From army boots to broker suits: Broker shares his journey into the industry and why he does not believe in making long-term plans
Lewis Shaw’s journey into the mortgage industry began after he left the armed forces. Like many before him, Shaw (pictured) faced the challenge of transitioning from military to civilian life. This process, known as the resettlement scheme, provides ex-service members with time, training opportunities, and funding to help them decide their next steps. It was during this period that Shaw’s future in the mortgage industry began to take shape.
Getting into the industry
“After having a chat with a mate from uni who was an IFA at the time, he suggested I do CeMAP,” Shaw recalled. “I didn’t really have any plans, so I looked into it and decided I’d give it a go.”
This casual recommendation set Shaw on a new course. With funding from the resettlement scheme, he enrolled in a two-week fast-track residential CeMAP course with New Leaf Distribution in Southend on Sea.
“After a couple of weeks and a few exams, I was qualified,” he said. “That was quite scary because I didn’t really have a scooby what I was doing.”
Armed with his new qualifications, Shaw’s first foray into the mortgage industry was with an estate agency in London, located near London Bridge on Bermondsey Street, just a stone’s throw from The Shard. After that, he had a couple of jobs as a broker before deciding he wanted to set up on his own – a leap of faith that led to the establishment of Shaw Financial Services.
“That was a little over five years ago when I took the plunge to become my own business, and the rest, they say, is a combination of stress, anxiety, and a constant wonderment at why I do this job – that’s satire, by the way,” he quipped.
Motivations to continue as a broker
For Shaw, the joy of helping first-time buyers achieve their dreams of homeownership is a significant motivator.
“I know that’s the same for many brokers, but it’s one aspect that gives me at least a small sense of having done something useful,” he said. “We know that for many first-timers, the odds are stacked against them, especially if they don’t have the Bank of Mum and Dad to fall back on. It’s that which keeps me rocking up to the office daily.”
What else keeps him going?
“The need to pay a mortgage and bills alongside the fact I’m not sure I could work for anyone now I’ve had a taste of doing my own thing,” he said.
Looking to the future
Unlike many entrepreneurs who adhere to strict long-term planning and goal-setting, Shaw prefers a more flexible approach.
“In terms of future goals, I’ve no idea,” he said. “It changes on a weekly basis. I’m not a huge fan of making long-term plans like that. After all, ‘the best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men. Gang aft agley’.
“We seem to have this idea floating around in society today that if you don’t have a plan and aren’t crushing your goals on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis, you’re somehow not living a fulfilled life. I don’t go in for that. I think that can be quite a toxic attitude to carry around and have serious negative effects on people’s mental well-being.”
Shaw advocates for living in the moment and keeping an open mind about the future.
“The most interesting people I’ve ever met often didn’t know what they were going to do at 40 or 50, or even 60,” he pointed out. “Leaving the door open to life gives me a sense of curiosity and removes the possibility of constant disappointment.
“There’s more to life than just working, and doing this job doesn’t define me. It’s important for all brokers to remember to breathe and take a minute to chill in what can often feel like an all-consuming role.”
A poignant encounter with an elderly man in a London park encapsulates Shaw’s philosophy.
“He was out of breath and taking a break on a bench,” he related. “He looked a bit troubled, so I sat down beside him to ask if he was okay. He explained he was out for his daily walk, but it was becoming harder and slower due to his arthritis.
“I made a comment about how frustrating that must be, but he quickly corrected me. ‘It’s a good thing. Now I’m slower, I get to see so many more things than I used to as a younger man that I’d never have noticed before when I was in a rush’.
“So rather than planning where I’ll be in five years, I try to maintain that attitude and focus on the here and now. After all, that’s all we’ve really got.”
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