Manager of the Month - April
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Roger McKenzie, McKenzie Financial Services, Director
Top of the League is always on the lookout for the best talent in the intermediary market. If you work with outstanding individuals who have the potential to be crowned Player or Manager of the Month for April, email the head of the judging panel, Jonathan Cornell, at totl@jonathancornell.co.uk providing your company details, including telephone number and a paragraph on who you would like to nominate and why. What are we looking for? Top of the League nominees have all delivered excellence for either their company, community, colleagues or clients. You need to describe what the nominee has recently done in one or more of these categories, explaining why they should win this prestigious award.
NAME: Roger McKenzie
COMPANY: McKenzie Financial Services
JOB TITLE: Director
WHAT DOES BEING TOP OF THE LEAGUE MEAN TO YOU?
It is recognition for the hard work and long hours we have had to put in over the last few years.
IN YOUR NOMINATION THE JUDGES PRAISED YOUR INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESS. WHAT DO YOU PUT YOUR SUCCESS DOWN TO?
My ability to think outside the box. In using a three-tiered marketing strategy we are not dependent on market trends.
THE JUDGES ALSO PRAISED YOU FOR NOT REDUCING BACK OFFICE STAFF IN THE DOWNTURN HOW IMPORTANT ARE BACK OFFICE STAFF TO A BUSINESS?
Crucial. Our advisers’ ability to deliver good service is only possible with the best back office staff.
HOW HAS 2011 BEEN COMPARED WITH 2010?
More positive as there is better product choice for consumers, which has allowed us to increase our conversion rate.
YOU’RE BASED IN SHEFFIELD HOW IS THE MARKET IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?
The market is fairly stagnant. The region was hit badly and there have been a lot of redundancies. But at the end of 2010 we began to see signs of recovery.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A MORTGAGE BROKER?
I was a professional footballer and after that I gravitated into financial services. I was drawn by the fulfilment arranging a mortgage can bring, particularly when helping first-time buyers.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF THE JOB?
The satisfaction I get from assisting clients in achieving their dreams of home ownership.
IF YOU COULD BE THE HEAD OF THE FSA FOR THE DAY, HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THE MARKET?
I would gain more feedback from brokers so that the regulator gets a better understanding of how we work on a day-to-day basis.
FINALLY, IF YOU COULD BE ANY FOOTBALLER FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
Liverpool FC’s Steven Gerrard because he leads his team by setting a high example.
Why judges picked…
- Maintained two administrators in the downturn when others were cutting back on office staff
- Increased the firm’s number of advisers and increased business by 15%
- Highlighted three target markets to generate new business local, regional and national
- Sponsored local sports teams to improve brand awareness and used football contacts to generate high net worth business
April’s shortlist - Manager of the Month:
- Paul Sherrard, S&S Mortgage Solutions
- Philip Cartwright, London & Country
- Steve Shotts, Horizon FS
- Roger McKenzie, McKenzie FS
- Nicholas Wood, Independent Mortgage Advice Bureau
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