Best James McCracken Podcasts (2024)

1
Leading a $100M per month firm with Otto Dargan 39:09

27d ago39:09

39:09

As the founder of Home Loan Experts, Otto Dargan, or at the very least, the firm he built, would be no stranger to a lot of mortgage brokers. In today's conversation with Otto, he elaborates on how he has developed his own leadership skills and he shares some mistakes insights and perspectives that have enabled him to grow personally and profession…

1
The no BS approach to building a firm 39:13

4M ago39:13

39:13

With a penchant for speaking the truth, there’s a reason Jamie Holroyd has built a trusted reputation as an advisor and confidant to his clients. This would have to be the most candid interview I have done in terms of a guest speaking freely about the constraints or challenges that impede their ability to deliver the service, results and experience…

1
From Lender to Leader: Andrew Stevens' Journey in Brokerage 53:51

5M ago53:51

53:51

Unlike most of our guests, Andrew Stevens is a well known and respected supplier to the industry rather than a broker from within the industry. Andrew has established Online Broker Think Tank, which is both a broker-specific Facebook group as well as a brand that’s become synonymous with providing value and insights to brokers. By way of prior expe…

1
From corporate banking to a commercial broking with Charles Zerafa 26:42

12M ago26:42

26:42

When you’ve assessed and approved over a billion dollars in lending within the banks, it is more than just a good apprenticeship to set you up for a life in broking, it’s the foundations to a rewarding career. In this interview with Charles Zerafa, he takes up through a career assessing commercial transactions before making the switch to broking an…

1
Lessons From a Trusted Property & Finance Professional 38:22

1y ago38:22

38:22

It’s seldom you come across a person who has started a movement, though that’s exactly what Philip Robison has done. As the the founder of Saving Brothers and a property professional, Philip is driven by the desire to impact people for the better. Not just in their hip pocket, but equally if not more so to look after one’s health and wellbeing - an…

1
Mandy Love Shares How She Is Helping To Solve A Key Broker Problem 38:22

1+ y ago38:22

38:22

As we all know, time is arguably the most precious commodity for every mortgage broker. In this podcast with gun loan administrator turned business owner, Mandy Love, we look at the importance of having the right people in the right seats to help deliver an efficient, referable and repeatable service to grow a broking practice. Having personally se…

1
Growing to $100M+ through systems, structure and staff 39:24

1+ y ago39:24

39:24

From police officer to high performing mortgage broker mortgage, Travis Carruthers is on a mission to impact more brokers, consumers and staff for the better. Most brokers who settle in excess of $100M per annum are usually looking to grow either their back end to pump through more volumes, or build out the broking team so they can grow with and th…

1
The Key to Retaining More Clients on Your Book (And Building A Prosperous Mortgage Broking Practice) 38:06

2y ago38:06

38:06

To do more deals, you need to have more clients in your practice. Improving client retention is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to make this happen. Many brokers spend a lot of energy and money on new client acquisition. The idea behind this mentality is simple: You can grow your mortgage broking practice faster if you have more clients. Ho…

1
The Most Important Podcast I’ve Ever Done 32:24

2+ y ago32:24

32:24

Having interviewed over 160 podcast guests and had extraordinary conversations with many incredible people, it’s a big call to say this is the most important podcast I’ve done, particularly since it has nothing to do with broking. It does however have everything to do with how and why we perform and function in the world the way we do through our u…

1
Why Keith Caine bought a billion dollar loan book 29:59

2+ y ago29:59

29:59

Operating a broking practice can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting out. It’s even more so if you used to work as an employee in one. Transitioning from employee to owner can be tricky… but not impossible. Keith Caine joins me for this episode of The Successful Adviser. He moved from England after the 2008 recession to build a life …

1
How Marissa Schulze Built A Team of 30+ staff 31:39

2+ y ago31:39

31:39

The sole operator mentality can only take mortgage brokers so far. At some point, brokers will need to delegate key responsibilities to their team members. This will allow them to focus on the strategic and operational decisions and actions that keep their broking practices moving forward. Marissa Schulze, the director of Rise High Financial Soluti…

1
The Big Shift in the Mortgage Broking Industry (And How Brokers Are Emulating Financial Advisors) 28:52

2+ y ago28:52

28:52

There’s been a subtle paradigm shift in the mortgage broking industry in recent years. More and more brokers are embracing the idea of being a broker AND a business owner. It’s no longer about being a one-man-band. Instead, it’s all about structure and substance – building a team and growing a business. Anthony Landahl of Equilibria Finance sat dow…

1
Earning 90% Commission as an Independent Broker vs. Earning 40% as an Employed Broker 29:35

2+ y ago29:35

29:35

Should you earn 90% commission as an independent broker or base salary + 40% as a PAYG broker? The numbers might suggest that the answer is obvious. However, just like loans, there are different scenarios and different wants and needs that might influence what is the right structure for each person. Being an employed broker can be a fantastic oppor…

