He has worked in financial services his entire working life
Embarking on a journey that started with a spark of interest during his A-levels, Craig Fish’s career in financial services has been a lifelong dedication to helping others navigate the complex world of personal finance.
From his early banking days to his foray into commercial finance, he discovered his true passion lay in mortgages.
As the founder of Lodestone Mortgages and Protection, Fish was keen to share with Mortgage Introducer the story of how he found his calling.
Getting into the industry
Fish has worked in financial services his entire working life, and in the mortgage broking industry for two decades.
After taking economics at John Leggott Sixth Form College, in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, Fish was employed as customer service manager, and later, mortgage advisor at Halifax in 1989. Almost 10 years later, he was recruited by wealth solutions provider Lombard International to be an account manager.
Then, in 2003, he decided to become a self-employed mortgage broker.
“I’ve always wanted to be my own boss,” Fish said. “I became a mortgage broker on a self-employed basis, but that wasn’t enough. I wanted to create a lasting brand that reflected me and my ethos.
“In the midst of the global pandemic, when uncertainty loomed large, I realized it was time to turn my aspirations into reality. Fuelled by a burning passion to make a difference, I took the leap and launched Lodestone.”
For him, his vision was crystal clear: to establish a mortgage brokerage that would redefine excellence in client service, while fostering a culture of growth and reward for his team of dedicated brokers.
Motivations to continue as a broker
Throughout his 18-year tenure as a self-employed broker, Fish explained, he had the privilege of building strong, enduring connections with his clients.
“These relationships extended beyond transactions and transformed into genuine friendships,” he stated. “Some clients even became trusted mentors, providing invaluable guidance along the way. It was these personal interactions that stirred within me a desire to chart my own course, providing an environment where integrity, trust, and genuine care for clients and brokers alike could thrive.”
Fish said that he also had this “real drive to deliver.”
“In this modern, post-pandemic, post-credit crunch, world of mortgages, lenders are asking many more questions of clients, and in many cases, you would be forgiven for thinking that they just don’t want to do business,” he noted.
“This is where my momentum comes into its own. Where I believe it is right to do so, I will fight harder than anyone to secure the best outcome for my clients, and I will not give up until I deliver.”
Looking to the future
Fish shared that since Lodestone’s inception in 2021, it set an ambitious goal of expanding the team to five brokers within five years.
“I am thrilled to share that we have already welcomed our third broker, a testament to our growing presence and reputation,” he said. “Lodestone has quickly gained recognition as one of the top 100 advisers in our network, a position we are determined to maintain and surpass.
“As we continue to build our legacy, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide a first-class service, making a positive impact on the lives of our clients and ensuring the growth and fulfilment of our dedicated team.”
Are you a mortgage broker who also has a story to tell? Leave a comment in the discussion box at the bottom of the page, and you might get your story featured here too.
