Beyond The Numbers With Christian Stevens

Jordan Chantry is the Founder and Principal Broker of MVM Finance Group, a Melbourne brokerage built around relationships, not transactions. After starting in broking at 18, Jordan spent more than a decade working across admin, broker support, broking, operations and team management before launching MVM Finance Group in 2023 with a four-month-old baby at home. But this conversation goes well beyond starting a brokerage. Jordan breaks down how she built a business around limited hours, young kids, strong systems and ruthless time management,settling just under $50 million in her first year, taking six months off after having her second child, then still settling close to $61 million the following year. She talks about outsourcing, AI, client communication, database referrals, social media, and why brokers become the bottleneck when they touch too many parts of the file. She also gets into building a workplace that actually works for parents, hiring a team of mums, bringing on a five-month-pregnant employee, and why flexibility is not a weakness when the right people are in the right roles. For brokers trying to grow without working 70-hour weeks, Jordan’s story is a sharp reminder that better systems, clearer boundaries and smarter people can build a better business. If you're a mortgage broker, brokerage owner or finance professional trying to scale sustainably, use AI properly and build a team that does not depend on you for every decision — this one's for you. 2:21 — 10 Years Of Lessons — Learning What To Do And What To Avoid 4:10 — Starting MVM With A Baby — Building A Brokerage From The Couch 9:16 — Life As A Business — Time, Outsourcing & Mental Load 11:34 — No 70-Hour Weeks — How Jordan Works Around Young Kids 14:37 — AI For Assessments — Faster Responses, Cleaner Files & Better Approvals 19:44 — Inside The Team — Customer Care, Marketing & Offshore Support 22:06 — $50M In Year One — Database, Referrals & Personal Network Growth 24:41 — FY27 Growth Plan — $61M Settled, 30% Growth & Brand Building 27:14 — Hiring Mums — Flexibility, Talent & Looking Past The First 12 Months 34:57 — The Five-Year Vision — Brokers, Office Culture & Removing Key-Person Risk Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Jordan Chantry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chantry-51b17610a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanchantry.mvmfinancegroup/

Yousof Ahmadzai is the Head Broker of FlintInvest - Flint’s professional investor client network - and a specialist in helping property investors structure finance, scale portfolios and move quickly when opportunity appears. After eight years across CBA and ANZ, Yousof moved into broking and has quickly become one of the most active investor-focused brokers in the country. But this conversation goes well beyond investor lending. Yousof breaks down how FlintInvest settled $260 million in FY26, how he personally generated more than $105 million in settlements, and why professional investor clients need a very different level of structure, speed and post-settlement strategy. He talks through lender sequencing, borrowing capacity, equity releases, 90% LVR strategies, third-tier lenders, SMSF pathways, and why great investor broking is not just about getting one loan approved, it is about building the next three to five moves before the client even buys. If you’re a mortgage broker, brokerage owner or finance professional trying to understand investor lending, build better referral ecosystems and scale without losing client experience — this one’s for you. 1:47 — Banking Background — CBA, CommSec, ANZ & Finding Property Finance 6:21 — Scaling FlintInvest — Investor Strategy, Policy & Client Experience 7:17 — A Broker’s Daily Rhythm — 20–30 Conversations A Day 14:45 — B2B Funding Opportunity — Furnishing, Training Programs & Business Growth 24:01 — Speed To Lead — From 5 Leads To 200 Inbound Opportunities 27:25 — FY26 Results — $105M Personal Settlements & $260M FlintInvest Volume 34:42 — FY27 Goals — Doubling FlintInvest & Scaling Axios 37:16 — Team Structure — 5 Credit Analysts, 4 Processors & Post-Settlement Reviews 44:11 — Investor Policy Changes — Borrowing Capacity Down 30–50% 46:36 — Finding The Next Solution — How Good Brokers Respond To Policy Shocks Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Yousof Ahmadzai: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousoforbion/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousof.orbion/

Dustin Irwin is Senior Director of Corporate Sales at Cotality, leading the banking and finance sales team across Australia and New Zealand. In this episode, Dustin breaks down how property data became one of the most powerful tools in modern broking, from the early RP Data days to Cotality’s PropertyHub, now used by thousands of brokers and associates to order valuations, generate property reports and create better client conversations. He explains why the best brokers are no longer just writing loans, but using data to reduce uncertainty, build trust, shorten the buying cycle and turn one transaction into a lifelong client relationship. He also shares what high-performing brokerages are doing differently, why broker market share has pushed past 80%, how AI could change local market updates and client communication, and why trust still comes down to credibility, reliability, intimacy and low perceived self-interest. If you’re a broker trying to separate yourself from the market, become more fluent in property data and build stronger client relationships — this one’s for you. 2:34 — The Aussie Home Loans Moment — When Property Data Went Mainstream 7:13 — 30 Years In Property Data — From CD-ROMs To Cotality 12:40 — CoreLogic To Cotality — The Rebrand, Vision & Property Data Truth Set 19:39 — PropertyHub Explained — Valuations, Reports & Broker Workflows 22:10 — What’s Coming Next — Energy Efficiency, Climate Risk & Property Resilience 25:30 — What Top Brokers Do Differently — Lifetime Clients, Not Transactions 28:42 — Advice For New Brokers — Learn The Property Market, Not Just Lending 31:48 — AI & Local Market Updates — Scaling Better Client Communication 34:13 — Building High-Performance Teams — Hire Smarter People Than You 41:27 — The Trust Equation — Credibility, Reliability, Intimacy & Self-Interest Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Dustin Irwin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-irwin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotality_au/

Matt Pongrass is the Managing Director and Broker at Balaton Financial, an award-winning independent brokerage specialising in residential, commercial, business, asset and SMSF lending. Matt has ranked among Australia’s Top 100 brokers for five consecutive years. But this conversation goes well beyond another bank-to-broker story. Matt breaks down how he built one of the highest average loan-size brokerages in the country, why he deliberately avoided rate-driven clients from day one, and how Balaton Financial has grown from a small operation into a 20-plus person business with five relationship managers, four credit analysts, seven loan processors, two settlement officers and a new head of IT and tech. He unpacks the private-banking style structure behind the business: credit-first thinking, relationship managers, roundtable deal workshops, proposal documents, and why the best complex lending starts with character, cash flow and collateral. If you're a mortgage broker, brokerage owner or finance professional trying to move beyond transactional lending and build a proper advisory business, this one's for you. 0:53 — From Macquarie To Broking — Credit, Sales, Risk & The Jump At 30 6:45 — Highland Balaton Financial — The New Property-Finance Joint Venture 8:33 — Choosing The Right Client — Why Matt Avoided Rate-Driven Lending 14:23 — Negative Gearing Changes — The Real Borrowing Capacity Impact 18:14 — Inside The Business Model — 5 Relationship Managers, 4 Credit Analysts & 7 Processors 28:17 — The Growth Plan — Highland, Relationship Managers & One Shared P&L 31:07 — No Social Media Strategy — Growing Through Client Service & Referrals 37:49 — The $14M Portfolio Lesson — Why Honest Advice Comes Back 43:22 — The Broking Industry Problem — Low Barriers, Poor Mentoring & Consolidation 47:29 — Open-Book Leadership — Pay Well, Share The Numbers & Align The Team Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Matt Pongrass: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-pongrass/

