Joshua Trevitt worked at a big four bank for eight and a half years, before a redundancy in 2018. After a brief stint in real estate, he set up JT Home Loans.
Joshua said that working at a bank he couldn’t see he was making a positive impact. So, he decided to get out and try something different.
“So I took my redundancy payment, sold an investment property, and started my own broking business in my garage.”
“I wanted to get my business up and running as fast as possible, so I came up with the business name quickly. I wanted my name in there because that’s what people are buying- my strategy, knowledge and experience.”
Joshua is classed as a regional broker as he operates out of the seaside area of Seaford in Victoria.
In any spare time he has, Joshua enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is also President of his local cricket club, plays golf, and heads to the gym.
“The people here are chilled,” says Joshua, “They are relaxed beach people, living by the white sand and blue water.”
“I am grateful to my clients. They are working class, self-employed, and want to get ahead.”
“I want to help people in my area get the lifestyle they want. I’ve always gone for the underdogs.”
In 2021, Joshua was a finalist for the Regional Finance Broker Award at the MFAA VIC/TAS Excellence Awards.
“It’s always nice to get industry recognition and validation for the work you do,” says Joshua.
“It proves that I am a good operator. The MFAA awards are more encompassing and have higher qualified brokers.”
Business challenges
“I tripled my business during COVID-19,” says Joshua.
He also said long lender turnaround times have created a challenge for both his team and their clients.
“It’s hard to keep on top of such a large workload and deliver to clients' expectations.
“A lot of my job is managing client’s emotions in this situation.”
Networking tactics
Joshua has found that focusing on money is not effective.
“If you are people and results focused and help people, you get more referrals,” explains Joshua.
“I believe in honesty and transparency; and add value, such as financial planning.”
“I like to use experts for their expertise, so I refer 90% of our car loans business to someone who can get them a better rate and deal.”
“I have reached a level where I can pick and choose my clients now. I value my own worth and want to work with like-minded people.”
Industry trends
“I think the industry will become more digitised and automated over the next 10 years,” predicts Joshua.
“I think there will be an expansion of fintech and there is space for more lenders, which is good.”
Advice to young brokers
Joshua maintains that the most vital element for young brokers is to have a good mentor, plus have an established network.
“I started with 300 of my family and friends and persuaded them to give reviews, feedback and referrals,” explains Joshua.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for these three things – they each create a branch for free and lead to more clients.”
“Ask the open question – who else could I help that you know? Use Google reviews and link to social media, which costs nothing. Get yourself out there.”
“Be client driven and genuine.”
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