BDM in the spotlight: Ruth Cresswell

This week's MyState Bank BDM in Tasmania tells us one of the strangest lending scenarios of them all.

MyState Bank BDM Ruth Cresswell worked as a travel consultant before her 20 years in the industry. 

BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same seven questions – giving you a weekly insight into the lives of some of the top BDM’s in the country. ​

How often do you see brokers in a week?
I love my face to face visits and I am always out and about. I would see approximately 10 – 20 brokers each week. It’s a balancing act though, I would ideally like to see more, but I am also very mindful of being available to answer phone calls and reply to emails as soon as I can.
 
What do brokers want most from you?
This is easy, my brokers seek support from me, sound knowledge of credit and LMI polices and assurance of smooth process from lodgement to settlement for their clients. Being that I worked as a Lender in our Retail Network for many years gives me an ‘edge’ to be able to provide guidance, as I have walked in their shoes.
 
What is your favourite part of the job?
I love meeting passionate brokers and being an integral part of making their clients dreams come true! I really enjoy building relationships, both personal and business, as there is no greater feeling than meeting people that can make a difference in each others lives.
 
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
I work with a lot of really knowledgeable brokers, but it’s the passion and the love of their role that sets the great ones apart. The best brokers are those that take the time to understand their client’s financial dreams and provide a solution to meet them. Clients tend to just look at interest rates, the great brokers are the ones that will recommend the best overall product and lender that can take them on that journey to achieve their dream.
 
Describe your ideal weekend:
Obviously watching Hawthorn win another premiership and enjoying the celebrations with the team at the Crown Casino Melbourne!!
 
What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
I do tend to see a few strange ones, but this one from a few months ago really sticks with me.
 
A client had purchased some land to build an investment property on whilst they worked overseas on cruise ships for a few years. However, their Australian Permanent Residency was due to expire, and due to them residing overseas for too long they needed to invest within Australia to qualify for an extension. To further complicate things, their overseas employer did not deduct tax from their wage due to the nature of international employment, plus it was paid in Euros and included tips. They had no living expenses due to their rent free accommodation with their parents in South Africa and their employer covered all meals and accommodation while they were at sea. Try to fit all of those details into a standard application form!

How do you like your steak done? 
Medium presented on very hot grill plate with mushroom jus.

Ruth's contact details:

[email protected]
Mob. 0418 221 882

Every Wednesday we’ll feature a different BDM from across Australia. If you’d like to be included, please email the editor.
 
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