Lindy Kelly is an independent mortgage broker on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, a career she fell into three years ago. A passion for real estate led Lindy to turn a hobby—of buying investment properties and renovating them with her husband—into a successful business that is growing each year. Her dedication to her work has seen her go from strength to strength. Starting out in the industry eight years ago as a receptionist, Amber has been driven by her total-commitment to building her own business, she has reached career goals, received numerous business and real estate awards and achieved her long-term goal of opening her own agency.
Mortgage broking is a new challenge for Lindy. Having previously spent many years working as a business consultant, for high profile corporate clients, Lindy felt the desire for a new challenge… for what? Her close friends and colleagues suggested a career change by moving into mortgage broking. After a move home from a bustling Melbourne city to a sunnier and much warmer Queensland. Lindy was hesitant at first about the career change; she didn’t think it was really for her.
However, Lindy had an impressive property portfolio with investment properties in Melbourne, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Reflecting on this, it seemed like a natural progression for Lindy—she always had a keen interest in real estate. “I love real estate”, Lindy says. Now she is working in an industry that drives her motivation by providing her new challenges each day.
After gaining the appropriate qualifications, Lindy jumped in head first and hasn’t looked back since. Lindy enjoys working with a variety of lenders and their products. “It is really diverse and exciting”, she says. She is driven by meeting new people and being able to assist in managing their property needs.
“Ultimately, I like to help people, and if I am helping someone and doing the right thing, I am happy. The opportunity to work in an industry that helps people get into a position that will put them in good stead going forward¬¬ is very pleasing—it shapes all walks of life”, she says.
Not only is Lindy a mortgage broker, she has a background in accounting and extensive experience in project management and business consulting. She has worked with a variety of industries, including, automotive, law, information technology and finance. This experience has improved her ability to help others, particularly in mortgage broking. “I think I have naturally acted in a mentoring or supporting capacity in my various roles”, Lindy says.
As for mentors, Lindy finds inspiration from people who have achieved success from humble beginnings or who have been prepared to take a risk and fight for success.
Lindy says the best piece of advice that she has received is 'to never be afraid and to believe in yourself and have a go; take a risk!'.
"I would advise anyone to always retain the passion for the pursuit of their dream-to use every setback as motivation and to be persistent and determined in achieving their goals. An old adage that I am a firm believer in is-if you want something badly enough you can achieve it."
It's a method that has clearly worked well for Lindy, who has a long list of achievements.
In 2008, Lindy was a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network Business Awards, in the category of Micro Small Business. "To have been nominated was a huge compliment", says Lindy.
Lindy's tip for 2009:
Visit Lindy Kelly - Loan Market
