At Smartline our success totally relies on the success of our franchisees. That why we’re proud to say that our franchisees are amongst the most successful in the country!
Get to know some of our franchisees below.
Get to know some of our franchisees below.
 Karen Forbes (NSW)
Joined in:
September 2007 Background: Previously a self employed accountant and bookkeeper for small businesses. |
 Rory Sievwright (WA)
Joined in:
November 2006 Background: Previously in the banking industry for 32 years. |
 Miriam Agnos (SA)
Joined in:
June 2006 Background: Miriam co-managed a conveyancing firm for approximately 8 years and then spent a short time working for a Lender as a Business Development Manager. Originally though, she was a Petroleum Engineer. |
 Michael Ryan (VIC)
Joined in:
June 2007 Background: Previously with Commonwealth Bank for 27 years. In the last six years Michael was the CBA Area Manager for south west Victoria in their retail sector with 280 staff to manage. |
 Kelly Murray (QLD)
Joined in:
June 2008 Background: Originally a qualified chef, patisserie shop owner and mother of four, Kelly returned to the workforce by joining a mortgage broking business two years prior to purchasing her own business with Smartline. |
Why choose Smartline?
From the first meeting the Smartline management was professional, friendly and open. They made the decision easy. They offered a strong team environment with excellent support and made me feel very welcome. The cost structure was reasonable considering the level of ongoing support offered. And the systems were outstanding. I felt like they were trying to impress me, rather than me needing to impress them.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
I was a self employed accountant and bookkeeper for small businesses. This was part time only, so the first challenge was to get accustomed to full time work activity. I was looking for an opportunity that involved running my own business, but I still wanted to be part of a team. I knew it would be tough to be in business totally on my own. So the franchise model gives me the flexibility to have my own business, but at the same time having support of management and colleagues. It's the best of both worlds.
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
Firstly the individual coaching and training, which were essential when starting up. If you are new to this business you need direction and moral support. Also the technical support to assist with operating the software – if something goes wrong on the system I never feel that I am alone. Now I love the ongoing training to share ideas with other franchisees, and the marketing department provide me with ideas, and also put my ideas together for advertising and marketing material. The response is fast and efficient. Plus there is always moral support and positive feedback from the management. When you are on your own and have a big win, there is always someone to share it with.
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Getting known in the local market has been a challenge, with a limited budget. I needed to be smart and targeted, plus repetitive in my contacts with local businesses who I thought would be good referral points. I knew initially the income would take a while to flow through but expect that in the medium term my income will be greater than it was before. Finally visiting clients at their homes in the evenings was a change of routine, and I am fortunate that my family has been very supportive in that regard.
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
I like being back in sales on a commission basis as it is appealing to have no ceiling to my income earning potential. I am still working from my home office which gives me lots of flexibility with regard to family and personal activities, and I don’t have to be at an office all the time. I love the resources I can draw on from Smartline, which makes me look like I run a huge operation! And the franchisees are all friends – we support each other, we are not in competition with each other – Smartline attracts really great people to their business.
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
Here is a business where you are encouraged and supported to do well. The environment is positive and energetic. If you have the motivation and the desire to succeed, Smartline will give you everything you need to do it. The technology is second to none, and the coaching and training available is outstanding. There really is no other choice for this business.
What are your future business plans?
I am looking to grow my contact sphere in local business to be able to write loans for commercial property purchases, and for people buying their own business. I hope that I will also increase my exposure in local medial so that I am considered a source of information on lending in the local area. Financially my aim is to increase my sales targets year on year, via new business, but mostly repeat business with clients who I have assisted with property purchases and who I can help to increase their wealth over time with new investment. I also aim to become a leader within the Smartline group, to be able to assist new franchisees in the development of their business.
From the first meeting the Smartline management was professional, friendly and open. They made the decision easy. They offered a strong team environment with excellent support and made me feel very welcome. The cost structure was reasonable considering the level of ongoing support offered. And the systems were outstanding. I felt like they were trying to impress me, rather than me needing to impress them.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
I was a self employed accountant and bookkeeper for small businesses. This was part time only, so the first challenge was to get accustomed to full time work activity. I was looking for an opportunity that involved running my own business, but I still wanted to be part of a team. I knew it would be tough to be in business totally on my own. So the franchise model gives me the flexibility to have my own business, but at the same time having support of management and colleagues. It's the best of both worlds.
