The Better Business Awards 2024 program ended on a high in Melbourne on Thursday, 14 March where over 20 leading lights of Victoria and Tasmania’s broking industry were declared winners.
The Adviser’s award-winning Better Business Summit has now wrapped up its 11th consecutive year, bigger and better than ever before!
After touring four capital cities around Australia, the highly-successful Better Business Awards 2024 concluded on a grand scale at The Crown in Melbourne.
Run with support from principal partner NAB, the awards provided national recognition to members of the mortgage and finance industry for their commitment to excellence and writing high volumes, as well as dedication to serving in their clients’ best interests.
A total of 22 of the top performers in Victoria and Tasmania’s broking industry gained national recognition for their successes (they were chosen out of 177 finalists, the highest number of finalists among all capital cities).
These included brokers, brokerages, loan administrators, business development managers (BDM), large and boutique franchise and non-franchise offices, as well as industry thought leaders, and mentors.
Hundreds of industry members glammed up and turned up to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues, while networking with industry leaders and their peers.
Attendees were eager to learn who would clinch the coveted Broker of the Year award, the top prize of the Better Business Awards program.
Australian comedian and satirist Mark Humphries provided entertainment as the emcee during the evening.
Individual broking awards
Loan Market Geelong director and finance broker Sarah Thomson was named Broker of the Year (given to the highest-scoring individual broker award winner from Best Residential Broker, Best Finance Broker, Best Regional Broker and Best Customer Service (Individual) award winners).
Ms Thomson won the Best Residential Broker award earlier in the evening.
The Australian Lending and Investment Centre’s principal, investment lending manager, Kevin Agent, collected the Best Customer Service (Individual) award, while the Editor’s Choice award was given to Sarah Cox, founder and manager of Two Broker Girls.
Commenting on her choice, Momentum Media managing editor of mortgages Annie Kane said: “Sarah has been making financial literacy and the mortgage process fun for her clients through her brokerage, Two Broker Girls, out in the regions of Victoria. Her dedication to finding the best solution for her clients, and ensuring that they’re able to finance their dream home are to be commended.”
The Best Finance Broker award was presented to Absolut Financial finance broker and mortgage adviser Balwinder Singh.
Regional brokers were also well represented, with Matt Turner – managing broker of GSC Finance – picking up the Best Regional Broker trophy.
The awards acknowledged the efforts of the rising stars of broking, with Mortgage Choice Bendigo mortgage broker Nathan Newlan being named New Broker of the Year.
Brokerages, offices receive commendation
In unison with professionals, the Better Business Awards recognised the top-performing brokerages and offices in Victoria and Tasmania, including new offices, and those in regional areas.
The Best Finance Brokerage (Office) award went to JKK Solutions, which is headed by three directors, including co-founders Katie Liu and Keith Ho.
Key Choice Lending (helmed by founder and finance broker Matthew Clark) took home the Best Boutique Non-Franchise Office award, while Entourage Finance (steered by managing director Damien Roylance) received the Best Large Non-Franchise Office award.
Mortgage Choice Williamstown - headed up by director Jonathan Lee - was presented with the Best Franchise Office award.
Regional offices also took centre stage, with principal Gene Medwin’s Vie North West office winning the Best Regional Office award.
Zella Money (founded by director Victoria Devine) was named this year’s Best New Office (after winning a similar award at the Australian Broking Awards in 2023).
Aussiewide Financial Services rounded out the brokerage awards by clinching the Best Customer Service (Office) award.
BDMs, loan administrators applauded
The Better Business Awards shone a light on BDMs and loan administrators for their dedication to consistently serving brokers and ensuring that the loan writing process is efficient.
ubank’s Victoria BDM Michael Acciarito won the Best Lender BDM (Bank) award, while the Best Lender BDM (Non-Bank) went to Pepper Money BDM Pasquale Caia.
Mortgage Choice Vic/Tas franchise development manager Sanjay Chandiramani was the recipient of the Best Aggregator BDM award.
The Best Loan Administrator award was conferred upon Entourage Mornington client service manager Nicholas Fruewirth.
Industry members thanked for giving back
Many members of the broking industry were appreciated for their selfless service and dedication to giving back to the industry in which they serve.
MTA Mortgage Brokers director and mortgage broker Kerry Kalendra had two reasons to celebrate as she was declared the Industry Thought Leader of the Year and Wellness Advocate of the Year.
Broker Essentials founder and director Jason Back added another trophy to his mantle, taking the Mentor of the Year award.
Finally, the awards acknowledged that customer service and building a strong local presence are the cornerstones of success for brokers and brokerages. The founder and director Leigh Daledio’s UFinancial accepted the Best Community Engagement Program award.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
Click here to view the full list of finalists.
For more information about the Better Business Awards and Summit, click here.