Matthew Hollinworth is a Flint Director and founding broker at Flint Newcastle. With experience across accounting, CBA business banking and mortgage broking, Matthew brings a rare mix of technical finance knowledge and client-facing energy to complex lending. This conversation goes well beyond the bank-to-broker story. Matthew breaks down how he moved from accounting into CBA business banking, why his first years in broking were like drinking from the fire hose, and how referral partnerships helped him build a self-employed and investor-heavy client base. He also opens up about joining Flint, moving from solo broker to director, how that shift has already led to a record lodgement month and a $100 million FY27 target. He dives deep into the biggest changes facing brokers right now: AI, offshore credit teams, Newcastle’s growth, self-employed lending policy, company structures, the 2026 budget changes, negative gearing, CGT, and why simple vanilla lending may become harder to defend as technology improves. If you're a mortgage broker trying to grow beyond doing everything yourself, or a finance professional working with complex clients, this one's for you. 3:59 — Business Banking Lessons — $1M Secured & $250K Unsecured Lending 7:37 — Referral Partner Strategy — Accountants, Planners & Shared Values 13:00 — 300% Growth Lesson — Why Support Teams Unlock Scale 19:15 — Inside Flint Engine — Nepal, Credit Teams & Remote Culture 25:09 — Record Growth At Flint — Biggest Month, Biggest Deal & $100M FY27 Goal 27:41 — AI In Mortgage Broking — Claude, Email Agents & The Next 12 Months 39:22 — 2026 Budget Changes — CGT, Negative Gearing & Borrowing Capacity Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/  Connect with Matthew Hollinworth:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollinworth/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollinworth_flint/ 

Rachael McKenzie is the operations manager at Loan Gallery Finance, a 40-plus person brokerage with 27 loan writers, and a major FY27 recruitment drive ahead. She came into broking from the fitness industry after COVID, and has helped scale the brokerage without the wheels falling off. Rachael opens up about the real mechanics behind high-performance brokerages — splitting admin teams, managing construction progress payments, building documentation so anyone can step into a file, and creating a culture that works for senior brokers, young staff, parents and growing teams. She also breaks down Loan Gallery's next move: using two years of operational groundwork to recruit harder in Melbourne, bring brokers into a tighter system, and reduce the training burden from day one. She also shares the impact work behind Lioness Loans Co and Lioness Den: helping single mums build financial confidence, prepare for home ownership over 6 to 18 months, and eventually create housing models where part of the rent helps them save for a deposit. From being the first woman in her family to buy a property on her own, to using finance as a vehicle for generational change, Rachael brings a perspective the broking industry needs more of. If you're a mortgage broker, brokerage owner or operations leader trying to build a business that performs without burning people out — this one's for you. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Rachael McKenzie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-mckenzie-mortgages/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finance_withrach/

Melissa Gielnik is the Managing Director of Smart Lending Mortgage Brokers, a 25-year mortgage broking veteran, former Deputy Chairman of the MFAA during the Royal Commission, and one of the most decorated female leaders in Australian financial service. She built Smart Lending from the ground up and has spent the last two and a half decades helping clients invest smart and generate wealth. This conversation covers what genuine longevity in the brokerage business actually looks like. Melissa breaks down her three-pronged growth strategy across social media, agents and referrals, why she believes Melbourne is wide open for hungry operators, and how a team with an average eight-year tenure, including an EA who's been with her 19 years, is her most underrated competitive advantage. She also gets into why she's made 2026 her year of visibility after years of staying deliberately under the radar, and what the next chapter of Smart Lending looks like heading into FY27. If you're a broker thinking about building something that lasts, this one is the episode for you. 1:54 — The Pivot That Changed Everything — Downsizing From Nine Brokers and $22M/Month 5:10 — 25 Years of Industry Evolution — Paper Fax Applications to AI-Assisted Processing 7:20 — Smart Lending's Three-Pronged Growth Strategy — Social, Agents and Referrals 10:08 — The 19-Year EA and Eight-Year Average Tenure — Why Team Loyalty Is the Edge 22:40 — The Year of Visibility — Why She Stayed Under the Radar and What Changed in 2026 26:45 — The Melbourne Opportunity — Why the Market Is Wide Open for Hungry Operators 32:20 — AI and Offshore — How Smart Lending Is Using Tech to Do More With Less 37:00 — Stepping Off the Tools — Boundaries, Systems and Getting Locked Out of Her Own Emails 43:47 — FY27 Plans — What Conquering Melbourne Actually Looks Like Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Melissa Gielnik: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagielnik/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissagielnik/

Rushmi Shrestha is the General Manager of Flint Engine, running the entire support team behind Australia's fastest-growing mortgage brokerage. Rushmi manages an 80-person team across app docs, loan processing, credit, compliance, HR, training and tech; and is directly responsible for growing headcount 1000% in a single year! This conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually goes into building an offshore operation that works. Rushmi breaks down why culture, not systems, is the hardest thing to maintain at speed, how Flint Engine achieved ISO certification to solve data security at scale, and why she believes most Australian brokers are treating offshore talent as a back-office function when they could be building a fully capable team. If you're a broker thinking about offshore support, or curious what it takes to build a back-end operation that holds together at pace, this one will give you a real picture. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/  Connect with Rushmi Shrestha:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rushmi-shrestha-1902951b4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_rushmi.s_/

Niti Bhargava is the founder and principal broker of GB Financial, arrived in Australia at 20 with three master's degrees, was rejected from 26 jobs before landing a teller role at Bankwest, and spent the next 13 years climbing through CBA from teller to direct lender. But even with all the success she has, Niti left banking in 2020 and started building GB Financial on a tagline most brokers wouldn't dare put on their website: ethical lending, community first. This conversation goes well beyond the loan book. Niti talks about the financial literacy program she runs for migrated women, sessions that started with 60 women from Indian, African, Arabic and European backgrounds in a local MP's office, and now run quarterly with 40-50 attendees, supported by registered translators and local council funding. She also opens up about the cultural weight of being one of two daughters in a family where sons were considered assets and daughters liabilities, why her 16-year-old son is her biggest mirror and motivation, and what legacy actually means to her beyond the business. If you're a broker thinking about community impact, or curious what it looks like to build something meaningful alongside a profitable business, this one's worth your time. 1:05 — From India to Australia at 20 — Three Masters, No Job, and the First Break 3:17 — 13 Years at CBA — Teller to Direct Lender and the Shift to 24/7 Lending 10:14 — Financial Literacy for Migrated Women — How It Started and Why the Gap Is Bigger Than Language 12:14 — The Wake-Up Call Story — A Woman, $650K in Debt and a Husband Who Disappeared 20:01 — The Franchise Exit — Rebuilding From Zero Clients in 2024 23:07 — The Nurse Who Never Looked at a Bank Statement — 35 Years, No Plan, and the Turning Point 27:09 — Awards and Recognition — Governor's Award 2024 and Business Victoria Feature 28:11 — Why She Left CBA — Burnout, Diagnosis and the Decision to Go Alone 34:09 — Owning Your Strengths — Why She Refuses to Apologise for Who She Is 36:15 — What Legacy Really Means — Her 16-Year-Old Son, Accountability and the "Why" 41:39 — Ethical Lending, Community First — Why She Never Wanted to Be "Another Broker" Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Niti Bhargava: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niti-bhargava-mipa-afa-92ab79b2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niti2857/

