Meet the Founder: Jonathan Southgate
How did you get into the mortgage industry?
It’s been an interesting journey - I’ve spent pretty much my whole working life in property in one form or another. 20 years ago, when starting my career, I was working as a property agent, - but the attraction of advising clients on the financial nuts and bolts, whilst protecting their family’s interested me more.
I was fortunate enough to work with a mortgage firm as a client and then become an advisor for them. It was while I was working here that I was offered a place on their academy programme which fast tracked my progress and I qualified in 2018.
This academy was a real turning point and gave me the grounding to progress in the industry.
What is/are your motivation/s to continue as a broker?
I believe we’ve entered a new era, the world has moved on from pinstripe suits and clunky bank manager style meetings. With connectivity and technology integral to the way we work - mortgages are no different.
That said, despite tech advancing, relationships and people need to remain at the heart of the work that’s done and the service that’s provided.
Tired with many of the current approaches, I’m excited to be part of the change, reshaping people’s expectations of mortgages and how they’re provided. Striving towards a seamless advice process that works for the way people live and work today.
I personally love being at the coal face, in front of clients, helping them overcome challenges and complications that arise from other providers. I never tire of the look on their face when the mortgage offer is presented and they’re able to make their next step.
Given the current climate, clients have become more and more focused on not only acquiring their home, but protecting it - and their income. It’s easy for us to get caught up with numbers, data and products, but we’re keen to stay focused on the client - it is the peace of mind we’re providing, especially in these uncertain times.
What are your future goals – for your personal career and/or your business?
We’re growing, faster than we’d anticipated. With a number of advisors joining the practice over the past 12 months and building a name with a number of agents and referral partners, we’re well on our way to growing the advice practice to 10 mortgage advisers and 5 wealth managers across 5 regions in the South of the country.
More importantly - we’re not just pushing growth at any cost, it’s really important to be working with people, partners, clients and colleagues that believe in what we do. Culture and approach is a big part of who we are and what we’re building a reputation for.
Aside from work, family time is becoming more and more important. Having started a family last year, my wife and I are navigating all the wonderful changes that come with that. Oh, and our four legged friends too.