Homeloans profile
Getting the ‘right people’ the lynchpin of Homeloans’ growth strategy
With more than 25 years’ experience in Australia’s home loan market, ASX-listed Homeloans Ltd is on the expansion trail. The company has successfully positioned itself as providing a refreshing alternative to the banks for home finance – and in 2009 and 2010 was named the Mortgage Manager of the Year Excellence Award winner by the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia.
“We have a clear expansion strategy,” says Greg Mitchell, general manager of retail sales. “Our objective 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 the company’s 25 years of servicing this industry; 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 has forged 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 a perfect fit with the Homeloans brand,” says Mitchell. “They’re widely respected, and this respect extends well beyond the sporting community. They also have strong and deep community links, which augurs well for Homeloans as we continue our comprehensive retail expansion strategy nationally.”
Queensland model a strong example
Mitchell points to Queensland as an ideal example of how Homeloans is expanding.
“Shane Webcke and his business partner, Bob Hudson – who has more than 10 years’ experience in the industry – are helping drive Homeloans’ message through the Queensland retail market,” he says. “Together we are looking to engage quality brokers who understand and exemplify Homeloans’ core values.”
Homeloans now has offices in Brisbane, Toowoomba and, recently opened, on the Sunshine Coast. It also has its sights set on Rockhampton, Townsville and Ipswich.
“We will target one regional area at a time to ensure the broker in that region receives maximum support,” says Bob Hudson.
“And whilst brokers are part of a large public listed company, they maintain a ‘local / regional’ presence. It’s a unique structure, which enables brokers to grow in their local market under a big banner. Homeloans provides the 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.”
Increasing Homeloans’ Victorian presence
Homeloans has also begun to increase its presence in Victoria, with an independent broker on the Mornington Peninsula recently undergoing a rebrand. It joins fellow Homeloans offices in Melbourne’s CBD and in suburban Berwick.
“The opening of this office in Mornington and, in the very near future, an office in Oakley 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 months,” adds Greg Mitchell.
Contact: Greg Mitchell – (08) 9261 7031
Homeloans latest TV commercial featuring rugby league legend Shane Webcke.