Lauren Franzmann is a finance broker at Flint, based in Newcastle, and a founding member of Sheinvest. At 23, she's already five years deep in an industry where most people take a decade to see what she's seen in two. She fell into broking through a Facebook ad for a loan processing role while studying economics at Newcastle Uni, and is now working alongside one of Flint's top brokers, handling first home buyers, investors and everything in between on a team processing over 1,000 applications a year. This conversation covers how she got here, and where she's taking it. Lauren breaks down what she's learned seeing "everything there is to see" in two years, why time management (not knowledge) is the biggest challenge at this volume, and how Flint's Newcastle office is structured across local and offshore teams aiming for a billion-dollar book. She talks about her own property strategy, targeting blue-chip growth areas with development potential, working alongside a builder partner who can add value most investors can't, and why she tells every first home buyer the same thing: this isn't your dream home, it's your worst one. She also opens up about Sheinvest, the initiative she co-founded to get more women into property investing, why retention, not entry, is the real issue for women in broking, and what the next 12 months of events, webinars and content look like. If you're a young broker wondering what's possible early in your career, or a woman thinking about property but not sure where to start, this one's for you. 1:49 — Two Years, Everything Seen — The Variety That Took Her From 0 to 100 3:19 — Time, Not Knowledge — The Real Challenge at This Volume 8:17 — What Is SheInvest — Inspiring Women Into Property Investing 13:18 — The Property Strategy — Blue-Chip Growth, Development Potential and a Builder Partner 20:50 — FY27 Plans for SheInvest — Webinars, Events and a Daily Content Push 23:13 — Women in Broking — Why Retention, Not Entry, Is the Real Problem 26:02 — Advice for Women Starting Out — Connection Over Competition 28:05 — The $1 Billion Target — Flint Newcastle's Growth Plan and Team Culture 32:33 — Becoming an Advisor, Not Just a Broker — SMSF, Commercial and Equity Strategies 47:03 — Why Your First Property Should Be the Worst One You'll Ever Buy Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Lauren Franzmann: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-franzmann4010999/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenfranzmann/

Paritosh Wadhwani is the principal broker and director of APW Finance. He’s a migrant from India who arrived with no job, talked his way into ANZ as a part-time teller, and worked his way to commercial lending manager in just under three years. Paritosh breaks down what bankers actually want to see in a submission and why most brokers are presenting deals in a way that makes the assessor's job harder, not easier. He also unpacks how he structures his team across Sydney and India, why he's focusing on clients who want to go from two properties to ten, and what it actually looks like to build a brokerage while running a development business on the side. Paritosh talks candidly about the migrant experience, arriving with nothing, the pressure of building the Australian dream from scratch, and why that background has become one of his biggest advantages with clients. If you're a broker trying to understand complex lending, property investing, or what it looks like to build something real over a long period of time, this one's worth your time. 1:07 — From Scaffolding Sales to ANZ — Why He Took a Pay Cut Everyone Called Stupid 6:05 — What Banks Actually Want — How to Present a Deal So the Assessor Can Say Yes 9:06 — The Indian Migrant Client Opportunity — Why 60% of His Book Is Indian Heritage and What That Means 12:29 — Building an 11-Property Portfolio — The Duplex Rinse-and-Repeat Model and the Mentor Who Changed Everything 14:52 — Buying Interstate in Perth in 2021 — Why He Was Hesitant and Why It Was the Right Call 18:15 — Development Realities — Why Things Never Go to Plan and Where the Numbers Are Breaking Down Now 23:06 — Team Structure — Sydney Office, Three Direct Hires in India and a Marketing Agency 33:17 — FY27 Plans — Scaling the Team, Mentoring New Brokers and Moving to a Strategy-First Model 35:04 — Telling a Client Not to Buy — Why the Right Advice Isn't Always the Transaction Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Paritosh Wadhwani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paritosh-wadhwani/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apwfinance/

Ruan Burger is the founder of Success and Broker and one of the most credible voices in Australian mortgage broking. As a former top 1% broker, he settled 367 deals in a single year out of a regional town of 44,000 people and built a $1 billion brokerage. Ruan breaks down the growth framework he uses with every client and why writing business is easy but finding business is hard. He also unpacks what the $3–5 million broker needs to stop doing, how more staff often slows you down before it speeds you up, and why the bank is your credit team when you don't have one yet. If you're a broker at any stage of the journey, this one will recalibrate how you think about growth. 1:00 — Starting in Gladstone — 44,000 People, 367 Deals, and What Structure Actually Taught Him 8:45 — What's Ahead for Success and Broker — Succession Planning and Why You Need It Before Things Go Wrong 11:21 — The Three-Stage Coaching Model — Growth, Scale and Established — and What Each One Actually Needs 14:12 — The Art vs The Science of Coaching — Why Good Brokers Often Can't Teach 17:26 — The 2–4–6–10 Growth Framework — The Roadmap From New Broker to Top 1% 26:23 — $3–5M Broker Playbook — Less Is More, Hiring for Roles and Letting the Right People Go 30:03 — Grow With the Flow — Credit Analyst to Senior Broker and Why Every Support Person Should Be Able to Write 42:26 — If You Had to Start Again Today — The Perfect Roadmap to the Top 1% as Fast as Possible Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Ruan Burger: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruan-burger-broker-coach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successandbroker/

Ashley Van Rosmalen is a 26-year-old asset finance broker and the founder of Noma Finance. She started her business from a bedroom in Adelaide, took a yacht chef job in Croatia to pay the bills, and was scrambling eggs in a galley while fielding car loan enquiries from her old Mazda clients. When she returned to Australia she decided to go all in on TikTok and Instagram, and is now one of the top 0.5% of car finance creators on TikTok, generating 20 inbound bookings a week as a solo operation. Ashley breaks down why she borrowed her brand strategy from outside the broking industry entirely, how she turned her Mazda dealership background into her strongest content hook, why most brokers pick the wrong niche for the wrong reasons, and what she'd do differently if she started again. If you're a young broker trying to cut through a saturated market, or wondering what's actually possible when you back yourself and go all in, this one will show you. 1:00 — The Origin Story — Starting Noma in a Bedroom While Cooking on a Catamaran in Croatia 3:57 — Going All In on Noma — TikTok, Instagram and the Strategy Behind the Brand 5:23 — Niche Done Right — Why She Stopped Chasing MedFin and Leaned Into What She Already Had 7:29 — TikTok Results — Top 0.5% in Car Finance, 20 Bookings a Week, Near-Zero Ad Spend 10:25 — The 10-Touch-Point Rule — Why Inbound Leads Close Differently 13:29 — Team Building at 26 — Lending Assistant, Commercial Broker, Social Media Manager 17:01 — FY27 Plans — Online Applications, Back-End Systems and Where Noma Is Heading 19:30 — Google Reviews Over Commission Slips — Client Lifetime Value and Why Stickiness Beats Volume 36:12 — Buying at 21 Against Everyone's Advice — $347K Unit, Now Worth $600K Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Ashley Van Rosmale: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-van-rosmalen-4450b0153/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashley_vanrosmalen/

