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23 years in business.
BLUE CHIP MORTGAGES. It was an interesting exercise to reflect on our business ... When it started, and where it is heading. It all began at 49 Horton Street on the 8th October 1992, when we obtained through Commercial Tribunal of NSW our Finance Brokers Licence in accordance with the Credit Administrator Act of 1984. The Annual Fee was $350 - a far cry from what the costs are today, which have increased twenty-fold and become far more onerous, with so many more ASIC compliances, regulations and ongoing training requirements, to the point where it can affect profitability. This, of course, is common with all small businesses. Hence, the reason for continually making changes to the business model to adapt to changing consumer trends and technology. We started the business as Statewide Home Loans Centre, one of the very first Home/Investment Loan Mortgage Brokers in this area. It was expanded to incorporate a couple of local Government Housing Co-operatives, on-lending Bank Funds to help the people the banks would not help to buy a home. It was very rewarding and satisfying to help those people, with some becoming lifelong friends. On the 20th May 2008, we became Blue Chip Mortgages. My marketing mentor was Kylie Morris from Hot Graphics, and together with my wife, Carol, and Helen Cheers, who became a partner after many years of great service, the team was further expanded when Michael Chambers joined the group. Now we can boast to having in excess of 100 years’ banking and lending experience. Where to from here ... The future for our business is full of excitement and opportunities. Mortgage Brokers now account for almost 50% of all home and investment loans being approved. As well, Mortgage Brokers these days provide a full range of other Financial Services. With a Mortgage Broker you have someone who takes full responsibility of your loan application from start to finish, looks after your individual needs in respect to what is important to you, not the lender, provides you with more choices, can save you time, money, helps avoid pitfalls with less chance of refusal, and you have someone working JUST FOR YOU, FOR FREE. Based on that, I believe we have a great future. Technology is the big game changer, where loan processing is becoming more streamlined and quicker. Loan applications are already being processed using an iPhone and computer by people from the comfort of their home. The only suggestions I have for someone starting up a business are: know your numbers/business plans, don’t sweat the small stuff, spread your risk, start selling, do what you do best and outsource the rest. Happy Days ... BERNT KEPARS - BLUE CHIP MORTGAGES.
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greater port macquarie focus.
32 years in business.
KEENA KITCHENS. 10 years in business.
New Kitchen and Kitchen Renovation Experts Graham and Sue Keena established their family-owned company, Keena Kitchens, in 1983 and specialise in renovating existing kitchens and installing kitchens in new homes. From the beginning, Graham and Sue have set the highest standards in materials, workmanship and customer service. Why choose Keena? Being a family owned company in the local area for 32 years, you are assured of a thorough approach, from the first concept right through to completion. Keena Kitchens is part of Granite Transformations, a global company that offers exciting alternatives to bench-tops and surfacing materials. What do Keena offer? High quality materials and workmanship backed up by personal service. Value for money. We provide a full design service and licensed tradesmen. Most importantly, we’re real people, dealing with real people; our goal is to make you 100% happy with both our service and your new kitchen. Keena Kitchens are a one stop shop for your complete kitchen fit-out, with range hoods, hotplates and ovens … in fact, everything including the kitchen sink! Graham and Sue are proud of their reputation as Port Macquarie’s’ leading kitchen supplier, which has come from creating kitchens that look great - and make cooking a pleasure! They would like to thank all their staff and tradesmen for their many years of loyal contribution. We are proud of and grateful to you all.
SHERYL BARNETT. The Fitting Specialists How many years have you been in business? Heart to Heart Lingerie has been operating for 11 years in Wauchope, and I have owned the business for 10 years. How has your business evolved in that time? My business has changed and grown to when I first started. I offer a mobile fitting service; I will come to you in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and the Camden Haven. By putting in garments that customers want and no one else has in the Hastings area, I have a wide range for customers to choose from. A recent addition to my lines are Black Pepper Clothing in a range of styles and sizes. We also now have a web page: www.hearttoheartlingerie.com.au What advice would you give to aspiring business owners? My advice to anyone thinking of running their own business, is to first and foremost enjoy yourself, put in the time and you’ll be rewarded, give good customer service and listen to what people want. Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years? I see Heart to Heart Lingerie growing, and there’s always room for changes to move with the modern times.