For some it's a happy accident, but being an intermediary can be a career goal
While many brokers will reflect on how they came into the industry more by chance than through a long-held ambition, Joela Jenvey always knew what she wanted.
Often intermediaries remark they had planned another career - eventually forsaking their dream of being a footballer, rock musician or chef, for example. But Jenvey (pictured), who is an independent mortgage and protection adviser at Nurture FS, in Devon, was set on a role in the sector.
“Most people say they fell into it, but for me I’ve always wanted a career in the mortgage industry,” she explained. “As a broker I feel privileged that I get to share a snapshot of some of the most important moments in my clients’ lives and that they trust in me to help them navigate the process.
“There is something for everyone and many fantastic, varied opportunities with lots of great supportive people ready to help you to learn and achieve great things. Luckily for us the UK is a nation obsessed with property ownership.
“The products we advise upon and the service we provide throughout the entire process, from product innovation and distribution through to the advice process makes a real difference to people’s lives and it’s great to share the excitement when the client is handed the keys to the property.”
She added: “Generally, a good broker is one who genuinely has their customers best interests at the heart of everything they do.”
What is the career path of a successful mortgage broker?
Jenvey began her career in the mortgage industry in 2001, working as an adviser for Halifax estate agency, where she became CeMAP qualified. Since then, she has worked in intermediary sales for various lenders, including Northern Rock, Mortgages PLC, Intelligent Finance, Bank of Scotland and BM Solutions.
Pre-credit crunch, Jenvey worked with the Mortgage Support Network, and during the last ten years she focused on specialist buy-to-let (BTL) lending for Foundation Home Loans, and most recently headed up distribution for BTL lender, Landbay.
“In March, this year I launched the mortgage and protection business Nurture FS as an AR of Rosemount Financial Solutions (IFA),” she said. “I have worked with Rosemount for many years as a lender distribution partner, and they are a fantastic mortgage network. They offer an AR proposition that perfectly matches my business’s needs.
“The culture at Rosemount is driven by the expertise of Ahmed Bawa and his excellent team, they are extremely supportive and provide a fantastic training and compliance service, whilst allowing me the room to be creative with my business model in an ever-changing mortgage and protection marketplace.”
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What can a mortgage broker do to boost their business?
Jenvey is qualifying as an Energy Performance Certificate and retrofit assessor and will be specialising in property photography to compliment her mortgage business model, This, she hopes, will strengthen the Nurture FS brand, while working towards self-generating leads. Long-tern, her plan is to grow the firm’s head count and organically grow the business.
“I want to build a trusted and respected mortgage business servicing predominately my community in Devon,” she said. “I believe in sales through service, if you get the service right the sales will follow. I believe that good compliance strengthens sales and builds trust and consumer confidence.”
So, what is the best business lesson that Jenvey has learned in her career so far?
“Don’t be afraid of a change in direction,” she urged. “If something isn’t working for you then re-route, take the lesson on board, and adapt. Also be humble enough to listen and learn from the new younger people in the industry as well as the experienced.”
There’s clearly plenty of work ahead for Jenvey, but she makes time for her pastimes outside of the financial services industry.
“I exercise, and I meditate to stay grounded,” she shared. “I love spending time with my family and get outside and into the countryside with my dogs as much as possible.”