Joanna James is the Chief Development Officer of the FBAA, a licensed architect, former mortgage manager, published author, and one of the most quietly formidable people in Australian financial services. She co-built a mortgage management business to 140 people and $150 million/month before most of the industry had even heard of offshore processing. Then she walked away, went to India, wrote a book, built Australia's first Bio home, and eventually joined the FBAA because she wanted to contribute to something bigger than herself. But this conversation goes well beyond the résumé. Joanna unpacks what she's actually building at the FBAA: a four-stage broker development framework spanning new broker to exit broker, why the industry's approach to mentorship is still fundamentally broken, and what the coming wave of consolidation and AI disruption means for brokers who haven't yet defined what their real value is. She talks candidly about what holds women back in the industry, and why she believes it's less about external barriers than the internal ones, and gets into her concept of human ROI and why the old model of profitability at the expense of people is finished. If you're building something in this industry or trying to figure out where it's all heading, this one will make you think differently. 2:55 — Building to 140 People and $150M a Month — And One of the First Offshore Operations in the Industry 6:28 — The Divorce, the Break, and the Book — What Happened Between Mortgages and the FBAA 8:32 — Why She Joined the FBAA — Moving Laterally to Move Forward 10:16 — What's Really Holding Women Back in Broking — Imposter Syndrome, Physiology and the Internal Barrier 16:43 — The 4-Stage Broker Development Framework — New, Grey, Scale and Exit Broker 24:32 — Leadership, Responsibility and Showing Up — What a Third Grade Lesson Taught Her About Leading People 29:45 — Presenting on Stage, 76 Flights a Year, and How to Not Burn Out Doing It 34:04 — Burning Man, Byron Bay and the Reset Button — What Nobody Knew About Her Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Joanna James: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-james-84a34b2b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannajames_illuminate/

Matt Turner is a partner at GSC Finance in Geelong, a former financial planner who talked his way into a banking role, spent five years earning his stripes as a relationship manager (amongst other roles), and built his way to business partner without ever being handed anything.  In the last 12 months alone, GSC has rebranded, moved offices, launched a sub-aggregation arm, added asset finance, and hired a marketing manager. The momentum is real. But this conversation goes well beyond the business build. Matt talks candidly about the decision to move to Loan Market partner and why they fully committed to their aggregator rather than just staying for the licence, the outsourcing mistake that cost them 12 months of growth, and why he believes Australia has roughly twice as many brokers as it needs. He gets into the complex and commercial lending niche he's deliberately building toward, and why he thinks the brokers who can't do it will be the first ones replaced. Then he opens up about something most people in this industry never say out loud. Two suicide attempts. An ADHD diagnosis that explained a lot. And what it's actually taken, not just what worked, to get to the other side of it. He's not sharing it for sympathy. He's sharing it because he thinks the industry's approach to mental health is still mostly a corporate tick-box, and someone needs to say it plainly. If you're building something or quietly struggling behind the numbers, this one is worth your time. 3:19 — How GSC Finance Was Built — From Two Partners to 20+ People Across Two Countries 8:05 — The Sub-Aggregation Decision — Why They Built a Second Business Inside the Business 13:50 — FY27 Growth Plan — Tightening the Screws and Targeting the Right Market 16:25 — The Outsourcing Mistake That Cost 12 Months of Growth 21:24 — Building the Team — Who's In the Business and Why Each Person Matters 27:24 — Stepping Into a Leadership and Partnership Role — Earning the Right to Own It 31:29 — Raising the Standard of Broking — Why There Are Too Many Brokers and a Broken Mentorship System 39:34 — Matt Opens Up About Mental Health — Two Suicide Attempts, ADHD Diagnosis, and the Long Road Back 46:40 — Why "Are You Okay?" Once a Year Is Not Enough — And What Actually Helps Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/  Connect with Matt Turner:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-turner-20a42693/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geelongbroker/

Pete Davies is a mortgage broker based in Lake Macquarie — a former big four business banker turned underground coal miner, who rebuilt his life from scratch after a separation during Covid and came back to finance with a clarity most brokers never find.  This conversation goes well beyond the loan book. Pete opens up about why he deliberately chose not to go it alone — selecting a mentor with 30 years of experience, negotiating a commission split his peers called remarkable, and building his business around being a present father to two daughters rather than chasing volume. He unpacks his philosophy on debt as a tool for freedom rather than a rate-shopping exercise, why he turned down clients early on that would have cost him more than they paid, and how a coal mining background taught him more about resilience and teamwork than any sales training ever could. He also gets into the habits that underpin everything — time blocking, morning routines, the pen-and-paper end-of-day list that sets up tomorrow's quick wins — and why he believes momentum is built through small consistent actions, not big swings. If you're new to broking, thinking about the transition from banking, or trying to build something sustainable without burning out, this one's worth your time. 1:07 — From Big Four Banking to Underground Coal Mining 3:15 — 18 Months In — The Reality of the Building Phase 6:23 — Choosing the Right Mentor — What Pete Was Looking For 10:26 — FY27 Vision — Building for Sustainability, Not Volume 13:06 — How Separation Reshaped Everything 20:36 — Debt as a Tool for Freedom — Not a Rate-Shopping Exercise 24:14 — What Success Actually Looks Like at 40 29:32 — What Worked and What He'd Never Do Again 36:40 — The Mentor Selection Process — Face to Face, Experience Over Convenience 43:03 — Mindset, Mental Health and Daily Discipline 48:36 — If You Had to Start Again — The One Thing He'd Do Differently Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/  Connect with Pete Davies:  Website: https://www.petedaviesbroker.com.au/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/petedaviesbroker/

Robbo Roper is the founder of Trusted Finance and arguably the most followed finance mind in Australia — 1.7 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, built entirely without spending a single dollar on advertising. But his origin story isn't what you'd expect. He spent a decade as a high school maths teacher, built a 15-staff tutoring centre on the side, and only stumbled into mortgage broking when Covid shut his business down overnight and his income went to zero. This conversation goes well beyond the follower count.  Robbo breaks down exactly how he went from posting one video a day hoping for one lead a month, to generating 500–750 qualified leads per week through a 30-question intake form that filters out everyone who isn't serious. He gets into his three-pillar content framework — education, entertainment, inspiration — why he deliberately made himself harder to contact, how he turned 11 hero videos into 40–60 daily posts across every platform, and the fork-in-the-road decision that transformed him from mortgage broker into a full-scale marketing business. If you're a broker trying to figure out social media, or wondering what's actually possible with consistency over five years, this one will reset your benchmark. 1:05 — From maths teacher to mortgage broker — how Covid shutting down a 15-staff tutoring centre sparked the pivot 7:21 — The turning point - The moment Robbo knew social media had changed everything 13:08 — The 6,900 posts framework - why consistency is the only secret 19:00 — The 3-pillar content strategy — education, entertainment and inspiration, and how to hijack the For You page across every platform 24:57 — Live content creation demo — Robbo films a real video in real time showing the hook-problem-solution structure, segment-by-segment filming and in-app editing 35:05 — 40–60 posts per day from 11 hero videos — the repurposing system, trial reels, and the fatherhood video that hit 48M views and generated 70,000 followers overnight 41:34 — What most brokers are doing wrong — reactive content, RBA-day-only posting, and why the willingness to fail is the real barrier 45:14 — The brand risk nobody talks about — running Trusted Finance solo with zero staff, the "if you die tomorrow" question, and what the next chapter looks like Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/  Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/  Connect with Robbo Roper: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbo-roper-online-marketing-expert-88a56024b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trusted.finance/