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
Firstly the individual coaching and training, which were essential when starting up. If you are new to this business you need direction and moral support. Also the technical support to assist with operating the software – if something goes wrong on the system I never feel that I am alone. Now I love the ongoing training to share ideas with other franchisees, and the marketing department provide me with ideas, and also put my ideas together for advertising and marketing material. The response is fast and efficient. Plus there is always moral support and positive feedback from the management. When you are on your own and have a big win, there is always someone to share it with.
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Getting known in the local market has been a challenge, with a limited budget. I needed to be smart and targeted, plus repetitive in my contacts with local businesses who I thought would be good referral points. I knew initially the income would take a while to flow through but expect that in the medium term my income will be greater than it was before. Finally visiting clients at their homes in the evenings was a change of routine, and I am fortunate that my family has been very supportive in that regard.
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
I like being back in sales on a commission basis as it is appealing to have no ceiling to my income earning potential. I am still working from my home office which gives me lots of flexibility with regard to family and personal activities, and I don’t have to be at an office all the time. I love the resources I can draw on from Smartline, which makes me look like I run a huge operation! And the franchisees are all friends – we support each other, we are not in competition with each other – Smartline attracts really great people to their business.
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
Here is a business where you are encouraged and supported to do well. The environment is positive and energetic. If you have the motivation and the desire to succeed, Smartline will give you everything you need to do it. The technology is second to none, and the coaching and training available is outstanding. There really is no other choice for this business.
What are your future business plans?
I am looking to grow my contact sphere in local business to be able to write loans for commercial property purchases, and for people buying their own business. I hope that I will also increase my exposure in local medial so that I am considered a source of information on lending in the local area. Financially my aim is to increase my sales targets year on year, via new business, but mostly repeat business with clients who I have assisted with property purchases and who I can help to increase their wealth over time with new investment. I also aim to become a leader within the Smartline group, to be able to assist new franchisees in the development of their business.
Why choose Smartline?
Rory had worked in a bank with the previous WA State Manager (Nicole Vladich) and said he had a very high regard for her and consequently also her recommendation of Smartline.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Even though Rory had plenty of lending experience he still had to spend time understanding Smartline’s particular lender panel and their products. Additionally it was about touching base with previous clients and letting them know about his new role and how he could assist them with their lending needs.
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
Rory commented that, "It’s a team effort within Smartline and everyone helps each other when required. IT issues are sorted out very quickly and the advertising and marketing assistance is excellent. Any difficulties in understanding aspects of the software are also sorted out very quickly with relevant training."
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Rory has found it a major adjustment not having a regular fortnightly or monthly income (as he’d been used to previously). Working from home also has its own challenges. He says that there is no clear line between work and home and that this can mean that you don’t ever get to leave work at work! Another challenge in growing the business is "making sure you sell yourself and the service all the time which requires ensuring face to face contact with relevant people such as business partners who can assist in generating leads."
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
Rory enjoys having much more free time and flexibility. He says the stress of not having specific targets and staff issues to manage has been vastly reduced from his previous roles. He also believes Smartline cultivates a supportive environment for franchisees, "The people involved in Smartline are passionate caring and switched-on people who are self motivated and keen to have all the franchisees running successful businesses."
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
"By all means check out the others but I think you’ll find that the financial rewards with Smartline are better and knowing that you’re not alone is very important."
What are your future business plans?
"I’m consolidating my position now and making sure that my existing client base is looked after and that I continue to look after my business partners." Rory believes that if he does all that right, then in the next six to twelve months an expansion into a shop front will become his next challenge.
Rory had worked in a bank with the previous WA State Manager (Nicole Vladich) and said he had a very high regard for her and consequently also her recommendation of Smartline.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Even though Rory had plenty of lending experience he still had to spend time understanding Smartline’s particular lender panel and their products. Additionally it was about touching base with previous clients and letting them know about his new role and how he could assist them with their lending needs.
