Meet the OnDeck BDM who believes in nurturing strong relationships
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: Victoria (Tori) Eagles
Years in the industry: 8
Company: OnDeck
Location: Brisbane, QLD
- What did you do before entering the industry?
Prior to my career in Finance/Fintech I was in the travel industry! I worked for a company on the Gold Coast that specialized in wholesale travel to New Zealand before departing on my first OE to the UK and Europe. When I returned to Australia, I made the move to Sydney where I started out in the Fintech space and have never looked back.
- How often do you see mortgage brokers in a week?
Admittedly it’s been challenging throughout lockdown, however on an average week prior to COVID-19 I’d typically attend up to 15 face-to-face meetings, plus any industry events. I truly believe that business is heavily built on relationships so to go and meet someone in person and grab a coffee, tea or juice is the perfect way to nurture the relationship. After all, who doesn’t like getting out of the office for a coffee!
- What do mortgage brokers want most from you?
Education and support. Most brokers I connect with in my space are hungry to learn more in order to be able to support their clients with more options, so I get a lot of requests for training on the products we offer and how to best integrate it within their business. Support is also a key aspect. As BDMs, I see our role as connecting our company, product and business with the market, and supporting our referrers to best utilize it so being contactable, approachable and supportive is SO crucial.
- What is your favourite part of the job?
Funnily enough, educating brokers! To me, there’s nothing more humbling than being able to empower someone with knowledge and the tools to grow their business, and then watching them succeed.
- What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
The best brokers are those who have an open mind and focus on working smarter not harder, using tools at their disposal and working with - not against - their network of professionals in the industry. I’ve found that those who are organised and on board with new technology get more out of their day so that they can choose to either spend the extra time ramping up the business or having more of a work life balance with family.
- What’s your ideal weekend?
I’m a massive foodie and quite an active person so my ideal weekend would start with a long run at the end of a Friday (~15km – yes, I’m nuts!) to wind down and reflect on the week gone and the next week ahead. I’m quite partial to a hike or gym session on Saturday and either brunch with friends or a night out with good food, quality wine and great company.
- What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
What a question! I see quirky scenarios every day from brokers and their SME clients which makes life very interesting, but I’d say the most unique on my desk at the moment is for a manufacturer of Easter eggs who’ve run out of sugar!
- What's your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
Have a routine, and work on perfecting it. I’ve always been someone to get the most out of each day and if I have a firm routine in place, there are many elements that you don’t need to waste time thinking about. Once you’ve set the routine, work on tweaking pieces to make your day even more efficient. Also, never underestimate the power of coffee! It makes you move faster!! 😉
- What’s your favourite meal?
Anything Japanese or veggie based. Miso eggplant, agedashi tofu, vegetable tempura. I was vegan for a short stint and have always stuck to mostly plant based foods so if someone recommends a good vegan restaurant, I’m there!
