After 11 years as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, working with clients from high net worth families to multinational corporations, I eventually had my own entrepreneurial seizure in late 2007. I was looking for a way to connect personally with people at strategically important (and therefore interesting) points in their lives. We had embarked on our own personal discovery of how we could use our new family home in Australia as a cornerstone to build wealth. The two ideas collided. When the opportunity arose to join a Brisbane finance brokerage specialising in looking after business owners and property investors, I realised I had found my niche.I quickly identified that a responsive, strategic accountant was also essential to achieving the right outcome for clients. I met the team at Affinitas Accounting through work done for their clients. A close working relationship soon led to my joining as a partner in the practice until 2022 when due to our growth in Affinitas Finance I made the decision to focus on this business and sold the accounting practice. We continue to work closely with the team so the experience remains seamless for clients.Relationships are key. From clients and their existing advisors, to lenders and other parties to transactions such as real estate agents and solicitors, I’m able to build good working relationships quickly by delivering on our promises and keeping lines of communication open. I’m strategic, but also pay attention to detail. A poorly executed strategy can be more dangerous than no strategy at all.I tackle issues or problems head on. I will always seek the opportunity in a challenge.I love what I do, and what it can do for my clients.My focus is always on the best outcome for my client. Attention to detail and consistent communication throughout the strategic planning stage and loan application process as well as continued support long after settlement are key differentiators of my business. The result of this, for which I am very grateful, is that more than 80% of new clients are referred by existing clients.