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
Rory commented that, "It’s a team effort within Smartline and everyone helps each other when required. IT issues are sorted out very quickly and the advertising and marketing assistance is excellent. Any difficulties in understanding aspects of the software are also sorted out very quickly with relevant training."
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Rory has found it a major adjustment not having a regular fortnightly or monthly income (as he’d been used to previously). Working from home also has its own challenges. He says that there is no clear line between work and home and that this can mean that you don’t ever get to leave work at work! Another challenge in growing the business is "making sure you sell yourself and the service all the time which requires ensuring face to face contact with relevant people such as business partners who can assist in generating leads."
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
Rory enjoys having much more free time and flexibility. He says the stress of not having specific targets and staff issues to manage has been vastly reduced from his previous roles. He also believes Smartline cultivates a supportive environment for franchisees, "The people involved in Smartline are passionate caring and switched-on people who are self motivated and keen to have all the franchisees running successful businesses."
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
"By all means check out the others but I think you’ll find that the financial rewards with Smartline are better and knowing that you’re not alone is very important."
What are your future business plans?
"I’m consolidating my position now and making sure that my existing client base is looked after and that I continue to look after my business partners." Rory believes that if he does all that right, then in the next six to twelve months an expansion into a shop front will become his next challenge.
Why choose Smartline?
"It was the culture and the people. They really stood out for me amongst all my broker clients when I was a Business Development Manager." Miriam also said that she believes "the Smartline software stands head and shoulders above the rest" which has made operating her business easier.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Miriam’s past work history in conveyancing and her Business Development role did give her a good grounding in the industry; however, she says that "learning to market yourself, is very important in this business." She went on to say that confidence, persistence and the ability to keep going even when it seems there’s little progress are important qualities for a mortgage broker. Additionally, fellow franchisees have helped her stay motivated and encouraged her to go to the next level of her business.
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
The IT system, and most importantly, the other franchisees and members of the SA team have supported Miriam’s business. Her Smartline experience has been that, "There’s always somebody happy to help."
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Miriam says that working from home can be a challenge in trying to maintain a work/life balance. She says that you do need to have a dedicated space for your business separate from family areas and it must be properly set up, "Even though you are working from home you should still run your business as if you were in a commercial office." It’s also important to coordinate a system for looking after your current loans whilst continuing to generate new business and following up on leads.
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
Miriam says that the sense of ownership and achievement of running a business is very important to her, "I love the flexibility and freedom of running my own business. Seeing my business grow and evolve has been very rewarding and quite amazing. I’m now very excited about my business and its future potential."
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
"Welcome aboard? No really….. Be prepared to go through a lot of personal development and growth." Miriam believes that the rewards are more than worth the effort to get your business up and running. She added "I also doubt there is a group which can offer you better support and a more supportive framework and culture than Smartline if you’re going to join this industry."
What are your future business plans?
Miriam would like to continue growing her business, move into commercial premises, add some members to her team and have her back office running efficiently so that every now and then she can go relax on a beach!
"It was the culture and the people. They really stood out for me amongst all my broker clients when I was a Business Development Manager." Miriam also said that she believes "the Smartline software stands head and shoulders above the rest" which has made operating her business easier.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Miriam’s past work history in conveyancing and her Business Development role did give her a good grounding in the industry; however, she says that "learning to market yourself, is very important in this business." She went on to say that confidence, persistence and the ability to keep going even when it seems there’s little progress are important qualities for a mortgage broker. Additionally, fellow franchisees have helped her stay motivated and encouraged her to go to the next level of her business.
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
The IT system, and most importantly, the other franchisees and members of the SA team have supported Miriam’s business. Her Smartline experience has been that, "There’s always somebody happy to help."
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Miriam says that working from home can be a challenge in trying to maintain a work/life balance. She says that you do need to have a dedicated space for your business separate from family areas and it must be properly set up, "Even though you are working from home you should still run your business as if you were in a commercial office." It’s also important to coordinate a system for looking after your current loans whilst continuing to generate new business and following up on leads.