Kaylene Edwards is the managing director of Flexify and one of the more honest, self-made stories to come through Beyond The Numbers. She grew up in commission housing, bartended her way through her twenties, and bought her first property at 21 — sleeping in her car between shifts to save the deposit. She later moved into banking as an assessor, watched brokers submit loan after loan, and eventually thought: I can do this better. So she did. Flexify was born, and she's been building it ever since — as a single mum, without a mentor, figuring it out in real time. But this conversation goes well beyond the origin story. Kaylene talks candidly about what it really takes to build a broking business from scratch — the social media strategy she's used from day one, why she'd rather get six likes from the right people than a million views from the wrong ones, and how she's doubling her team heading into FY27. She opens up about building a niche she didn't choose — self-employed borrowers and property investors — and how 20% of her Brisbane-based book ended up in Kalgoorlie. She also gets into what she believes is holding women back from staying in broking, and what a genuine solution to that might look like. If you're a broker trying to build something real from nothing, or just want a reminder of what backing yourself actually looks like — this one's for you. 1:13 Working as an Assessor — Watching Brokers and Thinking She Could Do It Better 7:13 The Moment She Saw What Brokers Got Paid 13:22 FY27 Plans — Doubling the Team and Launching Paid Ads 16:40 Social Media Ad Strategy — What She's Actually Testing 19:23 Do You Want Exposure or Do You Want to Get Rich? 24:27 The Hardest Parts Nobody Warns You About 29:09 Why Women Leave Broking — and Her Idea to Fix It 35:26 AI and Automation — What's Actually Saving Her Time 48:29 Sleeping in Her Car to Save Her First Property Deposit Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Kaylene Edwards: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleneedwards/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flexify.au/

Simon Lewis is the founder of Broker Capital, a trail book lender built specifically for mortgage brokers who want to grow — without selling what they've spent years building. In this episode, Simon unpacks how trail book funding actually works, why most brokers don't realise they're sitting on a borrowable asset, and how Broker Capital is funding deals in as little as two days. He breaks down the four main reasons brokers come to him — growing a team, buying out a partner, acquiring another book, or consolidating debt — and why the banks simply won't touch most of these situations. But this conversation goes deeper than product. Simon shares what a high-quality trail book actually looks like under the hood — loan age, clawback rates, run-off, growth trajectory — and why the average book transacted at nearly 3x in FY25. He talks about the consolidation wave reshaping Australian broking, why the smaller operators are feeling the squeeze, and what ambitious brokers should be doing right now to capitalise on it. He also opens up about what it's really like being four months into building a business from scratch — wearing every hat, figuring it out in real time, and why he believes the broking industry is in a golden window that won't last forever. If you're a mortgage broker sitting on a trail book and wondering what your next move is — this one's for you. 3:45 The Beginner's Guide to Trail Book Funding 9:00 Acquisitions 101: Buying a Book With $0 Out of Pocket 12:40 What Makes a Good Borrower — and Who Gets Declined 19:10 The 4 Reasons Brokers Come to Broker Capital 23:15 What Makes a High-Quality Trail Book (Run-Off, Clawbacks, Loan Age) 25:20 Biggest Clawback Horror Stories 30:25 Generalist vs Specialist: Where the Industry Is Heading 33:00 The Long-Term Vision for Broker Capital Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Simon Lewis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonlewisbrokercapital/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonlewis_brokercapital/

Chris Raymond, founder of Unconditional Finance, joins Christian Stevens on this week's episode of Beyond The Numbers. With 25 years across banking and broking — from loan documentation and credit analysis to becoming a #1 BDM nationally — Chris built Unconditional Finance from a single relationship that generated $67 million in his first year as a broker. But it wasn't overnight. From going all-in on one referral partner after lying about his experience to building a 25-person team running over $300 million a year, Chris opens up about the deliberate, unglamorous decisions behind that growth — the foundations-first philosophy, why he refused to blow up his back office chasing volume, and how he's used an internal traineeship model to promote brokers who write $60–70 million in their first year. He also talks about the equity conversations nobody has with their team, what it actually takes to step off the tools, and why he still believes relationship-based business will always outperform the social media lead machine. If you're a mortgage broker, brokerage owner, or anyone building something in financial services from the ground up — this one's for you. 4:55 $67M in Year One — From One Referral Partner He Lied To 7:00 How Unconditional Finance Grew to 25 People 10:30 Managing Gen Z Brokers: Cuddles vs. Boot Camps 13:15 Why Brokers Need to Specialise (Not Just Settle Loans) 17:00 The Back-Office Philosophy That Stopped Him Blowing Up 21:30 Getting Off the Tools: The Traineeship-to-Broker Pipeline 26:00 Equity, Ownership, and Keeping Your Best People 29:00 Writing 300M and Still Up at 4:30am: The Real Cost of Big Numbers 33:00 Expansion Plans, Acquisition Offer, and What's Next for 2027 38:00 Three Referral Partners, 14 Properties, and His Biggest Investing Mistake Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Chris Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-chris/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_unconditionalfinance/

Julian Fayad, Founder and CEO of LoanOptions.ai, joins Christian Stevens on this week's episode of Beyond The Numbers. As Australia's first AI-powered loan comparison platform, FBAA Industry Champion of the Year, and a Deloitte Tech Fast 50 company, Julian has been building AI in financial services since 2020 — years before it was mainstream. He joins Christian to unpack the full story of how it happened. But it wasn't a straight line. From building a loan matching engine in an Excel spreadsheet at midnight, to walking away from a publicly listed company during COVID with nothing but his non-compete removed, Julian opens up about what it really took to build LoanOptions.ai from the ground up into a team of 35 with operations in Australia and New Zealand. He speaks candidly about the difference between AI hype and AI that actually works, why he refused to let lenders pay to rank higher on his platform, and the coming product releases he believes will triple the business in 12 months. This episode is a rare look inside one of Australia's most exciting fintech companies — and the obsessive, uncompromising founder who built it. If you're a mortgage broker, business owner, or anyone curious about where AI in lending is actually headed, this one's for you. 3:15 - From Admin to State Manager: Julian's Path Into Finance 6:00 - The Midnight Excel Spreadsheet That Started It All 8:16 - Why COVID Changed Everything — and Led to LoanOptions.ai 11:30 - Refusing to Let Lenders Pay to Rank Higher on the Platform 13:00 - From B2C to B2B2C: Finding the Business Model That Actually Works 20:45 - What "AI Native Business" Actually Means (and Why It Matters) 29:32 - Team Culture: How Julian Runs a Team of 35 Mid-to-Late 20s 37:54 - What's Coming Next: New Products, NZ Expansion & the Partnership That Could Triple the Business Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Julian Fayad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianfayad/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianfayad/