1
The Uncommon Mindset That High-Performing Brokers Adopt 33:51

2+ y ago33:51

33:51

When it comes to the attributes of successful brokers, often, it can be easy to focus solely on those most visible, like great process, capable staff, high-quality client base, etc. A less obvious, yet powerful aspect that influences consistent and ongoing success is how we see the opportunities around us. Is there an abundance, or are they scarce?…

1
How Successful Brokers Communicate with Clients (It Results in Conversions) 38:26

3y ago38:26

38:26

There are many nice, polite, pleasant, and well-meaning brokers out there. But sometimes their communication style often doesn’t result in the number of conversions, income or lifestyle they want to achieve. Instead, because of their generous nature, they can be weighed down by carrying other people’s stress and occasionally have clients or staff w…

1
How Kim Davie Has Built a Business From Her Passion 29:03

3y ago29:03

29:03

At age 20, when most young adults are figuring out what they want to do with life, Kim Davie became a property owner. With an avid interest in property investing, Kim turned her back on corporate in search of a more rewarding and flexible role, and naturally, broking became that profession. With an abundance of life and professional skills to suppo…

1
The Secret to Sustainable Progress in Your Mortgage Business 41:20

3y ago41:20

41:20

When it comes to a broker’s subconscious or unconscious beliefs, the issue isn’t whether these beliefs are right or wrong. It’s their real-world impact that ultimately matters. Are those beliefs serving that broker’s personal and professional goals? Or are they getting in the way of their key objectives? In this episode of The Successful Adviser, I…

1
How Julie Bishop Went from Banking to Broking 37:42

3y ago37:42

37:42

In this interview with Julie Bishop, I took a slightly different tact. Yes, Julie and I could have just talked about all the great things going on in her business, which she co-owns with two other brokers. But instead, we looked at some of the challenges and opportunities Julie has worked through to transition from a successful career in banking to…

1
Belinda Caesar is Growing Her Business through Organic Referrals 35:04

3y ago35:04

35:04

Like practically all well-established brokers, it comes as no surprise that Belinda Caesar’s core marketing strategy is elevating her clients into raving fans so they can spread the good word. Having founded her business in Melbourne, Belinda has since moved to Cairns to enjoy a very different lifestyle, which was evidenced by the 90% local humidit…

1
How and why Marco Meloni became one of the first brokers in Australia 35:09

3+ y ago35:09

35:09

Quite literally, one of Australia’s first ever brokers, over the past 30+ years Marco Meloni has seen it all. That said, it comes as little surprise that his secrets to success aren’t really secrets at all. Be responsive, give great advice, deliver results and care for your clients. These are just some of the insights Marco shared during our interv…

1
How Bianca Patterson Plans to Retire by age 40, and What She Will Do Instead 35:27

3+ y ago35:27

35:27

Bianca Patterson exhibits all the hallmarks you’d expect of a high performing broker. Strong conviction in her value proposition Willingness to invest in people and resources Places high value on her time Is clear on the people she wants to work with And it comes as no surprise that over the past 10 years, her brokerage has been growing based almos…

1
How covid helped Jo Croft reduce office hours and grow her volumes 39:43

3+ y ago39:43

39:43

Based in northern New South Wales just shy of the Queensland border, when COVID hit last year and borders were closed, for 8 weeks Jo Croft was unable to drive to her Brisbane office to see staff and clients. They say necessity is the mother of invention, and Jo had to find a new way to keep the business running. And do it fast. Suffice to say, Jo …

1
How Kirsty Best is Inspiring her Clients, Staff and Peers alike 35:56

3+ y ago35:56

35:56

Best by name, and by nature. Right now, Kirsty Best from Living Home Loans is seeing the business achieve personal best settlement volumes, as she and her husband Andrew take full advantage of the booming property market. Currently writing $6M / month with a view to doing more, Kirsty brings her life skills and financial acumen to fore to deliver a…

1
How Jo Violeta is the Driving Force Behind an Award-Winning Brokerage 39:26

3+ y ago39:26

39:26

If you’ve ever had a husband, wife or significant other who has contributed to your business in a small or big way, you’ll love this episode with Jo Violeta. Jo is the marketing manager at Violeta Finance. By proxy of her husband Carl being the broker, Jo has focused on driving initiatives that have helped build Carl’s profile, the brand presence a…

1
How Sarah Wells became the Financial Psychologist for Medicos 36:07

3+ y ago36:07

36:07

Straight up, that headline is definitely correct, though it’s one of a few titles Sarah Wells uses to describe how she delivers service. With a large portion of her clientele being medical professionals, Sarah has become their trusted advisor to give them the clarity, advice and confidence to achieve their goals. Or, as Sarah calls them, to get the…

1
How Rose de Rossi co-built a successful and respected sub-ag group 36:59

3+ y ago36:59

36:59

Many a broker has ventured into the 1-to-many business model, but they don’t all come out alive. In this interview, Rose de Rossi shares how, in collaboration with her business partner Tracey Lea Gilbert, they have built a successful sub-aggregation group that expands their impact and grows their bottom line. And they aren’t done just yet. As Rose …

