Queensland broking industry honoured

Following the Better Business Summit 2019, hosted in partnership with principal partner NAB, the awards saw brokers from across the state recognised for their hard work and dedication to delivering good consumer outcomes.

Nathan Vecchio, director and senior mortgage broker at Hunter Galloway, was awarded as QLD’s Best Residential Broker and Broker of the Year at last night’s event.

Eric Dong from Goldenwater Finance Group won the Best Finance Broker award, while Best Regional Broker went to Rockhampton-based broker Terri Johnson from Loan Market.

Fellow Loan Market brokers at Greater Springfield were also praised during the evening, with the team receiving the Best Community Engagement Program award for their efforts establishing and supporting local sporting and charity organisations, while Loan Market New Farm support manager Justine Rugers was celebrated for her work in supporting brokers, winning the Best Loan Administrator award.

For Best Customer Service (Individual), the judges recognised Holly Bertsos from Niche Finance for her efforts in ensuring that her clients are kept well informed and well across their financial position.

Deslie Taylor from Mortgage Choice Ormeau took home the Editor’s Choice award in recognition of her dedication to ongoing development and service. As well as providing outstanding customer service and financial education, Ms Taylor also stays at the top of her game by undertaking regular training for both technical skill and behavioural awareness. Her office also won the Better Business Award for Best Branded Office in Queensland.

Those who are relatively new to broking took home awards too. Kim Mahnken from Bradbury Finance was named Rising Star this year, while Best Newcomer went to Back Yourself broker John Contarino.

Time Home Loans took home two awards on the night; the brokerage was awarded Best Customer Service (Office) as well as Best Independent Office (5 brokers or less), with the judges particularly noting the office’s commitment to their clients.

Meanwhile, the Aussie brand celebrated two wins; one for its Coolum office - headed up by Trevor Ryan - which received the Best New Office award after having opened its doors 18 months ago, while the Best Regional Office award went to Aussie’s Mackay office, belonging to franchisee Max Direen.

In recognition of her work in mentoring, broker and mentor Tracie Palmer from Cornerstone Home Loans was crowned Queensland’s Mentor of the Year 2019.

Several leading BDMs were also recognised for everything they do to support their broker partners, with Mortgage Choice’s Alison Hill receiving the Best Aggregator BDM award, NAB’s Michelle Boyett winning the Best Lender BDM (Bank) category and Reece Hinchy from Bluestone taking home the Best Lender BDM (Non-Bank) trophy.

The full list of Queensland’s Better Business Awards winners is available now.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!

Better Business Summit 2019

Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Better Business Awards follows the award-winning Better Business Summit.

The Better Business Summit first launched in 2013 as a state-based event to provide brokers with straight-talking, practical advice to help them grow and improve their businesses.

It was the first state-based awards program to recognise and celebrate the best in the industry in their local markets.

The Better Business Summit has won multiple awards and has grown exponentially over the years to become the industry’s leading event, and now welcomes more than 4,500 attendees every year.

The roadshow will continue to Melbourne (28 February) and Sydney (7 March) before concluding in Perth on 14 March.

[Related: South Australian brokers celebrated at Better Business Awards 2019]