Six-month initiative helps brokers scale operations through coaching, strategy sessions, and business masterclasses
Loan Market’s inaugural Elevate program has delivered promising results, with participants boosting their settlement figures by an average of 45%.
The six-month growth initiative, led by Michael Karpathakis (pictured above), targets business owners handling 75 to 100 clients annually who are seeking to scale their operations.
The Elevate program combines personalised, intensive coaching sessions with Karpathakis every fortnight, aimed at unlocking each broker's potential. It also includes monthly in-person meetings focused on sharing success stories, strategic insights and fostering accountability. Additionally, masterclasses covering profitability, benchmarking, marketing, talent management and leadership are designed to equip brokers with essential business skills.
“Breaking through into that next level can be a pain point for many brokers,” Karpathakis said. “Elevate is beyond the traditional growth program – it’s a commitment to real transformation. We delve into the core of each business, identifying unique paths to scalability and profitability. We’ve seen immediate impacts with the first cohort of Elevate and we’re continuing that momentum with new groups.”
Among the graduates of the program, which was launched last year, is Preet Samra, a former Deloitte manager who transitioned into broking during the pandemic. Before Elevate, Samra reported working long hours alongside a small support team and struggling to manage growing business demands.
“I had come from a role where I was really enjoying my work and having a lot of fun, but I wanted a new direction,” she said. “But what I had created for myself was stressful – I really wasn’t enjoying it.
“Prior to Elevate, I really felt like I was in a game of ‘whack-a-mole’ – turning my attention to whatever issue raised its head without any strategic approach. Elevate taught me that I didn’t have strong enough processes in place, and if I wanted to create a business of attraction, I needed to change that.”
By implementing strategic adjustments, participating in a Kaizen session to improve efficiency, and maintaining accountability through regular check-ins, Samra saw tangible improvements.
In the six months following the program, her business has hired an additional experienced broker, increased lodgements by 70%, and set a target to reach $120 million in settlements for financial year 2025.
Samra also now dedicates one day each month exclusively to business development, free from appointments and with minimal interruptions.
“The most important thing I can say about Elevate is that you need to do everything they say – not cherry pick parts of the program,” she said. “Everything works in combination, not isolation. I’m now moving toward a role in the business where I will be writing less, and managing and mentoring more – just as I was doing in my previous role.”
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