From rugby fields to finance deals
Mike Powell’s journey from the rugby pitches to the office of his mortgage brokerage is as dynamic as his tackles on the field. A former professional rugby player with stints at clubs like Ospreys and London Welsh, Powell’s entry into the mortgage industry began somewhat serendipitously.
Getting into the industry
Graduating from university in 2001 with a degree in physical education, Powell ventured into property investment while still actively involved in his rugby career.
“I bought my first property that required renovation,” he recalled. “After receiving advice from a mortgage broker, I used equity in this property to purchase another and developed an interest in building a property portfolio.
“While playing, I increased my buy-to-let portfolio, having regular dealings with a mortgage adviser. Thinking towards my future and rugby retirement, I decided to take my CeMAP exams and trained with a firm, qualifying in 2013.”
He then built up an extensive client bank and retired from professional rugby in 2016.
Motivations to continue as a broker
Retiring from professional sports, Powell transitioned to full-time mortgage advising. His motivation? To guide fellow athletes.
“As an ex-professional sportsman, I am driven to assist other professional sports people build a portfolio to provide an income after retirement,” he said. “My main goal as an adviser is to alleviate the stress and hassle of the mortgage process and provide a seamless service, ensuring the client receives the best possible outcome for their individual circumstances.”
With educational outreach, such as talks at sports clubs and schools — most recently at Cardiff City FC, Powell is also shaping up to be a mentor in the financial literacy space.
Looking to the future
Today, his firm, Mike Powell Mortgages, is thriving, with plans for further expansion.
“I intend to retain a good relationship with existing clients and continue to build new ones,” Powell said. “I currently employ three brokers, as well as advising myself, with two part-time administrators. I have a further two brokers ready to join the team in the near future.”
“As an office, we intend to develop our knowledge of equity release and later life products, as well as increase our guidance of protection proposal to our clients. In the longer term, my goal of expansion comes hand in hand with providing the best possible service to our clients.”
Powell is optimistic about the future of his business and his continued role in it, combining his passion for sports and finance in a blend as unique as his career journey. From making strategic plays on the rugby field to navigating the complex world of mortgages, he continues to make a significant impact, proving that with the right planning and support, the transition from sports to business can indeed be a seamless one.
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