Building a referral-based business and helping families from lower socio-economic areas achieve home ownership are the goal and purpose for this successful Victorian broker.
It’s been nearly eight years since mortgage and finance broker Amie Tennant started Future Finance Group, in Langwarrin, Victoria.
Amie’s journey to broking began when she was just 17 years old while she was studying at university and working at Subway.
“My parents were selling their home and the real estate agent said the broker in their office was looking for a personal assistant,” explained Amie.
Amie didn’t think she would be successful in getting the role when she went to the interview, but she was, and it marked the beginning of a path which would lead to a thriving business.
“I got to learn everything from scratch. I worked in real estate offices along the Mornington Peninsula and loved it,” Amie said.
Amie says she has been extremely lucky in her career, working with and learning from some amazing brokers.
Fast forward to today and Amie is 34 years old and leads a diverse team of 13 staff, including 12 women, helping people in their community achieve their property ownership and small business goals.
But, starting her own business isn’t what Amie initially set out to do, she’s not one for the limelight she quipped!
“I never really wanted my own business, I was always happy to work for other brokers. I’m the person who used to like to fly under the radar,” she said.
But, when her boss was changing aggregators from one that she enjoyed working with, a choice needed to be made.
“I made so many good relationships with my BDMs, and because I was a young female broker it wasn’t easy. So, their support meant everything,” recalled Amie.
So, it was either leave the aggregator she loved, or start her own business – which Amie did, and that’s how Future Finance Group began.
When talking about the challenges she encountered as her business grew, Amie said that she’s encountered issues with cash flow, workflow and staffing.
“I think perhaps being so young [when I started my business], I’ve made so many mistakes, and then learnt different things as I have matured.
“I think the most challenging by far though – was that I didn’t look after my back book – my existing clients enough from day one,” said Amie.
Today, Amie’s business is a busy brokerage achieving its goal of being referral based, with existing clients referring their family and friends their main source of new clients. The business also supports the community through donating to charity regularly.
As for what she loves about broking, Amie said, “It’s the day when I get to let clients know they have been approved and they no longer have to rent – they get a house to call home.”
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