"I truly believe it was written in the stars for me"
Most people tend to fall into the mortgage industry and then fall in love with it. Katy Eatenton (pictured), mortgage and protection specialist at Lifetime Wealth Management, believes getting into it was written in the stars for her – she used to play make-believe banks when she was a little girl.
“I created ‘Citibank’ and played ‘buying house’ games with my teddies,” she recalled. “I had a pretend ledger that I used to note down all the finances. I also used to ask my parents to get me the property particulars from local estate agents too!”
Getting into the industry
Though it seemed like she was headed to the financial services industry right away, Eatenton first worked in casinos and cruise ships. Gradually growing tired of being a night owl, she began to entertain the thought of pursuing a career in the industry.
“I qualified 20 years ago after finding myself at a loose end, having returned from maternity leave,” she said. “So, I made the leap and set up my own business.”
In 2009, she founded Eatenton Finance Limited, which she still manages to this day.
Motivation to continue as a broker
According to Eatenton, her love for what she does is what motivates her. She said she really cares about her clients and want to support them and their families.
“I’m fully invested in my clients, their stories, and journeys, and I’m there to support them every step of the way,” she stated. “To me, each client is an extended member of my family, and I treat them in that way.”
She enjoys going the extra mile for them – never forgetting birthdays, new additions to the family, and making sure that she is also there for them during the challenging times too.
It is also important for her that she support clients in getting the very best products for their current and future circumstances.
“The buzz of the role for me is understanding their circumstances, uncovering opportunities, and solving problems using the depth of my experience,” she shared.
“Even though it is definitely becoming a more challenging, more volatile industry, expert advice is needed now, more than ever.”
Looking to the future
Eatenton said she wanted to grow her business, and the team at Lifetime Mortgages. However, she thinks it is crucial that growth does not mean compromising on the type of clients she engages with.
“I’ve built the business with a strong customer-centric focus,” she stressed. “Having won a few awards with Lifetime Mortgages, it’s inspiring to know the way I approach it has been endorsed and recognised.
“As the business grows to serve more clients, I’m focused on maintaining the same service levels and contact with clients.”
Eatenton said that she is also committed to representing women and mothers in an industry that has been dominated by men for so long.
“The role is so dynamic and is ideal for mothers like me who typically need flexibility,” she pointed out, adding that spending quality time with her four-year-old twins has also become a priority for her.
“As a single mother, when I first started the business, I was always working and I missed so many experiences with my eldest,” she related. “I want to be more involved this time around.”
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