Mentoring
Embark on your Journey to Success
with the REFS Australia Mentoring Program
If you are an aspiring mortgage broker looking to make your mark in the industry? At REFS Australia, we’re here to help you navigate your path to success. Our comprehensive mentoring program is designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and support you need to excel in the competitive world of mortgage broking.
Why Choose REFS Australia’s Mentoring Program?
1:1 On-Call Mentor Support
One of the key pillars of our program is the personalised support you receive. Your dedicated mentor is just a call away, ready to provide guidance, answer questions, and navigate challenges with you.
Online Learning at Your Fingertips
Access our exclusive online learning program anytime, anywhere. Dive into a library of subjects that will expand your knowledge and expertise, all at your convenience.
Regular Group Training
Join our dynamic group training sessions where you’ll interact with relevant funders and industry peers. These sessions are designed to sharpen your business skills and keep you informed about the latest industry trends.
Supported by Industry Experts
Rest assured, you’re in the capable hands of approved, endorsed, and qualified industry mentors. Your success is our priority, and our mentors are here to guide you every step of the way.
No Lock-In Contracts
We believe in the value of our program, and we’re confident that you’ll thrive. That’s why we don’t bind you with lock-in contracts or exit fees. Your success is your choice.
Your REFS Australia Mentoring Team
Belinda English
Belinda, having spent over 20 years in the financial services industry, aids brokers in streamlining their processes for efficiency and growth. With a focus on process efficiency and compliance, Belinda’s expertise lies in refining processes, enhancing workflow management, and ensuring brokers navigate their processes with confidence. Her structured and supportive mentoring style provides brokers with the skills needed for a smooth and efficient business operation.
Peter Clark
With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Peter is committed to aiding brokers in developing sustainable and successful businesses. Focusing on business development and client engagement, he gives brokers the tools and strategies required for long-term success. His practical and results-oriented approach helps brokers become confident in their decision-making and sustainable in their business practices.
John Adams
John offers a strategic and results-focused approach to mentoring at REFS Australia. With a career spanning 45 years, John’s proficiency in mortgage broking, financial analysis, and business development provides brokers with essential tools for business growth. He is dedicated to demystifying complex financial concepts and advising on how brokers can flourish in a changing market. Concentrating on practical solutions and enduring business strategies, John aids brokers in achieving their objectives confidently.
Wayne Milner
Wayne has over 40 years industry experience and dedicated to assisting brokers throughout their business and career journey. His extensive residential and commercial lending knowledge enables brokers to develop the necessary skills to excel in a competitive environment. Wayne advocates for resilience, adaptability, and professional excellence, which ensures mentees are prepared to offer exceptional client service and foster business expansion.
Louise Syphers
Louise, a long-term committed mentor at REFS Australia and 25 years in the industry, is focused on helping brokers enhance their skills and establish prosperous businesses. Concentrating on strategy and client relations, Louise offers pragmatic advice for overcoming obstacles and looking for opportunities. Her hands-on and supportive mentoring style ensures brokers develop the confidence and insight needed to succeed in the industry.
Eli Ajzenman
Eli contributes over 40 years of experience to the financial services sector, guiding brokers through the intricacies of mortgage broking with a strong knowledge across both residential and commercial lending. He excels at simplifying complex processes into understandable, actionable steps, aiding brokers in optimising operations and improving service offerings. Eli is devoted to fostering a learning environment where brokers feel capable of growing their businesses with assurance and integrity.
Debbie Hutchings
As the Director of REFS Australia, Debbie is committed to enhancing the mortgage broking industry through professional mentoring, training, and business development support. Debbie places a heavy emphasis on professional advancement and enables brokers to develop sustainable, high-performing businesses. Debbie’s leadership cultivates a cooperative learning environment, ensuring that brokers acquire the necessary skills and confidence to effectively navigate the industry.
Share in the successes of the
REFS Australia Mentoring Program
Debbie has been of great value to my business as I entered the mortgage broking industry. Debbie was always accessible to discuss scenarios, vetting or anything else related to the business. As Deb isn't currently broking, her time and focus is solely on mentoring, which is evident in the structure of 1-to-1 and group learning sessions.
I have no hesitation in recommending Deb and her team to anyone considering entering the industry or requiring mentorship.
Thanks again for your help and advice Deb!
I worked directly with Paul Palmer in 2023-24, commencing with my onboarding as a mortgage broker.
Paul is clear, thorough, understanding and enthusiastic. He has a reassuring way about him, and an innate ability to deliver complex information in a simple format. Paul added particular value to me during his initial '4 week block', which consisted of a more intense early phase, designed to get me up and running a quickly.
I cannot recommend Paul Palmer more highly as a mentor for anyone starting out in mortgage broking.
I cannot recommend Paul and the REFS team enough for any 'new to industry' brokers. Paul's knowledge and hands on approach was second to none—having access to Debbie and the rest of the REFS mentors means that you are always able to speak to someone and get help. With regularly scheduled training sessions, oversight on submitted deals, workshopping tricky scenarios and sales development training, the team has you covered.
Thank you Paul and Debbie.
I had the privilege of being mentored by Paul Palmer in the field of mortgage broking, and I can confidently say that it was an invaluable experience.
Throughout our mentorship, Paul displayed an exceptional level of dedication and expertise. His guidance was not only comprehensive but also delivered with a strong emphasis on integrity and compliance, two pillars that are fundamental in the broking industry. Paul ensured that I not only understood the intricacies of the profession but also instilled in me the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to regulations.
What truly stood out about Paul was his commitment to nurturing not just brokers, but good brokers. He went above and beyond to impart his wealth of knowledge and experience, providing practical insights and advice that proved instrumental in shaping my approach to broking. Whether it was navigating complex financial scenarios or mastering effective communication with clients, Paul's mentorship equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the field.
I am immensely grateful for Paul's mentorship, and I can confidently say that he has played a pivotal role in my professional development as a mortgage broker. His guidance has not only helped me to navigate the challenges of the industry but has also inspired me to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all aspects of my work. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his integrity-driven approach, sets him apart as a mentor of exceptional calibre.
Thank you so much, Paul!!!
“l switched career’s later in life and had no experience in the finance world. I sought out a mentor after doing research and came across Deb who had come highly recommended and she exceeded my expectations. The last two years have flown by and having Deb as my mentor was the best business decision I've made. I wanted to learn from someone who not only had the experience, but who mentored fulltime as I didn’t want to feel like I was burden on a broker who was time poor.
With no prior experience in lending, her guidance has been crucial in not only grasping the essentials of the mortgage business but excelling in it. REFS runs regular training sessions which were exceptionally helpful. However, her tips early on for networking, business development and lead generation help me accelerate in the industry and equipped me with the tools and knowledge necessary to grow my loan book rapidly which is sitting at just over $70m. I now have two fulltime staff and probably need a third. Debbie is patient, understanding, and always straight to the point. Her reliability in providing advice and support was constant throughout my journey as a new to industry broker.
She always gave me confidence when I was unsure of myself and ultimately was a fundamental part of my success, I honestly don’t know how I'd have done it without her support. I cannot recommend Deb and the REFS Australia Team enough, Debbie is, without doubt, the best in the business. I can’t thank you enough.
FAQs
Why do I need a mentor?
The industry requires 2 years mentorship with an endorsed / approved mentor.
What benefit does having a REFS Australia mentor provide me?
We provide a well-balanced learning experience of 1:1 Mentor to Mentee service, Online learning and group Collaboration.
I am new to Industry - can you assist me?
Yes we can assist.
I am under Mentorship elsewhere, can I transfer to REFS?
Yes, you can transfer between Mentors (conditions apply).