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
Miriam says that the sense of ownership and achievement of running a business is very important to her, "I love the flexibility and freedom of running my own business. Seeing my business grow and evolve has been very rewarding and quite amazing. I’m now very excited about my business and its future potential."
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
"Welcome aboard? No really….. Be prepared to go through a lot of personal development and growth." Miriam believes that the rewards are more than worth the effort to get your business up and running. She added "I also doubt there is a group which can offer you better support and a more supportive framework and culture than Smartline if you’re going to join this industry."
What are your future business plans?
Miriam would like to continue growing her business, move into commercial premises, add some members to her team and have her back office running efficiently so that every now and then she can go relax on a beach!
Why choose Smartline?
Michael commented that although his previous role had meant a lot of contact with mortgage brokers, he hadn’t completely understood what it would be like to one. However, after speaking with existing Smartline franchisees and the VIC State Manager (Terry Jewson) he’d decided it was a good opportunity. The fact that it allowed him more flexibility around family time was of particular appeal.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Although Michael had been in the Commonwealth Bank for many years, it was in executive management roles. Consequently his direct involvement in writing loans and managing clients was limited and it was a challenge for him to make the transition. Understanding 30 lenders as opposed to one was also a learning experience, although he said that "having experience in finance meant there were similarities".
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
"There is very strong IT support and you can go direct to them to fix any problems." Michael also said that the Marketing Department was fantastic in creating his pdf files for press advertising and Smartline offered great support with the general administration tasks of running a mortgage broking business. As an example he mentioned that when he began, the VIC state office was of particular assistance in coordinating his lending accreditations. Michael added that fellow franchise owners are a valuable part of the support network in Smartline.
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
"Working from home does require instilling some discipline, especially when you’ve been used to getting up and dressed for work each morning and leaving for an office." Michael also found that he needed to spend some time touching base with his previous networks to let them know about his new role and how he could assist them. According to Michael persevering is key to developing your business. He used the example of approaching new business partners like Real Estate Agents or Accountants who can refer business to you. Although they may already have an alliance with a mortgage broker, he suggests that it’s still worthwhile to leave your contact details as you never know when their situation might change. He says that it takes time to build a business, so if you approach a potential business partner and they say no don’t let it turn you away from approaching another.
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
Michael believes it’s a great opportunity to run your own business. Whereas previously he would have been tied to an office he now enjoys being able to get out into the community and meet people. Looking after his clients also gives him great satisfaction.
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
Michael says he always recommends Smartline and if he comes across someone he thinks might be suitable he would definitely refer them to Smartline. He’d also advise them to talk to staff and franchisees and ask questions to find out if it’s the right opportunity for them. He said that people should understand that having a Smartline franchise "is about building for the future".
What are your future business plans?
Michael’s wife, Amanda has just joined the business and he’s excited about them building the business together and in the future moving into an office.
Michael commented that although his previous role had meant a lot of contact with mortgage brokers, he hadn’t completely understood what it would be like to one. However, after speaking with existing Smartline franchisees and the VIC State Manager (Terry Jewson) he’d decided it was a good opportunity. The fact that it allowed him more flexibility around family time was of particular appeal.
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Although Michael had been in the Commonwealth Bank for many years, it was in executive management roles. Consequently his direct involvement in writing loans and managing clients was limited and it was a challenge for him to make the transition. Understanding 30 lenders as opposed to one was also a learning experience, although he said that "having experience in finance meant there were similarities".
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
"There is very strong IT support and you can go direct to them to fix any problems." Michael also said that the Marketing Department was fantastic in creating his pdf files for press advertising and Smartline offered great support with the general administration tasks of running a mortgage broking business. As an example he mentioned that when he began, the VIC state office was of particular assistance in coordinating his lending accreditations. Michael added that fellow franchise owners are a valuable part of the support network in Smartline.
