Last night, the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia honoured one of their founding members with Life Membership of the Association.
In 1980, John Macalyk was one of 20 people who came together to start an association for the mortgage and finance broking industry. In 1982 the Mortgage Bankers Association of Australia, the organisation that would go on to become the MFAA, was registered and John received member number #5. He has remained passionately involved in the industry and the Association ever since.
John’s business niche is commercial property. Over the last four decades he has worked with his clients and finds the same great level of fulfillment in helping them achieve their goals as he did when he originally started his broking career.
“John is well-known in the industry for good reason. As one of our founding members, he’s been forward thinking, making an impact on the industry, the Association and most importantly the countless brokers he has mentored, coached and inspired,” said MFAA Chair Kerri Buurman.
“We’re pleased to be able to recognise John’s remarkable achievements and contributions with this Life Membership.”
John said he likes to get involved in discussions, and that’s what led him to taking part in creating the Association.
During his membership of the Association John has participated in numerous Committees and Forums that have guided the activities and advocacy of the organisation over the years.
While the MFAA has received guidance and support from John, he says he has got a lot out of his decades long membership as well, highlighting the Associations conferences as one of the things he appreciates as a member.
“When you’re running a business, you need to keep motivated. One of the best ways I found to be motivated and learn more about my industry was to go to the MFAA conferences,” he explained.
John also spoke about the work the MFAA has done to help grow the share of borrowers who seek out the services of mortgage and finance broker, and also the support from the MFAA when the industry has faced unexpected challenges.
“Over a period of time, any business, any industry, has to handle unexpected difficulties that come up. Who could have forecast the Royal Commission or the pandemic for example?” he said.
“A good association can help its members overcome difficulties and come through those times. That’s what the MFAA is good at, and has been doing so for over forty years.”
With extensive experience to look back on, John was clear in his advice to other brokers – new and experienced.
“Number one if you want to be successful, you have to have good product knowledge, and number two is you have to look after yourself,”
“One of my mantra’s is to always have something to look forward to – a lunch, a trip, a conference, a get together with your family. By always having something down the track, it will help look after your mental stability, your own inner self. It’s not all about work, it’s not all about money.”
John shared that while he didn’t always have this mantra, particularly in the early busy days of being a broker, today he practices what he preaches, giving equal time to his business and his family.
