BDM in the spotlight: Rick Cavanagh

Like most of the inhabitants of Brisbane, our BDM Q and A spent last week on the Gold Coast - but strictly for business


Like most of the inhabitants of Brisbane, our BDM Q and A spent last week on the Gold Coast - but strictly for business

Talking up products and having an occasional catch-up coffee might have worked for BDMs in the past, but today's business development officers are a savvy bunch. We're asking BDMs across Australia the same eight questions to find out a little more about what their job now involves.

This week we talked to Suncorp Bank stalwart Rick Cavanagh, who has been at the non-major for 24 years, going from branch manager to his current role.

How often do you see brokers in a week?
I plan 12 – 15 face-to-face meetings with brokers each week

What do brokers want most from you?
They want me to be accessible, responsive, reliable, consistent and engaged 

What is your favourite part of the job?
Building relationships, promoting Suncorp Bank and its products and supporting brokers to grow their business

What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
Enthusiasm, positive attitude and attention to detail

Describe your ideal weekend:
As I’ve grown older my “ideal weekend” has become a lot simpler -
Morning – on the Broadwater in my boat fishing
Afternoon – quality time with family (I have four children)
Hopefully find some time to watch a bit of football or cricket

What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered
Urgent approval  was required for a weekend property auction. The application was lodged at 2:30pm on the Friday afternoon and was approved within two hours. Definitely a record turnaround time.

How do you like your steak done?
Often (medium rare)

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