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
"Working from home does require instilling some discipline, especially when you’ve been used to getting up and dressed for work each morning and leaving for an office." Michael also found that he needed to spend some time touching base with his previous networks to let them know about his new role and how he could assist them. According to Michael persevering is key to developing your business. He used the example of approaching new business partners like Real Estate Agents or Accountants who can refer business to you. Although they may already have an alliance with a mortgage broker, he suggests that it’s still worthwhile to leave your contact details as you never know when their situation might change. He says that it takes time to build a business, so if you approach a potential business partner and they say no don’t let it turn you away from approaching another.
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
Michael believes it’s a great opportunity to run your own business. Whereas previously he would have been tied to an office he now enjoys being able to get out into the community and meet people. Looking after his clients also gives him great satisfaction.
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
Michael says he always recommends Smartline and if he comes across someone he thinks might be suitable he would definitely refer them to Smartline. He’d also advise them to talk to staff and franchisees and ask questions to find out if it’s the right opportunity for them. He said that people should understand that having a Smartline franchise "is about building for the future".
What are your future business plans?
Michael’s wife, Amanda has just joined the business and he’s excited about them building the business together and in the future moving into an office.
Why choose Smartline?
Kelly took her time considering the options before making a decision, “After much research I found Smartline was very welcoming - like joining a big family. The marketing support, range of lenders and training were crucial in selecting Smartline over others.”
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Kelly joined the business in a time when there were a number of changes going on in the industry, “I had to overcome significant change in the broking industry within months of starting. Trails and up-fronts were cut significantly, impacting upon my original business plan. The purpose of entering broking full-time though, was based on the ability to balance work and with a busy family life and that didn’t change.”
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
Kelly believes that the training and marketing support have been the essential difference and were some of the main reasons she joined Smartline.
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Kelly is busy establishing the brand and her networks on the Gold Coast, “Migrating existing networks into “lead generating” networks has been a challenge. However with perseverance I’ve been able to make school, swimming and soccer club networks work for me.”
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
“When I need assistance to secure the right solution, to a unique type of lending situation the support has been fantastic. I couldn’t have secured my first couple of loans without the assistance of my peers in QLD, who were always there to help.”
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
“Once you have done your research and you know what you’re looking for in a mortgage broking business contact Smartline. Their systems are first class and the culture of Smartline is key to building a successful and sustainable business”.
What are your future business plans?
“To build my business slowly, continuing to balance work and family, and eventually employ a personal assistant, and two loan writers. It’s also important to continue to develop yourself and learn more and more about this business so you can offer a valuable and quality service to clients.”
Kelly took her time considering the options before making a decision, “After much research I found Smartline was very welcoming - like joining a big family. The marketing support, range of lenders and training were crucial in selecting Smartline over others.”
What sorts of challenges did you personally need to overcome to succeed?
Kelly joined the business in a time when there were a number of changes going on in the industry, “I had to overcome significant change in the broking industry within months of starting. Trails and up-fronts were cut significantly, impacting upon my original business plan. The purpose of entering broking full-time though, was based on the ability to balance work and with a busy family life and that didn’t change.”
What key areas in Smartline have supported your business?
Kelly believes that the training and marketing support have been the essential difference and were some of the main reasons she joined Smartline.
What are the challenges you faced to get your business up and running?
Kelly is busy establishing the brand and her networks on the Gold Coast, “Migrating existing networks into “lead generating” networks has been a challenge. However with perseverance I’ve been able to make school, swimming and soccer club networks work for me.”
What do you like about being a Smartline franchisee?
“When I need assistance to secure the right solution, to a unique type of lending situation the support has been fantastic. I couldn’t have secured my first couple of loans without the assistance of my peers in QLD, who were always there to help.”
What would you say to someone looking to join Smartline?
“Once you have done your research and you know what you’re looking for in a mortgage broking business contact Smartline. Their systems are first class and the culture of Smartline is key to building a successful and sustainable business”.
What are your future business plans?
“To build my business slowly, continuing to balance work and family, and eventually employ a personal assistant, and two loan writers. It’s also important to continue to develop yourself and learn more and more about this business so you can offer a valuable and quality service to clients.”
|