Tom Waldron
Tom found his passion for the property sector when he first bought a property as an investment to rennovate and sell on. He started his property career following this as an Estate Agent, before moving into the Financial services sector.
Tom gained his Charted Insurance Institute qualifications and experience through the UK’s leading Training Programme, The Connells Group.
Tom is a keen sportsman and enjoys Golf, football and running, alongside hikes with his Girlfriend and puppy, Vinnie.
How you found the training and support when you first joined the finance family?
I came out of my CII qualifications straight into work at the finance family (about 2 months worth of experience of advising at Connels following my exams). I found the help and guidance from everybody at the brokerage invaluable. I initially had a couple of weeks in the office with Kev where he showed me all of the systems and how he goes about his own advising. For a new advisor this was brilliant as it gave me a basis to work from and then create my own process also. All of the other advisors were also very helpful and were only ever a phone call away if I had any questions, our group whatsapp chat is also brilliant for any criteria questions that anybody has, something that is used by all the advisors no matter how experienced they are! The support from the administration side is also second to none, there isnt a thing that Louise doesn’t know about compliance or admin. This is very re-assuring as it’s a regulated line of work, so having people guide you to make sure everything is in place and done correctly is great.
What the process was like for you?
I initially had my interviews with Kev and Craig and knew straight away it would be the right role for me. They offer the help you need to progress as an advisor, however they do not micro manage in anyway, which is great. Following this I was offered the role and met with Louise who issued all of my contracts and went through the paperwork with me. As mentioned above, I worked with Kev for 2 weeks in the office to learn the systems and the basics of advising. I was then fortunate enough to be given an estate agent branch that the finance family work with, where I still currently work from a couple of days each week. As a new advisor this was invaluable as I had a lead source for my business, something that for all new self employed brokers is the key to starting their pipeline!
How you’re getting on now?
I've been at the finance family for just over 2 years, hopefully many more to come. The first couple of years weren't easy, as I was building my pipeline, learning to become an advisor, whilst also managing being self employed for the first time; however things are all starting to fall into place. I have been out to other estate agents in my local area and managed to agree introducer terms with them to increase my lead source. My 2 year fixed re-mortgages have started to come around also now which really helps your pipeline. Making the leap to self employed at such an early part of my advising career was the best choice I ever made!
Contact
I'm always open to having a chat and happy to tell you more about my experiences.
07860 633668