How a marketing mindset fuelled a thriving broking career
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
MPA sat down with David Meadows (pictured), director and senior broker at Meadows Advisory, who has carved out a reputation in Melbourne’s competitive finance sector through a decade of experience spanning broking and banking. After beginning his career as a credit analyst and junior broker under the mentorship of one of Victoria’s leading firms, he ventured into major banking roles at CBA and Macquarie, gaining invaluable insights into both branch and private banking.
Now, having returned to the broking space, he’s leveraging his broad industry perspective to deliver tailored solutions for clients—while championing higher standards and greater professionalism across the industry. In this Q&A, Meadows reflects on the evolution of broking, the challenges that persist, and the lessons he’s learned from building a business from the ground up.
Full name: David Meadows
Job title: Director/Senior broker
Company: Meadows Advisory
Number of years in the industry: 10
Location: Melbourne
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I originally began my career in finance as a credit analyst, then became a junior broker for one of Victoria’s leading brokerages back in 2015. I worked there for three years, learning under their mentorship. I then moved into the banking sector, spending three years at CBA in branch, followed by four years at Macquarie in their Private Bank and Business Bank lending divisions.
After spending all that time trying to make various clients fit one credit policy, I realised the possibilities are far greater in the broking space, so I pivoted back at the end of 2024.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
Aside from the usual tech and compliance improvements, the continual drive by the top brokers in the industry to raise the bar and hold themselves and those around them to high standards is something I love. In an industry predominantly made up of sole operators and SMEs, it’s great to see investment in people and processes resulting in improved outcomes for clients and business partners.
In addition, it’s fantastic to be able to work with more and more specialised lenders who understand clients and their businesses—something that, a few years back, may not have existed.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
I’m fortunate to have returned to the industry at a time when professionalism is at an all-time high and brokers are seen as trusted, independent advisers by default, rather than just introducers.
That said, the challenges from 10 years ago and now are still quite similar, largely revolving around channel conflicts and banks promoting commitment to the broker channel while delivering the opposite – both of which can negatively influence the client experience. The solution to these problems is still yet to be found and, although I wish I had the answers, I don’t.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
I’m lucky that the challenges I’ve faced so far haven’t been directly related to the role itself, but more to the running and operation of a business. When I went out on my own, I quickly realised that as a marketing genius, I made a good finance broker.
To build brand awareness, I committed to posting and educating through LinkedIn at least twice a week and held myself to that commitment for the first six months of business. Admittedly, the consistency has waned recently due to the volume and workload we have coming through; however, the dividends from that commitment are now compounding and comprise a significant part of the business deal flow at this stage.
In addition to that, sitting in a meeting with one of our major clients and Tourism Queensland for one of our large commercial projects was a real pinch-me moment.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
Plan, plan, plan – and then have a backup plan. When I put together my business plan, I had at least 20 to 30 people who I was confident would work with me when I started my own business. I wasn’t wrong about whether we would work together or not, but I was wrong about when we would, which of course threw my forecasts right out. I’m fortunate to have a great network of people supporting me, so it hasn’t been too much of a shock, but it goes to show the importance of preparation.
Broker in Focus is a weekly MPA feature spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse firms and locations across Australia. Among those recently featured are Tom Gu of Aussie Home Loans Chatswood, Tracie Palmer of Cornerstone Home Loans, Harry Green of Low Rate Home Loans, Marisa Schönwolf of CHL Home Loans Leederville, Aimee Bergan of APC Home Loans, Alya Manji of Aussie Home Loans, Leon Ng of Zenith Home Loans, Martin Walmsley of NBS Home Loans, Cameron Conroy Atlas of Victorian Commercial & Home Loan Group, and Randy Araya-Bishop of Sufficient Funds Home Loans.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
