Get to Know Vision’s Founders: 6 Questions for Matt Ivers
Matt Ivers co-founded Vision Property & Finance in 2000, after working as an account executive and marketing manager.
Matt grew up in Kareela in the Sutherland Shire, before moving to Wauchope, just inland on the Hastings River of Port Macquarie, in a little town of only 100 people. Now, Matt lives on a farm in Alstonvale on the Hinterlands of Byron Bay, where Matt gets to enjoy the best of both worlds of farm-life and his passion for surfing. Matt lives on his farm with his wife of 26 years and two kids aged 17 and 15, 10 cows, and his bull named Bob.
Before co-founding Vision, Matt studied a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Economics, and achieved a Diploma in Mortgage Broking and Finance, and a Diploma in Real Estate.
We sat down with Matt to get to know more about who he is and what motivated him to begin Vision Property & Finance, and his roles as a mortgage broker and property investment adviser.
What inspired you to start Vision?
“I always wanted to be self-employed. I have only ever worked for one firm as an account executive, but I then got made redundant. Then, I was hired as a marketing manager for friends who were starting a mortgage broking franchise. So, I was able to have a look at the mortgage broking industry and straight away thought, ‘what a fantastic industry’.
Dave and I played rugby union together. We were on a Rugby Sevens tournament in Mudgee, and we both had to come back early as we had a function. And this is where we spoke about it and decided that we would start a business.
I love dealing with people, and being able to help people achieve their goals and purchase a home is what really motivates me.”
So far throughout your journey at Vision, what insights have you gained or discovered?
“So many!
Because we were quite young when we took this business up, and as human beings, it’s all about relationships. Relationships with your team, your staff, your clients, and your suppliers, is so important. That’s what it’s all about; to make a business that you’re proud of, and not just to make money.”
Since starting Vision, what is one thing you have achieved for a client that always stands out for you and why?
“I can’t really put my finger on one thing, but the thing that I enjoy is giving people guidance so that they don’t make mistakes, and so they can make informed decisions. Property is a long game to be in, whether you’re purchasing your first home or you’re investing in property. We have been doing it for so long now, and just to see how we have put so many clients in a great position.”
What are your core values and how are they reflected at Vision?
“Honesty. To just tell it how it is.
I like to outline the risks for clients. I even sometimes lead with the risks so that the client understands the positives of what they’re doing, the risks of what they’re doing, and how they can mitigate those risks.
But just by being extremely transparent and putting the clients’ interests first, is 100% what my values are about. And that includes not only our clients, but everyone in the business. That’s what gives us longevity in our business.”
Outside of Vision, what are some of your passions?
“I love surfing, I wish I could do it more.
I love rugby union. Last year my youngest child, my daughter, played rugby and I coached their under 16s Rugby Sevens team. Even though I played rugby for 34 years, I never won a premiership, I lost all my grand finals. But my daughter’s team won their grand final, so that was like finally getting my grand final too, even as a coach.
I played both rugby union and rugby league throughout my childhood. I was actually better at playing rugby league, but I enjoyed the culture of rugby union more.”
Lastly, what did you want to do before starting Vision?
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I am actually the first person in 3 generations of my family to not be a teacher. My father and his father were both school principals.
Mortgage broking didn’t even exist when I went to school. But, I always wanted to be self-employed and wanted to do something where I could help people. And when mortgage broking came in I knew that it was about helping clients, and to me, that’s a golden business.
When we started Vision, we were one of the first in the game. We had less than 1% market share. And now the industry is at 70%. Kudos to everybody in it.
Taking a look back to when we first started, within the first 20 minutes of a meeting with clients, I would spend this time explaining what a mortgage broker does. Now everybody knows what mortgage brokers do, and it’s great.”
How can Matt Ivers help you at Vision?
Within the first 5 years of Vision, Matt Ivers developed into one of the country’s leading finance brokers, specialising in investment lending. Matt has helped hundreds of clients develop their property investment strategies and optimise their financial journey.
Matt’s core role at Vision is a property investment adviser, where Matt works closely with and enables Vision clients to build property portfolios in order to achieve their financial goals. Investing in property is a unique experience for everyone, but Matt is committed to you and your goals, and his expertise to provide you with accurate research and exceptional guidance as a mortgage broker and property investment adviser. Contact Vision or Matt today!
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