Homeloans celebrates 25 years
Mortgage provider Homeloans Ltd is celebrating its quarter century in business this month with renewed focus on building its brand around the nation.
Founded in 1985 in Perth by industry entrepreneurs Tim Holmes and Rob Salmon – both still directors today – and listed on the ASX in 2001, Homeloans is on the expansion trail and has successfully positioned itself as providing a refreshing alternative to the banks for home finance.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved with Homeloans over the past 25 years and we’re entering an important growth and expansion phase,” says Tim Holmes, founder, managing director and chairman of Homeloans.
“Our objective for the next 12-24 months is to increase the loans generated through our retail channel,while maintaining our strong third party position.
“This will be achieved by enhancing the Homeloans brand in the market, reinforced by our 25 year history; our strong service ethic and focus on treating clients as an individual rather than a number; and our desire to build strong working relationships with like-minded individuals who see the merits of growing their business with Homeloans.”
Homeloans’ commitment to promoting its brand is evidenced by the partnerships the company hasforged with two high profile sporting entities – rugby league legend Shane Webcke, and Matthew Pavlich, captain of AFL team the Fremantle Dockers. Both Shane and Matthew are the face of a new national TV, online and print advertising campaign for Homeloans.
Tim points to Queensland as an ideal example of how Homeloans is pursuing its expansion strategy: “Shane Webcke and his business partner, Bob Hudson – who has more than 10 years’ experience in the industry – are helping drive the Homeloans’ message through the Queensland retail market,” he says.“Together we are looking to engage quality brokers who understand and exemplify Homeloans’ core values.”
“We will target one regional area at a time to ensure the brokers in that region receive maximum support,” says Bob Hudson.
“And whilst brokers are part of a large public listed company, they maintain a regional presence. It’s a unique structure, which enables brokers to grow in their local market under a big banner.Homeloans providesthe infrastructure, profile and quality back up support systems.
“But our model will only work to its best potential if we get the right people. We will be very selective about where and with whom we form partnerships.”
Homeloans has also begun to increase its presence in Victoria, with independent brokers in the Melbourne suburbs of Oakleigh and Mornington recently undergoing a rebrand. It joins fellow Homeloans offices in Melbourne’s CBD and Narre Warren South.
“The opening of this office in Mornington and, in the very near future, an office in Oakleigh, demonstrates Homeloans’ commitment to the expansion of its retail presence in the Victorian market. We see the landscape of our retail channel looking very different in the next 12-24 months,” adds Tim.