Q. How and why did you become a broker?
Growing up, I played a lot of soccer and had some troubles with my feet. I went to see a podiatrist and he made me some orthotics, which are little things that go inside your shoes. They helped me a lot.
Off the back of that, when I reached the stage where I was making career decisions, I had my mum in my ear saying, “You’d be a good podiatrist, that’d be a good job. You’re always going to have work, people always have foot problems.” I pursued that, went to university, and became a podiatrist and I went down that route for 10–12 years as a sports podiatrist. I reached the stage where I was working with elite athletes, looking after AFL footballers and Olympians. I reached a high level, but I wasn’t fulfilled.
Eventually, my wife encouraged me to push myself and find something I was a bit more interested in.
I’d bought a property myself and I like numbers and I like finance and I always thought maybe [broking] would be something I enjoy.
Q. How did you choose which brokerage to join?
[As a podiatrist] I’d looked after the original owner of The Lending Alliance. I reached out to him and said I wanted to try something different. He’d actually moved on, but he put me in touch with Keegan Rezek, the current director, [who] asked if I wanted to come in and do a day of work experience to see if I liked it. One thing led to another. And I just knew, 100 per cent, this is what I wanted to do!
Q. What type of loans are you writing at the moment?
There’s a bit of commercial, but I would say it’s mainly resi and mainly purchases. I would say 95 per cent residential.
The refinance market has dried up a bit now that all the cashbacks have come off, so it’s a lot of purchases, first home buyers, and young professionals.
I’m trying to target young health professionals and medico people. That’s my background, so I can relate.
Q. What tech are you using in your role?
BrokerEngine’s our life. Keegan, being a tech-focused leader, has built BrokerEngine out to a point where – while he acknowledges he hasn’t fully completed it – it’s pretty close!
Our work is so well organised by BrokerEngine. It’s very methodical and I love that.
Q. What would be your top tips for new brokers?
Be a sponge in an office surrounded by other brokers. I think I’ve asked a million questions. I’m not shy to ask questions because I just want to know as much as I can, as quickly as I can. Sometimes, you have to do those things and push yourself to learn.
I was a guy who came from a very different career. Now, I know enough to feel confident that I can help a lot of people.
