Mortgage First broker on why moving from banking to broking and what he’d do if he was the Prime Minister for a day
Mortgage First’s Rob Parsons tells NZ Adviser why starting his own business “was the best move ever” and what he’d do if he was the Prime Minister for a day
Q: Who or what has inspired you to become a broker?
A: I can't remember, it was so long ago! It was probably just a natural progression for me. I'd been working in banking for 15 years, and in 1996 a little voice said: "Rob get out and do this."
It was a big step leaving the comfort of a regular salary in a job that I enjoyed (with four young children under 10 and my wife Vicki being a full-time mum), but I guess I knew that I had the ability and experience to be successful, and it turned out to be the best move I ever made.
Q: What is the best part of being a broker?
A: Helping people achieve their dreams and knowing that we really do make a difference. Forming long-term relationships with our clients is really important to us and them.
Q: What’s the most challenging part?
A: Most challenging (and probably most satisfying) is overcoming bank lending policy, which in some cases just doesn’t make sense or simply defies all logic – I love having those “deep and meaningful” conversations with the lenders!
Q: What was your most memorable client experience?
A: There are many. I guess there have been a number of instances where a client has never used a broker before and it’s always a great buzz when they’re absolutely gobsmacked with what we’ve arranged for them.
Q: How would you sum up mortgage advisers in three words?
A: Trustworthy, knowledgeable, and convenient.
Q: What do you think of the RBNZ’s LVR changes announcement?
A: It’s very modest adjustment that will have a relatively minor impact.
Q: Does the industry need more regulation?
A: No! Although, perhaps I’m looking at it through “rose tinted glasses” based on my personal experience in the industry, and how we operate.
Q: If you were the Prime Minister for a day, what would you do?
A: Incentivise those that work hard and want to do well. Encourage and create opportunities for those that don’t.
Q: If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive, excluding family or friends), who would you invite and why?
A: (I know you said no family but…) My father (he died when I was 18) – would be good to have a yarn with him.
John Key – I reckon he’s not a bad rooster.
Jacinda Ardern – she needs a few pointers and a bit of direction!
Q: Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in mortgage broking, I would be…
A: The Prime Minister
Related stories:
Get the right people in the business
It’s about the client, broker of the year says
Q: Who or what has inspired you to become a broker?
A: I can't remember, it was so long ago! It was probably just a natural progression for me. I'd been working in banking for 15 years, and in 1996 a little voice said: "Rob get out and do this."
It was a big step leaving the comfort of a regular salary in a job that I enjoyed (with four young children under 10 and my wife Vicki being a full-time mum), but I guess I knew that I had the ability and experience to be successful, and it turned out to be the best move I ever made.
Q: What is the best part of being a broker?
A: Helping people achieve their dreams and knowing that we really do make a difference. Forming long-term relationships with our clients is really important to us and them.
Q: What’s the most challenging part?
A: Most challenging (and probably most satisfying) is overcoming bank lending policy, which in some cases just doesn’t make sense or simply defies all logic – I love having those “deep and meaningful” conversations with the lenders!
Q: What was your most memorable client experience?
A: There are many. I guess there have been a number of instances where a client has never used a broker before and it’s always a great buzz when they’re absolutely gobsmacked with what we’ve arranged for them.
Q: How would you sum up mortgage advisers in three words?
A: Trustworthy, knowledgeable, and convenient.
Q: What do you think of the RBNZ’s LVR changes announcement?
A: It’s very modest adjustment that will have a relatively minor impact.
Q: Does the industry need more regulation?
A: No! Although, perhaps I’m looking at it through “rose tinted glasses” based on my personal experience in the industry, and how we operate.
Q: If you were the Prime Minister for a day, what would you do?
A: Incentivise those that work hard and want to do well. Encourage and create opportunities for those that don’t.
Q: If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive, excluding family or friends), who would you invite and why?
A: (I know you said no family but…) My father (he died when I was 18) – would be good to have a yarn with him.
John Key – I reckon he’s not a bad rooster.
Jacinda Ardern – she needs a few pointers and a bit of direction!
Q: Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in mortgage broking, I would be…
A: The Prime Minister
Related stories:
Get the right people in the business
It’s about the client, broker of the year says