March 15, 2010
Australia's largest independently-owned mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice is excited and proud to be recognised as the industry's best retail aggregator, taking home top honours at this year's Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) Excellence Awards, held on Friday night.
The occasion marks the fifth time in six years, and the third consecutive year, the nationwide franchisor has been named Retail Aggregator/Originator of the Year, which is open to originator groups where all members trade under the same brand.
Mortgage Choice won an impressive 'two out of two' categories it entered, with well-established multi-franchise owners Chris and Letitia Vitale from Queensland winning the Mortgage Broking Business of the Year (6+ loan writers) of the Year award. The award cements the couple's position among the industry's best, though the Vitales are no strangers to the top, having maintained their position among the company's elite 'High Flyer' category for eight consecutive years.
CEO of Mortgage Choice, Michael Russell, said the company is privileged to once again achieve prominent recognition at the annual MFAA Excellence Awards.
"Winning Retail Aggregator/Originator of the Year means even more to us now, given the past 12 to 18 months were the toughest we have endured in our 17 years of operation. This achievement is testament to the resilience and commitment of the entire Mortgage Choice group, including our lender partners and suppliers," he said.
"Most of all, I'm proud of our franchise network and staff for facing head-on the past year's challenges while remaining passionate and determined to make the most of opportunities that arose. What is really fantastic is the way our brokers have been unwavering in their remarkable commitment to customers. The MFAA award demonstrates our steely determination, notwithstanding tough conditions, to always do what is best for those who trust us to meet their needs.
"I also want to publicly congratulate Chris and Letitia Vitale individually for their motivation and dedication to taking their business to new heights. Without the efforts of our franchisees like them, who put their heart and soul into their businesses, Mortgage Choice would not exist.
"Our company being recognised as the top of the retail aggregator category for a number of years proves we have a winning team right across Australia. Now Mortgage Choice has a renewed focus on franchise recruitment, diversification and the support of our existing franchises, it will be interesting to see what we can achieve in the next 12 months and further into the future. Keep your eyes peeled!"
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Belinda Williamson
Mortgage Choice
(02) 8907 0472 or 0407 416 124
belinda.williamson@mortgagechoice.com.au