Leigh Morris, mortgage broker and founder of SFP Financial, joins Christian Stevens on this week's episode of Beyond The Numbers. As a former financial planner turned content creator, Leigh has built a following of 50,000+ across social media, hit 2.7 million views on a single video, and books out his calendar weeks in advance — all without spending a dollar on ads. But the journey wasn't overnight. From posting every week for months with barely any views, to making a personal promise he wouldn't stop until a video hit a million — Leigh opens up about what it really takes to build a brand from scratch while running a lifestyle brokerage by design. He speaks candidly about the mistakes, the grind, and the decisions he'd do differently — including why he'd never buy a loan book again, and how he built an offshore team that handles 600 client reviews a year so he doesn't have to. This episode is an honest look at content, consistency, and what it means to build a business around your life — not the other way around. 5:12 - Why a Financial Planning Background Makes You a Better Broker 10:45 - Starting From Zero: Posting Every Week With Barely Any Views 16:36 - How Viral Content Converts Into Booked Meetings 22:13 - Designing a Lifestyle Business: The Team Structure Behind SFP Financial 30:10 - The Offshore Team System & 600 Client Reviews a Year 35:47 - What He'd Do Differently: Why He'd Never Buy a Loan Book Again 38:23 - FY27 Goals: Paid Ads, More Content & Stepping Back From the Day-to-Day Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Leigh Morris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighjmorris/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financial.leigh/

From arriving in Australia with just $1,500 in his pocket to becoming the #1 mortgage broker for the Nepalese community — Raj Sapkota’s story is one of relentless grit, smart strategy, and playing to your strength. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Raj to unpack the immigrant mindset that turned a cleaner's wage into a multi-million dollar property portfolio and a thriving broking business settling $80 million this year. Raj shares the raw truth behind his early broking years — bad mentors, no support, and having to figure it out alone — and how turning those struggles into content became his greatest business weapon. From a viral investor journey video that flooded his phone with 30+ calls a day, to posting property education every morning before 5am, Raj's strategy is as disciplined as it is authentic. His philosophy is simple: educate first, sell never — and the results speak for themselves. If you're a mortgage broker, property investor, or aspiring entrepreneur trying to build something from nothing, this one's for you. 1:01 — Raj's Story: $1,500 & A One-Way Ticket to Australia 8:08 — "Property Is Shelter in Nepal, Wealth in Australia" — the mindset shift that changed everything 13:35 — Niching Down: Why Raj Went All-In on the Nepalese Community 15:30 — The Viral Video That Generated 30+ Calls a Day 26:37 — Why Raj Chose Flint Over Building His Own Business 31:34 — The Mentorship Crisis — what went wrong before finding the right support 35:22 — On Track for Top 1% — what's next for Raj in 2025 Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Raj Sapkota: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkumarsapkota/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raj_mortgage_broker/

Rhianna Farnan, Chief Communications Officer at Derwent Finance and mental health advocate, joins Christian Stevens on this week's episode of Beyond The Numbers. As FBAA Tasmania State President, Artemis Ambassador, and the 2025 Better Business Awards Thought Leader of the Year, Rhianna shares the story behind building one of Australia's leading mortgage broking firms - starting from a bedroom at just 18 years old. But the journey wasn’t smooth.From a failed Melbourne expansion that nearly brought the business undone, to pioneering TikTok for mortgage brokers and generating more than 150 leads a month, Rhianna opens up about what it really takes to build something over a decade. She speaks candidly about the mistakes, the pressure, and the moment things almost collapsed - including a time when the business was struggling so much they couldn’t afford to buy groceries. This episode is a raw look at resilience, rebuilding, and what it takes to keep going when everything feels like it’s falling apart. If you're a mortgage broker, business owner, or anyone building something from scratch, this one's for you. 5:13 — The Melbourne Expansion That Nearly Destroyed Everything 8:17 — Running a Business With Your Partner: The Honest Truth 11:30 — Why She Founded a Mental Health Event for the Industry 19:07 — How TikTok Became Their Biggest Lead Source (150/Month) 22:29 — Viral ≠ Leads: The Content Strategy That Actually Works 31:42 — How the Back Office Is Structured (Offshore, Settlements, PA) 36:23 — The First Date Was a Disaster — Here's What Changed 39:19 — Balancing Ambition, Kids & Knowing When to Step Back 50:10 — Where the Mortgage Broking Industry Is Heading Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Rhianna Farnan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhianna-farnan-055a2716b/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rhiannafarnan/

Melissa Procajlo, founder of Pro Good Finance, began her career in project management within the mining sector, working on large-scale quarry and infrastructure projects across Australia. The role demanded long hours, tough environments, and resilience - lessons that would later shape the way she approaches business. In this episode of Beyond The Numbers, Mel shares how she transitioned into mortgage broking and eventually launched her own brokerage after nearly a decade in the industry. But this conversation goes beyond business. Mel talks openly about what it really takes to build something meaningful while raising a young family - balancing motherhood, business ownership, and the realities of entrepreneurship. She also reflects on the importance of having a strong partner beside you, and how the choices you make as a family shape the life and business you build together. In this conversation we talk about the resilience Mel developed working in mining, what it was really like leaving a top brokerage to start her own business, and the responsibility that comes with building a team who trusted her vision. She also shares why the best businesses are built on relationships, not chasing leads, the simple strategy behind the 8-10 referral partners who now drive most of her business, and why consistency beats any growth strategy every time. If you're a broker thinking about going out on your own, building your referral network, or just trying to show up better every day - this one's for you. 0:00 - From Mining Sites to Mortgage Broking 4:12 - Launching Pro Good Finance: The Leap & The Fear 9:01 - How Mel Became a "Super Mum" (Her Honest Answer) 13:27 - Buying a House Without Pre-Approval (Broker Confesses) 15:44 - Building the Team: Offshore Staff & Hiring Her Brother 18:21 - Biggest Year Ever in Her First Year of Business 25:20 - Why You Need a Village to Raise a Business 33:56 - The Referral Mistake That Wasted 5 Years 38:28 - Social Media, Content & Standing Out in 2025 41:59 - The One Thing Every New Broker Must DoL earn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Melissa Procajlo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaprocajlo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melprocajlo_broker/

