This Suncorp BDM feels inspired by assisting the growing businesses of both brokers and customers
BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same questions – giving you regular insights into the lives of some of the top BDMs in the country.
Name: Jason Brazier
Years in the industry: 31
Company: Suncorp Bank
Location: Brisbane
- What did you do before entering the industry?
I entered the banking industry as a school leaver and although that was some time ago, I still hold the same passion for the industry now as I did back then. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience many different roles across the industry which has all led me to the fantastic commercial BDM role I have now.
- How often do you see mortgage brokers in a week?
Prior to the current COVID-19 environment I would have between 10–12 broker meetings per week. Now my world is all about connecting with and supporting brokers over the phone so I’m finding that I can now get to around 30 brokers each week. This would be in addition to any virtual aggregator events or education workshops that I would be involved in.
- What do mortgage brokers want most from you?
I believe that brokers want what every other business owner is seeking from their business partners, a timely and knowledgeable response from someone they trust and respect. I mostly work as a sounding board for potential scenarios and provide guidance when it comes to the bank’s policies and current appetite.
- What is your favourite part of the job?
I really enjoy building relationships with commercial brokers and learning about their businesses. The industry is filled with many interesting and motivated brokers who love what they do so it’s a pleasure spending time with these people. I’m also really interested in the role brokers play with customers and feel quite inspired by being a part of achieving great outcomes for small businesses. The fact that I can assist in growing the business of customers and brokers at the same time is also very rewarding.
- What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
The ability to have a comprehensive understanding of their client’s business and finance requirements distinguishes great brokers from the rest. From this understanding, they can highlight and mitigate any perceived risks which ensures not only a better outcome for the business, but also a better customer experience during the application process. And what’s great is that learning this competency is accessible to all brokers, and this is something I help brokers with at Suncorp.
- What’s your ideal weekend?
It would involve getting away with my beautiful partner, Mel, and relaxing in either a rural or beach setting, enjoying a couple of cold beverages followed by a nice meal at a good restaurant. And if a game of golf happens to slip in, then that’s a bonus. Oh, and having both my favourite football teams, the Sydney Swans and Canberra Raiders, have a win would top off what would be a great weekend.
- What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
Being in the commercial finance space I’ve come across my share of unusual or ‘out-of-the-box’ scenarios. However, one that comes to mind involved looking at finance options for one of Queensland’s first legalised cannabis farms. The owner of course was in the medical industry and not a user of the product but just thinking about the other ways one might gain experience in farming cannabis was amusing.
- What's your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
Once you start doing a work-related activity that needs your full concentration, don’t stop or allow yourself to become distracted or interrupted. I find the best way to avoid this is to turn all phones and screens off. Otherwise you can end up going over the same aspects time and time again and it will take you twice as long to complete.
- What’s your favourite meal?
My partner owns a Brisbane bayside café and is also a foodie at heart, so I get to experience a lot of different restaurants and foods in the name of ‘research’. However, as anyone who knows me will confirm that I am a total steak person. I love a perfectly cooked steak, medium-rare, no sauces, with a side of veggies or salad. Perfection.
