Relationships key to success, says broker
Mortgage adviser Sue Clydesdale (pictured above) has reached a staggering $1 billion milestone in career settled sales, a testament to her dedication to building "enduring personal relationships" with clients.
"It's not just about the numbers, it's about the stories behind them," said Clydesdale, reflecting on the countless individuals and families she's helped achieve their homeownership dreams.
Not in her nature to give up
With a background in banking and over 15 years’ experience as a Mortgage Express mortgage adviser, Clydesdale offers a wealth of experience.
Starting her finance career working alongside her brother, Andy Graham, a seasoned mortgage adviser, Clydedale soaked in the tenets of fiscal prudence and the importance of securing the best possible deals for clients.
These early experiences laid the groundwork for a career characterised by unwavering client advocacy and financial acumen.
Clydesdale’s dogged approach to finding the right home loan solution and matching it up with her clients’ unique situation and lifestyle, combined with a reputation as an honest, credible mortgage adviser, has led to her overall success.
And there’s no doubt that Clydesdale is proficient; achieving the number one national Mortgage Express Adviser for four consecutive years and the number one Southern Region Mortgage Express Adviser for nine years running.
Clydesdale attributed her success to her tenacious nature, chasing down every deal and never giving up.
“It’s not in my nature to give up. If the banks say no, I find an alternative solution. It’s as simple as that.”
Seismic changes in life and Christchurch
As a mother and now a grandmother, Clydesdale’s life is interwoven with the dual threads of family and career.
The transition from finance into mortgage advising wasn't just a shift in profession; it was a strategic pivot aligning her professional development with the personal milestones of raising children and supporting a growing family.
The seismic changes of Christchurch, including the daunting earthquakes and the 2019 mosque attacks, have been pivotal moments not just in the city's history but in Clydesdale's personal narrative.
Her choice to remain a steadfast professional in the heart of Christchurch speaks volumes about her loyalty to community and her ability to navigate and lead through moments of crisis.
For Clydesdale, each referral is a testament to the trust she has painstakingly cultivated over time.
Clydesdale emphasised the importance of "getting in front of people and understanding their needs on a personal level." This approach, she said, has been instrumental in fostering "trust" and "lasting relationships" with clients – her "secret ingredient."
Clydesdale's dedication goes beyond securing the best deals. She recounts the story of helping a man with seven children secure a mortgage despite numerous rejections, demonstrating her commitment to "making a lasting human impact."
Advice for aspiring advisors: Patience, opportunity, and self-care
For young financial advisers, Clydesdale stressed the importance of "patience" in a field often seeking "instant results."
She also encouraged them to seize opportunities offered by programs like KiwiSaver, which empowers younger generations to achieve homeownership.
Acknowledging her own tendency to take on too much, Clydesdale emphasised the importance of "recognising and articulating" challenges to achieve "sustainable success and a healthy work-life balance."
This, she said, is a "lesson in self-care" for all aspiring professionals.
A legacy beyond the billion
Clydesdale remains committed to her work, focusing on "balancing traditional values with the need for innovation" in a dynamic market.
Her journey serves as a "blueprint for success" in a demanding industry, highlighting the power of relationships, community, and "relentless pursuit of service excellence.”
Clydesdale's story is more than a financial milestone; it's a reminder that success goes beyond numbers. It's about the impact we make on others and the legacy we leave behind.
