At Mortgage Intelligence, we’re proud to work alongside a network of dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable advisers who go above and beyond to support their customers every day.
Our Spotlight series highlights the individuals and businesses making a difference.
In this edition, we catch up with Chris Philbrick, Managing Director at CJ Mortgage Hub.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started as an estate agent for a local independent company. I made myself up to assistant branch manager and realised that I needed a career change. I then started employed as a mortgage adviser in a corporate company, where I was promoted to mortgage services partner. I realised working in a corporate company wasn’t for me, so I opened up my own company – CJ Mortgage Hub. From there I have managed to build the business, from myself, to a small team containing 2 advisers, 2 administrators, a trainee mortgage adviser and a social media manager, all in the space of 2 years.
What sets CJ Mortgage Hub apart from others?
We focus heavily on ensuring customers understand the process. That involves removing as much jargon as possible and in most cases, slowing the process down. Allowing customers an extra appointment during their home buying process can really help install confidence with not only the mortgage process, but the home buying process.
We try to be the helping hand with clients every step of the way, even if that includes helping with solicitor paperwork or reading survey reports. Being the person, they are comfortable with and trust in.
We have a designated administrator now for customer relations who helps keep clients up to date with their legal process, ensures clients are always on the best rates and makes regular contact, even after completion, just to check in and make sure none of their reviewal dates are missed.
How has Mortgage Intelligence impacted your career?
When opening up on my own, I felt excited about the future but also scared of what was needed to be done. I found Mortgage Intelligence and was first introduced to Jason (Head of Sales). Jason really helped me with the steps that I should be looking to take in starting up my own firm, and I found myself leaving our first discussion with a checklist of things to do and to look into. This really helped. From then I knew Mortgage Intelligence were the network for me, I felt nobody else would take the time to help me in that way.
From then, opening and having Mortgage Intelligence by my side I have felt comfortable and re-assured that even though I was in an office on my own (at the beginning), I had help and support wherever and whenever I needed it.
They have material which helped us with marketing and advertising, help and support with cases if I was ever in need, contacts to guide me through the beginning with my BAM Geoff and BDM Liz. They helped me hit the ground running when I opened.
Now as a more established business, I still feel the safety and security of having Mortgage Intelligence behind me, to help me and my staff with compliance and case checking. Checking marketing materials. Even if I need to vent some frustrations. There is always someone available to help me.
They host regular teams’ meetings, such as the Breakfast Club. Regular conferences and expo’s, offering an opportunity to have a nice day out of the office and to liaise with other parts of the mortgage and protection sector. All in all, Mortgage Intelligence have been amazing. I am so grateful to have them.
Have you got any tips on navigating the market?
Stay consistent. Everyone has a process. Everyone has their own way of working. Do not waiver from that. We all amend or tinker with our process from time to time but keep the structure of your process consistent and you will see results. It’s easy to think that you are too busy, or things are getting on top of you at times, but you have to remember what made you busy in the first place. Keeping consistent with your process will see you through the busy times.
Ask for help. I feel very fortunate to have Mortgage Intelligence behind me. If I am ever in need of help, I know I can pick up the phone or email, and someone will be able to help me. I feel asking for help at times can feel like admitting defeat, but when I do finally pick up that phone, I feel relieved.
Your current client is your next 3 clients. I always work with the ethos that if you do a good job for someone, they will tell 3 people. If you do a great job for someone, you will win 3 more clients without needing to market or advertise. So, focus on the client in front of you and do as good a job as you can. It will be worth it in the future.
What's your message to new members of Mortgage Intelligence?
I have already gone into how Mortgage Intelligence have helped me, from the beginning to the everyday. My simple message would be, use them. They have people within their structure who are experts in their field. They have tools and guides to help everyone, and the people are always happy to help. When you go to conferences or expo’s you get to meet the people behind the scenes and it’s always great to see these people, besides the fact they are great events.
If you’re a member of Mortgage Intelligence and would like to feature in an edition of Spotlight, contact marketing@experiencemi.co.uk