1
How Caroline Jean- Baptiste Built a Successful Broking Business While Enjoying A Great Life 36:42

4y ago36:42

36:42

In this interview, Caroline Jean-Baptiste talks about what it takes to be an active and involved mother while also operating a successful mortgage broking business. Who says you can’t have both! Having previously worked in the cruise liner industry, Caroline talks about how she made the transition into broking, and then into operating a successful …

1
How Peita Davies Has Built A Trusted Reputation and Award-Winning Broking Business 34:09

4y ago34:09

34:09

As a multi-award winning broker and perhaps one of the most respected brokers in the country, Peita Davies has seen a lot in her 17+ years in the industry. Transitioning from the dental industry, Peita shares how the core principles of great service have been the bedrock of building her business, reputation, and loyal customer base. With an entrepr…

1
How Cory Bannister is Making a Difference to the Mortgage Broking Industry 38:51

4y ago38:51

38:51

Starting his career as an accountant with LaTrobe Financial in rural Victoria, 20 years on, he is still working for LaTrobe, though his knowledge, skills, and experience have grown significantly over that time. These days, as Chief Lending Officer, the focus for Cory and his team is weighted heavily toward contributing to the success of their custo…

1
How Jeremy Harper Narrowed his Target Market to Write More Deals 30:20

4y ago30:20

30:20

Jeremy Harper’s journey in mortgage broking isn’t your typical one. Having established his business in Melbourne, Jeremy packed it up and took it to New York where he and his wife lived and worked for two years. While operating in the Big Apple, through a combination of opportunity and strategic insight Jeremy chose to niche down and build his know…

1
How Richard Bootle Built the Largest Conveyancing Firm in Australia 39:18

4y ago39:18

39:18

The journey of Richard Bootle has certainly been an interesting one. Born in rural New South Wales, Richard went onto boarding school and university in Sydney before a stint at a large corporate law firm. It was during his time at the large law firm that Richard answered the calling to return to his family roots and operate a local law firm. But, w…

1
How Aaron Milburn is Championing The Broker Cause 32:18

4y ago32:18

32:18

As a long-time champion of the 3rd party channel, Aaron Milburn talks about his career, his love of helping brokers succeed, and his mission of educating consumers on their options so they never have to feel like there isn’t hope to solve their financial challenges. Having worked in a number of 3rd party roles including state manager @ Bank West, C…

1
How Andrew Larcombe Is Shifting From High Performer To High Contributor 37:43

4y ago37:43

37:43

After a 14-year career at Westpac, Andrew Larcombe decided to join the ranks of the broking industry, and 23+ years on, he has seen just about everything and achieved an extraordinary amount. When loans were easier to write, Andrew broke the company 3-months in a row, where he set a record of 84 loans in a single month. Legend has it that record st…

1
How Jeremy Fisher Became The # 1 Broker In The Country 49:12

4y ago49:12

49:12

In this candid and relieving interview Jeremy Fisher of 1st Street Financial, we cover a number of topics pertaining to personal success, business development, and contributing back to the community. You may know Jeremy as having been ranked # 1 broker in the MPA Top 100 list with a settlement volume of $320 million. But as Jeremy readily admits, t…

1
How Robert Trewin has Grown His Award-winning Brokerage 28:40

4y ago28:40

28:40

Hailing from the small country town of Orbost, Robert Trewin has built a renowned and trusted reputation across Victoria’s East Gippsland as a mortgage broker of choice, and of latter years, the mortgage broking business of choice. With a background in lending, Rob made the leap at a time when only 20% of home loans originated from the broker chann…

1
How Peter White is Furthering the Broking Industry 41:08

4y ago41:08

41:08

In this candid, straightforward interview, Peter White, Managing Director of FBAA, talks about his legacy, how far the industry has come and what’s in store for the months and years ahead. It will come as no surprise that Peter, just like the brokers he represents, is extremely passionate about the industry and furthering the broker cause. This is …

1
How Richard Crabb is Bringing Regulation to an Industry Full of Sharks 34:06

4y ago34:06

34:06

As someone who has been at the raw end of a property spruiker, I can say with absolute certainty that it does make a difference who consumers and investors get their advice from. Get it wrong, and you’re stuck with an expensive lemon. Get it right, and it can be a building block to creating financial security. In this episode, Richard Crabb, managi…

1
How Gerard Heffernan has built a Highly Respected Reputation 36:30

4y ago36:30

36:30

As a stalwart of the Canberra mortgage broking scene, Gerard Heffernan is well known and respected by clients and peers alike. Having joined forces with his brother Bernard in 2015, their business hasn’t looked back. And, like many a bespoke brokerage, Gerard and Bernie understand intimately the need to provide personalised service and advice accor…

1
Building a Great Team with Liz Wilson 36:00

4+ y ago36:00

36:00

By James McCracken

5y ago35:30

35:30

From car showroom to running his own show, Nathan Smith is an impressive individual. In this candid interview, Nathan takes us behind the scenes as to how he is building a respected, productive and high-value brokerage that is making a difference in more ways than one. And, Nathan is also the first finance guest I’ve interviewed who is also a host …

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James McCracken Podcasts

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