forward to 2021, and Abbie says, “Becoming an Aussie franchisee is the best decision I’ve ever made – I should have done it 10 years ago!”
So many ways to become a franchisee
Abbie says the team at Aussie Newtown QLD have been, “far busier” than she anticipated. And as she settles into her new regional community, Abbie is also enjoying the support of the Aussie community: “I bounce ideas off Andrew, but I also call other Aussie mobile brokers to gather their views if I need to. That’s on top of the support Aussie provides on everything from IT to compliance.”
What has impressed Abbie most is her own skills and ability as a broker. “People often don’t give themselves credit for their own talents,” notes Abbie. “But over the last 12 months I’ve realised that many more people could achieve success as an Aussie broker by teaming up with someone who has complimentary skills and experience.
“That’s one of the great aspects of Aussie, there are so many different ways to become a franchisee – you don’t need to take it all on yourself.”
Financial boost* for new franchisees ends 31st December 2021
Brad Cramb, CEO Distribution, says it is especially exciting to see Aussie employees become franchisees. “These are people who really know the Aussie business proposition, and they are putting their money where their mouth is by taking advantage of everything Aussie has to offer.
“Our multi-channel distribution model lets new franchisees choose their own pathways backed by valuable financial incentives.”
To learn more about the opportunities available through Aussie, 1300 361 397 or visit www.aussie.com.au/join-us/broker-opportunities.
Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 31st December 2021.
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