This Pepper BDM says having a best practice and listening to customer's needs is vital
BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same questions – giving you regular insights into the lives of some of the top BDMs in the country.
Name: Staci Karas
Years in the industry: 20+
Company: Pepper Money
Location: Melbourne
What did you do before entering the industry?
My first job straight out of school was working for a big Melbourne legal firm. I worked there for 10 years. It gave me great insight and was an amazing learning experience for someone just out of high school.
How often do you see mortgage brokers in a week?
Prior to COVID-19 – no two weeks were the same as you had a mixture of PD days, webinars, accreditation training sessions, regional visits – but typically I would have a minimum of 15 face to face meetings a week – which consisted of listening, educating, workshopping and learning on both sides. These days, more of my meetings are conducted over the phone or through video chats.
What do mortgage brokers want most from you?
Guidance, reassurance and a quick response.
What is your favourite part of the job?
My amazing brokers and fellow BDMs – I have been able to build some great relationships over many years.
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
I don’t believe that there is such thing as a best broker – but there are best practices and listening to your customers’ needs. Having a wealth of knowledge and confidence in all your lender BDMs sure helps – overall, knowledge about the lending process and available products is key.
What’s your ideal weekend?
Dinners with friends and spending quality time with my girls.
What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
There has been quite a few over the years – I guess my favourite is a customer looking for a loan of $50,000 to add a room to her home for her two puppies “King and Princess” – very pampered pooches.
What's your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
I’m a list writer – so before I close off for the day, I will write a list of what I have to action for my next working day – then I can hit the ground running.
What’s your favourite meal?
A good lamb on the spit – can’t be beaten.
