'The collaborative and supportive atmosphere is something I deeply value'
Full name: Helen Bond
Job title: State partnership manager WA/SA
Company: Granite Home Loans
Number of years in the industry: Over 20 years, in third party since 2008
Location: Perth, Western Australia
What did you do before entering the industry? Advertising sales consultant
In the latest instalment of our regular BDM in the Spotlight series, MPA caught up with Helen Bond (pictured), a state partnership manager at Granite Home Loans. Bond discussed her role at the non-bank lender, where she plays a key part in promoting brand awareness and helping brokers through the dealmaking journey.
What’s your role and how do you support brokers?
As the state partnership manager for WA/SA at Granite, I manage a diverse portfolio of brokers, offering tailored education, expert guidance and hands-on support to ensure a smooth and successful partnership. I collaborate closely with brokers to help strengthen their businesses, contributing to our shared success while consistently driving exceptional customer outcomes.
My role also includes promoting brand awareness, training brokers on our niche lending solutions, managing scenarios and inquiries, and fostering strong relationships with our aggregator partners.
What’s a goal that you aim to achieve in your role?
This year, my focus is to support Granite in becoming the top choice for brokers in Australia when it comes to specialised lending. I’m committed to nurturing an environment that promotes growth, innovation and outstanding customer service. We’re actively developing new and unique product solutions, including our latest release – the Commercial Easy Refinance product. It’s an exciting time for us as we continue to build and support a stronger broker network!
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I absolutely love being part of the Granite team! The culture here is truly exceptional – we’re a group of passionate individuals who are dedicated to putting brokers and clients first, which is one of our company values. The collaborative and supportive atmosphere is something I deeply value. I’m so excited about the future here. Many industry peers tell me how positive and energetic I am when they see me, and I always speak highly of both Granite and ColCap (our parent company).
What sets successful brokers apart?
Successful brokers stand out due to their ability to adapt to changing regulations and market conditions. They prioritise building strong relationships with clients, leveraging technology for streamlined processes, and offering personalised solutions tailored to individual financial situations.
Additionally, they stay informed about the latest mortgage products and interest rates, ensuring they provide the best options. Effective communication and transparency also play crucial roles in fostering trust and long-term client loyalty.
Strong networking skills with lenders and industry contacts are essential for accessing information and resources. At Granite Home Loans, we pride ourselves on supporting these brokers and helping them grow sustainably, together.
What should brokers expect from their state manager or BDMs?
Brokers should expect their lender BDMs to be consistent and reliable partners. This includes returning calls and responding to emails in a timely manner. I always endeavour to do that the same business day, ensuring that brokers feel supported and valued. Open communication and proactive assistance are key to fostering strong relationships and helping brokers achieve their goals effectively.
What do you provide to brokers that makes you valuable to them?
With over 20 years of experience in the industry and three years at Granite Home Loans, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Having worn many hats in my career, I offer practical advice and strategies to help brokers optimise their operations and drive growth. Brokers know they can rely on me when they need assistance, and I am proud to be considered a trusted adviser.
I’m always eager to share my insights and ideas, helping to connect people and instil confidence in brokers to embrace new opportunities – like exploring lending types they’ve never tackled before. For instance, let’s talk about SMSF lending; it’s not as daunting as it sounds!
Describe your ideal weekend:
My ideal weekend is all about balance – spending quality time with my sisters and their families, enjoying peaceful walks along the coast or relaxing at some of my favourite spots around Perth. I also love catching up with my friends, whether it’s at a house party or a spontaneous event. As a big fan of movies, theatre, and dancing, I always try to squeeze in some fun activities to unwind. For me, it’s about striking the perfect balance between spending time with loved ones and indulging in the things I enjoy most!