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Ben Robinson, Flint Director, top 1% broker, and the man building Newcastle's first billion-dollar brokerage. Ben shares his unconventional journey from mustering 20,000 cattle on a 2.5 million acre station in the Northern Territory to becoming one of the highest-performing brokers in Australia. He reveals how he built a team structure that allowed him to take 5 weeks completely off without answering a single call or email, why he's targeting $300M in settlements this year, and the exact tech stack and systems that let his team handle 13 new enquiries in a single day. Whether you're a broker looking to scale past the $50-100M ceiling, trying to build a team that runs without you, or searching for the habits and routines that separate the top 1% from everyone else, this conversation is packed with actionable insights from someone who's actually done it. 0:00 - Introduction: Meet the top 1% broker building Newcastle's first billion-dollar brokerage 1:39 - From jackaroo mustering 20,000 cattle to mortgage broking 5:02 - Inside his team structure: The "pod within a pod" model 12:02 - How his team handles 13 new enquiries in a single day 20:24 - The hardest part: Transitioning from broker to leader 28:59 - The "Third Space" concept: How he switches off after work 35:09 - Announcement: Ben is now a partner at Flint 44:43 - 2025 targets: $300M settled this year, half a billion next year Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Ben Robinson:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben--robinson/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/benrobinson_flint/

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Eric Dill, the co-founder of Quickli - the tech platform that has revolutionised how over 13,000 mortgage brokers assess serviceability across 35+ lenders. Eric shares the unfiltered story of building Quickli from a spreadsheet proof-of-concept to the industry's most essential tool, why he's never raised a single dollar of outside capital, and how he's been working Australian hours (6pm-2am) from the US for three years straight. He also reveals what's coming next with Quickli Pro, including their AI-powered credit analyst "Jiffy," and why becoming an aggregator is NOT on the cards. Whether you're a broker curious about the tech transforming your workflow, or an entrepreneur wondering how to build something essential without outside funding, this conversation delivers. 0:00 - Introduction: The man who revolutionised a $400 billion industry 5:43 - Quickli Pro launch: AI tools, Jiffy, and what's coming next 11:35 - Will lenders return to asset finance? The future of the industry 24:28 - Early days: From free trial to flipping the payment switch 27:17 - Never raised capital: How they bootstrapped to 40+ employees 31:48 - Business partnerships are a marriage: How Eric and Angus make it work 40:45 - How Quickli is levelling the playing field for smaller brokers Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/  Connect with Eric Dill:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericraydill/

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Sinead Grant - a FlintDirector and one of the most exciting young brokers coming through the industry. At just 22, Sinead has already built a portfolio of two investment properties, is on track for five by 25, and has grown a personal brand from scratch by simply putting herself out there and creating consistent content. She shares the exact social media system she uses to generate multiple enquiries per week, how she can film 20 videos in an hour with nothing more than an iPhone, and why she believes rentvesting is one of the most realistic ways for young Australians to get into the property market. Whether you’re feeling priced out, thinking about investing, or considering a career in broking, this is a practical and honest conversation with someone who’s actually doing it. 0:00 — Meet the FlintDirector, who's chasing 5 properties by 25 4:06 — The rent-vesting strategy that changed everything 10:05 — Live demo: Creating a video on the spot with just an iPhone 14:20 — From zero leads to multiple inquiries per week in 90 days 16:47 — Big goals: Third property, SheInvests, and 6-10M monthly settlements 25:03 — Why educating young women on property matters 34:28 — Advice for new brokers: Find a mentor and just start. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Sinead Grant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-grant-718647241/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grantmefinance/

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Max Harris, Associate Director at Azura Finance - one of Australia’s leading brokerages - and a 7x Top 100 Broker. Max shares how he went from being a part-time uni student cold-calling buyers at open homes to settling over $300M in loans this year, backed by a lean but highly effective team. Whether you’re a new broker chasing your first deal, or an experienced operator looking to scale without burning out, Max breaks down what actually works - hiring offshore vs onshore, building long-term referral relationships, managing client expectations, and preparing for an AI-driven future in lending. This is a practical, honest conversation about growth, pressure, and building something that lasts. 0:00 – Introduction: Meet Max Harris, 7x Top 100 Broker & Azura's Associate Director 5:15 – Azura's Growth Story: From 4 people to 50 staff across two floors in Double Bay 8:02 – The Multi-Mentor Approach: Why one mentor isn't enough for elite performance 12:23 – Team Structure Breakdown: Offshore vs onshore hires and the $50M junior broker mistake 19:03 – The Numbers: $130M → $200M → $300M in 3 years (and the systems behind it) 26:42 – Tech Stack Confession: Why a $300M broker still runs on Google Sheets + AI "James" 30:14 – Future-Proofing Your Business: Why simple PAYG loans will be eaten by AI 38:35 – Trust Lending Crackdown: What the recent policy changes mean for investors 42:22 – Career Advice: Hire earlier, build fewer but deeper referral relationships, slow down proposals Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Max Harris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxharrisazurafinancial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxharris_____/

David Hyman - Co-Founder, Lendi Group, reveals how AI is fundamentally reshaping the mortgage broking industry. With a $107 billion loan book and 1,400 brokers under management, David shares the inside story of merging two major brands, building AI agents that analyse 600-page contracts in under two minutes, and why brokers who don't adapt may not survive the next five years. From taking top brokers on study tours to Anthropic, Nvidia and Salesforce in San Francisco, to deploying AI voice agents that increased customer engagement from 17% to 80%, this episode breaks down the practical reality of going "AI native" in financial services. Whether you're a mortgage broker, business owner, or just curious about how AI is changing traditional industries, this conversation offers a rare look inside one of Australia's most innovative financial services groups. 0:00 — Stepping down as CEO to go all-in on AI 5:01 — The painful reality of integrating 1,400 brokers 15:54 — What AI agents actually are (and why they're not replacing brokers) 19:04 — Contract Analyser: 600 pages reviewed in under 2 minutes 28:24 — "If you're not using AI, you may not have a job in 5 years" 33:30 — The vision: Redefining how Australians buy property 44:10 — How to actually use AI in your workflow (practical tips) If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with David Hyman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhyman/

Aaron Christie David went from corporate banking at Commonwealth Bank to building one of Australia's top-performing mortgage brokerages in just 10 years. In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with his close friend and mentor to unpack the mindset shifts, team structures, and brutal truths that separate elite brokers from the rest. From leaving a stable corporate career with "no Plan B" to serving the top 1% of property investors, Aaron reveals why most brokers plateau, how he built a team that runs without him, and why the simple stuff done consistently beats technical expertise every time. If you're a mortgage broker, business owner, or anyone looking to level up your career while maintaining balance, this conversation delivers real talk on what it actually takes. 0:00 – Why Aaron left corporate banking with no Plan B 5:42 – The Mindset Shift that separates elite brokers from average 11:00 – Mentorship is broken: What real P2P learning looks like 17:49 – Niche Strategy: What he'd do differently starting today 23:56 – Social media built him a $Billions pipeline (how to replicate it) 39:33 – Team Structure Breakdown: From power broker to loan strategist 45:10 – Post-settlement retention: How they keep 95% of clients 58:04 – Abundance vs Scarcity: Why broker vs broker is killing the industry 1:05:07 – Vision boards, executive coaching & eliminating blind spots If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Aaron Christie David: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronchristiedavid/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronc_d/

