Why brokers are ‘a provider of choice’

He explained: “I honestly think that being a broker, we're really a provider of choice for people. That's what I think I am, and that's what I do. 

“So, that works on a couple of levels. On the surface level, that's their choice of lenders and lender products, which obviously empowers them [that] they've got a lot of options and a lot of ways for things to be structured.  

“But then on a deeper level, it's also a choice in life and lifestyle choice. I've got customers now that I've been working for, for six years, or in some cases maybe even a little bit longer, and they're now in a position where they've invested and built up a property portfolio, and now they've basically moved into retirement earlier than they expected. They're making a life choice where they're going to be living life on their own terms and living very comfortably because basically… I was able to assist them with that along the way. [I was] effectively providing them with that choice. That’s the best part.” 

The Newcastle-based broker, who has featured in The Adviser’s Young Broker of the Year and recently won Best Regional Broker at the 2017 Better Business Awards in NSW, has been vocal in promoting the broking industry as a profession. 

Speaking to The Adviser last year, Mr Lowbridge said: “I believe the stars are aligning for young brokers… I encourage the next generation to consider this industry as a career choice.” 

He added recently that he thought broking was “a really good industry” and encouraged those starting out in the sector to find a mentor.

He explained: “Like anything in life, that's probably critical. I think a mentor is very important. And then I think it's also just a matter of persistence. It's basically coming up with a strategy and then sticking to it, trusting the process, doing it every day.” 

While acknowledging that the money “isn’t very good at the start”, new brokers shouldn’t be disheartened, but “stick with it” to reap the rewards.

Mr Lowbridge said: “Trust in the process and find a mentor, and persistence will really pay off in the end. You've just got to keep turning up, and don't quit in the early stages because it gets easier and easier every year… 

“You can really surprise yourself with not only your income level, but how far you can come in what's still a relatively short period.”

New Broker Academy event

Are you a new-to-industry broker wanting to unlock the skills and expertise to future-proof your career? Or are you thinking of becoming a broker? The Adviser is hosting a free bootcamp for new brokers in the first two years of their mortgage broking career, while a separate stream will be answering questions for those looking to enter into the mortgage broking industry.

Taking place in Melbourne’s convention centre on Tuesday, 11 July and in Sydney Dockside on Thursday, 13 July, the New Broker Academy will run from 8.15am to 4.35pm and be jam-packed with tips, tricks and case studies to help you reach the top of your game.

We will reveal:

• The essential planning blueprint for the first 18 months of broking;
• Strategies around budgeting and transitioning from a salaried job to a commission-based career in finance;
• Common new broker mistakes and how to avoid them;
• Proven strategies to find and keep clients;
• Marketing tips and tricks;
• The best ways of building referral partnerships;
• How to harness technology to improve efficiency;
• The importance of choosing the right mentor; and
• How to avoid burnout.

CPD points will be available for MFAA and FBAA members.

Places are limited at the New Broker Academy, so please register to secure your place.