Dream weaver gratified

By IRENE CHAPPLE

Helping people turn their dreams into reality appeals to Grant McFlinn.

He is a mortgage broker, a franchise-holder with Mike Pero Mortgages - a financial angel.

"[Buying a house] is a dream for most people, a huge desire," he says. "We help them to realise it.

"The solicitor does the paperwork, but we have to get the finance before it can go ahead. It is a very gratifying job."

While Mike Pero Mortgages is a remarkable success story in itself, McFlinn's dedication to his spot of business independence on Broadway, Newmarket, appears to be a microcosm of the chain's appeal.

He has snaffled the top achiever's award - judged by the value of deals closed - for two months running, and has held the trophy four of the 18 months he has been in business.

McFlinn credits clients' referrals with the influx of work, and has more than 600 customers on his books.

He calls his new career his true vocation. For 15 years, he chugged up the corporate ladder at Greenlane's Rod Milner Motors, reaching senior management before his venture into self-employment in late 2000.

During his time in management, McFlinn played the property markets. He bought and sold seven properties, finding the best loan deals, dealing with bankers, watching inflation skyrocket in the early 80s, watching value be offset by outrageous interest rates.

But McFlinn was good, and his capital grew. The nest egg was finally big enough for him to realise his own dream of more than a decade - going into business by himself.

"I like to work individually. In this business I have full control over where the business is going.

"If I make a decision to develop a particular strategy, that's something I have ultimate control over."

The income self-determination appeals to McFlinn: "I work very hard and want to enjoy the rewards."

He believes his experience as a "student of the [property] industry" qualifies him to work on the other side of the desk.

"It's fair to say that was the catalyst for the purchase of the franchise," says McFlinn.

"After 15 years in the property business I felt I had something to offer clients."

He approached Mike Pero Mortgages after shortlisting various franchise operations.

He liked the direct association with mortgages, and the set-up of the chain.

Pero, now an "emerging rich-lister", started the company in 1991.

It began franchising in 1998 and is now the country's largest independent residential mortgage broking company, with more than 30 outlets.

It processes more than $800 million worth of loans each year, and Pero's accolades include last year's Franchise Association regional award.

To hold a franchise, members must complete a fortnight's training in Auckland and Christchurch, and can employ staff only for backroom paperwork.

Front-of-house service, which McFlinn believes is a vital part of the business, can be offered only by a trained franchisee.

Holding a franchise suits McFlinn.

The brand awareness - often credited as part of the franchise's success - was immediate, and administration that can bog down small businesses is dealt with by a central office, says McFlinn.

That leaves him free to get on with what he does well - arranging finance for his clients.

Starting fresh was tough, he says.

"Undoubtedly, there's a period of settling in, and there is a great deal of personal sacrifice.

"This is certainly not a nine-to-five job, but success only comes with hard work."

But he looks forward to a long future as a mortgage broker. "Ultimately, this job is incredibly rewarding."