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Dana Blewitt, founder of The Lenders Club and one of Australia's top mortgage brokers specialising in SMSF lending. Dana discusses why women are entering broking but failing to stay beyond five years, why new brokers spread themselves too thin trying to do everything, and how mastering the basics in one niche creates more success than being a jack of all trades. She shares her advice on setting boundaries, building referral partnerships, and the crucial role of communication in managing high volumes, a practical blueprint for brokers at any stage. If you're looking to scale your brokerage, master a specialist lending niche, or learn how successful brokers balance business growth with family life, this conversation delivers actionable insights from someone who's built it from scratch. 0:00 – Introduction: Dana Blewitt, one of Australia's best brokers 2:00 – How Dana accidentally fell into SMSF lending 7:20 – 300-400 deals a year with a team of just 7 people 11:45 – Why women leave broking within 5 years (and what needs to change) 17:50 – "Master the basics" – the mistake new brokers keep making 22:10 – Biggest regret: Not hiring sooner and backing herself 25:55 – 2026 vision: Expanding digital ads, Europe trip, and moving house 38:30 – Why a supportive partner makes or breaks broker success If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens:  LinkedIn:   / propertyfinance    Instagram: / cmrstevens   Connect with Dana Blewitt:  LinkedIn: / Dana Blewitt née FraserInstagram:  / danaf1

In this episode of Beyond The Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Morgan Owen, founder of Penny Finance. From a nutrition degree and a career in the fitness industry to building a national finance brand, Morgan’s journey is defined by resilience and a "figure it out" mentality. After a business partnership and marriage both collapsed, Morgan launched Penny Finance from a one-bedroom apartment with "less than nothing". In this raw conversation, she explains how she turned rock bottom into a catalyst for growth, building a powerhouse brand centered on bold marketing and a digital-first strategy. Morgan breaks down her "conveyor belt" business model, the realities of scaling with onshore and offshore teams, and her ultimate vision for vertical integration. This is a masterclass in leadership, brand positioning, and the grit required to thrive as a strong woman in a male-dominated industry. Chapters: 00:00:00 From Fitness to Finance: Bluffing into a career 00:06:30 Bold Branding: Why Penny Finance stands out 00:13:00 Rock Bottom: Launching during a divorce and business collapse 00:20:00 The "Conveyor Belt" Model: Driving volume through structure 00:27:00 Scaling Teams: Managing onshore and offshore staff 00:34:00 Partnerships & Affiliates: A new model for empowering brokers 00:41:00 Predatory Lending: Early warning signs to watch 00:48:00 Dealing with Haters: Staying true to yourself in business 00:55:00 The Digital Pivot: Life beyond Instagram 01:00:00 The Legacy Play: Stepping back to build an asset If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Morgan Owen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganowenbroker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_pennyfinance/

In this episode of Beyond The Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with Peter White AM, Managing Director of the FBAA and one of the most respected advocates the Australian mortgage broking industry has ever had. Peter’s career spans decades. He started in banking in the 1970s, moved into investment banking, built his own brokerage in regional New South Wales and became one of the first brokers in Australia to advertise on television. He has lived every version of this industry, from fax machines and Olivetti computers through to today’s conversations about AI. Over the years, Peter has been front and centre of every major regulatory change shaping modern broking. From the Uniform Consumer Credit Code to the NCCP Act and Best Interests Duty, he has been in the room fighting for brokers and for the long term health of the industry. That work was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to both broking and mental health. This conversation goes well beyond policy and headlines. Peter speaks openly about clawbacks, net-of-offset commissions and the growing frustration around channel conflict, including where he believes the industry needs to draw a firm line in the sand on remuneration. He also shares why he believes banks and brokers must work together, not push the industry into a race to the bottom. But this episode is just as much about people as it is about business. Peter opens up about mental health, living with anxiety, finding balance and what culture really means when you strip it back. From “Toasty Tuesdays” to motorbikes and sleep routines, he shares simple but powerful lessons on leadership, resilience and actually caring about the people around you. This is not a highlight reel. It’s an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable career, lead through change and still find peace along the way. This is Beyond The Numbers. Chapters: 00:00:00 23 years at the FBAA: From volunteer roles to Managing Director 00:07:30 Cutting teeth in the 70s: The era of Olivetti computers and the first ATMs 00:15:00 The regulatory milestones that shaped the modern broker 00:22:00 The truth about clawbacks and the 342% increase in lost commissions 00:30:00 Channel Conflict: Why major banks are creating a "race to the bottom" 00:37:00 Winning an AM: Advocacy beyond the industry line 00:45:00 The "Black Dog": Peter’s raw advice on mental health and anxiety 00:52:00 Toasty Tuesdays and why culture is just about being human 01:00:00 Finding peace: 1900cc motorbikes and the power of being present 01:05:00 AI and the future: Why the "Terminator" isn't coming for your job yet If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Peter White: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-j-white-am-b094607/ Website: https://www.fbaa.com.au/

In the debut episode of Beyond The Numbers, Christian Stevens sits down with his business partner Redom Syed - Managing Director and Co-Founder of Flint, former Federal Treasury economist, and one of Australia’s most respected mortgage minds. Redom’s story doesn’t start in finance. It starts at 14, helping his family through financial hardship - long before strategy, markets, or lending were career paths. After landing his dream role at the Federal Treasury, analysing household behaviour and economic policy, Redom made an unexpected move - he walked away. Armed with data, conviction, and a laptop in his bedroom, he built a brokerage grounded in education, clarity, and long-term thinking. Along the way, he settled more than a billion dollars in loans and became a Top 100 Broker seven years running and earned a reputation for cutting through noise and explaining the why behind the numbers. In this episode, Redom breaks down how he built his business through content and education - generating 1,300+ warm leads in nine months from YouTube alone. He shares the mastery framework behind his growth, why he merged a successful business into the Flint vision, and what it really takes to scale a company to 100+ staff in 12 months. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a raw conversation about self-doubt, lonely decisions, fatherhood, and the moment that reshaped how Redom thinks about success and impact. This is Beyond The Numbers - real conversations, real lessons, and the thinking that sits beneath exceptional outcomes. Chapters: 00:00:00 At14-year-old he started giving his parents financial advice 00:06:30 He left his dream job at Treasury – everyone thought he was crazy 00:13:00 How YouTube generates 100+ warm leads every month 00:20:00 Why he cannibalised a top brokerage to merge with Flint 00:27:00 The brutal truth about scaling to 100+ staff in 12 months 00:34:00 Most brokers won't do this, it's a huge mistake 00:41:00 The mastery framework that separates good brokers from great ones 00:48:00 The night he heard his father cry changed everything 00:55:00 Managing multiple businesses without losing your mind 01:00:00 The no-douchebag policy and why culture will make or break you If you want to build a sustainable, profitable broking business and learn from the best in the industry, subscribe and never miss an episode. Are you a broker and want to elevate their craft, build a brand that stands out, and ultimately help more Australians achieve financial freedom? Learn more about Flint: https://flintgroup.au/ Connect with Christian Stevens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/propertyfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmrstevens/ Connect with Redom Syed: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/investmentfinance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCDOeVDy-Fjddc7vla7CJNxQ