Getting to know Jen Hughes

You’ve worn many different hats; how did you find yourself in broking?

“I had considered getting into broking while I was still living in the US, but the timing wasn’t right. I started my journey at Mortgage Choice in an admin role for then franchise owner Alan who would go on to sell the business to me two years later. I love being in sales. Fundamentally this job is about relationships and being a good listener.

“Before I joined Mortgage Choice, I opened a Yoga studio in Merimbula and looking back, I realise it was so easy to do that job because I was surrounded by great people who were all there for the same reason. My goal is to bring that same energy to mortgage broking. I meet so many customers who are tired and stressed by the home loan process because they've had a bad experience elsewhere and I really want to take any negativity out of the home loan journey.”

So your previous manager is now your employee, how were you able to shift that dynamic?

“We set a date for the transition of ownership of the franchise and Alan and I agreed that from that day forward I would run the business. The first few months it was a process of trial and error to see how we would switch the responsibilities. But by the time the sale settled a couple of months later we’d found a rhythm. I think what really helped was the fact that we had a strong plan in place and we both knew what we wanted. Alan has been so supportive, I'm lucky to have him. I hope he’ll work with me forever!”

You’re six months into the franchise owner journey – what's been your biggest learning so far?

“One of the biggest lessons I've learnt is that I need to take the time to check in regularly with my team. Even though we’re a small team of three, it’s easy to get bogged down in your own work and lose sight of the big picture, so we’ve scheduled regular check ins.

The other thing I've noticed is the community of supportive women who are happy to share their own experiences and lend a helping hand. There are too many to name them all but a few months before I became a franchise owner, I visited the Mortgage Choice team in Nowra and it was incredible to see such a busy and organised team.”

What are your passions outside of work?

“I used to do speech and debate coaching in the US. There’s a big culture of that in the US and I've also directed a few plays, but my big passion is sales coaching. I think it’s a great way to help people bring out the best in themselves.  

I also love to surf and go camping with my husband and two kids, but this weather has kept us from doing some those activities!”