Kelly Carter: From banker to award-winning broker

Kelly has started 2023 with a bang, being named New Broker of the Year at The Adviser’s NSW Better Business Awards and being selected as a finalist in the Newcomer category for the NSW MFAA State Excellence Awards.

Can you share how you got into broking?

I worked at a bank as lending executive for six years and felt constrained by the service I was providing to my customers because I could only offer that bank’s products and services.

I’d seen Smartline recruitment advertising for female brokers so I spoke to a local Smartline franchisee in Bathurst and Brendan Andrews in the recruitment team. These conversations gave me a good feeling for what life as a broker would be like. I became a mobile broker in Bathurst, and a year later our family made the move to Port Macquarie.

I’m so happy that I took a leap of faith, leaving the bank and starting my own business. Broking has provided so many opportunities for personal and professional growth, I have control over my day so I can support my family, and I’m helping my clients create their dreams.

How did you build your business after relocating?

When we moved to Port Macquarie, I was conscious that no one knew me and I couldn’t rely on word of mouth to grow my business, so I joined a local Business Network International (BNI) group. It was nerve-wracking going to my first BNI meeting. I had 60 seconds to stand up in front of everyone and talk about my business, but after eight months they asked me to be the president of the group!

BNI has been an amazing way to connect with local business owners and build a network of likeminded professionals. There are more than 20 business owners in the group, and we refer clients to each other often. I’ve been in Port Macquarie for just under 18 months and I already feel like I belong to a community; being part of the BNI group has helped me put down roots.

You were named New Broker of the Year at the NSW Better Business Awards this year and you’re up for an MFAA State Newcomer award. How does it feel?

I was confident in my role at the bank, and I thought I was doing well as a broker, but these awards really provide validation that the industry also sees me as a great broker. This recognition also helps me demonstrate my value to new clients and prospects. I feel proud of what I have achieved in the past two years, and I am really excited for the future.

What’s next for the business?

I employed a part-time loan administrator, Anna, in January 2022 to support admin and retention. I'm now bringing on a loan writer – my husband Craig – who will be joining the team part-time from next month, moving into a full-time role in July so that we can continue to grow the business.

What makes broking a great career for women?

Women juggle so many things all at once, and it's difficult with so many moving pieces. I have found that as a broker, I have more control over my time because I'm not restricted to the standard 8am – 5pm work life. If my kids need me in the middle of the day, I can do it. If I feel I need an hour of time out for myself, I can do that too. I also think women have a different approach to customer service. Broking isn’t just about giving a client a home loan, it’s about educating, protecting and guiding them, which I think women do well.

I have clients who have gone through difficult personal situations and those clients tell me they feel more comfortable with a female broker. It can be an extremely rewarding career and I love being part of someone's life journey.

What do you like to do outside of work?

We’re an active family and we love being outdoors. I'm loving the Port Macquarie lifestyle and you'll find me hiking, swimming in waterfalls, at the beach, camping and loving life.