IB Woman
Issue No. 46 - April/May 2009
Masters of destiny
by Penelope Herbert
Franchise ownership offers hundreds of business options. Three accomplished women have chosen to become franchisees of one of Australia’s flourishing brands for different reasons, but the common elements of business flexibility combined with marketing and growth support. Wendy Higgins is the most successful Mortgage Choice franchisee in Australia. She has been with the franchisor for just over a decade and employs nine staff from her office in Holdfast Bay. Wendy acknowledges her banking management background has been an advantage, as has being well-known in her region.
Belinda Sugars had a banking background in financial planning and, in less than five years, has grown her business to employ three people. She says her move to self-employment coincided with her sons leaving school affording greater flexibility.
Kylie Clay had owned a media business in Sydney and the strict screening of applicants and ongoing support Mortgage Choice gave to franchisees attracted her. Lack of financial background wasn’t an impediment.
“After 12 years in advertising I had lost my passion,” admits Kylie, “but I was passionate about property. I spoke to other Mortgage Choice franchise owners in NSW and even worked in one for a while to confirm I was making the right career move. I acquired my own franchise in 2006 and haven’t regretted it.”
Belinda spoke to other franchise owners too when looking for opportunities and valued the security of a high profile brand.
“Equity and income based on my own efforts is important to me,” Wendy says. “I knew the industry and had built up an excellent contact base in the community, which I feel is important for any business.”
Despite the current climate, all three women agree there is still plenty of activity in SA’s property market, with more people seeking re-financing. A challenge for mortgage brokers is that some lenders have left the market, leaving the leading banks to process most of...
